Handheld Devices Research Articles

A Low-Cost Handheld Centrifugal Microfluidic System for Multiplexed Visual Detection Based on Isothermal Amplification.

A low-cost, handheld centrifugal microfluidic system for multiplexed visual detection based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) was developed. A concise centrifugal microfluidic chip featuring four reaction units was developed to run multiplexed RPA amplification in parallel. Additionally, a significantly shrunk-size and cost-effective handheld companion device was developed, incorporating heating, optical, rotation, and sensing modules, to perform multiplexed amplification and visual detection. After one-time sample loading, the metered sample was equally distributed into four separate reactors with high-speed centrifugation. Non-contact heating was adopted for isothermal amplification. A tiny DC motor on top of the chip was used to drive steel beads inside reactors for active mixing. Another small DC motor, which was controlled by an elaborate locking strategy based on magnetic sensing, was adopted for centrifugation and positioning. Visual fluorescence detection was optimized from different sides, including material, surface properties, excitation light, and optical filters. With fluorescence intensity-based visual detection, the detection results could be directly observed through the eyes or with a smartphone. As a proof of concept, the handheld device could detect multiple targets, e.g., different genes of African swine fever virus (ASFV) with the comparable LOD (limit of detection) of 75 copies/test compared to the tube-based RPA.

Acute Effects of Handheld Vibration Massage on Posterior Shoulder Soft Tissues.

Interventions using vibration stimulation have been recognized for their potential for increasing range of motion (ROM) without compromising muscle strength. Handheld vibration massagers can efficiently deliver vibration therapy to the shoulder joint and may be a potential treatment. To evaluate the effects of vibration massage using a handheld device on the soft tissues of the posterior shoulder joint, particularly on internal rotation (IR) passive ROM and external rotation (ER) muscle strength. Crossover study design. A crossover study with a 5-min vibration massage and passive control condition was conducted in healthy male volunteers (mean age 20.5 ± 1.7 years). Vibration massage was applied to the posterior shoulder soft tissues of the dominant arm, with no intervention under control conditions. IR-ROM (vertebral level and in abduction) and strength of the external rotators (isometric and isokinetic) were measured before and immediately after the intervention. Vertebral levels were calculated as a ratio of lengths (ratio decreases with increased mobility). IR-ROM in abduction, the angle was measured. Statistical analysis was performed with two-way repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test (Bonferroni correction). Vibration application decreased (improved) vertebral level IR ROM by -4.1% (p < 0.01, d = 0.445) and increased abduction position IR ROM by 11.4° (p < 0.01, d = 0.694). These changes exceeded the 95% confidence interval for the minimum detectable change. By contrast, the control condition produced no changes. IR-ROM (vertebral level and abduction) immediately after the intervention showed significant differences between the control and vibration conditions (p = 0.036, d = 0.273; p = 0.048, d = 0.483, respectively). Muscle strength did not show any interaction, time, or between-condition effects. A massage using a handheld vibration massager applied to the posterior shoulder soft tissues increased IR-ROM without negatively affecting muscle strength, suggesting its potential use as a means of warming up. Level 3.

Remote pulmonary pathology diagnosis using a handheld device for acquiring lung sounds at the mouth: a proof of concept study

IntroductionObtaining relevant information about respiratory conditions is a unique challenge in the rapidly growing field of telehealth. While auscultation using a stethoscope remains the first-line method in primary care, it is not a practical solution in a home setting, as it requires the presence of both a skilled caregiver and experienced interpreter online. We conducted a proofofconcept study of a simple selfcheck thermometer-like device (OmnySense®), which acquires auscultatory data through a microphone in the head of the device.ObjectivesTo have a concept of proof that home handled simplified device can asure a remote opion in telemedicine enhancing prompt and ease way to diagnose lung pathologies.MethodsWe assessed the agreement between subjective evaluations of lung sounds using the device and those using a digital stethoscope for the presence of crackles and/or wheezes. A total of 385 recordings from 13 patients admitted to the internal department were blindly, individually, and randomly assessed by three experienced physicians. The intra-modality agreement for crackles between evaluators was moderate for both the device and the stethoscope, with kappa statistics of 0.44 and 0.6 for the device and stethoscope, respectively, for the detection of wheezing and 0.46 and 0.4, respectively, for the crackles. The intermodality agreement was moderate for wheezes, with a kappa of 0.53, and was substantial for crackles, with a kappa of 0.71. Comparing the ability of crackles to diagnose pulmonary findings by imaging showed comparable sensitivity and specificity for both modalities.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the diagnostic performance of OmnySense’s selfoperating device is similar to that of physician interpretation of digital stethoscope recordings; thus, OmnySense has the potential to become a useful tool in the remote assessment of respiratory conditions and pathologies.

Battery-less long-range wireless fluidic sensing system using flexible additive manufacturing ambient energy harvester and microfluidics

Fluid sensing has been an important but missing part of the massive Internet-of-Things sensor networks due to challenges including excessive manufacturing time/cost, finite wireless interrogation range, limited immunity to ambient clutter, and excessive required power for autonomous microfluidics operability. Here, we proposed an additive manufacturing flexible system as a solution to those challenges while enabling fluid analysis from controlled labs to virtually everywhere. Energy harvesting provides all required power for the actuation of the micro-pump enabling battery-less liquid sample acquisition. Energy sources including ultra-high-frequency radio frequency identification and hand-held devices like two-way talk radio are harvested simultaneously to support energy requirements for periodic monitoring every 6.6 min and on-demand monitoring within 4.63 s. Backscattering topologies are used to significantly extend the reading range while increasing the immunity to interferences and reducing the cost to the reader. A new additive manufacturing process is proposed to reduce fabrication time and cost while enabling massive scalability of flexible microfluidics. The good flexibility makes the system suitable for working toward future wearable applications. Prototypes of a sweat sensing system are demonstrated and successfully interrogated at 3 m with more than 15 dB signal-to-noise ratio using only a 14 dBm transmitter equivalent isotropic radiated power.

Examining the changes in strength and mechanical property of dynamic stabilizers of the medial elbow joint through repetitive pitching

The flexor-pronator muscles (FPM) and their common tendon (CT) are essential in protecting the medial ulnar collateral ligament against elbow valgus stress during pitching. This study aimed to investigate the effect of repetitive pitching on FPM strength and CT stiffness. Fifteen healthy males (mean age: 21.8 ± 1.3-years-old) with over 5 years of baseball experience performed a series of 100 full-effort fastball pitches. We measured grip and isolated digital flexion strength of the second, third, and fourth digits before and after the pitching task. The decline in muscle strength was determined using the rate of change in muscle strength after pitching relative to that before. CT stiffness was measured using a hand-held myotonometer device at rest and during grip motion at 50% maximum voluntary contraction. The increase in CT stiffness during grip motion relative to rest was calculated as the augmentation rate of CT stiffness. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the changes in grip strength, digital flexion strength, and CT stiffness due to pitching. Additionally, the reduction rate of muscle strength was compared among various strength variables. Correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationships between the augmentation rate of CT stiffness after pitching and the reduction rate in any muscle strength. Grip and isolated digital flexion strengths decreased significantly after pitching (P < 0.01). The decline in muscle strength was significantly higher for all isolated digital strengths than that for grip strength (P < 0.05). CT stiffness was augmented with grip motion compared to that at rest pre- and post-pitching (P < 0.001). However, no change in CT stiffness due to pitching was observed, regardless of the grip motion (P > 0.05). Additionally, a lower augmentation rate of CT stiffness after pitching was moderately associated with the greater reduction rate of the second digital flexion strength (r = 0.607, P = 0.016) without other relationships. This study found reduced grip and digital flexion strength after pitching; with no change in CT stiffness. However, given the consequences of correlation analyses, individuals with a more prominent reduction in second digital flexion strength due to pitching were impaired in CT stiffness augmentation after pitching. Digital flexion strength represents the strength of the flexor digitorum superficial; therefore, this study suggests that forearm FPM, particularly the second digit of the flexor digitorum superficial, is an important factor for enhancing CT stiffness.

Prehospital ultrasound in emergency medicine

Small, portable hand-held ultrasound devices nowadays enable awidespread use of prehospital point-of-care ultrasound (pPOCUS), which has so far only been used hesitantly, especially in ground-based emergency services. Many critical or even life-threatening conditions or internal injuries can often be better diagnosed or ruled out using pPOCUS, which can enable faster and more suitable goal-directed treatment and hospital transport. This article critically discusses relevant data, clinical benefits, limitations and challenges to be overcome when using pPOCUS for the most important life-threatening situations and aims to call for intensifying training and the extensive use of pPOCUS.

Personalized Exercise Prescription in Long COVID: A Practical Toolbox for a Multidisciplinary Approach.

To describe our methodology and share the practical tools we have developed to operationalize a multidisciplinary Long COVID clinic that incorporates progressive, personalized exercise prescription as a cornerstone feature. There is a lack of evidence-based guidance regarding optimal rehabilitation strategies for people with Long COVID. Existing guidelines lack precision regarding exercise dosage. As one of Australia's few established multidisciplinary Long COVID clinics, we describe our novel approach to safely incorporating exercise of both peripheral and respiratory muscles, with essential monitoring and management of post-exertional symptom exacerbation. Working closely with primary health-care providers, our multidisciplinary team screens referrals for people aged 16 and older with Long COVID. Staff apply a three tier model of triage, dependent on the consumer's presenting problems. Exercise-based interventions necessitate detailed monitoring for post-exertional symptom exacerbation both in the clinic and at home. Personalized exercise prescription includes resistance training at a submaximal threshold (4-6 exercises, 3 days/week); whole-body endurance exercise titrated to the individual's progress, at an intensity 4-6/10 (Rate of Perceived Exertion); and for those limited by dyspnoea, high-intensity inspiratory muscle training using a threshold-based handheld device (30 repetitions per day, ≥50% of their maximum inspiratory pressure). We have used these approaches for the past 2 years in 250 consumers with no serious adverse events and promising consumer feedback. Our exercise prescription is less conservative than the methods advocated in international guidelines for people with Long COVID, and these more progressive tools may be valuable in other contexts. In our experience, a multidisciplinary clinic-based approach to safely prescribing progressive exercise in Long COVID is feasible. Both peripheral and inspiratory muscle exercise can be effectively titrated to each individual's symptoms, and careful monitoring for post-exertional symptom exacerbation is crucial.

Comparison Subjective and Objective Chromoretinoscopy

Subjective duochrome (chromoretinoscopy) is a method of analyzing the refraction of light in the eye using a small, hand-held device called a duochrome. The device consists of a light source and two filters; one red and other is green. The light is shone into the eye, and the filters are used to measure the amount of light that is absorbed or scattered by the eye. It relies on the observations and interpretation of the person performing the test. The results of the test can be influenced by factors such as the skill and experience of the person performing the test, as well as the patient's cooperation and willingness to follow instructions. Objective duochrome (chromoretinoscopy) is a method of analyzing the refraction of light in the eye using an automated device. The device uses a light source and two filters, similar to the subjective duochrome, but it also includes a computerized system for measuring and analyzing the results. It relies on the automated measurement and analysis of the results, rather than on the observations and interpretation of the person performing the test. As a result, it is generally considered to be more accurate and reliable than subjective duochrome chromoretinoscopy. To compare retinoscopy using colored filters (chromo-retinoscopy) with the conventional subjective duochrome method. All people between the ages of 16-35 years are included in this study whose responses are reliably taken in the subjective part of this study. Emmetropic, any kind of ametropic people have included in the study. The people were excluded with variable or unreliable responses, having any ocular pathology, and tired and irritated people. The difference between subjective and objective duochrome tests is 0.006 diopters. Statistically, this is not a significant difference. The objective duochrome technique (chromoretinoscopy) yields highly correlating values to subjective duochrome values. Thus, this technique can be relied on and can be added as a part of regular workup in clinics.

Eight element MIMO antenna for sub 6 GHz 5G cellular devices

This article introduces a wide-band MIMO antenna system with eight elements specifically designed for future handheld devices. The antenna is integrated into a 150 × 75 mm2 main board with a DGS antenna beneath it, connected to feed lines, and etched onto the ground plane. Covering two distinct 5G bands from 3 GHz to 3.6 GHz and from 3.6 GHz to 3.9 GHz, with 900 MHz impedance bandwidths, this antenna enables efficient data transmission and reception across these crucial frequency ranges. The system exhibits pattern and spatial diversity characteristics, achieving an overall efficiency of 40%–60% and a peak gain of 5.3 dBi, ensuring robust signal strength and isolation exceeding 10 dB among radiating elements. Furthermore, the antenna excels in key MIMO parameters, with an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) below 0.19, well within the industry standard of less than 0.5, and it delivers more than 9.99 dB of diversity gain. Furthermore, Channel capacity Loss (CCL), Mean Effective Gain (MEG) and Total Active Reflection Co-efficient (TARC) across the entire operational band ensure good performance, promising enhanced diversity performance, superior data throughput, and heightened signal reliability. are The SAR analysis conducted yielded positive results within the human vicinity. The measurements obtained from the prototype matched well with simulations and through measurements obtained the proposed MIMO system can be termed as a potential candidate for future 5G Mobile Phones.

A Novel Hand-held Multi-color Magnetic Particle Imaging Device based on Rapid Frequency Conversion.

Multi-color Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) technology offers high sensitivity and non-invasive imaging capabilities. It can simultaneously image multiple superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs), facilitating more precise detection of multiple molecular markers in vivo. However, the fixed drive frequency of existing hand-held MPI devices makes it difficult to fully match the nonlinear magnetic response of different SPIOs, affecting the spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy of multi-color imaging. We designed a novel rapid frequency conversion based hand-held multi-color magnetic particle imaging (RFC-MPI) device. This device adjusts the drive frequency based on the nonlinear magnetic response of SPIOs at different frequencies, effectively expanding the system matrix information and thereby improving spatial resolution and multi-color imaging capabilities simultaneously. The device achieved a spatial resolution of 2 mm and an imaging speed of 1 frame/s. The scanning depth is 8 mm. It was used to scan a 22 cm x 22 cm area of a human-shaped phantom, verifying its potential for scanning humans. The ability of the device to identify and quantify SPIOs was validated using mice breast tumors. The quantitative accuracy during simultaneous imaging was determined to be 96.58%. Due to its innovative structural design and rapid frequency conversion method, the RFC-MPI device exhibits excellent in vivo imaging performance. Both simulation and phantom experiments have verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. The hand-held RFC-MPI device can effectively improve the spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy of multi-color MPI, laying the foundation for future clinical applications.

Screening Accuracy for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip by Child Health Nurses.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) describes a spectrum of abnormalities that impact the normal function of the joint. These abnormalities are detectable during infancy using physical assessment, universal ultrasound, or a combination of both. In Australia, child health nurses predominantly screen for this disease using physical assessment. The aim of this study was to determine if child health nurses can accurately screen for DDH using physical assessment. This Australian study estimated the accuracy and utility of child health nurses using physical assessment to screen for DDH by comparing it to a handheld ultrasound device. This study (N = 44) concluded that using a point prevalence study design, child health nurses in Australia are unable to accurately assess for DDH in infants using physical assessment; overall, clinicians had 50.5% sensitivity (95% CI, 15.7 to 84.3), a specificity of 75.0% (95% CI, 57.8 to 87.9), and 71.3% accuracy (95% CI, 55.6 to 83.9). This study suggests that child health nurses cannot screen for DDH using physical assessment. Understanding education, experience and what assessments are used suggests that the utility of nurses performing DDH screening requires further investigation.

A Handheld Ultrasound Device Can Predict Constipation with Rectal Fecal Retention in a Palliative Care Setting.

Although handheld ultrasound devices (HUDs) are commonplace, their ability to diagnose fecal retention (FR) remains unclear. This prospective observational study examined HUDs' usefulness in diagnosing FR in patients with constipation in a palliative care setting. Between 10 December 2020 and 30 June 2022, we compared rectal ultrasonographic findings obtained using HUDs with clinical manifestations in 64 males and 70 females (48%, 52%, 68 ± 11 years old) with constipation who had undergone computed tomography (CT). FR was diagnosed using a HUD and compared with CT and digital rectal examination (DRE) results. In total, 42 (31%), 42 (31%), and 41 (31%) patients were diagnosed using HUDs, CT, and DRE, respectively. Thirty-nine (93%) patients in the CT group were also diagnosed with FR using HUDs. A total of 89 of 92 patients with a negative CT diagnosis also had a negative HUD diagnosis. Among the 41 patients in the DRE group, 37 were also diagnosed with FR using HUDs. Among 93 patients with a negative DRE diagnosis, 86 had a negative HUD diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of HUDs for CT were 93%, 97%, 93%, and 97%, respectively. Those of HUDs for DRE were 88%, 94%, 86%, and 95%, respectively. The concordance rates for FR diagnosis were 128/134 for CT and HUDs and 123/134 for DRE and HUDs. HUD was useful for diagnosing FR in this setting. HUDs could provide valuable support for appropriate treatment selection. Developing a constipation treatment algorithm based on rectal ultrasonographic findings is warranted in the future.

Child pornography in India - issues and challenges

Child Abuse and sexual assault are some of the major issues in society that raise the question of institutional setup. The nature of child pornography in the 21st century is especially pernicious. Sex abuse images of children can easily be made using any smartphone or other handheld device and replicated and distributed across the globe within seconds. The paper discusses the issues and challenges of Child Pornography in India. The paper also deals with how to tackle these issues through proper laws and implementation of the policies.

An experimentation of hand–arm tremor control using low-g area-changed capacitive micro-accelerometer

This paper aims to measure the human hand tremor caused by handheld device using a low-g micro-accelerometer. A novel low-g area-changed differential capacitive micro-accelerometer is designed and analyzed using microproduct design software INTELLISUITE 8.6. Thermo-electro-mechanical analysis is conducted for applied acceleration within the low-g range spans between 0 and 10 g. Existing design performances such as displacement and sensitivity are compared with new proposed design. The sensitivity of micro-accelerometer is improved by using U-shaped spring. The designed micro-accelerometer is used to find vibration that exists while using handheld device. Experimentation is done to measure vibration under dissimilar surfaces. The workers are made to drill three different surface blocks namely paver block, solid cement block, and black stone, and vibrations produced are recorded. These accelerations are intended to calculate exposure action value (EAV) and exposure limit value (ELV) for 8 hours of a working day so that worker can halt the work as soon as ELV is accomplished.

Using Machine Learning to Identify Diseases and Perform Sorting in Apple Fruit

Fruit diseases play a major role in global agriculture, leading to substantial crop losses and influencing food production and economic stability. In this age of Industry 4.0 the fruit sorting is an important part in the food processing wherein this work plays a vital role. In this study, a solution for the detection and classification of apple fruit diseases is proposed and experimentally validated. Deep learning models offer promise for automating disease identification using fruit images, but encounter obstacles such as therequirement for extensive training data, computational complexity, and the risk of overfitting. This study introduces an innovative convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture aimed at addressing these challenges by incorporating a reduced number of layers, thus alleviating computational burdens while maintaining performance. Additionally, augmentation techniques such as shift, shear, scaling, zoom, and flipping are employed to diversify the training set without additional image acquisition. Our CNN model is specifically trained to identify common apple crop diseases like Scab, Rot, and Blotch. Rigorous experimental evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness ofour model, achieving a remarkable classification accuracy of 95.37%. Significantly, our model demonstrates reduced storage requirements and faster execution times compared to existing deep CNN architectures, enabling deployment on handheld devices and resource-limited environments. While other CNN models may offer similar accuracy levels, our approach emphasizes efficiency and resource optimization, rendering it practical for real-world applications in agriculture. Furthermore, our CNN model exhibits resilience to environmental variations and imaging parameters, enhancing its applicability across diverse agricultural settings. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, the approach developed in this experimental work contributes to modernizing fruits and vegetables sorting operations in food processing, crop management practices thus promoting agricultural sustainability. The scalability and portability of our model make it suitable for deployment in both small-scale farms and large-scale agricultural operations.

Handheld 6-Lead ECG for Early Detection of Acute Inferior Wall ST-T Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: HINT-MI Study Design and Rationale.

Background: ST-T segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical condition that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Recently, various ECG recording devices have been developed. In this study, we aim to determine the utility of a 6-lead handheld ECG recording device to shorten the time taken for the diagnosis of inferior wall STEMI. Methods and Design: HINT-MI is an investigator-derived, observational, prospective study that will evaluate the ability of a handheld 6-lead ECG device to diagnose acute inferior wall STEMI. Patients who have undergone coronary angiography for STEMI or for other reasons will be enrolled in the study. This study aims to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of a handheld 6-lead ECG device by the level of agreement with a standard 12-lead ECG for diagnosing inferior wall STEMI. Further, we will determine whether the use of the handheld device can reduce the time needed for reperfusion treatment through faster diagnosis. Conclusions: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of a handheld 6-lead ECG device for diagnosing inferior wall STEMI to reduce the time required to diagnose inferior wall STEMI and to allow timely treatment.

Exploring different content creation and display methods for remote collaboration supported by eXtended reality: comparative analysis of distinct task scenarios

AbstractRemote collaboration using eXtended Reality (XR) has been explored to establish a common ground between physically distributed individuals. To achieve usable and impactful solutions, it is paramount to understand how different content creation and display methods contribute to the work effort of each member (remote and on-site). Additionally, explore how various task scenarios influence the collaborative process, specifically examining how activities with unique characteristics and complexities affect remote work. Hence, the question arises, ’How do different display and interaction methods impact the collaborative process within specific task domains?’ In this paper, two user studies with 30 distinct participants each are described, focusing on different content creation support (Laptop Computer; Video Wall &amp; Keyboard; Interactive Projector) and display methods (Hand-Held Device (HHD); HHD &amp; Articulated Support; Head-Mounted Display (HMD)) for remote and on-site collaborators respectively, during scenarios of remote guidance. Plus, different physical tasks were considered for each study (Lego pieces assembly; Tangram puzzle assembly; Maintenance procedures; Resource management in a map; Training activity in a laboratory classroom), to understand which method stands out according to the characteristics of the said tasks. We report the results obtained, suggesting that for the remote part of the collaborative process, using a Video Wall &amp; Keyboard appears to be more suitable for tasks associated with maintenance procedures, learning, and training activities. As for the on-site part, using HMD was considered the better option for maintenance, and learning tasks, closely followed by HHD &amp; Articulated Support.

Retinal imaging with hand-held optical coherence tomography in older people with or without postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery: A feasibility study.

Postoperative delirium in older people may result from the interaction between intrinsic brain vulnerability (e.g. neurodegeneration) and precipitating factors (e.g. surgery induced cytokines). Intrinsic brain vulnerability may be overt (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) or preclinical. In cognitively intact older people presenting for surgery, identification of preclinical neurodegeneration using bedside tools could aid postoperative delirium risk stratification. Thinning of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness is associated with neurodegenerative disorders e.g. Alzheimer's disease. We propose that thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer may be present some older people with postoperative delirium due to preclinical neurodegeneration, albeit to a lesser extent than in overt dementia. The primary objective: Feasibility of acquiring usable retinal images with the hand-held optical coherence device, at the bedside of older, hip fracture surgery patients. Secondary objective: Comparison of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness between people who did/did not have postoperative delirium. Proportion of exclusions due to retinal pathology. Feasibility study involving 30, cognitively intact, older people recovering from hip fracture surgery. Retinal images were obtained using the hand-held optical coherence tomography device at the participants' bedside. Imaging was deferred in participants who had postoperative delirium. Retinal images that could be assessed for circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness were obtained in 26 participants (22 no postoperative delirium, 4 postoperative delirium). The mean circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was lower in the participants who had postoperative delirium compared to those who did not experience postoperative delirium (Mean (95% CI) of 76.50 (62.60-90.40) vs 89.19 (85.41-92.97) respectively). Retinal imaging at the patient's bedside, using hand-held OCT is feasible. Our data suggests that the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer may be thinner in older people who experience postoperative delirium compared to those who do not. Further studies are required.

Point-of-Care Testing of Whole Blood for Liver Injury Auxiliary Diagnosis with Biothiols Activable Chemiluminescent Probe.

Liver injury significantly affects a patient's health and quality of life. However, timely and convenient diagnosis of this disease via whole blood detection remains challenging due to the lack of user-friendly and fast readout blood test methods. Herein, we developed such a method for the swift auxiliary diagnosis of liver injury via whole blood detection using a customed point-of-care testing (POCT) system consisting of a biothiols-activatable chemiluminescent probe and a hand-held POCT device. Biothiols served as the target to build the activable chemiluminescence probe due to their abnormal level in liver injury. Compared with fluorescent and electrical POCTs, this method is more convenient and has strong universality. By incorporating cyclodextrin via host-guest chemistry, we intensified chemiluminescence while mitigating chemical hemolysis caused by the dissolution of organic molecules, making this system suitable for whole blood analysis. Preliminary assessments in aqueous solutions, living cells, and mouse models confirmed its sensitivity, reliability, and feasibility. Simply mixing blood with the probe for 30 min yielded a clear signal readout within 15 s on the POCT device. Utilizing this portable detector, the reduced biothiol level was tested in 18 liver injury patient blood samples, and the results were similar to those measured by a commercial kit and in vivo imaging system. Thus, this work provides a universal platform for the fast and convenient detection of other biomarkers in whole blood samples and opens up possibilities for the rapid clinical diagnosis of diseases, enabling patients to conduct home self-examinations with ease.

Spectral sensor‐based device for real‐time detection and severity estimation of groundnut bud necrosis virus in tomato

AbstractA machine learning‐based approach was utilized to develop a device for groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) disease severity detection and estimation in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The study involved inoculating tomato plants with GBNV, monitoring changes in morphological and spectral characteristics, evaluating machine learning algorithms (decision tree [DT] classifier) for analysis and classification of disease severity, and developing and validating a device for disease detection and severity estimation. Spectral data analysis revealed distinct patterns in reflectance, with notable peaks observed in the 680 and 760 nm bands, while reflectance remained low and constant beyond 900 nm. Machine learning techniques, specifically a DT model, were employed to classify disease severity based on spectral data with high accuracy (95.01% training accuracy and 93.65% testing accuracy). The model identified the near‐infrared band as highly correlated (correlation coefficient of 0.82) with disease severity. Furthermore, a compact handheld device integrating a spectral sensor, organic light‐emitting diode display, and Raspberry Pi 3B was developed for real‐time disease severity estimation. The device demonstrated robust performance, accurately predicting disease severity at different growth stages, even in the absence of visible symptoms. Additionally, disease severity percentages obtained via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to validate the accuracy of the device's estimations. Its responsive nature, with estimated response times ranging from milliseconds to seconds, facilitates timely interventions in agricultural settings. Overall, this interdisciplinary approach, combining spectral analysis, machine learning, and device development, presents a promising solution for efficient disease monitoring and management in agriculture, contributing to enhanced crop health and food security.