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Facial palsy (FP) profoundly influences interpersonal communication and emotional expression, necessitating precise diagnostic and monitoring tools for optimal care. However, current electromyography (EMG) systems are limited by their bulky nature, complex setups, and dependence on skilled technicians. Here we report an innovative biosensing approach that utilizes a PEDOT:PSS-modified flexible microneedle electrode array (P-FMNEA) to overcome the limitations of existing EMG devices. Supple system-level mechanics ensure excellent conformality to the facial curvilinear regions, enabling the detection of targeted muscular ensemble movements for facial paralysis assessment. Moreover, our apparatus adeptly captures each electrical impulse in response to real-time direct nerve stimulation during neurosurgical procedures. The wireless conveyance of EMG signals to medical facilities via a server augments access to patient follow-up evaluation data, fostering prompt treatment suggestions and enabling the access of multiple facial EMG datasets during typical 6-month follow-ups. Furthermore, the device's soft mechanics alleviate issues of spatial intricacy, diminish pain, and minimize soft tissue hematomas associated with traditional needle electrode positioning. This groundbreaking biosensing strategy has the potential to transform FP management by providing an efficient, user-friendly, and less invasive alternative to the prevailing EMG devices. This pioneering technology enables more informed decision-making in FP-management and therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights : Polyimide-based flexible microneedle array (PI-MNA) electrodes realize high electrical/mechanical performance and are compatible with wearable wireless recording systems. The normalized electrode–skin interface impedance (EII) of the PI-MNA electrodes reaches 0.98 kΩ cm2 at 1 kHz and 1.50 kΩ cm2 at 10 Hz, approximately 1/250 of clinical standard electrodes. This is the first report on the clinical study of microneedle electrodes. The PI-MNA electrodes are applied to clinical long-term continuous monitoring for polysomnography. Microneedle array (MNA) electrodes are an effective solution to achieve high-quality surface biopotential recording without the coordination of conductive gel and are thus very suitable for long-term wearable applications. Existing schemes are limited by flexibility, biosafety, and manufacturing costs, which create large barriers for wider applications. Here, we present a novel flexible MNA electrode that can simultaneously achieve flexibility of the substrate to fit a curved body surface, robustness of microneedles to penetrate the skin without fracture, and a simplified process to allow mass production. The compatibility with wearable wireless systems and the short preparation time of the electrodes significantly improves the comfort and convenience of electrophysiological recording. The normalized electrode–skin contact impedance reaches 0.98 kΩ cm2 at 1 kHz and 1.50 kΩ cm2 at 10 Hz, a record low value compared to previous reports and approximately 1/250 of the standard electrodes. The morphology, biosafety, and electrical/mechanical properties are fully characterized, and wearable recordings with a high signal-to-noise ratio and low motion artifacts are realized. The first reported clinical study of microneedle electrodes for surface electrophysiological monitoring was conducted in tens of healthy and sleep-disordered subjects with 44 nights of recording (over 8 h per night), providing substantial evidence that the electrodes can be leveraged to substitute for clinical standard electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground coal mining destroys overlying strata, and phreatic aquifer above the panel is destabilized, causing phreatic water level (PWL) variation. On-site monitoring of the PWL variation throughout the mining period is of great significance to the management and conservation of groundwater resources in arid and semiarid mining areas. The research on the decline of the PWL when phreatic aquifer leakage is concentrated, but there is little research on the fluctuation characteristics of PWL under the condition of phreatic aquifer without leakage. Therefore, using the #108 coalface in the Jinjitan colliery of the Yushenfu mining area as a case study to carry out the research on PWL fluctuation induced by underground coal mining. First, phreatic water without leakage throughout the coal mining period in the #108 coalface was determined. Second, considering surface subsidence induced by mining activities and PWL in fluviograph comprehensively, true PWL fluctuation characteristics were analyzed throughout the whole coal seam mining period. It is concluded that the buried depth of PWL presented a trend of "decreasing sharply—increasing sharply—decreasing slowly—increasing slowly—becoming stable" in the monitoring period of 1 year. Furthermore, a well flow model was established to simulate the PWL variation process before and after coal mining and to predict the PWL recovery time after coal mining. On these bases, the error analysis of the measured and predicted PWL recovery time, the relationship between the PWL fluctuation and the residual aquiclude thickness, the impact of rainfall on PWL recovery, the response of surface vegetation eco-environment, and phreatic water resources management and conservation were discussed. These research results are important for achieving a win–win situation strategy that balances the exploitation of coal resources and the conservation of phreatic water resources, promoting the sustainable development of coal mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report a simple synthesis of multiple Au nanodots core-silica shell nanoparticles (multi-Au@SiO NPs). The Au@SiO hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized in a water-in-oil microemulsion with a composition of polyoxyethylene(10) tertoctylphenyl ether (Triton X-100)/1-hexanol/cyclohexane/HO and have been fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM) observations, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-vis measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphologies of the hybrid nanoparticles of Au@SiO can be easily tuned by the molar ratio of HAuCl to NaBH and the volume ratio of HAuCl aqueous solution to TEOS. As the morphologies of Au@SiO nanoparticles varied, the optical properties also changed as revealed by UV absorption spectrum. These Au@SiO hybrid nanoparticles which possess these properties make them fascinating candidates for a variety of applications such as catalysis and life science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]