Screening Device Research Articles

Detection of Cannabinoids in Oral Fluid Specimens as the Preferred Biological Matrix for a Point-of-Care Biosensor Diagnostic Device.

An increasing number of countries have started to decriminalize or legalize the consumption of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. The active ingredients in cannabis, termed cannabinoids, affect multiple functions in the human body, including coordination, motor skills, memory, response time to external stimuli, and even judgment. Cannabinoids are a unique class of terpeno-phenolic compounds, with 120 molecules discovered so far. There are certain situations when people under the influence of cannabis may be a risk to themselves or the public safety. Over the past two decades, there has been a growing research interest in detecting cannabinoids from various biological matrices. There is a need to develop a rapid, accurate, and reliable method of detecting cannabinoids in oral fluid as it can reveal the recent intake in comparison with urine specimens, which only show a history of consumption. Significant improvements are continuously made in the analytical formats of various technologies, mainly concerning improving their sensitivity, miniaturization, and making them more user-friendly. Additionally, sample collection and pretreatment have been extensively studied, and specific devices for collecting oral fluid specimens have been perfected to allow rapid and effective sample collection. This review presents the recent findings regarding the use of oral fluid specimens as the preferred biological matrix for cannabinoid detection in a point-of-care biosensor diagnostic device. A critical review is presented, discussing the findings from a collection of review and research articles, as well as publicly available data from companies that manufacture oral fluid screening devices. Firstly, the various conventional methods used to detect cannabinoids in biological matrices are presented. Secondly, the detection of cannabinoids using point-of-care biosensors is discussed, emphasizing oral fluid specimens. This review presents the current pressing technological challenges and highlights the gaps where new technological solutions can be implemented.

Multiplex electrochemical sensing platforms for the detection of breast cancer biomarkers.

Herein, advancements in electroanalytical devices for the simultaneous detection of diverse breast cancer (BC) markers are demonstrated. This article identifies several important areas of exploration for electrochemical diagnostics and highlights important factors that are pivotal for the successful deployment of novel bioanalytical devices. We have highlighted that the limits of detection (LOD) reported for the multiplex electrochemical biosensor can surpass the sensitivity displayed by current clinical standards such as ELISA, FISH, and PCR. HER-2; a breast cancer marker characterised by increased metastatic potential, more aggressive development, and poor clinical outcomes; can be sensed with a LOD of 0.5 ng/ml using electrochemical multiplex platforms, which falls within the range of that measured by ELISA (from picogram/ml to nanogram/ml). Electrochemical multiplex biosensors are reported with detection limits of 0.53 ng/ml and 0.21 U/ml for MUC-1 and CA 15-3, respectively, or 5.8 × 10-3 U/ml for CA 15-3 alone. The sensitivity of electrochemical assays is improved when compared to conventional analysis of MUC-1 protein which is detected at 11-12 ng/ml, and ≤30 U/ml for CA 15-3 in the current clinical blood tests. The LOD for micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) biomarkers analyzed by electrochemical multiplex assays were all notedly superior at 9.79 × 10-16 M, 3.58 × 10-15 M, and 2.54 × 10-16 M for miRNA-155, miRNA-21, and miRNA-16, respectively. The dogma in miRNA testing is the qRT-PCR method, which reports ranges in the ng/ml level for the same miRNAs. Breast cancer exosomes, which are being explored as a new frontier of biosensing, have been detected electrochemically with an LOD of 103-108 particles/mL and can exceed detection limits seen by the tracking and analysis of nanoparticles (∼ 107 particles/ml), flow cytometry, Western blotting and ELISA, etc. A range of concentration at 78-5,000 pg/ml for RANKL and 16-1,000 pg/ml for TNF is reported for ELISA assay while LOD values of 2.6 and 3.0 pg/ml for RANKL and TNF, respectively, are demonstrated by the electrochemical dual immunoassay platform. Finally, EGFR and VEGF markers can be quantified at much lower concentrations (0.01 and 0.005 pg/ml for EGFR and VEGF, respectively) as compared to their ELISA assays (EGRF at 0.31-20 ng/ml and VEGF at 31.3-2,000 pg/ml). In this study we hope to answer several questions: (1) Are the limits of detection (LODs) reported for multiplex electrochemical biosensors of clinical relevance and how do they compare to well-established methods like ELISA, FISH, or PCR? (2) Can a single sensor electrode be used for the detection of multiple markers from one blood drop? (3) What mechanism of electrochemical biosensing is the most promising, and what technological advancements are needed to utilize these devices for multiplex POC detection? (4) Can nanotechnology advance the sensitive and selective diagnostics of multiple BC biomarkers? (5) Are there preferred receptors (antibody, nucleic acid or their combinations) and preferred biosensor designs (complementary methods, sandwich-type protocols, antibody/aptamer concept, label-free protocol)? (6) Why are we still without FDA-approved electrochemical multiplex devices for BC screening?

Characteristics of non-drinking adolescents: a longitudinal Swedish study

ABSTRACT This study investigated whether non-drinking adolescents (n = 195), with no previous experience with alcohol, differed over time from drinking adolescents (n = 406). Potential differences in psychological health (mental well-being, psychosomatic symptoms, conduct problems), social interaction frequencies (new friends, time spent with friends and social interaction through a screen device), psychoactive substance use, and positive attitudes towards alcohol was investigated. Additionally, the study examined whether these attributes in 9th grade could predict total abstinence two years later. Non-drinkers were consistently characterized by fewer social interactions, less positive attitudes towards alcohol, a lower probability of using other drugs, and fewer conduct problems from 14 to 17 years, which may imply a more introverted personality function. This study contributes insights into predicting factors linked to alcohol abstinence in adolescence, particularly the characteristics of non-drinking adolescents in a society where a declining trend of alcohol consumption is emerging.

Evaluation of the Canadian approved drug screening equipment cut-off levels for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

In 2018, Canada introduced roadside oral fluid (OF) screening devices, called Approved Drug Screening Equipment (ADSE), as an investigative tool in impaired driving investigations to detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cocaine and/or methamphetamine in drivers. In this work, we compare the detection and concentration of THC in blood samples collected from suspected impaired drivers that tested positive at the roadside for THC on an ADSE. The two ADSEs that were utilized were the Dräger DrugTest® 5000 (DDT) and the Abbott SoToxa™ (SoToxa), both configured with a THC OF concentration cut-off concentration of 25 ng/mL. Blood samples were screened for cannabinoids using immunoassay and positive results were followed up by confirmation/quantitation of THC by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS). A total of 230 cases were available where a blood sample was collected from a suspected impaired driver subsequent to a positive THC screen result on an ADSE. The blood samples were taken an average of 1.4 hours (range = 9 minutes to 3.2 hours) after the ADSE test. THC was confirmed in 98% of blood samples with concentrations across all samples ranging from not detected (cut = off 0.5 ng/mL) to greater than 20 ng/mL. Further, 90% of the blood samples had a THC concentration of 2.0 ng/mL (the lower per se limit in Canada) or greater. A positive ADSE test of a suspected impaired driver may predict that the driver has a detectable level of THC in their blood, and there is a high likelihood that the THC blood concentration is 2.0 ng/mL or higher. Hence, ADSE may be a useful tool for law enforcement and aid in the development of grounds to believe that a driver is operating a conveyance with a THC concentration exceeding Canadian per se limits.

The podcast in the consumption agenda of Colombian digital users

The proliferation of smartphones as the hub of consumption through screen devices has created a fresh path for accessing information, entertainment, and musical content. The digital ecosystem is revitalizing sound, and users are venturing into narratives and alternative formats that grab their attention and shape a content regimen that defines their sonosphere. This study centers on assessing audience indicators in digital repositories via surveys and systematized focus groups that characterize podcast listeners in Colombia. The main objective is to evaluate the podcast’s reach, thematic interests and developmental structures. In order to identify gaps for the effective expansion and integration of sound in devices and channels where audio content is widely used, this study examines the impact of podcasts on the sound culture of Colombians. In order to identify gaps for the effective expansion and integration of sound in devices and channels where audio content is widely used, this study examines the impact of podcasts on the sound culture of Colombians. The study also profiles Colombian sound consumers through display devices in the current radio landscape. The podcast serves as a means of linking novel audiences with auditory communication, a triangulation of radio content, music, and podcasts which syncs with digital consumption trends and deviates from the simultaneous and drawn-out consumption of radio broadcasts.

Scenedesmus sp. MN738556 as a whole cell biosensor for sub-part per billion detections of Cd2+ cations in freshwater sources

Recent increases in human activity and contamination of the marine environment have led to the advent of biosensors as sensitive, easy-to-operate, and rapid devices for water pollution screening. In the present study, a whole-cell electrochemical biosensor based on the native green microalgae Scenedesmus sp. MN738556 was developed, for the first time, to assess the biotoxicity of Cd2+ ions in freshwater. This electrochemical biosensor was constructed by immobilization of microalgae-BSA film on a glassy carbon electrode surface. The biosensor responses were based on chronoamperometric currents generated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Since Cd2+ ions have an inhibition effect on ALP, the reduction in the general current can be used to determine the toxicity degree of these ions. The feasibility was evaluated and the application of the biosensor was optimized for parameters such as pH and cell density. The sensitivity of the biosensor was verified through the IC50 value of 0.26 ppb for Cd2+cation with the LOD of 0.1 ppb at pH 8.5 and 107 cells/mL. These values are practical for natural water environment monitoring based on the World Health Organization limit (3 ppb for Cd2+ ions in drinking water). The selectivity of the fabricated biosensor was investigated in binary mixtures of other divalent cations such as Zn2+, Ni2+, Cu2±, and Hg2+ at 1:1 and 1:10 ratios. The results indicated that the fabricated Scenedesmus biosensor is highly sensitive with a good selectivity at a 1:1 ratio for measuring the concentration of Cd2+ cations except in the presence of Hg2+. Moreover, this biosensor could respond with only one drop of an analyte (50 μL of 1000 ppb Cd2+ ions), resulting in suitability for simple and on-site water toxicity testing. Finally, two real freshwater samples were selected to prove the reliability, reproducibility, and performance of the Scenedesmus biosensor for the detection of Cd2+ cations discharges in the aquatic environment.

Screen time and pediatric headache: A scoping review of the literature.

The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence regarding screen use as a contributing factor in pediatric headache and migraine. Screen exposure is often reported as a headache trigger, though there is no current consensus in terms of how screen type, duration, or frequency influences pediatric headache and the associated burden of disease. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Health and Medical Database, and Google Scholar was performed through November 2022 in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. All English-language articles of pediatric patients aged ≤18 years evaluating screen use in relation to headache were included. A total of 48 studies were included. Nearly all studies were cross-sectional and represented international samples. The strongest association between screen use and headache found was for duration of use, and computer use emerged as the most common device type related to headache. While there were mixed findings related to screen use and specific headache diagnosis, migraine appeared to confer a higher risk. Across studies, there were insufficient data to assess the impact of screen use on headache frequency or headache-related disability. Several studies demonstrated changes in screen use and headache patterns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and computer vision syndrome was commonly reported. While there is preliminary evidence supporting possible associations between screen use and pediatric headache, there are several limitations in the present review including a lack of prospective and randomized controlled trials to better demonstrate causal relationships as well as methodological limitations with significant variability in how both headache and screen use are defined and measured. Future studies including real-time screen use and device monitoring are needed to better understand the influence of screen use behaviors on pediatric headache and to help further define best-use guidelines around these technologies.

Frequency and severity of neck pain among undergraduate students using screen devices

Background: Screen use time has been on the rise among the students, which has detrimental effects on their health. One of the most frequent complaints from users is neck pain that predisposes individuals to functional limitations and persistent pain, which may result in poor academic performance. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of neck pain among undergraduate students using screen devices. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Bashir Institute of Health Sciences from June to October 2022. A sample of 80 students was selected using the non-probability convenient sampling technique to evaluate the relationship between screen device usage and neck pain. The participants were the undergraduate students, both male and female with age ranging from 18 to 25 years. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire and Numeric Pain Rating Scale and was analyzed by SPSS version 25. Results: The findings showed that a substantial proportion of participants, specifically 71 (88.75%) reported experiencing neck pain at least once during or after device use. Moreover, the frequency of neck pain was found to be 73.8% annually, 43.8% within the last month, and 22.5% at the time of assessment. Moderate pain intensity was reported by 41 (51.3%) participants, while 22 (27.5%) reported mild pain on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Conclusion: The study concluded that neck pain is frequently reported in students using screen devices with the majority having moderate level of pain severity.

Diagnostic Validation and Feasibility of a Non-invasive Haemoglobin Screening Device (EzeCheck) for 'Anaemia Mukt Bharat' in India.

Anaemia remains a major public health issue in India despite several efforts. It is crucial to introduce technology-based innovations for the mass screening and early diagnosis of anaemia. Traditional anaemia screening requires drawing blood and laboratory analysis and can be logistically expensive in resource-constrained settings. A non-invasive haemoglobin test for mass screening in such settings is vital which can quickly and efficiently screen large populations. This study validated the haemoglobin estimation between the invasive haematology analyzer and the non-invasive EzeCheck (EzeRx Health Tech Pvt. Ltd.,Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India) in the community setting. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 416 urban slum members in Bhubaneswar, India. We used inter-rater reliability (kappa statistic) of haemoglobin estimation between the haematology analyzer and EzeCheck devices. The finding showed a moderate agreement between both devices (kappa=0.4221). Between both devices, 91.59% of the results were with +/-1.5 difference; 43.51%, no difference; 33.65%, less than one difference; and 14.42%, +/-1 to +/-1.5 difference of haemoglobin estimation. There was no significant difference in overall anaemia status estimates between the devices. Mass screening in schools and communities with non-invasive haemoglobin tests can help identify anaemic people for early diagnosis and bring patients for timely treatment, which can be used in remote areas to support 'Anaemia Mukt Bharat'.

Simulation of Screening Performance of Linear Vibrating Screen for Sand Sorting Based on Discrete Element Method

Screening technology has been widely used in the grading of granular materials, in order to improve the screening efficiency and screening quality of sand particles, a linear vibrating screening device was designed. Analyzing the motion state of the vibrating screen, it is found that the factors affecting the screening efficiency and screening quality, mainly include: vibration frequency, amplitude and screen surface inclination angle. Taking sand grains as the research object, the Hertz-Mindlin with JKR contact model was chosen to analyze the influence of individual factors on the screening performance, and the discrete element method was applied to simulate and analyze the screening process of the material, and the screening efficiency of the material was used as a measure to obtain the vibration parameter set of the optimal screening performance. It is found that the best vibration parameter set of linear vibrating screen is: vibration frequency f=25Hz, amplitude A=4mm, screen surface inclination angle φ=4^°, at this time the screening efficiency can reach 95.77%. This study proves that the discrete element method has good reliability for the screening of particles, and it can be used to carry out efficiency analysis in the pre-production stage of the screening device, and provide corresponding reference for the design and parameter optimization of the vibrating screen.

Employing electrochemically derived pH gradients for Lab-on-PCB protein preconcentration devices

Protein preconcentration is an essential sample preparation step for analysis in which the targeted proteins exist in low concentrations, such as bodily fluids, water, or wastewater. Nonetheless, very few practical implementations of miniaturized protein preconcentration devices have been demonstrated in practice, and even fewer have been integrated with other microanalytical steps. Existing approaches rely heavily on additional chemicals and reagents and introduce complexity to the overall assay. In this paper, we propose a novel miniaturized isoelectric focusing-based protein preconcentration screening device based on electrochemically derived pH gradients rather than existing chemical reagent approaches. In this way, we reduce the need for additional chemical reagents to zero while enabling device incorporation in a seamlessly integrated full protein analysis microsystem via Lab-on-PCB technology. We apply our previously presented Lab-on-PCB approach to quantitatively control the pH of a solution in the vicinity of planar electrodes using electrochemical acid generation through redox-active self-assembled monolayers. The presented device comprises a printed circuit board with an array of gold electrodes that were functionalized with 4-aminothiophenol; this formed a self-assembled monolayer that was electropolymerized to improve its electrochemical reversibility. Protein preconcentration was performed in two configurations. The first was open and needed the use of a holder to suspend a well of fluid above the electrodes; the second used microfluidic channels to enclose small volumes of fluid. Reported here are the resulting data for protein preconcentration in both these forms, with a quantitative concentration factor shown for the open form and qualitative proof shown for the microfluidic.

Adolescent Screen Use: Problematic Internet Use and the Impact of Gender.

The relationship between screen use and problematic internet use (PIU; i.e., internet addiction) amongst adolescents has not been sufficiently explored. Further, there is even less research on how gender is associated with this relationship. The goal of the study was to examine adolescent screen use, PIU, and its impact on day-to-day routines of adolescents. Participants were recruited from an outpatient pediatric clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 180 adolescents completed questionnaires related to their screen use, extracurricular activities, and symptoms of PIU. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to determine correlates and predictors of PIU, and to explore gender differences. A total of 26.1% of adolescents met the criteria for PIU. There were no significant differences between boys and girls in PIU severity. However, there were significant gender differences in preferred use of the Internet, with boys being more likely to access the Internet to play video games (odds ratio [OR]=27.1) and girls being more likely to socialize with friends (OR=4.51). PIU severity increased proportionally to the number of hours of use of all screen devices with moderate-to-large effect sizes (η2=0.060-0.157). Using screens during meals and missing extracurricular activities were both associated with PIU. Though gender was not associated with PIU, both excessive use of screen devices during meals and neglect of offline extracurriculars activities were identified as risk factors for PIU. Prevention measures should consider the impact of gender and associated patterns of motivation and Internet use.

PalmSpace: Leveraging the palm for touchless interaction on public touch screen devices

Touchscreen is the primary solution to interact with public devices such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). However, the touch modality raises health concerns since users have to touch the screens, and therefore risking the spread of contagious diseases. We design PalmSpace, an alternate input technique leveraging users’ hand palms to interact with public devices. With Palmspace, UI elements are mapped onto the users’ palms and can be accessed by touching various locations directly on the palm. We conduct a series of user studies to evaluate several design options, such as interface layout, item size, preferred item location, and suitable feedback for items. Based on the results, we design PalmSpace and compare its performance with mid-air input. We show that PalmSpace is a potential solution to interact with public devices without using their touchscreen. We conclude with design guidelines for using the palm as an alternative input space for touchscreen devices.

The Media and Information in the Content Diet of Colombian Social Media Users

The mass media are central to everyday life, a meeting point for citizens with the facts of the current social situation, and a space for the meaning, perception, interpretation, and construction of the notion of reality in the collective imagination. The impact of technology and communication platforms on the social fabric has opened up access to information and atomized trust and credibility in the face of the journalistic brand, an instance of crisis on the smartphone screen in which the media are relegated to the background and influencers, opinion leaders, and the protagonists of the facts themselves, in direct contact with the followers, gain relevance. The transformation configured in the users’ content diet aims to review the industry’s behavior on social networks to interpret why it is losing its place in the citizens’ consumption agenda. This research, which relied on a mixed methodology, downloaded messages from Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok profiles of two written, five audio, and two audiovisual media in a period of 91 days, and added them to what was carried out in the same period in 2019 and 2021. The corpus of the study made it possible to prove the composition of the communication, the operational tactics, and the thematic axis. The research concluded that the Colombian mass media need to innovate to establish productive routines that bet on digital native products, corresponding to the dynamics of networked consumption by an audience that concentrates all actions on screen devices.

Analysis of Multimedia Touch Screen Visual Needs of Pre-School Children in the Digital Era

In the advent of the intelligent digital era, numerous industrial products' operations and functionalities have been replaced by digital multimedia touch screens. This shift signifies the gradual integration of digital intelligence visualization into people's lives, work, and learning. Intelligent touch screen devices have replaced mechanically complex office, learning, and entertainment equipment, entering people's lives. This study initially collected relevant domestic and international equipment and research situations, finding that China holds the highest proportion in this category of products and research direction, with considerable accumulated experience. Considering this phenomenon and existing related research, this study focused on pre-school children as the research subjects, investigating the tactile visual and reminder aspects of children's digitized multimedia intelligent touch screen devices. The study revealed that the ownership and usage of such products are significantly influenced by the children's age and their family-related circumstances. Although the elements during usage show minimal differences, combining relevant data highlights pre-school children's visual and interactive requirements during usage. This research conducted surveys and analysis on 102 pre-school children's parents in relatively developed and open areas in China, regarding pre-school children's multimedia touch screen needs and usage, analyzing and discussing related factors, relationships, and patterns of these needs. It has collected and organized preliminary data accurately and in-depth, laying a solid foundation for subsequent related research.

Examining the Association between Psychopathic Traits and Fearlessness among Maximum-Security Incarcerated Male Adolescents.

Studies have reported positive associations between youth psychopathy scores and measures of 'fearlessness'. However, prior studies modified fearlessness items to be age appropriate, shifting from assessing hypothetical, extreme forms of physical risk-taking (e.g., flying an airplane) to normative risk-taking (e.g., riding bicycles downhill). We hypothesize that associations between youth psychopathy scores and alternative forms of sensation seeking (i.e., Disinhibition) have been conflated under a false fearlessness label. We tested this hypothesis among incarcerated male adolescents, investigating whether youth psychopathy scores were significantly associated with two different forms of sensation seeking: Disinhibition and Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS). Youth psychopathic traits were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD), Child Psychopathy Scale (CPS), Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits (ICU), and Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI). Disinhibition and fearlessness (i.e., TAS) were assessed using an unmodified version of the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scales (SSS). Consistent with hypotheses, youth psychopathy scores were associated with higher Disinhibition and lower TAS scores. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature suggesting that psychopathic traits, including among adolescents, are not concomitant with physical risk-taking and descriptions of psychopathy including fearlessness distort a precise understanding of psychopathy's core features.

The relationships between screen exposure, parent-child interactions and comprehension in 8-month-old infants: The mediating role of shared viewing and parent-child conversation.

To explore the relationships between screen exposure, parent-child interactions and comprehension in 8-month-old infants, and to examine whether shared viewing and parent-child conversation during screen exposure may play mediating role in that relationships. The sample included 437 infants aged 8 months from the Children's Health Department of Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Hospital during January 2022 to February 2023. The use of electronic screen devices was assessed using a screen exposure questionnaire. The Brigance Parent-child interactions Scale was used to assess parent-child interactions and the Putonghua Communicative Development Inventory (PCDI) scale was used to assess infants' word comprehension. 48.7% of infants were found to be using screens 1-2 days per week. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the PCDI-comprehension scores of screen-exposed infants compared to non-screen-exposed infants. Shared viewing and parent-child conversation during screen exposure were positively associated with parent-child interactions (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that parent-child conversation fully mediated between screen exposure and PCDI-comprehension, but partially mediated between parent-child interactions and PCDI-comprehension. Shared viewing and parent-child conversation during screen exposure may mediate between screen exposure and comprehension development. Shared viewing, parent-child conversation and parent-child interactions may be protective factors for screen exposure in comprehension development. Suggests that parents should accompany and communicate with their children when they use electronic screen devices to reduce the negative impact of screen exposure on children's comprehension.

Performance evaluation and parameter optimization of a walnut shell–kernel winnowing device

AbstractTo design a walnut shell–kernel winnowing device, the aerodynamic characteristics of walnut shells and kernels were studied by combining theoretical computation and empirical tests. A winnowing method was developed for shell–kernel separation based on an analysis of suspending velocity. The performance of the walnut shell–kernel winnowing device was evaluated based on the screening rate and loss rate. Influences of feeding rate, wind speed, and vibration frequency on the performance of the device were simulated, and the optimal operating parameters were acquired. Research results demonstrated that the suspending velocity ranges of walnut shells and kernels were 8.96–13.89 and 11.81–20.78 m/s, respectively. Vibration frequency was the primary factor that influenced the screening rate of the device, followed by wind speed and then feeding rate. Feeding rate was the primary factor influencing the loss rate of the device, followed by vibration frequency and then wind speed. The optimal operating parameters were as follows: feeding rate = 246.61 g/s, wind speed = 19.77 m/s, and vibration frequency = 41.17 Hz. Under these conditions, the winnowing device's screening rate and loss rate were 79.22% and 7.38%, respectively. The performance of the designed walnut shell–kernel winnowing device conforms to practical operational requirements. This study provides a potential reference for future investigation into the optimization of shell–kernel winnowing devices for other agricultural products.Practical applicationsIn order to explore the influence of each factor on the performance of the device, the windward area of the crushed materials was obtained by Image Processing. Meanwhile the “3σ criterion” was used to establish an equivalent sphere of equal windward area to replace the real shape of the walnut particles, and the range of the suspending velocity of the walnut crushed material was explored. Based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics Discrete Eement Method (CFD‐DEM) coupling method, and taking the screening rate and loss rate as the evaluation indicators, the effects of feed flow, wind speed, and vibration frequency on the performance of the device were simulated and analyzed, and the optimal operating parameter combination was obtained. The performance of the walnut shell–kernel winnowing device designed in this paper meets the actual operation requirements, and the research method can provide a reference for the development and optimization of other agricultural product separation equipments.

Photo-addressable microwell devices for rapid functional screening and isolation of pathogen inhibitors from bacterial strain libraries.

Discovery of new strains of bacteria that inhibit pathogen growth can facilitate improvements in biocontrol and probiotic strategies. Traditional, plate-based co-culture approaches that probe microbial interactions can impede this discovery as these methods are inherently low-throughput, labor-intensive, and qualitative. We report a second-generation, photo-addressable microwell device, developed to iteratively screen interactions between candidate biocontrol agents existing in bacterial strain libraries and pathogens under increasing pathogen pressure. Microwells (0.6 pl volume) provide unique co-culture sites between library strains and pathogens at controlled cellular ratios. During sequential screening iterations, library strains are challenged against increasing numbers of pathogens to quantitatively identify microwells containing strains inhibiting the highest numbers of pathogens. Ring-patterned 365 nm light is then used to ablate a photodegradable hydrogel membrane and sequentially release inhibitory strains from the device for recovery. Pathogen inhibition with each recovered strain is validated, followed by whole genome sequencing. To demonstrate the rapid nature of this approach, the device was used to screen a 293-membered biovar 1 agrobacterial strain library for strains inhibitory to the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens sp. 15955. One iterative screen revealed nine new inhibitory strains. For comparison, plate-based methods did not uncover any inhibitory strains from the library (n = 30 plates). The novel pathogen-challenge screening mode developed here enables rapid selection and recovery of strains that effectively suppress pathogen growth from bacterial strain libraries, expanding this microwell technology platform toward rapid, cost-effective, and scalable screening for probiotics, biocontrol agents, and inhibitory molecules that can protect against known or emerging pathogens.

Feasibility and Utility of Single-lead Electrocardiogram Recorded with a Handheld Device for Screening of Neonates: A Pilot Study

Abstract Background: Neonatal electrocardiogram (ECG) screening can potentially identify congenital long QT syndrome and other heart diseases. Early identification is likely to reduce mortality. A barrier is the difficulty in obtaining a 12-lead ECG in an infant. We aimed to assess the feasibility of using a single lead ECG recorded with a handheld device (Eko DUO) in neonates. Methods: This cross-sectional study included neonates in the first 3 days of life. We recorded a single-lead ECG using the Eko DUO. Time from the beginning of recording until a satisfactory recording was measured with a stopwatch and reported as mean and standard deviation. We reported the ratio of interpretable recordings and the proportion of those with any abnormalities. Results: The mean time for recording was 198.1 ± 94.7 s. The total number of interpretable recordings was 63% (n = 63). Of the interpretable recordings, one neonate was found to have tachycardia (1.6%). Conclusions: Neonatal ECG screening using Eko DUO is feasible. However, the fidelity of the recorded ECG is suboptimal. While most of the ECGs were interpretable for rate and rhythm, QT interval measurement was not possible in most neonates.