Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Sarawak : a 10-year review and update.

AIM: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in certain regions, particularly Southeast Asia and Southern China. In Malaysia, it is notably frequent among the Bidayuh community. This study presents a comprehensive review of NPC cases diagnosed and treated at Sarawak General Hospital from 2010 to 2020. METHOD: A retrospective data collection was conducted using the clinical records of patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with NPC at the Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Clinic and the Radiotherapy & Oncology Clinic at Sarawak General Hospital. RESULT: The study comprised a total of 892 patients from 2010 to 2020. Males outnumbered females 3-to-1, with a mean age of 51 years (standard deviation: 13.9). The largest groups of patients were the Iban (34%) and the Bidayuh (21%), followed by the Chinese (19%) and the Malay (15%). The Bidayuh had the highest incidence rate with 81 cases per 100,000. Only 10% of the study population had a family history of NPC. The most common presentation was a neck lump (64.5%). Distant metastasis was discovered in 20% of patients. 82% of the cases were stage 3 or 4 at the time of presentation. The histological types of the 892 cases were mainly undifferentiated carcinoma (73%). Eighty-six patients developed recurrence, with 83% experiencing local recurrence, 10% developing distant metastasis, and 7% developing regional recurrence. Treatment for recurrence included nasopharyngectomy, neck dissection, and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a significant incidence of NPC among the Bidayuh. Emphasis on screening and early detection is crucial for better outcomes, with lifelong follow-up recommended.

Computer-Vision-Based Vibration Tracking Using a Digital Camera: A Sparse-Optical-Flow-Based Target Tracking Method.

Computer-vision-based target tracking is a technology applied to a wide range of research areas, including structural vibration monitoring. However, current target tracking methods suffer from noise in digital image processing. In this paper, a new target tracking method based on the sparse optical flow technique is introduced for improving the accuracy in tracking the target, especially when the target has a large displacement. The proposed method utilizes the Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF (ORB) technique which is based on FAST (Features from Accelerated Segment Test), a feature detector, and BRIEF (Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features), a binary descriptor. ORB maintains a variety of keypoints and combines the multi-level strategy with an optical flow algorithm to search the keypoints with a large motion vector for tracking. Then, an outlier removal method based on Hamming distance and interquartile range (IQR) score is introduced to minimize the error. The proposed target tracking method is verified through a lab experiment-a three-story shear building structure subjected to various harmonic excitations. It is compared with existing sparse-optical-flow-based target tracking methods and target tracking methods based on three other types of techniques, i.e., feature matching, dense optical flow, and template matching. The results show that the performance of target tracking is greatly improved through the use of a multi-level strategy and the proposed outlier removal method. The proposed sparse-optical-flow-based target tracking method achieves the best accuracy compared to other existing target tracking methods.

Inverse design optimization for efficient coupling of an electrically injected optical antenna-LED to a single-mode waveguide.

Efficient high-speed nanoscale optical sources are required for low-power next-generation data communication. Here we propose an integrated antenna-LED on a single-mode optical waveguide. By leveraging inverse design optimization, we achieved a waveguide coupling efficiency of 94% and an antenna efficiency of 64%, while maintaining a high average enhancement of 144 - potentially enabling >100GHz direct modulation.

Current perspectives on biosimilars.

In this work, an overview of the biosimilars market, pipeline and industry targets is discussed. Biosimilars typically have a shorter timeline for approval (8 years) compared to 12 years for innovator drugs and the development cost can be 10-20% of the innovator drug. The biosimilar pipeline is reviewed as well as the quality management system (QMS) that is needed to generate traceable, trackable data sets. One difference between developing a biosimilar compared to an originator is that a broader analytical foundation is required for biosimilars and advances made in developing analytical similarity to characterize these products are discussed. An example is presented on the decisions and considerations explored in the development of a biosimilar and includes identification of the best process parameters and methods based on cost, time, and titer. Finally factors to consider in the manufacture of a biosimilar and approaches used to achieve the target-directed development of a biosimilar are discussed.

Cavernous sinus fungal infection: a rare case.

Intracranial fungal infection of the cavernous sinus is a condition that usually affects immunocompromised individuals and is rarely seen in immunocompetent individuals. It is a potentially life threatening condition which requires prompt treatment. Here we present a case of an immunocompetent patient with a fungal infection of the cavernous sinus.

A Framework of Human-Motion Based Structural Dynamics Simulation Using Mobile Devices.

Due to the nature of real-world problems in civil engineering, students have had limited hands-on experiences in structural dynamics classes. To address this challenge, this paper aims to bring real-world problems in structural dynamics into classrooms through a new interactive learning tool that promotes physical interaction among students and enhances their engagement in classrooms. The main contribution is to develop and test a new interactive computing system that simulates structural dynamics by integrating a dynamic model of a structure with multimodal sensory data obtained from mobile devices. This framework involves integrating multiple physical components, estimating students' motions, applying these motions as inputs to a structural model for structural dynamics, and providing students with an interactive response to observe how a given structure behaves. The mobile devices will capture dynamic movements of the students in real-time and take them as inputs to the dynamic model of the structure, which will virtually simulate structural dynamics affected by moving players. Each component of synchronizing the dynamic analysis with motion sensing is tested through case studies. The experimental results promise the potential to enable complex theoretical knowledge in structural dynamics to be more approachable, leading to more in-depth learning and memorable educational experiences in classrooms.

Outcomes After Combined Radical Resection and Targeted Biologic Therapy for the Management of Recalcitrant Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Trials demonstrating the efficacy of biologic therapy for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) have inspired new multidisciplinary treatment strategies. We present our experience with combined biologic and surgical therapy for recalcitrant HS. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2014, 21 patients (57 cases) with Hurley Stage III HS underwent radical resection with delayed primary closure alone, or in combination with adjuvant biologic therapy. Demographic data, treatment regimen, outcomes, and complications were retrospectively reviewed for all cases. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent combined surgical and biologic therapy, whereas radical resection alone was performed in 10 patients. The average soft tissue deficit, before closure, for the combined and surgery-only patients was 56 cm and 48.5 cm, respectively (P = 0.66). Biologic agents including infliximab (n = 8) and ustekinumab (n = 3) were initiated 2 to 3 weeks after closure and were continued for an average of 10.5 months. Recurrence was noted in 19% (4/29) and 38.5% (10/26) of previously treated sites for combined and surgery-only patients (P < 0.01). For the combined cohort, the disease-free interval was approximately 1 year longer on average (P < 0.001); however, this difference was reduced to 4.5 months when considering time to recurrence after cessation of biologic therapy (P = 0.09). New disease developed in 18% (2/11) and 50% (5/10) of combined and surgery-only patients, respectively (P < 001). No adverse events were noted among patients who received biologic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Lower rates of recurrence and disease progression, as well as a longer disease-free interval may be achieved with the use of adjuvant biologic therapy after radical resection for recalcitrant HS.

Changes in Wrist Motion After Simulated Scapholunate Arthrodesis: A Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: A high incidence of nonunion and relatively poor outcomes with prior fixation techniques has precluded scapholunate (SL) arthrodesis as a standard treatment for SL instability. Our purpose was to determine the impact on range of motion (ROM) of simulated SL arthrodesis via headless screw fixation. METHODS: We performed baseline wrist ROM for 10 cadaveric wrists using a standardized mounting-and-weights system. Extension, flexion, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, dart-thrower's extension, and dart-thrower's flexion were assessed. Two 3.0-mm headless compression screws were inserted across the SL joint to simulate SL arthrodesis. Goniometric measurements and fluoroscopic imaging were repeated to assess ROM differences after simulated SL arthrodesis. We assessed SL angle and gap during testing to ensure there was no significant motion between the scaphoid and lunate, thus confirming stable simulated fusion. Differences in ROM were compared between baseline and simulated SL arthrodesis using paired t tests. RESULTS: Mean SL angle remained constant between pre- and post-arthrodesis imaging (47° ± 6° vs 46° ± 4°) and did not change during post-arthrodesis ROM testing, indicating a stable simulated fusion. Compared with baseline, SL arthrodesis had a statistically significant reduction in maximum flexion of 6° and 9° based on fluoroscopy and goniometry, respectively, in dart-thrower's extension of 5° and 9° based on fluoroscopy and goniometry, respectively, and in dart-thrower's flexion of 6° for both fluoroscopy and goniometry. No other ROMs after simulated SL arthrodesis were significantly different compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of simulated SL arthrodesis on radiocarpal and midcarpal motion compare favorably with motion after SL soft tissue repair and other reconstructive techniques that have been previously reported. The statistically significant decreases in wrist flexion and dart-thrower's extension-flexion after simulated SL arthrodesis are of questionable clinical importance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results may support reconsidering SL arthrodesis as a viable treatment option for acute or chronic SL instability with regard to apparent minimal adverse effects on functional wrist ROM.

Donor-Site Morbidity Following Free Tissue Harvest from the Thigh: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Complications.

Background Donor-site morbidity significantly influences patient satisfaction and quality of life following reconstructive surgery. The relevant donor-site morbidities associated with more commonly utilized thigh-based flaps are reviewed. Methods A systematic search of the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases from 1994 to 2014 was conducted to identify all reports of "anterolateral thigh (ALT)," "vastus lateralis (VL)," "anteromedial thigh (AMT)," "transverse upper gracilis (TUG)," tensor fascia latae (TFL)," "gracilis," and "rectus femoris (RF)," flaps. Only studies that investigated donor-site outcomes related to pain, paresthesia, wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, seroma, contour deformity, and/or objective functional performance were included. Case series or anecdotal reports with less than five flaps, non-English, and animal studies were excluded. Results A total of 116 articles representing 4,554 flaps were reviewed, including 2,922 ALT/VL, 148 AMT, 436 TUG, 278 TFL, 527 gracilis, and 243 RF flaps. The most frequently cited donor-site complication was paresthesia (range: 0-36.4%), followed by wound dehiscence (range: 0.9-8.3%), contour deformity (range: 0-5.2%), pain (range: 0-6.3%), and seroma (range: 0.4-2.0%). Despite mixed results regarding functional performance, pooled-analysis of dynamometric studies demonstrated a significant reduction in strength only after RF flap harvest (21%). Conclusions Donor-site morbidity for thigh-flaps is minimal and appears to be well-tolerated by the majority of patients. Nevertheless, the appropriate flap selection is highly individualized, and patients must be informed of potential complications and morbidities specific to each flap. We have established the most current review of donor-site morbidity for thigh-based flaps to aid the surgeon in this important discussion.

Lower Extremity Flap Salvage in Thrombophilic Patients: Managing Expectations in the Setting of Microvascular Thrombosis.

Background Undiagnosed thrombophilia is a risk factor for flap failure; however, its prevalence in patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction is unknown. We present our experience with free tissue transfer (FTT) in a high-risk population of lower extremity patients with documented thrombophilia, identified through preoperative screening. Methods Between January 2012 and April 2014, 41 patients underwent 43 free flaps for nontraumatic, lower extremity reconstruction by a single surgeon. Patients were preoperatively screened for thrombophilia using historical information and standardized laboratory testing. Demographic data, perioperative management, outcomes, and salvage rates for thrombophilic and nonthrombophilic cohorts were compared. Results Routine preoperative screening identified 52 thrombophilic traits among 25 patients in this series (61%). The most common traits were the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 4G/5G variant (n = 12) and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C (n = 10) and C677T (n = 9) polymorphisms. While success rates were similar between thrombophilic and nonthrombophilic patients (84 vs. 94%; p = 0.15), thrombotic complications (25 vs. 14%; p = 0.09) and flap failure following postoperative thrombosis (100 vs. 33%; p = 0.05) appeared to be more common in patients with thrombophilia. On average, microvascular complications manifested later in the setting of thrombophilia (mean 4.8 days vs. 18 hours; p = 0.20) and were associated with a worse overall prognosis (salvage rate, 0 vs. 67%; p = 0.05). Conclusions Despite high success rates, thrombophilia appears to increase the risk of nonsalvageability following lower extremity FTT. This information should be used to help counsel patients regarding the risks and benefits of microsurgical reconstruction, as salvage rates following postoperative thrombotic events approach 0% in the presence of thrombophilia.

Free tissue transfer after targeted endovascular reperfusion for complex lower extremity reconstruction: setting the stage for success in the presence of mutlivessel disease.

Recent advances in both microsurgical and endovascular techniques have redefined our approach to complex lower extremity reconstruction in high-risk patients with multivessel disease. When used as an adjunct to free tissue transfer, targeted endovascular therapy has been suggested to optimize recipient-site hemodynamics and promote flap survival in regions of compromised distal blood flow. With a paucity of published outcomes to support this approach, however, the perceived benefits derived from adjunctive endovascular therapy remain largely anecdotal. In this report, we present the outcomes and complications for 3 patients in whom preoperative endovascular therapy was used to improve both direct and collateral distal perfusion and recipient-vessel caliber. Flap survival in this series was 100%, and all patients remained ambulatory at a mean final follow-up of 24.7 months. Minor flap necrosis, necessitating debridement and skin grafting, was seen in one patient, who ultimately required a contralateral below-knee amputation secondary to nonsalvageable arterial disease. All patients were satisfied with respect to pain, function, and cosmetic appearance. On the basis of our experience and previously reported cases, we advocate a role for prereconstructive endovascular therapy as part of a multidisciplinary approach to functional limb salvage in patients with advanced arterial disease.

Combined Achilles tendon and soft tissue defects: functional outcomes of free tissue transfers and tendon vascularization.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the Achilles tendon can be a debilitating event, affecting ankle stability and gait efficiency. When this rupture is combined with a large soft tissue defect, reconstruction of the tendon and free tissue transfer for wound resurfacing should be considered. METHODS: A systematic review of the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases from January 1950 to August 2012 was completed. Search criteria identified all reports of vascularized, autograft, and allograft Achilles tendon reconstruction in combination with free tissue transfer. Inclusion criteria included strict objective outcomes of ankle range of motion and/or dynamometer testing. Correlated outcomes for the affected and normal extremities were accomplished using a subgroup comparison for the vascularized and avascular tendon reconstruction techniques with a 2-tailed z test for independent proportions. RESULTS: Fifteen retrospective studies fit the inclusion criteria, representing 44 patients at an average age of 33 years. Twenty-two (50%) patients had a localized infection before reconstruction. Average skin defect was 85.3 (74.4) cm2, and average tendon gap was 7.8 (1.7) cm. Thirty (68%) patients underwent free tissue transfer with vascularized tendon reconstruction, 7 (16%) had either nonvascularized autograft or allograft, 5 (11%) had a muscle interposition, and 2 (5%) patients had combined vascularized and nonvascularized tendon repair. Overall average total range of motion was 54.6 (11.5) degrees. Repairs with vascularized tendon had an overall range of motion 80% of the unaffected side (55.4 vs 69.4 degrees) compared to avascular tendon repairs, at an average range of motion 82% of the unaffected side (51.2 vs 62.3 degrees) (P = 0.73). Dynamometric comparison with the unaffected extremity gave an average deficit for avascular reconstructions at 21.2% and 24.8% for 30 to 60 and 120 degrees/s, respectively, compared to an average deficit of 32.3% and 31.5% in the vascularized reconstructions (P = 0.55 and P = 0.78, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: For combined free tissue transfer and Achilles tendon reconstruction, there seems to be no functional superiority in ankle range of motion or strength when vascularized tendon repairs were compared to avascular autograft and allograft methods.

Inadvertent Intra-Arterial Drug Injections in the Upper Extremity: Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To review the literature pertaining to inadvertent intra-arterial drug injection in the upper extremity, explore the various treatment options and their outcomes, and identify risk factors for limb amputation following intra-arterial injection. METHODS: A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases (inception to March 2013) was completed for patients presenting with intra-arterial drug injection of the upper extremity. Details on intervention and outcome were extracted and subjected to pooled analysis with amputation as the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 25 articles (209 patients) were included for review. Mean patient age was 31 ± 8 years (male, 71%; female, 29%). Prescription opioids (33%) were the most commonly injected substance, and the brachial artery (39%) was the most common site. The overall weighted mean amputation incidence was 29%. Anticoagulants were the most common treatment used (77%). From pooled analysis, conditions requiring antibiotic use were significantly associated with a higher incidence of amputation; whereas use of steroids was associated with a lower incidence of amputation. Patients presenting 14 hours or more after injection and those injecting crushed pills rather than pure substances had significantly higher incidences of amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-arterial drug injection of the upper extremity carries an amputation incidence of nearly 30%. Conditions requiring adjunctive antibiotic use and delay in receiving care were both significantly associated with higher incidences of amputation. No single treatment protocol to date has established superiority. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Liquid refractive index sensing independent of opacity using an optofluidic diffraction sensor.

We have implemented a multifunctional optofluidic sensor that can monitor changes in the refractive index and pressure of biofluid simultaneously and can detect free-solution molecular interaction in situ. In this Letter, we demonstrate two major improvements of this sensor proven by both simulation and experiments. One improvement is the broader measurement range of refractive index by making the diffraction grating with high-index polymer. The other improvement is the separation of refractive index sensing from opacity sensing by using the relative power ratio of diffraction orders. This simple, compact and low-cost multifunctional optofluidic sensor has the potential to be used for in situ biofluid monitoring.

Combined free tissue transfer for the management of composite Achilles defects: functional outcomes and patient satisfaction following thigh-based vascularized reconstruction with a neotendon construct.

BACKGROUND: Functional outcomes and quality-of-life measures following salvage reconstruction of composite Achilles/posterior leg defects are limited. We present our experience with combined Achilles defect reconstruction utilizing free tissue transfer with vascularized neotendon constructs. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2012, six patients underwent vascularized reconstruction of complex Achilles defects by a single surgeon. Demographic and functional data were collected for each patient. Subjective evaluation and quality-of-life measures were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot and SF-36 scores. Early and late complications were noted for each case. RESULTS: All defects were reconstructed utilizing vascularized composite free tissue from the thigh. Average soft tissue defect was 76.7 cm(2) (range, 40-90 cm2) with a tendon gap of 7.8 cm (range, 5-10 cm). Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 15-23 months). Flap survival was 100%. Overall range of motion of the reconstructed side was 82% of the unaffected side (48.2 degrees vs. 59 degrees, p = 0.004). Average percent increase in AOFAS and SF-36 scores were 71% (54 vs. 93, p = 0.0005) and 22% (86 vs. 104, p = 0.003), respectively. Operative revision was required for two patients with delayed-onset soft tissue infections and one donor site hematoma. Distal flap ischemia was managed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in one patient. Functional and esthetic outcomes were judged good to excellent by all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer with vascularized tendon reconstruction is a viable option for combined Achilles tendon/posterior leg defects, as both functional and quality-of-life measures appeared to be significantly improved at 1-year follow-up.

Applications of fat grafting in facial aesthetic skeletal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic skeletal surgery of the face is a powerful tool to alter the facial skeleton; the facial form is enhanced through the use of alloplastic implants and osteotomies of the facial bones. However, the ultimate aesthetic appearance is dictated by how the soft tissue envelope drapes over the altered skeletal foundation. Intraoperative and postoperative fat grafting enhances the final aesthetic result in patients who undergo skeletal aesthetic procedures. OBJECTIVES: The authors describe cases in which selective fat grafting has been successful in optimizing facial soft tissue symmetry in patients undergoing skeletal aesthetic surgery of the face. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent aesthetic skeletal surgery of the face between November 1, 2003, and October 31, 2011, in the Department of Surgery at Georgetown University Hospital was performed, and any patient who required fat grafting either at the time of aesthetic facial skeletal surgery or in the postoperative period was identified (n = 21). Common indications for fat grafting and the surgical plans are reviewed and presented in this article. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were identified who required 37 fat grafting procedures either at the time of aesthetic skeletal surgery of the face or in the postoperative period. The procedures most frequently requiring fat grafting were genioplasty, facial shape modifications, and facial symmetry improvement. Fat grafting most commonly corrected irregularities or asymmetries and improved the soft tissue contour overlying repositioned bone or alloplastic implants. Most patients were female (72%) with a mean age of 42 years (range, 4-58 years). There were 4 complications in total: 3 surgical site infections (managed conservatively in 1 patient and with incision and drainage in the remaining 2) and 1 hematoma requiring drainage and closure on the day of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of which procedures are likely to require fat grafting and the techniques for doing so can improve the plastic surgeon's ability to provide optimal aesthetic results following facial skeletal alterations.

Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cannabidiol (CBD), as one of the phytocannabinoids, has a wide range of therapeutic properties for various neuropsychiatric disorders due to central nervous system effects. These therapeutic properties demonstrated by preclinical and clinical studies encompass more than just anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antiemetic, antipsychotic and neuroprotective effects. It has been hypothesized that CBD holds potential in the treatment of various neuropsychiatric and anxiety disorders. Thus, PRISMA was used as a guide for our systematic review. Eight of the 1550 articles screened in June 2023 were eligible for meta-analysis. Based on the 316 participants included in these eight articles, this meta-analysis revealed a substantial significant impact of CBD on anxiety with a considerable effect size (Hedges' g = -0.92, 95% CI -1.80 to -0.04). In addition, this meta-analysis focuses on the efficacy of CBD in treating anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, caution should be exercised in interpreting our findings due to the limited size of the clinical sample, and additional trials ought to be carried out if deemed necessary.

Shared genetics and causal association between plasma levels of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2 and Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the highest risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality. However, it remains largely unclear about the link between AD and COVID-19 outcomes. ACE2 is an entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. Circulating ACE2 is a novel biomarker of death and associated with COVID-19 outcomes. METHODS: Here, we explored the shared genetics and causal association between AD and plasma ACE2 levels using large-scale genome-wide association study, gene expression, expression quantitative trait loci, and high-throughput plasma proteomic profiling datasets. RESULTS: We found a significant causal effect of genetically increased circulating ACE2 on increased risk of AD. Cross-trait association analysis identified 19 shared genetic variants, and three variants rs3104412, rs2395166, and rs3135344 at chromosome 6p21.32 were associated with COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and severity. We mapped 19 variants to 117 genes, which were significantly upregulated in lung, spleen, and small intestine, downregulated in brain tissues, and involved in immune system, immune disease, and infectious disease pathways. The plasma proteins corresponding to LST1, AGER, TNXB, and APOC1 were predominantly associated with COVID-19 infection, ventilation, and death. CONCLUSION: Together, our findings suggest the shared genetics and causal association between AD and plasma ACE2 levels, which may partially explain the link between AD and COVID-19.

Elastomeric 2D grating and hemispherical optofluidic chamber for multifunctional fluidic sensing.

We present an optofluidic sensor based on an elastomeric two-dimensional (2D) grating integrated inside a hemispherical fluid chamber. A laser beam is diffracted before (reflection) and after (transmission) going through the grating and liquid in the dome chamber. The sensing mechanism is investigated and simulated with a finite-difference time-domain-based electromagnetic method. For the experiment, by analyzing the size, power, and shape of the 2D diffraction patterns, we can retrieve multiple parameters of the liquid, including the refractive index, pressure, and opacity with high sensitivity. We demonstrate that the glucose concentration can be monitored when mixed in a different concentrated phosphate-buffered saline solution. The free-solution binding of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and anti-BSA IgG is detected with this optical sensor. This low-cost, multifunctional, and reliable optofluidic sensor has the potential to be used as a monitor of biofluid, such as blood in hemodialysis.

Exploring Chinese and Korean American Teachers' Perceptions of Their Cultural Identity as Assets and Barriers.

The representation of Asian American teachers in schools is a unique asset in promoting diversity and advocating for social justice. However, they also face various barriers that negatively affect their work experiences. The diverse nature of the Asian American population is likely to yield different assets and barriers among teachers from different ethnic groups. To gain insight into how Chinese and Korean American teachers perceive their cultural identity in their teaching practices, we utilized a qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews with nine teachers who identified as Chinese and/or Korean American in K-12 public schools in California. Findings based on thematic analyses of the interview data revealed several assets, including empathy and understanding towards minority groups, more exposure to diversity, increased representation, and shared language skills. However, there were also identified barriers, including internalized model minority beliefs, cultural expectations of being passive observers, internalized racism, an overemphasis on education, and a savior complex. Based on our findings, we provide practical suggestions for recruiting and retaining Chinese and Korean American teachers in schools.