All-Nontoxic Fluorescent Probe for Biothiols and Its Clinical Applications for Real-Time Glioblastoma Visualization.

Fluorescence-guided surgery (FSG) is a surgical method to selectively visualize the tumor site using fluorescent materials with instrumental setups in the operation rooms. It has been widely used in the surgery of brain tumors, such as glioblastoma (GBM), which is difficult to distinguish from normal tissue. Although FSG is crucial for GBM surgery, the commercially available fluorescent materials for FSG have shown serious adverse effects. To satisfy the clinical demand, we recently reported reaction-based fluorescent probes based on a 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD) fluorophore that can detect cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy), a biomarker of GBM, and their applications for the GBM diagnosis and FSG. However, our probes have cellular toxicity issues arising from the leaving group (LG) that is generated after the reaction of the fluorescent probe and the analytes. In this study, we disclosed a nontoxic fluorescent probe for sensing biothiols and their clinical applications for real-time human glioblastoma visualization. Systematic toxicity analysis of several LGs was conducted on several cell lines. Among the LGs, 2-hydroxy-pyridine showed negligible toxicity, and its fluorescent probe derivative (named NPO-o-Pyr) showed high specificity and sensitivity (LOD: 0.071 ppm for Cys; 0.189 ppm for Hcy), a fast response time (<5 min) to Cys and Hcy, and high biocompatibility. In addition, NPO-o-Pyr can significantly detect the GBM site both in actual clinical samples as well as in the GBM-xenografted mouse model. We are confident that NPO-o-Pyr will become a new substitute in FSG due to its capability to overcome the limitations of the current fluorescent probes.

Combined Intrathoracic and Abdominal Splenosis.

BACKGROUND Splenosis refers to autotransplantation of splenic tissue after splenic injury or splenectomy, most frequently occurring in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Thoracic splenosis is a rare condition associated with a history of simultaneous rupture of the spleen and diaphragm resulting from trauma. To the best of our knowledge, only a limited number of cases have been reported for combined intrathoracic and abdominal splenosis. CASE REPORT We present a case of a 50-year-old man with a history of splenectomy and left nephrectomy 15 years ago due to an accident, who had experienced chest pain for the past month. A 1-cm focal pleural thickening in the left posterior pleura was revealed on the chest computed tomography (CT) scan. We found this to be suspicious for a solitary fibrous tumor. Based on this information, surgery was performed for tumor removal, and the pathologic examination confirmed splenic tissues. The patient was then discharged without any complications. Further abdominopelvic CT showed several contrast-enhanced lesions, suggestive of intraperitoneal splenosis. CONCLUSIONS We would like to emphasize the importance of thorough history-taking to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures with respect to the rarity of splenosis. Moreover, appropriate use of diagnostic tools, including radionuclide imaging studies, is recommended to establish an accurate diagnosis of thoracic splenosis.

Integration of single-cell transcriptomes and biological function reveals distinct behavioral patterns in bone marrow endothelium.

Heterogeneity of endothelial cell (EC) populations reflects their diverse functions in maintaining tissue's homeostasis. However, their phenotypic, molecular, and functional properties are not entirely mapped. We use the Tie2-CreERT2;Rosa26-tdTomato reporter mouse to trace, profile, and cultivate primary ECs from different organs. As paradigm platform, we use this strategy to study bone marrow endothelial cells (BMECs). Single-cell mRNA sequencing of primary BMECs reveals that their diversity and native molecular signatures is transitorily preserved in an ex vivo culture that conserves key cell-to-cell microenvironment interactions. Macrophages sustain BMEC cellular diversity and expansion and preserve sinusoidal-like BMECs ex vivo. Endomucin expression discriminates BMECs in populations exhibiting mutually exclusive properties and distinct sinusoidal/arterial and tip/stalk signatures. In contrast to arterial-like, sinusoidal-like BMECs are short-lived, form 2D-networks, contribute to in vivo angiogenesis, and support hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in vitro. This platform can be extended to other organs' ECs to decode mechanistic information and explore therapeutics.

Tumor regression grade combined with lymph node status in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to elucidate the prognostic value of tumor regression grade (TRG) combined with lymph node status compared with the 8th edition of the ypTNM staging system in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). METHODS: We enrolled 325 patients with ESCC who underwent nCRT followed by complete resection. We adopted the modified Schneider TRG system, with high (ypT0N0), mid (ypT0N+ or ypT + N0), and low (ypT + N+). After developing a multivariable Cox model, the discrimination ability of the ypStage and TRG systems was evaluated using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and R2 measure. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 56.7 ± 43.3 months. The survival curves between the adjacent groups of TRG were significantly different for both overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). However, there were no significant differences between ypStages II and III for OS (p = 0.683) or RFS (p = 0.760). The TRG system also had a discrimination ability in patients with ypStage I (p < 0.001 for both OS and RFS) and ypStage III (p = 0.045 for OS and 0.042 for RFS). Compared with the ypTNM staging system, the modified TRG had a lower AIC value (1835.99 vs. 1852.02) and a higher R2 (0.256 vs. 0.177), indicating better discrimination ability and prediction accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with ESCC who underwent esophagectomy following nCRT, the modified Schneider TRG system may complement the ypStage and help clinicians select the most appropriate postoperative treatment and surveillance.

Pyridine-NBD: A homocysteine-selective fluorescent probe for glioblastoma (GBM) diagnosis based on a blood test.

The precise in vitro diagnosis requires a high selectivity and sensitivity for a diagnostic agent. In this respect, fluorescent diagnostic probes have attracted attention in various clinical fields. Herein, we disclosed a tailor-made fluorescent homocysteine probe (NPO-Pyr) based on pyridine-thiol coordination and amine-addition. To date, Hcy has been recognized as an excellent biomarker for various diseases, but there still remain some limitations in detecting of Hcy due to its structural similarity to Cys. In this study, we developed a new fluorescent diagnostic probe for monitoring Hcy by incorporating 4-hydroxy-pyridine moiety into the skeleton of the NBD fluorophore. The incorporated pyridine moiety could coordinate with the thiol group at Hcy, followed by the amine-addition reaction (12 kJ/mol). Based on this rationale, NPO-Pyr responded to Hcy and exhibited turn-on properties with high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD: 0.084 ppm), and a fast-response time (<5 min). Furthermore, NPO-Pyr could predict the formation of glioblastoma (GBM) at an early stage through sensing Hcy in blood plasma (vs. healthy group, ∗∗∗∗P < 0.0001). Our findings have a significant importance across various fields from basic science to clinical translation, and we strongly believe that NPO-Pyr has the potential to fully replace the current complex GBM diagnostic process as a simpler in vitro agent.

Feasibility of the Ultrasound-Guided Insertion of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) by the Vascular Surgeon at the Bedside in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the outcomes of the ultrasound-guided insertion of the peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) by experienced vascular surgeons at the bedside of the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) and compared the outcomes with those of fluoroscopy-guided PICC performed by radiologists in the interventional suite. METHODS: Between May 1, 2016, and April 30, 2021, 97 patients who were hospitalized in the trauma ICU and underwent PICC insertion were enrolled in the study. Forty-two out of the 97 patients underwent PICC insertion by interventional radiologists in the interventional radiology suite under fluoroscopy guidance, while the remaining 55 cases underwent ultrasound-guided PICC insertion by the vascular surgeon at the trauma ICU bedside. RESULTS: The technical failure (P = 0.504) and malposition (P = 0.127) rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, it took significantly less time for the vascular surgeon to complete the PICC insertion procedure (P < 0.001). Significantly more patients of the ultrasound-guided group required inotropes (P = 0.012) and mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003) at the time of the procedure. In addition, the ultrasound-guided group appeared to be in critical condition in terms of kidney function according to laboratory data (P = 0.014). Meanwhile, the ultrasound-guided group maintained the central line catheter for a shorter time (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In trauma patients, ultrasound-guided PICC insertion at the bedside by experienced vascular surgeons at the trauma ICU was feasible compared to fluoroscopy-guided insertion performed by interventional radiologists.

Red-Emitting SBBF (Single-Benzene-Based Fluorophore)-Silica Hybrid Material: One-Pot Synthesis, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications.

We report, for the first time, a new red-emitting hybrid material based on a single-benzene-based fluorophore (SBBF) and silica. This robust formulation shows several features, including bright emissions at a red wavelength (>600 nm), high scalability (>gram-scale), facile synthesis (one-pot reaction; SBBF formation, hydrolytic condensation, propagation), high stability (under different humidity, pH, light), bio-imaging applicability with low cellular toxicity, and an antibacterial effect within Gram-negative/Gram-positive strains. Based on our findings, we believe that these hybrid materials can pave the way for the further development of dye-hybrid materials and applications in various fields.

Acupuncture combined with multidisciplinary care for recovery after traumatic multiple rib fractures: a prospective feasibility cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Acute pain significantly delays early physiological recovery and results in chronic functional disability in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures (MRFs). This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the feasibility of acupuncture combined with multidisciplinary care during recovery in patients with traumatic MRFs. METHODS: Twenty patients with traumatic MRFs who were admitted to a regional trauma centre in South Korea were enrolled. A combination of acupuncture and multidisciplinary inpatient ward management was provided at the trauma ward. Patients were permitted to continue acupuncture treatments at outpatient clinics for 3 months after the traumatic events. Clinical outcomes, including pain, acute physiological recovery, quality of life, patient satisfaction with the care provided, respiratory function and use of opioids, were evaluated up to 6 months after trauma. RESULTS: Seventeen (85%) participants completed the 6-month follow-up. One patient withdrew consent during admission due to discomfort after three sessions of acupuncture. The proportion of patients with above-moderate level of pain decreased from 95% at baseline to 41% at 6 months. Quality of life appeared to deteriorate consistently throughout the study period. Around 80% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the acupuncture treatments and stated that they found acupuncture to be acceptable. Over 94% of respondents reported slight or considerable improvement. CONCLUSION: The provision of acupuncture combined with multidisciplinary care for recovery in patients with traumatic MRFs was feasible in a regional trauma centre in South Korea. Randomised trials are needed to investigate the role of acupuncture combined with multidisciplinary care in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: KCT0002911 (Clinical Research Information Service).

Prevalence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea: a cross-sectional study.

Chronic post-thoracotomy pain is a debilitating condition after traumatic multiple rib fractures and surgery. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain after traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea and explore factors associated with it. From October 2017 to June 2019, a cross-sectional survey of 100 adults, who had undergone thoracotomy due to traumatic fractures of two or more ribs 2 years to 3 months prior to the survey, was conducted in the regional trauma center in South Korea. In total, 80% and 65% patients reported any level and above moderate chronic pain, respectively. Quality of life was mostly below the normative value of the US general population. Forty-six percent patients had restrictive respiratory dysfunction, and 47% and 59% patients were classified as being at risk of above mild-level anxiety and depression, respectively. More than 70% of patients had a current opioid prescription. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed weak evidence of association between acute, severe postoperative pain and chronic postsurgical pain (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence intervals 0.9 to 6.4). Collectively, chronic post-thoracotomy pain and associated incomplete recovery regarding respiratory, functional, and psychological outcomes were prevalent in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea.

The Transmembrane Adaptor Protein LIME Is Essential for Chemokine-Mediated Migration of Effector T Cells to Inflammatiory Sites.

Lck-interacting transmembrane adaptor 1 (LIME) has been previously identified as a raft-associated transmembrane protein expressed predominantly in T and B lymphocytes. Although LIME is shown to transduce the immunoreceptor signaling and immunological synapse formation via its tyrosine phosphorylation by Lck, a Src-family kinase, the in vivo function of LIME has remained elusive in the previous studies. Here we report that LIME is preferentially expressed in effector T cells and mediates chemokine-mediated T cell migration. Interestingly, in LIME-/- mice, while T cell receptor stimulation-dependent proliferation, differentiation to effector T cells, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) function and regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg) function were normal, only T cell-mediated inflammatory response was significantly defective. The reduced inflammation was accompanied by the impaired infiltration of leukocytes and T cells to the inflammatory sites of LIME-/- mice. More specifically, the absence of LIME in effector T cells resulted in the reduced migration and defective morphological polarization in response to inflammatory chemokines such as CCL5 and CXCL10. Consistently, LIME-/- effector T cells were found to be defective in chemokine-mediated activation of Rac1 and Rap1, and dysregulated phosphorylation of Pyk2 and Cas. Taken together, the present findings show that LIME is a critical regulator of inflammatory chemokine-mediated signaling and the subsequent migration of effector T cells to inflammatory sites.

HEARTBiT: A Transcriptomic Signature for Excluding Acute Cellular Rejection in Adult Heart Allograft Patients.

BACKGROUND: Nine mRNA transcripts associated with acute cellular rejection (ACR) in previous microarray studies were ported to the clinically amenable NanoString nCounter platform. Here we report the diagnostic performance of the resulting blood test to exclude ACR in heart allograft recipients: HEARTBiT. METHODS: Blood samples for transcriptomic profiling were collected during routine post-transplantation monitoring in 8 Canadian transplant centres participating in the Biomarkers in Transplantation initiative, a large (n = 1622) prospective observational study conducted between 2009 and 2014. All adult cardiac transplant patients were invited to participate (median age = 56 [17 to 71]). The reference standard for rejection status was histopathology grading of tissue from endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). All locally graded ISHLT ≥ 2R rejection samples were selected for analysis (n = 36). ISHLT 1R (n = 38) and 0R (n = 86) samples were randomly selected to create a cohort approximately matched for site, age, sex, and days post-transplantation, with a focus on early time points (median days post-transplant = 42 [7 to 506]). RESULTS: ISHLT ≥ 2R rejection was confirmed by EMB in 18 and excluded in 92 samples in the test set. HEARTBiT achieved 47% specificity (95% confidence interval [CI], 36%-57%) given ≥ 90% sensitivity, with a corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.56-0.81). CONCLUSIONS: HEARTBiT's diagnostic performance compares favourably to the only currently approved minimally invasive diagnostic test to rule out ACR, AlloMap (CareDx, Brisbane, CA) and may be used to inform care decisions in the first 2 months post-transplantation, when AlloMap is not approved, and most ACR episodes occur.

Numerical investigation of the sternoclavicular joint modeling technique for improving the surgical treatment of pectus excavatum.

It is now common to perform the Nuss procedure as a surgical treatment for pectus excavatum. As several types of detailed surgical methods exist as part of the Nuss procedure, studies are currently being conducted to verify their relative superiority via computerized biomechanical methods. However, no studies have considered the influence of sternoclavicular joints on the simulations of the Nuss procedure. Accordingly, this study aims to demonstrate the influence of these joints by comparing the clinical data with the finite element analysis data. Scenarios were set by classifying the movement of the joints based on the constraints of translation and rotation in the coordinate plane. The analyses were performed by applying the set scenarios to the constructed finite element model of a chest wall. The sternal displacement, Haller index, and equivalent stress were obtained from the analysis, and the data were compared with the data of the postoperative patient. When the translation of the anterior direction on the chest wall was constrained, the result obtained thereof was found to be similar to those obtained in the actual surgery. It is suggested that more accurate results can be obtained if the influence of the sternoclavicular joints is considered.

Effect of Early Tracheostomy on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Prolonged Acute Mechanical Ventilation: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of early tracheostomy on clinical outcomes in patients requiring prolonged acute mechanical ventilation (≥96 hours). METHODS: Data from 575 patients (69.4% male; median age, 68 years), hospitalized in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital March 2008-February 2017, were retrospectively evaluated. Early and late tracheostomy were designated as 2-10 days and >10 days after translaryngeal intubation, respectively. RESULTS: The 90-day cumulative mortality rate was 47.5% (n=273) and 258 patients (44.9%) underwent tracheostomy. In comparison with the late group (n=115), the early group (n=125) had lower 90-day mortality (31.2% vs. 47.8%, p=0.012), shorter stays in hospital and ICU, shorter ventilator length of stay (median, 43 vs. 54; 24 vs. 33; 23 vs. 28 days; all p<0.001), and a higher rate of transfer to secondary care hospitals with post-intensive care settings (67.2% vs. 43.5% p<0.001). Also, the total medical costs of the early group were lower during hospital stays than those of the late group (26,609 vs. 36,973 USD, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Early tracheostomy was associated with lower 90-day mortality, shorter ventilator length of stay and shorter lengths of stays in hospital and ICU, as well as lower hospital costs than late tracheostomy.

Aqueous-Soluble Naphthalene Diimide-Based Polymer Acceptors for Efficient and Air-Stable All-Polymer Solar Cells.

Aqueous-processed all-polymer solar cells (aq-APSCs) are reported for the first time by developing a series of water/ethanol-soluble naphthalenediimide (NDI)-based polymer acceptors [P(NDIDEG-T), P(NDITEG-T), and P(NDITEG-T2)]. Polymer acceptors are designed by using the backbones of NDI-bithiophene and NDI-thiophene in combination with nonionic hydrophilic oligoethylene glycol (OEG) side chains that facilitate processability in water/ethanol mixtures. All three polymers exhibit sufficient solubility (20-50 mg mL-1) in the aqueous medium. The P(NDIDEG-T) polymer with shorter OEG side chains is the most crystalline with the highest electron mobility, enabling the fabrication of efficient aq-APSCs with the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.15%. Furthermore, these aq-APSCs are fabricated under ambient atmosphere by taking advantage of the eco-friendly aqueous process and, importantly, the devices exhibit outstanding air-stability without any encapsulation, as evident by maintaining more than 90% of the initial PCE in the air after 4 days. According to a double cantilever beam test, the interfacial adhesion properties between the active layer and electron/hole transporting layers were remarkably improved by incorporating the hydrophilic OEG-attached photoactive layer, which hinders the delamination of the constituent layers and prevents the increase of series resistance, ultimately leading to enhanced durability under ambient conditions. The combination of increased device stability and minimal environmental impact of these aq-APSCs demonstrates them to be worthy candidates for continued development of scalable polymer solar cells.

Surface Plasmon Resonance Characteristics of Optical Fiber Incorporated with Au Nano-Particles in Cladding Region.

A novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on specialty optical fiber having its cladding doped with Au nano-particles (NPs) was developed by modified chemical vapor deposition process. To optimize the SPR absorption and sensitivity of the fiber SPR sensor, effect of the fiber length (20 cm-90 cm) on sensing capability of refractive index (n = 1.418-1.448) was investigated. Absorption peaks appearing at 392 and 790 nm were due to SPR from Au NPs in the cladding region of the optical fiber. The SPR was found to occur at particular wavelengths around 390 nm for the corresponding refractive indices regardless of the length of the fiber, increased with the increase of the index. The measured SPR sensitivities (wavelength/RIU) of the fiber were estimated to be 407 nm/RIU, 217 nm/RIU, and 54 nm/RIU with the fiber lengths of 20 cm, 45 cm, and 90 cm, respectively. The SPR absorption intensity and FWHM decreased with the increase of the fiber length because the propagation loss of the signal through the fiber cladding region increased.

Development of Germano-Silicate Optical Fiber Incorporated with Germanium Nanoparticles and Its Optical Characteristics.

The germano-silicate optical fiber incorporated with Ge nanoparticles with enhanced optical nonlinearity was developed by using modified chemical vapor deposition and drawing processes. A broad photoluminescence band obtained by pumping with the 404 nm superluminescent diode was found to appear from 540 nm to 1,000 nm. The non-resonant nonlinear refractive index, n2, of the fiber measured by the continuous wave self-phase modulation method was 4.95 x 10(-20) m2/W due to the incorporated Ge nanoparticles in the fiber core. The enhancement of the non-resonant optical non-linearity may be due to the creation of the NBOs and other defects from the incorporated Ge-NPs in the fiber core.

Stability and function of adult vasculature is sustained by Akt/Jagged1 signalling axis in endothelium.

The signalling pathways operational in quiescent, post-development vasculature remain enigmatic. Here we show that unlike neovascularization, endothelial Akt signalling in established vasculature is crucial not for endothelial cell (EC) survival, but for sustained interactions with pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) regulating vascular stability and function. Inducible endothelial-specific Akt1 deletion in adult global Akt2KO mice triggers progressive VSMC apoptosis. In hearts, this causes a loss of arteries and arterioles and, despite a high capillary density, diminished vascular patency and severe cardiac dysfunction. Similarly, endothelial Akt deletion induces retinal VSMC loss and basement membrane deterioration resulting in vascular regression and retinal atrophy. Mechanistically, the Akt/mTOR axis controls endothelial Jagged1 expression and, thereby, Notch signalling regulating VSMC maintenance. Jagged1 peptide treatment of Akt1ΔEC;Akt2KO mice and Jagged1 re-expression in Akt-deficient endothelium restores VSMC coverage. Thus, sustained endothelial Akt1/2 signalling is critical in maintaining vascular stability and homeostasis, thereby preserving tissue and organ function.

Gamma-ray radiation response at 1550 nm of fluorine-doped radiation hard single-mode optical fiber.

We have investigated gamma-ray radiation response at 1550 nm of fluorine-doped radiation hard single-mode optical fiber. Radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) of the optical fiber was measured under intermittent gamma-ray irradiations with dose rate of ~10 kGy/h. No radiation hardening effect on the RIA by the gamma-ray pre-dose was found when the exposed fiber was bleached for long periods of time (27~47 days) at room-temperature. Photo-bleaching scheme upon 980 nm LD pumping has proven to be an effective deterrent to the RIA, particularly by suppressing the incipient RIA due to room-temperature unstable self-trapped hole defects (STHs). Large temperature dependence of the RIA of the optical fiber together with the photo-bleaching effect are worthy of note for reinforcing its radiation hard characteristics.

A Regulatory T-Cell Gene Signature Is a Specific and Sensitive Biomarker to Identify Children With New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing ß-cells. Insufficient control of autoreactive T cells by regulatory T cells (Tregs) is believed to contribute to disease pathogenesis, but changes in Treg function are difficult to quantify because of the lack of Treg-exclusive markers in humans and the complexity of functional experiments. We established a new way to track Tregs by using a gene signature that discriminates between Tregs and conventional T cells regardless of their activation states. The resulting 31-gene panel was validated with the NanoString nCounter platform and then measured in sorted CD4(+)CD25(hi)CD127(lo) Tregs from children with T1D and age-matched control subjects. By using biomarker discovery analysis, we found that expression of a combination of six genes, including TNFRSF1B (CD120b) and FOXP3, was significantly different between Tregs from subjects with new-onset T1D and control subjects, resulting in a sensitive (mean ± SD 0.86 ± 0.14) and specific (0.78 ± 0.18) biomarker algorithm. Thus, although the proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood is similar between children with T1D and control subjects, significant changes in gene expression can be detected early in disease process. These findings provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying the failure to control autoimmunity in T1D and might lead to a biomarker test to monitor Tregs throughout disease progression.

Near-Field Sound Localization Based on the Small Profile Monaural Structure.

The acoustic wave around a sound source in the near-field area presents unconventional properties in the temporal, spectral, and spatial domains due to the propagation mechanism. This paper investigates a near-field sound localizer in a small profile structure with a single microphone. The asymmetric structure around the microphone provides a distinctive spectral variation that can be recognized by the dedicated algorithm for directional localization. The physical structure consists of ten pipes of different lengths in a vertical fashion and rectangular wings positioned between the pipes in radial directions. The sound from an individual direction travels through the nearest open pipe, which generates the particular fundamental frequency according to the acoustic resonance. The Cepstral parameter is modified to evaluate the fundamental frequency. Once the system estimates the fundamental frequency of the received signal, the length of arrival and angle of arrival (AoA) are derived by the designed model. From an azimuthal distance of 3-15 cm from the outer body of the pipes, the extensive acoustic experiments with a 3D-printed structure show that the direct and side directions deliver average hit rates of 89% and 73%, respectively. The closer positions to the system demonstrate higher accuracy, and the overall hit rate performance is 78% up to 15 cm away from the structure body.