A microfluidic microwell device operated by the automated microfluidic control system for surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a serious public health issue worldwide. Timely and effective antibiotics for controlling infection are crucial towards patient outcomes. However, the current culture-based methods of identifying bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) remain labor-intensive and time-consuming, and are unable to provide early support to physicians in critical hours.

Bacteria encapsulation and rapid antibiotic susceptibility test using a microfluidic microwell device integrating surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

The antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) is a general laboratory procedure for bacterial identification and characterization and can be utilized to determine effective antimicrobials for individual patients. Due to the low bacterial concentration, conventional AST usually requires a prolonged bacterial culture time and a labor-intensive sample pretreatment process. Therefore, it cannot perform timely diagnosis or treatment, which results in a high mortality rate for seriously infected patients.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a preliminary report.

Background: This report assesses the efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures and reports on preliminary results of its use.

Methods: The technique was used on 50 patients with 86 painful vertebral fractures, all of which had failed to respond to earlier conservative medical treatment. The technique involves percutaneous puncture of the involved vertebra via a transpedical approach followed by injection of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) into the compressed vertebra.