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Avian influenza virus (AIV) is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Although human infections are rare, the virus has a high mortality rate when contracted. Appropriate detection methods are thus crucial for combatting this pathogen. There is a growing demand for rapid, selective, and accurate methods of identifying the virus. Numerous biosensors have been designed and commercialized to detect AIV. However, they all have considerable shortcomings. Nanotechnology offers a new way forward. Nanomaterials produce more eco-friendly, rapid, and portable diagnostic systems. They also exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity while achieving a low detection limit (LOD). This paper reviews state-of-the-art nanomaterial-based biosensors for AIV detection, such as those composed of quantum dots, gold, silver, carbon, silica, nanodiamond, and other nanoparticles. It also offers insight into potential trial protocols for creating more effective methods of identifying AIV and discusses key issues associated with developing nanomaterial-based biosensors. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive review of biomarkers, techniques, and challenges associated with identifying Avian Influenza Virus (AIV). • Nanomaterial-based biosensors present a resolution to the obstacles encountered in detecting AIV. • A concise exploration of cutting-edge biosensors using nanomaterials for AIV detection. • Valuable information regarding prospective diagnostic tests in developing nanomaterial-based biosensors for AIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 viruses, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to evolve into new mutations, which poses a significant threat to public health. Current testing methods have some limitations, such as long turnaround times, high costs, and professional laboratory requirements. In this report, the novel Spin-Enhanced Lateral Flow Immunoassay (SELFIA) platform and fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) reporter were utilized for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike antigens from different variants, including wild-type (Wuhan-1), Alpha (B.1.1.7), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529). The SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were conjugated with FND via nonspecific binding, enabling the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens via both direct and competitive SELFIA format. Direct SELFIA was performed by directly adding the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies-conjugated FND on the antigens-immobilized nitrocellulose (NC) membrane. Conversely, the SARS-CoV-2 antigen-containing sample was first incubated with the antibodies-conjugated FND, and then dropped on the antigen-immobilized NC membrane to carry out the competitive SELFIA. The results suggested that S44F anti-S IgG antibody can be efficiently used for the detection of wild-type, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants spike antigens. Findings were comparable in direct SELFIA, competitive SELFIA, and ELISA. A detection limit of 1.94, 0.77, 1.14, 1.91, and 1.68 ng/mL can be achieved for SARS-CoV-2 N protein, wild-type, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron S proteins, respectively, via competitive SELFIA assay. These results suggest that a direct SELFIA assay can be used for antibody/antigen pair screening in diagnosis development, while the competitive SELFIA assay can serve as an accurate quantitative diagnostic tool. The simplicity and rapidity of the SELFIA platform were demonstrated, which can be leveraged in the detection of other infectious diseases in the near future. [Display omitted] • Sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 N and S antigens from wild-type, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants in artificial saliva. • Our direct SELFIA assay can be used for antibody/antigen pair screening. • Our competitive SELFIA assay serves as a precise quantitative diagnostic tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Operates without external bias voltage due to the photovoltaic effect in the NbSe 2 -MoS 2 junction. • Detects NH 3 gas at concentrations ranging from 10 ppm to 500 ppm with varying responses (8.8 % to 28.8 %). • The built-in electric field and charge-transfer mechanism enhance gas specificity. • The gas sensing mechanism relies on physisorption and charge transfer at the surface of the nanostructure. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted significant attention for their optical and gas-sensing applications due to their exceptional sensitivity. Reliable selectivity and low power consumption are two major requirements for photodetector and gas sensor applications in next-generation electronic devices and the Internet of Things. Self-powered sensors (especially photovoltaic gas sensors) can solve these problems. In this study, for the first time, we report 2D TMDs (NbSe 2 -MoS 2 hybrid) on a SiO 2 /Si substrate to fabricate photovoltaic self-powered gas sensors. The gas sensors are operated by the photovoltaic effect of the NbSe 2 -MoS 2 nanostructure, which is prepared using the liquid phase exfoliation process. Initially, it was revealed that the present hybrid material exhibits photovoltaic properties under light illumination, with a circuit current of 0.25 µA and a circuit voltage of 34 mV. The NbSe 2 -MoS 2 nanostructure characteristics were then used for NH 3 gas sensing at different concentrations, and the gas sensing response was detected from low (8.8 % at 10 ppm) to high (28.8 % at 500 ppm) concentrations. The built-in electric field occurred between the NbSe 2 -MoS 2 junction and eventually operated as a driving force for NbSe 2 -MoS 2 gas sensing without an external bias voltage. The physisorption of gas molecules on their surface prompts a charge-transfer mechanism that improves the gas sensor response. The combined outcome of NbSe 2 -MoS 2 heterostructures could pave way to next-generation gas sensing device fabrications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Toxocariasis, which is predominantly caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis) infection, is a common zoonotic parasitosis worldwide; however, the status of toxocariasis endemicity in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) remains unknown. Methods A seroepidemiological investigation was conducted among 166 primary school children (PSC) aged 7-12 years from the capital area of the RMI. Western blots based the excretory-secretory antigens of larval T. canis (TcES) was employed, and children were considered seropositive if their serum reacted with TcES when diluted at a titer of 1:64. Information regarding demographic characteristics of and environmental risk factors affecting these children was collected using a structured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was applied to conduct a multivariate analysis. Results The overall seropositive rate of T. canis infection was 86.75% (144/166). In the univariate analysis, PSC who exhibited a history of feeding dogs at home (OR = 5.52, 95% CI = 1.15-26.61, p = 0.02) and whose parents were employed as nonskilled workers (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.08-7.60, p = 0.03) demonstrated a statistically elevated risk of contracting T. canis infections. Cleaning dog huts with gloves might prevent infection, but yielded nonsignificant effects. The multivariate analysis indicated that parental occupation was the critical risk factor in this study because its effect remained significant after adjusting for other variables; by contrast, the effect of dog feeding became nonsignificant because of other potential confounding factors. No associations were observed among gender, age, consuming raw meat or vegetables, drinking unboiled water, cleaning dog huts with gloves, or touching soil. Conclusions This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among PSC in the RMI. The high seroprevalence indicates the commonness of T. canis transmission and possible human risk. The fundamental information that the present study provides regarding T. canis epidemiology can facilitate developing strategies for disease prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]