Highly Macroporous Polyimide with Chemical Versatility Prepared from Poly(amic acid) Salt-Stabilized High Internal Phase Emulsion Template.

Macroporous polymers have gained significant attention due to their unique mass transport and size-selective properties. In this study, we focused on Polyimide (PI), a high-performance polymer, as an ideal candidate for macroporous structures. Despite various attempts to create macroporous PI (Macro PI) using emulsion templates, challenges remained, including limited chemical diversity and poor control over pore size and porosity. To address these issues, we systematically investigated the role of poly(amic acid) salt (PAAS) polymers as macrosurfactants and matrices. By designing 12 different PAAS polymers with diverse chemical structures, we achieved stable high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) with >80 vol % internal volume. The resulting Macro PIs exhibited exceptional porosity (>99 vol %) after thermal imidization. We explored the structure-property relationships of these Macro PIs, emphasizing the importance of controlling pore size distribution. Furthermore, our study demonstrated the utility of these Macro PIs as separators in Li-metal batteries, providing stable charging-discharging cycles. Our findings not only enhance the understanding of emulsion-based macroporous polymers but also pave the way for their applications in advanced energy storage systems and beyond.

Primary Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Arising in Axillary Accessory Breast: A Case Report.

Ectopic breast tissue can develop along the mammary ridge from the axilla to the groin, and the most common site is the axillae. Primary carcinoma of ectopic breast tissue is extremely rare. We report a rare case of a 61-year-old woman with a palpable mass in her left axilla who had a history of surgical excision of accessory breast tissue in the same area. Mammography (MMG), including axillary tail view, ultrasound (US), and breast MRI were performed. We evaluated the extent and characteristics of the microcalcifications in the axillary tail view. A US-guided biopsy was done, and histopathology revealed an invasive ductal carcinoma. Enhanced abdominal CT revealed multiple hepatic masses consistent with metastases, and the patient received palliative chemotherapy. Herein, we present a rare case of breast cancer arising from accessory breast tissue in the axilla, best appreciated on the axillary tail view of the patient's MMG.

Pectoralis Muscle Area as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients Hospitalized with Bronchiectasis Exacerbation.

INTRODUCTION: Data on factors related to mortality in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation are insufficient. Computed tomography (CT) can measure the pectoralis muscle area (PMA) and is a useful tool to diagnose sarcopenia. This study aimed to evaluate whether PMA can predict mortality in patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation. METHODS: Patients hospitalized due to bronchiectasis exacerbation at a single center were retrospectively divided into survivors and non-survivors based on 1-year mortality. Thereafter, a comparison of the clinical and radiologic characteristics was conducted between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 66 (14%) patients died at 1 year. In the multivariate analysis, age, BMI <18.4 kg/m2, sex-specific PMA quartile, ≥3 exacerbations in the previous year, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL, cystic bronchiectasis, tuberculosis-destroyed lung, and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors for the 1-year mortality in patients hospitalized with bronchiectasis exacerbation. A lower PMA was associated with a lower overall survival rate in the survival analysis according to sex-specific quartiles of PMA. PMA had the highest area under the curve during assessment of prognostic performance in predicting the 1-year mortality. The lowest sex-specific PMA quartile group exhibited higher disease severity than the highest quartile group. CONCLUSIONS: CT-derived PMA was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in patients hospitalized with bronchiectasis exacerbation. Patients with lower PMA exhibited higher disease severity. These findings suggest that PMA might be a useful marker for providing additional information regarding prognosis of patients with bronchiectasis exacerbation.

Effect of spraying air freshener on particulate and volatile organic compounds in vehicles.

People in these days spend approximately 6 % of their time in a means of transport. Air fresheners are frequently used in vehicles to mask odors; however, they can cause adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation and autonomic dysfunction. This study aimed to identify the effects of air fresheners on the concentrations of particulate and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different vehicle cabins. Scanning mobility and optical particle sizers were used for the particle measurements. VOCs (e.g., BTEX and d-limonene) were collected using a Tenax TA. The products were sprayed for less than a minute. The study assessed three spray products (all trigger types), vehicle size (small, medium, and large), cabin temperature (10 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C), and in-vehicle ventilation mode (all-off, recirculation, and external inflow modes). The particle concentration increased rapidly during the 1-min spraying of the products. The proportion of nanoparticles in the front seat (67.2 % ± 2.2 %) was 11.1 % ± 2.2 % lower than that in the rear seat (75.6 % ± 2.1 %). The spray product and vehicle size did not significantly affect the particle or VOC concentrations. With an increase in the temperature of the front seat, the proportion of nanoparticles increased by 25.3 % ± 3.2 %. Moreover, the maximum total VOC concentrations (front seat: 364.3 µg/m3; back seat: 241.3 µg/m3) were observed at 20 °C. Under in-vehicle ventilation, recirculation effectively reduced the overall particle concentration within the cabin; however, the generated VOCs circulated. The external inflow proved effective in cabin air purification by reducing the total VOC concentration to 56.0-57.2 % compared with other ventilation modes. These findings provide substantial insight into the persistence of particles and the dynamics of their dispersion, thereby enabling informed decision-making for particle-related risk management.

Clinical Role of Upfront F-18 FDG PET/CT in Determining Biopsy Sites for Lung Cancer Diagnosis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of FDG PET/CT timing for biopsy site selection in patients with stage IV lung cancer regarding complications and diagnostic yield. METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed on 1297 patients (924 men and 373 women with a mean age of 71.4 ± 10.2 years) who underwent percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) for stage IV lung cancer diagnosis in two hospitals. Data collected included the patient's characteristics, order date of the biopsy and PET/CT exams, biopsy target site (lung or non-lung), guidance modality, complications, sample adequacy, and diagnostic success. Based on the order date of the PNB and PET/CT exams, patients were categorized into upfront and delayed PET/CT groups. RESULTS: PNB for non-lung targets resulted in significantly lower rates of minor (8.1% vs. 16.2%), major (0.2% vs. 3.4%), and overall complications (8.3% vs. 19.6%) compared to PNB for lung targets (p < 0.001 for all types of complications). Compared to the delayed PET/CT group, the upfront PET/CT group exhibited a lower probability of lung target selection of PNB (53.9% vs. 67.1%, p < 0.001), including a reduced incidence of major complications (1.0% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.031). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of minor and total complications between the two groups. Upfront PET/CT and delayed PET/CT groups showed no significant difference regarding sample adequacy and diagnostic success. CONCLUSIONS: Upfront PET/CT may have an impact on the selection of the biopsy site for patients with advanced lung cancer, which could result in a lower rate of major complications with no change in the diagnostic yield. Upfront PET/CT demonstrates potential clinical implications for enhancing the safety of lung cancer diagnosis in clinical practice.

Tailoring Three-Dimensional Cross-Linked Networks Based on Water-Soluble Polymeric Materials for Stable Silicon Anode.

For stable battery operation of silicon (Si)-based anodes, utilizing cross-linked three-dimensional (3D) network binders has emerged as an effective strategy to mitigate significant volume fluctuations of Si particles. In the design of cross-linked network binders, careful selection of appropriate cross-linking agents is crucial to maintaining a balance between the robustness and functionality of the network. Herein, we strategically design and optimize a 3D cross-linked network binder through a comprehensive analysis of cross-linking agents. The proposed network is composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted poly(acrylic acid) (PVA-g-PAA, PVgA) and aromatic diamines. PVgA is chosen as the polymer backbone owing to its high flexibility and facile synthesis using an ecofriendly water solvent. Subsequently, an aromatic diamine is employed as a cross-linker to construct a robust amide network that features a resonance-stabilized high modulus and enhanced adhesion. Comparative investigations of three cross-linkers, 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine, 3,3'-oxidianiline, and 4,4'-oxybis[3-(trifluoromethyl)aniline] (TFODA), highlight the roles of the trifluoromethyl group (-CF3) and the ether linkage. Consequently, PVgA cross-linked with TFODA (PVgA-TFODA), featuring both -CF3 and -O-, establishes a well-balanced 3D network characterized by heightened elasticity and improved binding forces. The optimized Si and SiOx/graphite composite electrodes with the PVgA-TFODA binder demonstrate impressive structural stability and stable cycling. This study offers a novel perspective on designing cross-linked network binders, showcasing the benefits of a multidimensional approach considering chemical and physical interactions.

Immunoglobulin G4-Related Lung Disease with Waxing and Waning Pulmonary Infiltrates: A Case Report.

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related lung disease can have various clinical courses. To our knowledge, reports of IgG4-related lung disease with waxing and waning pulmonary infiltrates only are very rare. A few lung nodules and ground glass opacities were incidentally found in a pre-operative evaluation in a 36-year-old female. The lung lesions showed waxing and waning in the follow-up chest CT. She underwent a surgical biopsy, and IgG4-related lung disease was confirmed.

Feasibility of DNA Methylation Age as a Biomarker of Symptoms and Resilience among Cancer Survivors with Multiple Chronic Conditions.

This study aims to examine the feasibility of DNA methylation age as a biomarker for symptoms and resilience in cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). We included ten participants from our parent study, an ongoing randomized control trial study. Participants' symptoms and resilience were assessed, and peripheral blood was collected. DNA methylation age calculation was performed using DNAge® analysis. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis and the Mann-Whitney U test. Participants in the intervention group tended to have a decrease in DNA methylation age and age acceleration after completing an exercise program (mean difference = -0.83 ± 1.26). The change in DNA methylation age was significantly correlated with the change in resilience score (r = -0.897, p = 0.015). The preliminary results suggest that DNA methylation age can be a potential biomarker for improving resilience in cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions. This finding is limited by the small sample size, and a larger study is needed.

Efficacy of Bronchial Artery Embolization for Clinically Suspected Bronchial Dieulafoy's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for bronchial Dieulafoy's disease (BDD) has not been well established. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BAE in patients with clinically suspected BDD presenting with major hemoptysis, and to describe angiographic findings. METHODS: 17 patients (all men; mean age, 53.5 years) diagnosed with clinically suspected BDD by bronchoscopy (n = 7) or CT angiography (CTA) (n = 10) and who underwent BAE after directional and segmental localization of the target bronchus were enrolled. BAE was performed at the culprit bronchial artery traveling toward the target bronchus, regardless of the pathologic angiographic findings. Angiographic findings and clinical outcomes of BAE, including technical and clinical success, complication, recurrent hemoptysis, and follow-up imaging, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Representative angiographic findings included parenchymal hypervascularity prominent in the lobe where the BDD was located (82.4%), bronchial artery hypertrophy (70.6%), and contrast extravasation into the bleeding bronchus (17.6%). BAE was technically successful in all patients. All hemoptysis ceased within 24 h. No procedure-related complications occurred. During a mean follow-up of 491.9 days, 1 (6%) patient experienced recurrent hemoptysis. Follow-up bronchoscopy or CT performed in 10 (58.8%) patients showed the disappearance of pre-existing lesions (n = 9) or glue cast within the target bronchial artery (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Bronchial angiography showed pathologic findings in most patients with clinically suspected BDD. BAE assisted by bronchoscopy or CTA localization is a safe and effective treatment for patients with clinically suspected BDD with excellent short- to mid-term results.

Endovascular Treatment of Incidentally Found Multiple Aneurysms Originating from a Bronchial Artery: A Case Report.

Bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a rare disease, and multiple aneurysms of a single bronchial artery are rarer. Regardless of the size of the lesion, it is at risk of rupture and can cause massive hemoptysis or severe pain. We report a rare case of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) of multiple aneurysms of a single bronchial artery. During medical examination, a 64-year-old female was diagnosed with multiple BAAs and endobronchial lesions in the right lower lung on CT 10 years prior to presentation to our hospital. Further evaluation of the lesions was recommended; however, the patient was lost to follow-up. The patient complained of dyspnea and visited our hospital, and the size of the BAA had increased on CT. BAE was done successfully using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and detachable coils. Follow up CT after BAE showed significant decrease in extent of inflammatory lesion in the right lung.

Hemoptysis as the presenting manifestation of bronchiectasis-associated hospitalization in Korea.

Background: Patients with bronchiectasis commonly experience disease exacerbations, which cause significant morbidity and mortality. However, data regarding the clinical features of bronchiectasis patients hospitalized with hemoptysis are scarce. Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of patients with bronchiectasis-associated hospitalization at a tertiary referral center in Korea, and classified them into the hemoptysis and infective exacerbation (IE) groups. The presence of hemoptysis was defined as a volume of expectorated blood larger than 10 mL per 24 hours. The clinical, radiological, and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. Results: Patients were classified into the hemoptysis [267 (54.5%)] and IE [223 (45.5%)] groups. Among the 44 patients of the hemoptysis group, 37 (84.1%) presented with hemoptysis than with IE at the recurrent episode. The hemoptysis group had a significantly lower 30-day mortality than that of the IE group. Previous pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), mycetoma, and bronchial artery hypertrophy were independently associated with the hemoptysis group. In contrast, male sex, poor performance status, colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, ≥3 involved lobes, cystic bronchiectasis, and emphysema were inversely associated with the hemoptysis group. The absence of hemoptysis was one of the independent predictors of 30-day mortality in patients with bronchiectasis-associated hospitalization. Conclusions: In Korea, bronchiectasis patients hospitalized with hemoptysis exhibit a distinct phenotype, and are more likely to have previous pulmonary TB, mycetoma, and bronchial artery hypertrophy. Hemoptysis is associated with a lower risk of short-term mortality compared to IE in bronchiectasis-associated hospitalization.

Symptom profiles and their influencing factors among people with subjective cognitive decline: a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey using latent class analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Subjective cognitive decline, self-perceived cognitive deterioration without objective impairment, is becoming a vital health indicator, especially due to its intermediate stage between normal function and mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive decline often coexists with various symptoms that may interact with each other, serve as prognostic indicators and influence the progression of cognitive decline. This study aims to identify symptom clusters among individuals with subjective cognitive decline, using latent class analysis, and to identify factors affecting these symptom clusters, offering insights into understanding and potentially preventing cognitive decline progression. DESIGN AND SETTING: A secondary data analysis of the nationally representative cross-sectional data obtained from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey. OUTCOMES: We performed latent class analysis using six symptoms (pain, sleep deprivation, depression, fatigue, restlessness and apathy) to determine the distinct symptom clusters. After selecting the best latent class model, we identified factors influencing those symptom clusters using multinomial logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: We found that a three-latent-class model best fitted the data: a low symptom-burden group (39.9%), a moderate symptom-burden group (44.8%) and a high symptom-burden group (15.3%). Male gender, higher age, higher perceived health status and lower perceived stress status, were strongly associated with lesser odds of being in the moderate (OR: 0.37 (95% CI: 0.33 to 0.41)) to OR: 2.20 (95% CI: 2.03 to 2.39)) and high symptom-burden groups (OR: 0.18 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.21)) to OR: 8.53 (95% CI: 7.68 to 9.49)) as compared with being in the low symptom-burden group. CONCLUSION: Findings may contribute to improving clinical practitioners' understanding of the unique symptom patterns experienced by people with subjective cognitive decline and their influencing factors. Furthermore, we recommend that formal caregivers screen and manage prevalent symptoms considering the factors affecting the symptoms of people with subjective cognitive decline in clinical practice.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Mimicking Lung Cancer in A Patient with Usual Interstitial Pneumonia Pattern Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that structure damage in the parenchymal lung disease such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with high susceptibility to nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. Radiologic features of NTM lung disease in destructive lung parenchyma can be atypical, which can cause confusion with other diseases including malignancy. Prompt and accurate identification of newly developed lesions in the follow-up computed tomography (CT) of IPF patients is challenging but crucial. CASE REPORT: We reported a case of an NTM infection in a patient with IPF, manifested as a mass-like consolidation with cavitation on chest CT, mimicking lung cancer. CONCLUSION: Being aware of the unusual radiologic features of NTM lung disease in IPF patients can be useful in the differential diagnosis of newly detected lesions.

Effectiveness of SBAR-based simulation programs for nursing students: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR) has been extensively used in clinical and nursing education. A structured communication program increases effective communication, positivity, and education satisfaction during inter-professional collaboration among nursing students. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of SBAR-based simulation training for nursing students. METHODS: A research protocol was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. The protocol for this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021234068). Eight bibliographical databases were searched for studies published between 2001 and 2021, using relevant search terms. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for literature in English, and DBpia, Research Information Sharing Service, Korean Studies Information Service System, and Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information for literature in Korean. After screening titles, abstracts, and full-text papers, pertinent data were extracted, and critical appraisals of the retrieved studies were performed. Data were analyzed using the framework approach, and the findings were presented in a narrative summary. The Effective Public Health Practice Project "Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies" was used to assess the quality of the included studies. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included: 3 randomized controlled trials and 9 quasi-experimental studies. Two overarching themes were noted, namely communication clarity and critical thinking. The results of six out of 12 studies produced significant results in favor of SBAR-based simulation in terms of communication clarity. Divergent results were obtained regarding communication ability, critical thinking, confidence, learning self-efficacy, and attitude toward patient safety. The results of these studies highlight that communication clarity ultimately leads to positive results in terms of nursing students' behaviors related to patient safety. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides a comprehensive update of the literature on the effectiveness of SBAR-based nursing simulation programs for nursing students. These programs were found to have positive learning outcomes because of clear and concise communication. Further studies on the effectiveness of various learning outcomes derived from SBAR-based programs are required.

Skywave Detection and Mitigation for the MF R-Mode Continuously Operating Reference Station.

There is an increasing need for an independent terrestrial navigation system, owing to the increasing reliance on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). The medium-frequency range (MF R-Mode) system is considered a promising alternative; however, the skywave effect caused by ionospheric changes at night can degrade its positioning accuracy. To address this problem, we developed an algorithm to detect and mitigate the skywave effect on MF R-Mode signals. The proposed algorithm was tested using data collected from Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) monitoring the MF R-Mode signals. The skywave detection algorithm is based on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) induced by the groundwave and skywave composition, whereas the skywave mitigation algorithm was derived from the I and Q components of the signals obtained through IQ modulation. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in the precision and standard deviation of the range estimation using CW1 and CW2 signals. The standard deviations decreased from 39.01 and 39.28 m to 7.94 and 9.12 m, respectively, while the precision (2-sigma) increased from 92.12 and 79.82 m to 15.62 and 17.84 m, respectively. These findings confirm that the proposed algorithms can enhance the accuracy and reliability of MF R-Mode systems.

Clinical predictors and outcomes of non-expandable lung following percutaneous catheter drainage in lung cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion.

Non-expandable lung (NEL) often occurs during pleural fluid drainage in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, data regarding the predictors and prognostic impact of NEL on primary lung cancer patients with MPE receiving pleural fluid drainage, compared to malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), are limited. This study was aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients with MPE developing NEL following ultrasonography (USG)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) and compare the clinical outcomes between those with and without NEL. Clinical, laboratory, pleural fluid, and radiologic data and survival outcomes of lung cancer patients with MPE undergoing USG-guided PCD were retrospectively reviewed and compared between those with and without NEL. Among 121 primary lung cancer patients with MPE undergoing PCD, NEL occurred in 25 (21%). Higher pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and presence of endobronchial lesions were associated with development of NEL. The median time to catheter removal was significantly extended in those with NEL compared to those without (P = .014). NEL was significantly associated with poor survival outcome in lung cancer patients with MPE undergoing PCD, along with poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), the presence of distant metastasis, higher serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and not receiving chemotherapy. NEL developed in one-fifth of lung cancer patients undergoing PCD for MPE and was associated with high pleural fluid LDH levels and the presence of endobronchial lesions. NEL may negatively affect overall survival in lung cancer patients with MPE receiving PCD.

Ultrasound-guided lung biopsy for small (≤2 cm) subpleural lung lesions: comparison of diagnostic yield and safety with larger lesions.

Background: Ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (PCNB) has been used to diagnose subpleural lung lesions with high diagnostic performance and acceptable complication rates. However, with regard to the role of US-guided needle biopsy for the diagnosis of small (≤2 cm) subpleural lesions, limited information is available. Methods: From April 2011 to October 2021, a total of 572 US-guided PCNBs in 572 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The lesion size, pleural contact length (PCL), lesion location, and operator's experience were analyzed. Computed tomography features including peri-lesional emphysema, air-bronchogram, and cavitary change were also included in image analysis. The patients were divided into three groups according to lesion size (lesions ≤2 cm vs. 2 cm< lesions ≤5 cm vs. lesions >5 cm). The sample adequacy, diagnostic success rate, diagnostic accuracy, and complication rate was calculated. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, or the chi-square test were used. Results: The overall sample adequacy, diagnostic success rate, and diagnostic accuracy were 96.2%, 82.9%, and 90.4%, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, sample adequacy (93.1% vs. 96.1% vs. 96.9%, P=0.307), diagnostic success rate (75.0% vs. 81.6% vs. 85.7%, P=0.079), and diagnostic accuracy (84.7% vs. 90.8% vs. 90.5%, P=0.301) were not significantly different. Operator's experience (OR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.49-0.80; P<0.001), lesion size (OR, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54-0.83; P<0.001), PCL (OR, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52-0.84; P=0.001), and presence of air-bronchogram (OR, 14.36; 95% CI: 4.18-48.53; P<0.001) were independently associated with complication rate. Conclusions: US-guided PCNB performed by an experienced radiologist could be an effective and safe diagnostic approach for subpleural lesions, even in small lesions.

Plastic Shavings by Laser: Peeling Porous Graphene Springs for Multifunctional All-Carbon Applications.

Manufacturing strategies to create three-dimensional (3D) structures with multifunctional nanomaterials are of intense interest for fabricating building blocks in many electromechanical applications. A coil spring composed of graphene provides an important step toward the realization of all-carbon devices, as it is one of the essential elements for a wide range of systems. In this connection, here an unprecedented fabrication strategy to create a new type of 3D coil spring composed of laser-induced graphene springs (LIG-S) which is spontaneously produced via the pyrolytic jetting technique, is presented. Similar to wood or metal shavings observed in traditional machining processes, a pair of LIG-S with two opposite chiralities and controllable macroscopic dimensions is produced by a single scanning of a focused continuous-wave (CW) laser on a polyimide (PI) substrate. The resulting LIG-S, plastic shavings by laser, exhibits sufficient mechanical and electrical properties to enable many applications including strain-tolerant spring electrodes, antennas, supercapacitors, gas sensors, and luminescent filaments under extreme conditions. Without using any conventional fabrication techniques or other labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive processes, this novel approach enables a high-throughput mass production of macro-, micro-, and nanoscale featured LIG-S that can be manufactured within seconds to realize many open opportunities in all-carbon electromechanical systems.

Highly selective and quantitative in situ monitoring of cell surface proteins by SERS immunoassay system.

Due to their pivotal roles in many biological functions, cell surface proteins (CSPs) are often used for cancer prognosis, as evidenced by a number of studies that have reported significant changes in the expression levels of specific surface proteins depending on the stage of tumorigenesis and selection/variety of reprogrammed cells during cell fate conversion. Current CSP detection strategies suffer from poor selectivity and lack the ability for in situ analysis but maintain the spatial information between cells. Here, we have fabricated nanoprobes for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassays by conjugating a specific antibody onto silica-coated gold nanoparticles incorporating an individual Raman reporter (Au-tag@SiO2-Ab NPs) for highly sensitive and selective in situ detection in different types of cells. When multiple HEK293 cell lines stably expressing different levels of the CSP, ACE2, were investigated by the SERS immunoassay, we demonstrated that the level of ACE2 expression in each cell line could be statistically distinguished from that in the other cell lines, indicating the quantitative feature of this biosensing system. When detecting living cells without cell lysis or fixation, as well as fixed cells, the levels of the epithelial CSPs, EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) and E-cadherin, were successfully determined using our Au-tag@SiO2-Ab NPs and SERS immunoassay system in a highly selective and quantitative manner without significant cytotoxicity. Hence, our work provides technical insight into the development of a biosensing platform for a variety of biomedical applications, such as cancer metastasis prognosis and the in situ monitoring of stem cell reprogramming and differentiation.