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Nowadays, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major threat to human health globally, with a disappointing prognosis. Regular monitoring of patients at high risk, utilizing abdominal ultrasonography combined with alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) serum analysis, enables the early detection of potentially treatable tumors. However, the approach has limitations due to its lack of sensitivity. Meanwhile, the current standard procedure for obtaining a tumor biopsy in cases of HCC is invasive and lacks the ability to assess the dynamic progression of cancer or account for tumor heterogeneity. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop non‐invasive, highly sensitive biomarkers for HCC which can improve the accuracy of early diagnosis, assess treatment response and accurately predict the prognosis. In contrast to the conventional method of tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy offers a non‐invasive approach that can be readily repeated. As a liquid biopsy approach, the analysis of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) offers real‐time insights that can accurately portray the tumor burden and provide a comprehensive depiction of the genetic profile associated with HCC. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the recent research findings pertaining to the significance and potential practicality of cfDNA analysis in the early detection and effective management of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐platinum graphene‐based electrocatalysts are vital for low‐cost energy conversion by hydrogen fuel cell. However, high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) overpotentials limit their efficiency and stability. Here, we propose a strategy to increase graphene Fermi level by graphene encapsulating a metal with lower work function than graphene, aiming to enhance the ORR activity of graphene‐based materials. As an example, Ag nanoparticles (function work, 4.2 eV) are embedded into N‐doped graphene (function work, 4.5 eV) (Ag@NG). The Ag@NG exhibits the ORR onset potential of 0.804 V and excellent stability over 10000 electrochemical cycles in acidic electrolyte. Spectroscopic analysis confirms Ag−N coordination bond as an efficient electron transfer route significantly benefiting upshift of graphene Fermi level that enhances the ORR activity and stability. Level up: The authors embedded the Ag, a low‐work‐function metal, as a strong electron donor, into N‐doped graphene. As a result of Ag−N interaction, the accelerated charge transfer at Ag@NG‐electrolyte interface would induce the upshift of Fermi level of graphene, which effectively reduces the barrier for electron injection from graphene into the oxygen‐containing species and improves ORR performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microstrip-fed ultrawideband antenna with dual band-notched performance is proposed and fabricated. A pair of L-shaped slots is etched in the ground plane to obtain the notched function in the 3.3-4 GHz WiMAX band. An eccentric ring and a stub with an arc structure are designed for rejecting the 5-6 GHz WLAN band. The obtained results show that the designed antenna satisfies the voltage standing wave ratio requirement of less than 2.5 at the frequency range from 3 to 32 GHz, except the dual notched bands of 3.3-4 and 5-6 GHz. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:704-706, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25840 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Localization and resection of nonvisible, nonpalpable pulmonary nodules during video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery is challenging. In this study we developed a surgical navigation puncture robot system in order to locate small pulmonary nodules before thoracoscopic surgery. Methods: Four pigs were divided into group A and group B and underwent positioning puncture with the aid of the robotic system. The pigs in group A breathed freely during the experiment, whilst mechanical ventilation was used on the pigs in group B. Results: Using the robotic system to locate nodules achieved good results. For group A, a total of nine simulated nodules were created and successfully localized. The mean positioning accuracy was 9.6 ± 4.9 mm (range, 3.2–17.4 mm), and the time required for system positioning was 7.1 ± 1.0 minutes (range, 5.6–8.2 minutes). For group B, a total of 23 simulated nodules were created and successfully localized. The mean positioning accuracy was 2.9 ± 1.5 mm (range, 0.7–5.9 mm), and the time required for system positioning was 7.8 ± 1.1 minutes (range, 6.3–9.7 minutes). Conclusions: The new method using a surgical navigation puncture robot system to locate small pulmonary nodules is feasible and safe, and its positioning accuracy is sufficient to meet clinical requirements. In addition, results indicated that breathing had a great influence on the positioning accuracy, mainly in the longitudinal direction. Our surgical navigation puncture robot system has wide future applications for accurately locating small pulmonary nodules in a clinical setting. Key points: Significant findings of the study: A new method using a surgical navigation puncture robot system was developed to locate small pulmonary nodules before thoracoscopic surgery. The results indicated that this method can provide accurate localization and permit smaller and more precise resections. What this study adds: A surgical navigation puncture robot system has wide future applications for accurately locating small pulmonary nodules in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]