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Cell migration has been recognized as one hallmark of malignant tumor progression. By integrating the method of electrical cell–substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) with the Boyden chamber design, the state-of-the-art techniques provide kinetic information about cell migration and invasion processes in three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrixes. However, the information related to the initial stage of cell migration with single-cell resolution, which plays a unique role in the metastasis–invasion cascade of cancer, is not yet available. In this paper, we present a microfluidic device integrated with ECIS for investigating single cancer cell migration in 3D matrixes. Using microfluidics techniques without the requirement of physical connections to off-chip pneumatics, the proposed sensor chip can efficiently capture single cells on microelectrode arrays for sequential on-chip 2D or 3D cell culture and impedance measurement. An on-chip single-cell migration assay was successfully demonstrated within several minutes. Migration of single metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells in their initial stage can be monitored in real time; it shows a rapid change in impedance magnitude of approximately 10 Ω/s, whereas no prominent impedance change is observed for less-metastasis MCF-7 cells. The proposed sensor chip, allowing for a rapid and selective detection of the migratory properties of cancer cells at the single-cell level, could be applied as a new tool for cancer research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymolipoma is a very rare anterior mediastinal mass of thymic origin, accounting for only 2% to 10% of all thymic neoplasm. Histologically, the tumor is usually composed of adipose tissue interspersed with thymic tissues. We report a case of a 58-year-old man who presented with a few weeks history of shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain, found to have a retrocardiac infiltrate on chest X-ray. Computed tomography scan of the chest showed a large anterior mediastinal mass. Surgical excision revealed an ovoid fatty mass, which on histological examination displayed thymic tissue intermixed with lipomatous tissue consistent with a thymolipoma. Of note was the presence of a microscopic nodule of thymic epithelial proliferation with sebaceous differentiation and focal cylindroma-like architecture. Although sebaceous tissue has been rarely reported in thymic tissue, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of sebaceous differentiation in a thymolipoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been significant effort and a growing need to develop innovative and costeffective solutions for real-time monitoring and operation of value chains and supply chains, especially to enhance the predictability and optimisation of complex production systems for a better adaptation to disruptions and market fluctuations as well as improved sustainability. This is particularly important when taking into account the impacts and emerging advancements of smart agriculture, smart manufacturing, Digital Twins, and Industry 5.0, where data-driven solutions and AI-enabled decision-making play an important role for improving real-time monitoring, quality control and management, and operational efficiency. This study presents a conceptual framework for integrating Digital Twins into a smart agriculture platform, focusing on the real-time monitoring and operation of the coffee value chain and supply chain, to demonstrate the potential of Digital Twins in advancing smart agriculture and digital supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]