Tailored three-color quantum dots nanobeads for multiplexed detection with tunable detection range and multilevel sensitivity of signal-amplified immunosensor.

The excellent optical properties of quantum dots (QDs) make them as an ideal fluorescent probe for multiplexed detection, however, the interference between different emission spectra, the dependence of excitation wavelengths, and the sharp decrease of quantum yield (QY) during surface modification are issues that cannot be ignored. Herein, a dual protection scheme of polymer and silica was proposed to prepare high-quality three-color QDs nanobeads using QDs with different ligands. In comparison with single-core QDs, the fluorescence signal of the prepared QD nanobeads (QBs) is increased by more than 1,000 times and has better stability. Considering the excitation efficiency of QDs, we tailor three-color QBs as fluorescent probes based on fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assays (tQBs-FLISA) to detect multiple inflammatory biomarkers simultaneously with tunable detection ranges. This resulted in highly sensitive detection of three inflammatory biomarkers in comparison to the single-core QD-FLISA, the sensitivities of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and procalcitonin (PCT) were increased by 16-fold, 19-fold, and 5-fold, respectively, to 0.48 ng/mL, 0.42 ng/mL, and 10 pg/mL. Furthermore, the tQBs-FLISA showed good accuracy without interference from common serum factors. In this strategy, a three-color QBs suitable for multilevel sensitivity and tunable detection range was tailored using the versatile polymer and silica dual protection method, building high-performance immunosensor for in vitro diagnostics (IVD).

Highly Sensitive Carbon Monoxide Sensor Element with Wide-Range Humidity Resistance by Loading Pd Nanoparticles on SnO2 Surface.

To develop a highly sensitive carbon monoxide (CO) sensor with a wide range of humidity resistance, we focused on the Pd loading method on SnO2 nanoparticles and the thickness of the sensing layer. The Pd nanoparticles were loaded on the SnO2 surface using the surface immobilization method (SI-Pd/SnO2) and the colloidal protection method (CP-Pd/SnO2). The XPS analysis indicated that the Pd nanoparticles were a composite of PdO and Pd, regardless of the loading method. According to the evaluation of the electrical properties at 350 °C, the CO response in a humid atmosphere and the resistance toward humidity change using CP-Pd/SnO2 were higher than those using SI-Pd/SnO2, even though the Pd loading amount of SI-Pd/SnO2 was slightly larger than that of CP-Pd/SnO2. In addition, Pd/SnO2 prepared via the CP method with a thinner sensing layer showed a higher sensor response and greater stability to humidity changes at 300 °C, even though the humidity change influenced the CO response at 250 and 350 °C. Thus, the overall design of the surface Pd, including size, dispersity, and oxidation state, and the sensor fabrication, that is, the thickness of the sensing layer, offer a high-performance semiconductor-type CO gas sensor with a wide range of humidity resistance.

Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting for Occlusive Diseases.

Stenting for carotid artery stenosis (CAS) was once denied 15 years ago because it failed to prove the non-inferiority to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, it is now reevaluated and is thought better due to higher safety and efficacy thanks to the development of devices, strategies, and various protection methods. To achieve the safe CAS, protection methods and stents should be properly selected based on the vessel course and plaque components on the preoperative plaque images. Particularly multiple protection methods including proximal balloon protection and double-layer micromesh stents are useful for the cases with high-risk and fragile plaque. Perioperative anti-platelet management and the control of blood pressure are also important to avoid the ischemic complications and hyperperfusion. Properly protected and tailored CAS based on the risk management has dramatically improved the clinical results and contributed to extend the indication for more difficult lesions.

Radiation safety analysis of emergency repair personnel in the reactor cabin under the natural circulation condition of the reactor / 中国辐射卫生

Objective Radiation safety of emergency repair personnel in the reactor cabin under the natural circulation condition of the reactor is studied, the radiation protection method of emergency repair personnel in the reactor cabin is described, which provides a theoretical reference for personnel radiation protection and emergency repair time control. Methods The radiation was simulated by the Monte Carlo method for emergency repair personnel in the reactor cabin under the natural circulation condition of the reactor, and the radiation was also analyzed with the radiation data measured by experiments in the reactor cabin under the natural circulation condition of the reactor. Results The neutron dose of external irradiation about reactor simulated computation was 140 μSv/h, and gamma radiation dose rate was 48 μSv/h. By experiment and calculation, the effective dose received by emergency repair personnel in the 30-minutein the reactor cabin was 2.2 mSv. Conclusions Under the natural circulation condition of the reactor, the gamma radiation is harmful to emergency repair personnel, but the focus of protection is different locations for maintenance. It's safe for emergency personnel to repair the reactor in 30 minutes in turn, wearing the respirators.

Magnetic-Responsive Janus Nanosheets with Catalytic Properties.

In this article, we describe a method to fabricate magnetic-responsive Janus nanosheets with catalytic properties via the surface protection method. Fe3O4 nanoparticles and PW12O403--based ionic liquid are located on the two opposite sides of the Janus nanosheets, respectively. The Janus nanosheets are characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and ζ-potential analyses. They are used as recyclable catalysts to the esterification reaction of methanol and oleic acid for their magnetic-responsive and catalytic properties. The esterification ratio is up to 80% and there is nearly no change when Fe3O4 nanoparticles/PW12O403--based ionic liquid composite nanosheets were recycled four times.

A protective method to reduce radiation exposure to the surgeon during endoscopic lumbar spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic lumbar spine surgery is a minimally invasive technique that requires intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging. Fluoroscopy is a source of ionizing radiation, and exposure of the surgeon to this radiation has a risk for radiation-induced morbidities. To reduce this radiation exposure, we developed a protective method that can be used during endoscopic lumbar spine surgery. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of this method. METHODS: A prospective interventional study was performed, in which the primary outcome was radiation exposure to the surgeon [Sievert (Sv)] per case. This was measured using a radiation badge at the levels of the neck, chest, and abdomen on the surface of a protector for the surgeon in 18 endoscopic lumbar spine surgeries, including 9 each with the radiation protection method and the conventional method. Data were also collected for age, gender, body mass index, operative side, and total fluoroscopy time. Primary outcomes were compared in cases that used the radiation protection method and the conventional method. RESULTS: The mean radiation exposures to the surgeon at the neck, chest, and abdomen were 1.0, 0.8 and 0.7 µSv, respectively, using the radiation protection method, and 3.2, 10.8, and 10.2 µSv, respectively, using the conventional method. The differences in exposure at all three points were significant (P=0.013, P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results show the effectiveness of the radiation protection method developed to reduce exposure of the surgeon to radiation during endoscopic lumbar spine surgery.

Fast Synthesis of Thiolated Au25 Nanoclusters via Protection-Deprotection Method.

This letter reports a new synthesis strategy for atomically precise Au nanoclusters (NCs) by using a protection-deprotection method. The key in our synthesis strategy is to introduce a surfactant molecule to protect thiolate-Au(I) complexes during their reduction. The protecting layer provides a good steric hindrance and controls the formation rate of thiolated Au NCs, which leads to the direct formation of atomically precise Au NCs inside the protecting layer. The protecting layer was then removed from the surface of thiolated Au NCs to bring back the original functional groups on the NCs. The protection-deprotection method is simple and facile and can synthesize high-purity thiolated Au25 NCs within 10 min. Our synthesis protocol is fairly generic and can be easily extended to prepare Au25 NCs protected by other thiolate ligands.

The Effective Reduction Method of Unstable Zygomatic Arch Fracture with Thermo-Splint

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to propose an effective management of unstable zygomatic arch fracture. The reduction methods of arch fracture were relatively simple but the maintenance of reduction state is very troublesome. On this, authors introduce an effective management method of unstable zygomatic arch fracture. METHODS: Authors experienced 23 cases of unstable segmental zygomatic arch fractures and used Thermo- splint in all cases. All the arch fractures were reduced through Gillies' approach under the general anesthesia. After the reduction, the most effective suspension points were marked on the covering skin of the fractured arch. A needle of heavy nonabsorbable suture material was inserted toward the marking site under the reduced zygomatic arch. And then Therm-splint was dipped in the hot water, and we got the splint pattern of patient face. Reshaped Thermo-splint was trimmed and fixated with previous suspension suture materials. More additive suspension was done if necessary. The splint was applied for in two to three weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: In all the cases, good cosmetic and functional results were observed without severe complications. There were 4 cases of incomplete reductions but they also had no specific problems. There were no facial nerve symptom and scar(stitch mark). Postoperative slight tenderness and trismus were completely subsided after removal of the splint. CONCLUSION: The Thermo-splint safely protect and maintain the postoperative reduction state. The application, maintenance and removal were easy and simple. It could be reformed to any contour of face and had enough rigidity for supporting. Above all these things, effective prevention of displacement and easy manipulation were significant merit. Authors experienced good results with Thermo-splint, and would introduce it for another method of management of zygomatic arch fracture.