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Objectives Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of the fatty acid oxidative metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, the spectrum of variation, clinical phenotype, and prognosis of MCADD in Chinese newborns. Methods We retrospectively analysed newborn screening (NBS) data in the Zibo area from January 2016 to March 2022 and summarized 42 cases recently reported in Chinese neonates. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to detect the concentrations of carnitine in the blood spots and for diagnosis. Results A total of 183,082 newborns were detected, and six patients were diagnosed with MCADD (1/3,0514). The primary octanoylcarnitine (C8) and the octanoylcarnitine/decanoylcarnitine ratio (C8/C10) were elevated in all patients. Gene analysis revealed four known and four novel variants of the ACADM gene. Five patients were asymptomatic and developed normally under dietary guidance. One child died of vaccination-induced MCADD, presenting with hypoglycemia and elevated acylcarnitines. Conclusions The incidence of MCADD in Chinese newborns varies geographically from 1/222,903 to 1/30,514, and the most common pathogenic variant is c.449_452 del CTGA (p. T150Rfs∗4) in ACADM gene with a frequency of 27.7%. HPLC-MS/MS and genetic analysis are beneficial for early prevention and good prognosis of MCADD.

This study focuses on spina bifida, which is a high incidence among the current clinical manifestations of human birth defects. Because in the treatment of bone defects, the source of autologous bone is limited and it is easy to cause secondary injury to the patient. At the same time, since the bone tissue in animals needs to perform a variety of biological functions, its complex structure cannot be replaced by a single material. Therefore, in this study, we used Japanese white rabbits to establish an animal model similar to human congenital spina bifida. The established animal model is used to screen the best regenerative repair products for the treatment of congenital spondylolisthesis defects, and to evaluate the safety of regenerative repair products. The results show that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 combined with collagen material has a better regeneration effect than collagen material alone, and it did not negatively affect the health of animals. This study is not only suitable for the screening of large-scale biomaterials, accelerating the research progress of regenerative repair products, but also conducive to the research on the mechanism of regeneration and repair of various materials.

Background: Most materials used clinically for filling severe bone defects either cannot induce bone re-generation or exhibit low bone conversion, therefore, their therapeutic effects are limited. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) exhibit good osteoinduction. However, the mechanism by which combining a heterogeneous bone collagen matrix with hUC-MSCs to repair the bone defects of alveolar process clefts remains unclear.Methods: A rabbit alveolar process cleft model was established by removing the bone tissue from the left maxillary bone. 48 young Japanese white rabbits (JWRs) were divided into normal, control, material and MSCs groups. An equal volume of a bone collagen matrix alone or combined with hUC-MSCs was implanted in the defect. X-ray, micro-focus computed tomography (micro-CT), blood analysis, histochemical staining and TUNEL were used to detect the newly formed bone in the defect area at 3 and 6 months after the surgery. Results: The bone formation rate obtained from the skull tissue in MSCs group was significantly higher than that in control group at 3 months (PPPPConclusions: Combining bone collagen matrix with hUC-MSCs promoted the new bone regeneration in the rabbit alveolar process cleft model through promoting osteoblasts formations and chondrocyte growth, and inducing type 1 collagen formation and BMP-2 generation.

Endometrial injury can cause intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and induce the formation of endometrial fibrosis, leading to infertility and miscarriage. At present, there is no effective treatment method for severe IUA and uterine basal injury with adhesion area larger than one-third of the uterus. In this study, we prepared FGF1 silk sericin hydrogel material (FGF1-SS hydrogel) to treat endometrial injury and prevent endometrial fibrosis. Compared with the silk sericin hydrogel material (WT-SS hydrogel), FGF1-SS hydrogel significantly promotes the cell migration and infiltration ability of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). More importantly, FGF1-SS hydrogel can release FGF1 stably for a long time and inhibit the ESCs injury model forms fibrosis through the TGF-β/Smad pathway. In the IUA rat model, FGF1-SS hydrogel treatment effectively restored the number of uterine glands and uterine wall thickness in rats, with a fertility rate of 65.1% ± 6.4%. The results show that FGF1-SS hydrogel is expected to be a candidate to prevent IUA.

Objective: A model of alveolar cleft phenotype was established in rabbits to evaluate the effect of active bone particles containing modified rhecombinant human BMP-2 on the repair of the alveolar cleft. Methods: 2-month-old Japanese white rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups: normal, control, material and BMP groups. Blood biochemical analysis, skull tomography (microfocus computerized tomography), and histological and immunohistochemical staining analysis of paraffin sections were performed 3 and 6 months after operation. Results: Both types of collagen particles showed good biocompatibility and promoted bone regeneration. The effect of active bone particles on bone repair and regeneration was better than that of bone collagen particles. Conclusions: Active bone particles containing modified rhecombinant human BMP-2 can be used for incisors regeneration.

Recent clinical trials of lung adenocarcinoma with immune checkpoint inhibitors revealed that lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations have a poor response to immunotherapy. However, the mechanisms have not been addressed. We performed immunohistochemistry analyses of resected lung adenocarcinoma tissues with and without EGFR mutations to investigate and compare the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME). We retrospectively enrolled a total of 323 lung adenocarcinoma patients (164 had EGFR mutations), and their corresponding tissue samples were analyzed by the EGFR mutation test and immunohistochemistry. We selected the markers of the immune checkpoint molecule (PD1, PD-L1, and LAG-3) and immune cell (CD3, CD4, CD8, and Foxp3) as markers of the tumor microenvironment. Our results revealed that patients had a distinct tumor microenvironment between EGFR-mutant and wild-type lung adenocarcinomas; the expression of CD3, CD4, PD-L1, and Foxp3 in EGFR-mutant tumors was significantly higher than that in wild-type tumors, while the expression of LAG3 and PD-1 showed a positive correlation with EGFR-wild-type tumors. In survival analysis, EGFR-wild-type patients had longer disease-free survival (DFS) than EGFR-mutant patients ( P = 0.0065 ). Our research demonstrates significant differences in tumor microenvironment composition between EGFR-mutant and wild-type patients. Our findings provide novel evidence that contributes to understanding the mechanism underlying the poor efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Background The clinical application of most materials used to fill severe bone defects is limited owing to the insufficient ability of such materials to induce bone regeneration or the long repair period. The purpose of this study was to establish a model for the alveolar process cleft in rabbits to evaluate the effect of active bone material in bone defect repair. The active bone material used in this study is a new bone repair material composed of a heterogeneous collagen membrane implanted with modified recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2). This proposed active bone material can specifically bind to collagen. Methods Twenty-four young Japanese white rabbits (JWRs) were selected and randomly divided into four groups (normal, control, material and BMP groups). The alveolar process cleft model was established by removing an equal-volume bone at the left maxillary position. Blood samples were collected from the JWRs 3 and 6 months after the surgery to evaluate the biocompatibility of the active bone materials. Subsequently, the skull model was established, and the appearance was observed. Imaging methods (including X-ray examination and Micro-computerized tomography (CT) scanning), tissue engineering staining and immunohistochemistry were employed for the evaluation. Results The bone collagen material and active bone material exhibited high biocompatibility. In addition, the ability of the active bone material to induce bone repair and regeneration was higher than that of the bone collagen material. Conclusions The active bone material exhibited satisfactory bone regeneration performance in rabbits, indicating its potential as an active material for repairing congenital alveolar process clefts in humans.

Background: Alveolar cleft is a kind of cleft lip and palate, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. In this study, a similar model of human alveolar cleft phenotype was established in rabbits to evaluate the effect of bone collagen particles combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on the repair of alveolar cleft bone defects. Methods: In this study, 24 adult Japanese white rabbits (JWRs) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups. Including normal group, control group, materials group and MSCs group. The model of alveolar clefts was established by removing the incisors on the left side of the upper jaw. The normal group did nothing. In the control group, the incisors were removed and sutured directly. In the material group, the incisor were removed, then filled with bone collagen particles, and finally sutured. In the MSCs group, the incisors were first removed, then filled with bone collagen particles incubated by hUC-MSCs, and then stitched. Blood biochemical analysis was performed 3 months after the operation. Skull tissues were collected for gross observation, and micro-focus computerized tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Paraffin sections were prepared for histological and immunohistochemical staining. Results: The bone collagen particles and hUC-MSCs are not biotoxic and can promote alvenlus regeneration. Bone collagen particles combined with hUC-MSCs were much better than those used alone in inducing bone repair and regeneration. Conclusions: HUC-MSCs can be used as a bone generation inducer combined with bone collagen materials for bone regeneration and repair.

An integrated micro solenoid fluxgate sensor with a Co-based amorphous core is presented in this work based on the Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technologies. As the advantage of miniaturization, the micro fluxgate sensor is found to be operated under wide excitation frequency range of 100 kHz–1 MHz. Ultra-low frequency noise (

We report an innovative integrated microfluidic platform based on micro-fluxgate and micro-coils for trapping and detecting magnetic beads. A micro-spiral coil fabricated by microfabrication technology is used to trap the magnetic beads, and the micro-fluxgate is employed to detect the weak magnetic field induced by the trapped magnetic beads. The fabrication process of the magnetic bead trapping system using a micro-coil is highly compatible with that of the micro-fluxgate sensor, making fabrication of this integrated microfluidic system convenient and efficient. It is observed that the magnetic bead trapping ratio increases as the number of magnetic beads is increased with a flow rate of 5 to 16.5 μL·min−1. Samples spiked with different concentrations of magnetic beads can be distinguished clearly using the micro-fluxgate sensor in this microfluidic system. In this study, the results demonstrate that the microfluidic system traps and detects magnetic beads efficiently and is a promising candidate for biomarker capture and detection.

Herein we report a new separable detection system combining magnetic nanoparticle labels with giant magnetoresistance (GMR) first time developed for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157H:H7 detection. The GMR sensor fabricated employing standard microfabrication technique, while double antibody sandwich immunoassay and streptavidin–biotin binding assay were employed for immobilizing and labeling E. coli O157H:H7 on Au-film coated glass wafer. The GMR-based immunosensor detected E. coli O157H:H7 antigens at different sample concentrations with a minimum detectable limit of 100 CFU/mL, well accepted for early detection in clinical diagnosis and environmental monitoring. Compared with the recently reported GMR sensor based detection methods, this newly developed separable detection method possesses several advantages such as convenient manipulation, avoid being contaminated and damaged by chemical solution and reusability without cleaning. So it is of considerable interest towards the biomedical application based on known specific binding of target and labels.

In this paper, based on the sensitivity empirical formula, the microsolenoid fluxgate sensor is designed in reverse by making use of optimized parameters. The fabricated microsolenoid fluxgate sensor with a Co-based amorphous ribbon core presents a best sensitivity of 3587 V/T, a power consumption of 20.35 mW, and a linear range of 0–100 μT. The test results show that the sensitivity of the sensor is in good agreement with the theoretical expectation, with an error lower than 4%. The improvement of the core material makes a major contribution to the high sensitivity. The noise power density of the sensor is 0.14 nT/√Hz@1 Hz at the frequency of 100 kHz and the noise rms level is 2.2 nT in the frequency range of 0.1–10 Hz. Reverse design provides a simple and rapid way to optimize the performance of the existing fluxgate sensor for different applications.

We describe a micro fluxgate based device with rectangular magnetic core for the determination of prostate specific antigen (PSA) labeled with Dynabeads. A sandwich immunoassay was employed where PSA is captured on a gold film modified with a self-assembled monolayer of antibody. The secondary antibody is labeled with Dynabeads. By applying a DC magnetic fields in the range of 460 to 700 μT, PSA can be detected with detection limit as low as 0.1 ng mL−1. This micro fluxgate-based assay offers the advantages of miniaturization, simple and conveniently manipulation, re-usability and stability. In our perception, it offers a viable approach towards clinical determination of PSA or other biomarkers.

BACKGROUND Inflammation is considered as one of the main pathogeneses in OA-induced pain. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a well known pro-inflammatory cytokine. We aimed to determine whether MIF levels in serum and synovial fluid (SF) are associated with severity of OA-induced pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recruited 226 patients with knee OA and 106 controls. Self-reported pain severity of OA patients was evaluated using the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain scores. MIF levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS OA patients had similar serum MIF levels compared to controls (11.93 [5.68-18.10] vs. 10.06 [6.60-14.61] ng/ml, P>0.05). In OA patients, MIF levels in SF were dramatically lower compared to paired serum samples (3.39 [1.87-5.89] vs. 11.93 [5.68-18.10] ng/ml, P

We report on a method for ultrasensitive detection and quantification of the pathogen Escherichia coli (E. coli), type O157:H7. It is using a tortuous-shaped giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) sensor in combination with an open-surface microfluidic system coated with a gold film for performing the sandwich immunobinding on its surface. Streptavidin-coated super magnetic Dynabeads were loaded with biotinylated polyclonal antibody to capture E. coli O157:H7. The E. coli-loaded Dynabeads are then injected into the microfluidics system where it comes into contact with the surface of gold nanofilm carrying the monoclonal antibody to form the immunocomplex. As a result, the GMI ratio is strongly reduced at high frequencies if E. coli O157:H7 is present. The sensor has a linear response in the 50 to 500 cfu·mL−1 concentration range, and the detection limit is 50 cfu·mL−1 at a working frequency of 2.2 MHz. In our perception, this method provides a valuable tool for developing GMI-based microfluidic sensors systems for ultrasensitive and quantitative analysis of pathogenic bacteria. The method may also be extended to other sensing applications by employing respective immunoreagents.

Manipulation of cells or bio-targets is required in a variety of biological, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this paper, we present a novel magnetic separator for magnetic bead labeled-target sorting in microfluidic systems. This micro magnetic separator includes 3D micro copper coil, soft magnetic tips and FeNi wires. The magnetic tips and FeNi wires are first simulated and optimized by MagNet software to increase the magnetic force exerted on magnetic beads, and fabricated by microfabrication technology. The experiment results show the sorting ratio of the magnetic beads can be up to 92.5% with the current of 200 mA and the flow rate of 5 µL/min. The maximum sorting ratio can reach 78.4% for 100 CFU/mL E. coli O157:H7 sample with the current of 200 mA and the flow rate of 0.5 µL/min. On account of the miniaturization, high sorting efficiency, low excitation current, high level of detection automation and easy integration with micro magnetic sensor, this micro magnetic separation system can be a potential application in bio-target sorting and detecting.

Objective Cleft palate is one of the most common craniofacial birth defects in the maxillofacial region. There is an urgent need in tissue regeneration research to establish animal models that faithfully mimic human diseases. Here, we compared three surgical models of bone tissue defects in cleft palate in rabbits in order to screen for the biomaterials that induced optimal bone regeneration. Design Rabbits were used to establish the models of hard palate cleft, alveolar cleft, and alveolar process cleft. Eight weeks following surgery, bone tissue self-healing capacity was estimated by macroscopic appearance and calculating the area of defective bone tissue. The dimensions of the upper jaw in left and right sides were measured at zero and eight weeks. Results Bone defects in three types of cleft palate models were made at the positions of the hard palate, alveoli and alveolar process. After 8 weeks, when the hard palate was partially excised, it underwent self-healing. When the hard palate was completely excised, it underwent partial self-healing. However, in the models of alveolar cleft and alveolar process cleft, there was no significant self-healing in the bone tissues. The dimensions of the upper jaw in left and right sides were no significant differences in three types of cleft palate models. Conclusions Bone defects in the alveolar and alveolar process clefts exhibit a diminished capability for self-healing. This study may provide valuable information for the screening of materials that induce bone regeneration.

We report an innovative integrated microfluidic platform based on micro-fluxgate and micro-coils for trapping and detecting magnetic beads. A micro-spiral coil fabricated by microfabrication technology is used to trap the magnetic beads, and the micro-fluxgate is employed to detect the weak magnetic field induced by the trapped magnetic beads. The fabrication process of the magnetic bead trapping system using a micro-coil is highly compatible with that of the micro-fluxgate sensor, making fabrication of this integrated microfluidic system convenient and efficient. It is observed that the magnetic bead trapping ratio increases as the number of magnetic beads is increased with a flow rate of 5 to 16.5 μL·min

Solution culture experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of wastewater nitrogen levels and NH

We report on a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) based immunosensor for the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) labeled with superparamagnetic microparticles (Dynabeads). The GMR sensor contains 200 GMR strips and was fabricated by micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology. This system can detect Dynabeads in concentrations down to 10 ng⋅mL−1. Sandwich immunoassays were employed on the surface of a gold film modified with a self-assembled monolayer and using biotinylated secondary antibody against CEA and streptavidinylated Dynabeads. With DC magnetic fields in the range of 40 to 90 Oe, CEA can be detected with a detection limit as low as 10 pg⋅mL−1. Samples spiked with different concentrations of CEA can be distinguished clearly, and the method is deemed to be well suited for clinical use.

BACKGROUND/AIMS To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic biliary stenting for difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Elderly patients (≥65 years) with large (≥20 mm) or multiple (≥3) CBD stones were studied. The patients underwent placement of single (n=34, group A) or double (n=30, group B) plastic stents at the time of initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Approximately 3 months later, stone removal was attempted at the second ERCP. The reduction of stone size and number before and after biliary stenting, complete stone removal, 3-month stent patency rate, and complications were compared. RESULTS The mean size (longitudinal/transverse diameter) of the CBD stones was significantly reduced after biliary stenting in both groups (p

Enhanced giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect has been observed in micro-patterned Co-based Metglas 2705M amorphous magnetic ribbons coated with single-layer graphene. The micro-patterned ribbon was designed for tortuous structure and fabricated by MEMS technology, and the graphene thin film was developed by spin coating and dispensing method onto the surface of ribbon. Relative to the plain ribbon, at a measured frequency of 6 MHz and a field of 20 Oe, a 13.1 % enhancement of the maximum GMI effect was observed in the ribbon by spin coating graphene. However, there was a small change of the GMI effect in ribbon coated graphene by dispensing method. AFM observation confirmed a smoother ribbon surface by spin coating graphene. The very large enhancement of the GMI effect is a consequence of reducing the ribbon surface roughness and the closed magnetic flux path under the graphene thin film layer. This result provides a potential thinking for designing high sensitivity, lightweight and flexible GMI sensor with graphene-based materials.

A novel bio-sensing system based on a micro-fluxgate and use of magnetic beads labels was developed for detection of Escherichia coli O157H:H7. The micro fluxgate sensor was fabricated using standard microfabrication processes. Magnetic core of the sensor was made using Fe-based amorphous ribbon core and a 3-D magnetic sensitive element was made of Cu solenoid coils. Response of the micro-fluxgate-based bio-sensing system to superparamagnetic Dynabead was first evaluated with different concentrations of Dynabeads. It was found that a concentration as low as 10 ng/ml could be detected with an external dc magnetic field ranging from 450 μT to 700 μT. Double antibody sandwich assay was employed in preparation of E. coli O157H:H7 samples. Detection of E. coli O157H:H7 antigens at different concentrations were demonstrated. A minimum detectable concentration of 100 CFU/ml was observed for this bio-sensing system. On account of the detection performance and other advantages such as miniaturization, portability and stability, this bio-sensing system is a potential candidate for rapid analysis E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogenic bacteria. It is also of considerable interest for biomedical applications employing known specific binding of target and labels.

In this paper, based on the multiwire core design and microelectromechanical system technology, we report improved performance of a microsolenoid fluxgate sensor by integrating a bilayer core of co-based amorphous ribbon. By means of utilizing integrated multilayer core structure and high permeability amorphous ribbon core material, this paper shows how a high-performance microfluxgate chip with small dimensions can be realized. The fabricated sensors exhibit a best sensitivity of 3165 V/T, a power of 183.2 mW and a linear range of 150 $\mu \text{T}$ at 100 kHz. The noise power density is found to be 0.5 nT/Hz $^{1/2}~1$ Hz and the noise rms level is 2 nT in the frequency range of 25 mHz–10 Hz.

We report on a method for the determination of magnetic bead-labeled C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of cardiovascular diseases and inflammations. It is using a flexible giant magnetoimpedance (GMI)-based platform. Micro-patterned GMI sensing elements were prepared from a cobalt-based commercial amorphous ribbon (Metglas® 2714A) using micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology. A gold film was then deposited on the GMI sensing element to act as a support for the immuno platform. Sandwich assays are performed using antibody-antigen combinations and biotin-streptavidin interactions on the gold film substrate surface via self-assembled layers. The GMI ratios of the sensors with different concentrations of antigen against CRP were investigated. The results show that the presence of CRP antigens on the biosensor improves the GMI effect owing to the induced magnetic dipole of superparamagnetic beads, and that the GMI ratios show distinct changes at high frequency. This bioassay for CRP has a linear detection range between 1 to 10 ng·mL−1. This new method in our perception provides a widely applicable basis for rapid diagnostic testing and will pave the way for future development of electrochemical point-of-care diagnostic devices for cardiac diseases.

As a classic weak magnetic field sensor, the fluxgate sensors have great potential application in many fields. This paper presents four kinds of the micro planar double-axis fluxgate sensors based on the MEMS technologies, which have different core materials and core structures. The core materials include electroplated permalloy, Co-based amorphous ribbon and Fe-based amorphous ribbon, and the core structures include single-layer open magnetic loop structure and double-layer closed magnetic loop structure. The sensor with closed double-layer Fe-based ribbon core exhibits a best sensitivity of 238 V/T due to reducing the magnetic flux leakage. The results show that the magnetic core with closed magnetic loop, high permeability and high saturation induction density will help increase the sensitivity of the micro double-axis fluxgate sensor.

To investigate the efficiency and safety profile of the addition of S-1 to gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer (APC).Computerized search was undertaken to identify randomized controlled trials of S-1 plus GEM versus GEM monotherapy in APC patients. The outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate, and toxicities.Five studies with 917 patients were included. Overall, there was a significant difference between the two regimens in terms of OS (HR=0.83, 95%CI=0.72-0.96, P=0.01), PFS (HR=0.64, 95%CI=0.56-0.74, P0.0001), and overall response rate (ORR; RR=2.36, 95%CI=1.73-3.22, P0.00001). Occurrence of grade 3/4 hematological toxicities (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) and non-hematological toxicities (diarrhea, nausea/vomit, rush, stomatitis/mucositis) were significantly higher with GEM/S-1 treatment.This meta-analysis indicated a significant survival benefit with increased toxicity when S-1 was combined with GEM. GEM/S-1 might be an option of first-line chemotherapy for APC patients, at least in Asia.

This article deals with the design of an integrated giant magnetoimpedance biochip combined with a sandwich immunoassay for the detection of alpha-fetoprotein, and we have offered the possible physical origins of the enhanced giant magnetoimpedance responses caused by Dynabeads. The giant-magnetoimpedance-based magnetic immunoassay showed a good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of 3 ng/mL alpha-fetoprotein. We also observed that there was significant difference in detection sensitivity between two giant magnetoimpedance biochips, which is probably related to the electroplating instability. Such an integrated giant magnetoimpedance biochip could be extended for the detection toward a wide spectrum of target biomolecules and shows promising potential for clinical applications.

Magnetic bead-based biosensors are becoming a hot spot in biomedical fields. A Dynabeads-labeled immunoassay has been developed using a micro fluxgate biosensor for the detection of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The micro fluxgate sensors with a rectangular permalloy core with sides of equal width and three-dimensional solenoid coils are fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) technology, including thick photoresist lithography and electroplating. The immune reaction of biomarkers is accomplished on a separated Au film substrate surface with a self-assembled layer. Sandwich immunoassay is used to specifically capture and label the biomarker. Dynabeads are conjugated into the biomarker by a streptavidin–biotin system. The micro fluxgate-based sensing system was characterized firstly in different concentrations of Dynabeads. It is found that a concentration as low as 0.1 μg ml−1 (90 Dynabeads) can be detected by this sensing system with an external magnetic field in the range of 643 μT to 1180 μT. The AFP and CEA with different concentrations were detected by the sensing system. The results reveal that a minimum detectable concentration of 1 pg ml−1 was achieved in the measuring ranges of 724 μT to 1150 μT for AFP, and 670 μT to 1110 μT for CEA. Compared with a micro fluxgate sensor with a ribbon core for the detection of biomarkers, the micro fluxgate sensor with an electroplated permalloy core possesses a wider linear measuring range, and could make it possible to integrate a micro fluxgate-based biosensing system produced on a large scale, with an expanded application field and reduced costs.

We describe a giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) biochip platform for the detection of streptavidin-coupled magnetic Dynabeads of different sizes. The GMI sensor based on micro-patterned Co-based amorphous ribbons (Metglas® 2714A) with a meander structure was fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) technology. A gold film was then deposited on the GMI element to act as a support platform for immobilizing various concentrations of magnetic Dynabeads (1 μm and 2.8 μm). The results indicate that Dynabeads of 1 μm in diameter with a concentration as low as 5 μg mL−1 can be detected by using the ribbon-based GMI sensor, and that the detection limit for Dynabeads of 2.8 μm diameter was 1 μg mL−1. Besides, using the same number of magnetic Dynabeads with different sizes, the GMI responses were significantly enhanced after coating the 2.8 μm Dynabeads. The ribbon-based micro-integrated GMI biosensor is easy to fabricate and is expected to be used for the detection of very low concentrations of Dynabead-labeled biomarkers.

Field-annealed Co-based commercial amorphous ribbons (Metglas® 2714A) with single strip structure and tortuous shape are fabricated by MEMS technology. The influence of the size, magnetic field and frequency on the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) ratio of the ribbons with single strip structure and tortuous shape is investigated. The results show that the GMI ratio of micro-patterned Co-based amorphous ribbons with single strip structure increases with increasing in length and decreases with the increasing in width. The ribbons (length = 10 mm, width = 250 μm) with single strip can get higher GMI ratio at lower frequency (

Valveless piezoelectric pump has low-cost and easy miniaturization characteristics, and its important development trend is multi-function integration. The current paper reports a new phenomenon that the flow in a spiral tube element is sensitive to the element attitude caused by the Coriolis force, and that a valveless piezoelectric pump is designed by applying this phenomenon. The valveless piezoelectric pump has both the actuator function of fluid transfer and the sensor function, which can obtain the angular velocity variation when its attitude changes. First, the present paper analyzes the principle of the pump and the flow characteristics in the tube. The calculation formula for the pump flow is also obtained. Second, the relationship between pump attitude and flow is identified, which theoretically verifies the gyroscopic effect of the pump. Finally, a pump is fabricated for experimental testing of the relationship between pump attitude and flow. Experimental results show that when Archimedes spiral θ = 4 π is selected for the tube design, the pump is most efficient, and the pressure differential between pump inlet and outlet is 29 mm H2O, which achieves a one-way mean flow. On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the plate is 70 r/min, the pressure differential is 9 mm H2O, which is 1.5 times that of 0 rpm rotation speed. The spiral tube valveless piezoelectric pump can turn the element attitude into a form of pressure output, which is important for the multi-function integration of the valveless piezoelectric pump and for the development of civil gyroscope in the future.

This paper presents a contactless detection method for detecting prostate specific antigen with a giant magnetoresistance sensor. In contactless detection case, the prostate specific antigen sample preparation was separated from the sensor that prevented the sensor from being immersed in chemical solvents, and made the sensor implementing in immediately reuse without wash. Experimental results showed that applied an external magnetic field in a range of 50 Oe to 90 Oe, Dynabeads with a concentration as low as 0.1 μg/mL can be detected by this system and could give an approximate quantitation to the logarithmic of Dynabeads concentration. Sandwich immunoassay was employed for preparing PSA samples. The PSA capture was implemented on a gold film modified with a self-assembled monolayer and using biotinylated secondary antibody against PSA and streptavidinylated Dynabeads. With DC magnetic field in the range of 50 to 90 Oe, PSA can be detected with a detection limit as low as 0.1 ng/mL. Samples spiked with different concentrations of PSA can be distinguished clearly. Due to the contactless detection method, the detection system exhibited advantages such as convenient manipulation, reusable, inexpensive, small weight. So, this detection method was a promising candidate in biomarker detection, especially in point of care detection.

The vortex beam is a ring-shaped beam whose center intensity or axial intensity is zero in the propagation direction and whose phase has a spiral rising or falling gradient distribution, which is also called a dark hollow beam. Vortex beams have important applications in free-space optical communication, optical micromanipulation, quantum information processing, optical measurement, super-resolution imaging, laser processing, and material processing. In recent years, with the in-depth research on vortex beams, the application requirements for high-power vortex beams also increase. High-power and high-quality vortex beam can be obtained by coherent combining technology. However, the spiral spectrum characteristics of the vortex beam generated by coherent combining technology need further exploring. In this paper, based on the theory of spectral analysis, we derive the position and magnitude of the spiral phase spectral component of the coherent synthetic vortex beam. The numerical results verify the correctness of the theoretical derivation. Based on the above spectral analysis theory, the mode purity of the target synthesis topology charge can be used as the evaluation function to evaluate quality and optimize the parameters for the coherent synthetic vortex beam, and then to quantitatively guide the coherent synthesis of the vortex beam. The results show that with the increase of the number of sub-beams and the radius of the beam waist of the source plane, the reduction of the radius of the bundle ring and the mode purity of the target synthesis topology charge can be improved, and then we can obtain the high-quality vortex beam. This is consistent with the conclusion obtained by using traditional evaluation functions such as power in the bucket. The spiral spectrum analysis of the coherent synthetic vortex beam not only makes up for the lack of evaluation of the spiral phase synthesis effect by the traditional evaluation function, but also has certain reference significance for understanding the nature of the coherent synthesis technique.