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To realize the detection of pesticide, this study developed a paper-based chip involving a 2D to 3D flow channel and automatic time delay for detecting pesticides. The time delay was controlled by different pullulan concentrations. The 3D channel was fabricated by hot embossing (optimized printing parameters were 28 kg at 80°C, and Advantec No. 1 filter paper was used) and transfer printing the hydrophobic material into the paper. Finally, the limit of the detected concentration of the pesticide was 4 ng/mL, which was achieved using 250 U/mL of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and 2.5% pullulan solution.

Background Theta burst stimulation is a type of pattern-specific repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation that requires less stimulation time and lower intensity to induce long-lasting effects comparable to those of other repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols. This pilot study investigated whether continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) on the primary motor cortex reduced headache frequency in patients with migraine. Methods Nine patients with migraine were recruited into our study. All patients received 20 cTBS sessions (bursts of 3 50-Hz TMS pulses at 200-ms intervals for 40 seconds), administered every weekday for 4 consecutive weeks. All patients kept headache diaries for 4 weeks before stimulation (baseline; T1), during stimulation (T2), and 4 weeks after stimulation (T3). The primary outcome measures were the changes of total headache and migraine days from baseline (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; T2 and T3 vs. T1). Results The number of total headache days was reduced at T2 and T3 compared with T1 [9.4 ± 6.2 days ( p = 0.024) and 8.7 ± 10.1 days ( p = 0.012) vs. 13.4 ± 10.1 days]. The number of migraine days was also reduced at T2 and T3 compared with T1 [2.9 ± 2.7 days ( p = 0.021) and 1.0 ± 1.6 days ( p = 0.008) vs. 8.6 ± 8.7 days]. Conclusion Our results indicate that cTBS on the primary motor cortex might reduce the number of total headache and migraine days in patients with migraine. However, large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to further validate the findings.

Background Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are involved in the development of spinal pain sensitization. The GlyRα3 subunit has recently emerged as a key factor in inflammatory pain pathways in the spinal cord dorsal horn (DH). Our study is to identify the extent of location and cell types expressing different GlyR subunits in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRGs). To tease out the possible actions of GlyRs on pain transmission, we investigate the effects produced by GlyRs on acute inflammatory pain by behavioral testing using prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) intrathecal injection models. Furthermore, we investigate the changes of GlyR expression in DRGs and spinal cord in rats after the induction of acute inflammatory pain. Results Compared to the vehicle administration, the PGE2 intrathecal injection model produced significantly higher hyperalgesia, which started 3 h after PGE2 injection and lasted more than 5 h. PGE2 intrathecal injection significantly decreased GlyRα1 and GlyRα3 protein expressions in the L5 DH at 1 h and lasted to 5 h, and similar results were observed in the L5 DRG at 5 h. Confocal microscopic images showed the co-existence of punctate gephyrin and GlyRα3 immunoreactivity (IR) throughout the gray matter of the spinal cord, mainly in DH laminae I–III neurons and in ventral horn neurons. It also showed the co-existence of punctate gephyrin and GlyRα3 IR in DRG neurons. Conclusions In this study, PGE2 intrathecal injection significantly decreased protein expression of gephyrin, GlyRα1 and GlyRα3 in spinal cord DH and DRG. The gephyrin and GlyRα3 were localized on neuron cells both in the DH and DRG. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12868-018-0470-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A novel silicon strip detector has been developed that has the necessary properties to provide two-dimensional position sensitivity with a moderate number of readouts and single-sided detector fabrication process. The concept is based on segmented pixel electrodes arranged in a projective X-Y readouts, it combines the 2-D position resolution of pixel electrode geometry with the simplicity of the projective readout of a double-sided strip detector. And also with proper segmentation of strip electrodes, the multi-hits induced ghost image problem can be resolved.

A novel silicon p-i-n diodes for detecting backscattering electrons in SEM was proposed and fabricated. The multi-annular configuration enables to provide better surface topography contrast of BSE image compared with traditional quadratic configuration. In this study, the multi-annular backscattered electron detector (BSED) can provide surface topography contrast of 82.11 nA/μm, which is 105% increase as compared with commercial BSED. Besides, the multi-annular detector has lower threshold detective energy of 1.28 keV and wide detective dynamic range (up to 30 keV). It is demonstrated that the multi-annular BSE detector is well suited for imaging in SEM system.

By integrating a planar waveguide and scattering phenomenon generated by electrostatically actuating a transparent polymer thin film, a display chip capable of being cleared and re-displayed was developed using micro fabrication technology. In the design of the display chip, a freestanding transparent PDMS/ITO conductive composite membrane is sustained by SU-8 spacers above a glass substrate which acts as a light waveguide, and electrostatic force is used to carry out the deflection of the PDMS/ITO composite membrane. When electrostatic force is applied, the PDMS/ITO composite membrane deflects and comes into contact with the glass substrate, causing light to leak out of the waveguide, due to which the critical angle of the total internal reflection of the glass waveguide changes. On switching off the electric potential, the PDMS/ITO membrane returns to its initial state so that light cannot leak out, and a dark spot is formed. Thus, micro-optical switching can be performed by this mechanism. In this display chip an aluminum layer was applied as an adhesive layer between the SU-8 spacers and the glass waveguide, which prevented the leakage of light. The experimental results show that a waveguide with an electrode length of 250 µm (sub-pixel length), a micro-post height of 23 µm and a PDMS film thickness of 8 µm require an actuator voltage of 149 V to operate in a pull-in mode. The optical testing results successfully demonstrate the functionality and the ability to light up multiple pixels of an electrostatic actuating display (EAD) device. Therefore, the EAD device has great potential for the development of low cost dual displays.

Objectives Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a bacterial pathogen associated with health-care associated infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Members of the fluoroquinolone drug class are frequently used to treat S. maltophilia infection; however, S. maltophilia resistance to fluoroquinolones, especially levofloxacin, has been increasing. Methods We sought to identify risk factors associated with levofloxacin resistance using a case-control study. We examined sputum from 76 S. maltophilia -positive patients admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Case groups were defined as patients who had S. maltophilia infections resistant to levofloxacin, and control groups were defined as patients who had S. maltophilia infections susceptible to levofloxacin treatment. Patient information including demographics, previous antibiotic use, and other traits were recorded. In addition, S. maltophilia isolates from patient sputum were assessed for antibiotic resistance as well as for the presence of genes associated with drug resistance. Results Previous antibiotic treatment with first- or second-generation cephalosporin was found more often in the levofloxacin-susceptible group; by contrast, previous piperacillin/tazobactam treatment occurred more often in the levofloxacin-resistant group. Three genes associated with drug resistance, including Sme A, Sme D, and Spg M were not significantly different between these groups. Conclusion Piperacillin/tazobactam treatment is associated with subsequent isolation of levofloxacin-resistant S. maltophilia from the respiratory tract.

Background Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome in rare cases. Here we report a patient in whom PRES was the presenting manifestation of Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis. Case presentation A 75-year-old woman presented with acute onset of hypertension, headache, blurred vision, and left eyelid drooping. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed characteristic PRES lesions involving the parietal and occipital lobes bilaterally. On the 6th day after symptom onset, the patient developed complete ptosis and external ophthalmoplegia of both eyes, progressive ataxia, and bilateral lower limb weakness. Cerebrospinal fluid analyses revealed albuminocytological dissociation (protein: 66.6 mg/dL, WBC: 0/μl), and nerve conduction studies showed demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy. The patient developed somnolence and a left extensor plantar response on the 8th day. A diagnosis of Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis was made. Treatment with plasmapheresis led to a rapid improvement of clinical symptoms. To date, only five similar cases have been reported, but this is the only case in which PRES developed prior to treatment. Conclusions PRES can be a comorbid condition with Bickerstaff’s brainstem encephalitis, either preceding or following treatment; caution should be used in patients with either syndrome who exhibit atypical presentations.

Background Estradiol plays an important role in the regulation of collagen metabolism. Deficiency of estradiol has been reported to be associated with the degeneration of many connective tissues. However, the association of estradiol and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum was seldom explored. Therefore, we studied the effects of estradiol on cultured cells from the ligamentum flavum. Methods Primary cultures of human ligamentum flavum cells obtained from surgical specimens of 14 patients undergoing spinal surgery were used to investigate the effect of estradiol on cell proliferation and the expression of collagen, elastin, and matrix metalloproteinases. Downstream pathways of estrogen receptor underlying the regulation of metalloproteinases were also investigated. Results In our study, we revealed the existence of estrogen receptors on both female and male ligamentum flavum cells with a gender difference. 17β-estradiol increased early (24 hours) proliferation of ligamentum flavum cells in a dose dependent manner and the effect could not be seen when the cell density increased. Estradiol with a concentration of 10-9 M decreased collagen levels and increased the expression of MMP-13. Adding an antagonist of PI3K downstream pathway could reverse the expression of MMP-13 caused by estradiol. Conclusions The results implied estradiol regulated the expression of MMP-13 via PI3K pathway and contributed to the homeostasis of extracellular matrix in the ligamentum flavum.