Rapid prototyping of robust and versatile microfluidic components using adhesive transfer tapes.

A rapid prototyping technique of microfluidic devices is presented using adhesive transfer tapes. Lab on a chip systems can integrate multiple microfluidic functions in a single platform. Therefore, any rapid prototyping technique should be flexible and robust to accommodate different aspects of microfluidic integrations. In this work, the versatility of using adhesive transfer tapes for microfluidic applications is demonstrated by fabricating a wide range of platform. Prototypes demonstrating microfluidic mixing, dielectrophoretic trapping, complex microchannel networks and biologically relevant high temperature reactions were fabricated in less than 30 min. A novel ready to use world-to-chip interface was also developed using the same fabrication platform. All components (e.g. tapes, electrodes, acoustic sources or heaters) were obtained as finished products alleviating any chemical or clean-room specific processing. Only a 2D CAD software, a CO2 laser cutter and a seam roller was utilized to fabricate the devices. Adhesive transfer tapes provide additional flexibility compared to common double sided tapes as they do not contain any carrier material layer. Demonstrated ability to sustain in a wide range of dynamic physical processes (mechanical, electrical, or thermal) validates the robustness and the versatility of adhesive transfer tapes as an option for developing integrated lab on a chip systems.

Update on indications for lateral lymph node dissection in the management of lower rectal cancer.

The presence of lateral lymph node (LLN) metastasis was associated with higher local recurrence risk in patients with lower rectal cancer. The role of LLN dissection has not been fully determined despite prolonged debate that last for few decades. The practical difference between Japan and the West was the main culprit. Japanese used to rely on surgical removal of LLN as local control while the West believed that LLN dissection could be spared after giving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. As time passed, it is getting more common to combine both treatments. With the quality improvement in magnetic resonance imaging, we can now predict the chance of LLN metastasis and evaluate the treatment response with good accuracy. Few large analyses have been published recently and provided us more insight into this topic. In this review, we summarized and provided an update on the latest evidence. We have proposed a treatment algorithm on the management of LLNs which may help clinical decision and provide idea for further research.