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We present a rapid, simple, and scalable approach to achieve superhydrophobic (SH) substrates directly in commodity shrink wrap film utilizing Argon (Ar) plasma. Ar plasma treatment creates a stiff skin layer on the surface of the shrink film. When the film shrinks, the mismatch in stiffness between the stiff skin layer and bulk shrink film causes the formation of multiscale hierarchical wrinkles with nano-textured features. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirm the presence of these biomimetic structures. Contact angle (CA) and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) measurements, respectively, defined as values greater than 150° and less than 10°, verified the SH nature of the substrates. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability to reliably pattern hydrophilic regions onto the SH substrates, allowing precise capture and detection of proteins in urine. Finally, we achieved self-driven microfluidics via patterning contrasting superhydrophilic microchannels on the SH Ar substrates to induce flow for biosensing.

The unique antiwetting properties of superhydrophobic (SH) surfaces prevent the adhesion of water and bodily fluids, including blood, urine, and saliva. While typical manufacturable approaches to create SH surfaces rely on chemical and structural modifications, such approaches are expensive, require postprocessing, and are often not biocompatible. By contrast, it is demonstrated that purely structural SH features are easily formed using high throughput roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing by shrinking a prestressed thermoplastic with a thin, stiff layer of silver and calcium. These features are subsequently embossed into any commercially available and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved plastic. The R2R SH surfaces have contact angles >150° and contact angle hysteresis 4200× reduction of blood residue area compared to the nonstructured controls of the same material. In addition, blood clotting is reduced >5× using whole blood directly from the patient. Furthermore, these surfaces can be easily configured into 3D shapes, as demonstrated with SH tubes. With the simple scale-up production and the eliminated need for anticoagulants to prevent clotting, the proposed conformable SH surfaces can be impactful for a wide range of medical tools, including catheters and microfluidic channels.

When images of children in conflict situations are selected for a Western audience, what roles do the images fulfill for the audience? A content analysis of photographs provided by the Associated Press of children in Rwanda and Kosovo suggests that news agencies frame children of conflicts differently, as passive agents or success stories, in accordance with ideological and organizational guidelines. The findings of this study show that the Associated Press depicts children in Rwanda in racially stereotypical ways in comparison to their Kosovar counterparts. The current research examines the ways that news media depict children of color in the context of war and conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising method for additive manufacturing that makes it possible to produce intricate and personalized parts is selective laser melting (SLM). However, the mechanical properties of as-corroded SLM parts are still areas of concern. This research investigates the mechanical behavior of SLM parts that are exposed to a saline environment containing a 3.5% NaCl solution for varying lengths of time. The exposure times chosen for this study were 10 days, 20 days, and 30 days. The results reveal that the tensile strength of the parts is significantly affected by the duration of exposure. Additionally, the study also examined the influence of porosity on the corrosion behavior of the parts. The analysis included studying the mass loss of the parts over time, and a regression analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship between exposure time and mass loss. In addition, the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS) techniques yielded valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms accountable for the observed corrosion and mechanical behavior. It was found that the presence of corrosion products (i.e., oxide layer) and pitting contributed to the degradation of the SLM parts in the saline environment. This research emphasizes the importance of considering part thickness in the design of SLM components for corrosive environments and provides insights for enhancing their performance and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin antisepsis is essential before the central neuraxial blockade. Various antiseptic solutions are in clinical use, like povidone-iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine. This study was conducted to assess current practices for skin antisepsis before central neuraxial blockade and observe the compliance of anaesthesiologists with international standards in Teaching Hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on all anaesthesia faculty members, working in Teaching Hospitals in Karachi from March to May 2022. Demographic data included institutional setup and current position at the institution. The type of solution used for skin anti-sepsis for the central neuraxial blockade, method of application, and subsequent practices of anti-sepsis were asked. Recommendations for skin anti-antisepsis and the reason for opting for their choice of solution and practices were also assessed. Stratification analysis was then performed to observe the effect modifiers of study variables. Results: Data from seventy faculty members were analyzed. Povidone-iodine was the most frequent solution used for skin antisepsis. Alcohol-based Chlorhexidine 2% and 0.5% were the choices. The application method prevalent was Sponge/swab with Gallipot (94.3%). Major reasons to opt for their choice of solution were personal preference, cost-effectiveness, and availability of the solution in their Institute. Fifty percent of physicians considered Chlorhexidine 2% as the recommended solution for central neuraxial procedures. Regarding sterility, over ninety percent adhered to the recommended practices. Conclusion: Povidone-Iodine is currently the most frequent solution used for skin antisepsis before central neuraxial blockade by anaesthesiologists. The recommended solution (Chlorhexidine) was not in clinical practice due to personal preference, cost-effectiveness, or unavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]