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We present the systematic investigations of the microcavity effects from SiGe/Si heterogeneous nanorods (HNRs) prepared by electrochemical anodization of SiGe/Si multiple quantum wells. Visible photoluminescence (PL) emission with narrow bandwidth is observed because of the wavelength selective effect of the microcavity. The resonance of the microcavity is confirmed by the temperature dependent PL measurement, which is consistent with the prediction from the thermo-optic effect. Furthermore, electroluminescence from the ITO/i-SiGe/Si HNR/n--Si diode shows multiple peak emissions under low current density, which is in good agreement with the PL results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A serum galactomannan antigen test was positive (index value of 0.67, normal <0.50). In patients with aspergilloma, half of them would have respiratory sample culture-positive for I Aspergillus i species, 70% may test positive for Aspergillus antibody in serum and 38% test positive for serum galactomannan antigen.[2],[3] Of note, patients with hemoptysis are more likely to test positive for serum galactomannan antigen (52%) than those without.[3] Generally, patients are asymptomatic but half of them may experience clinically significant hemoptysis.[4] Like our case, aspergilloma can regress spontaneously in 13% of patients.[4] As highlighted by the radiographic findings, it is easy to identify the Monod sign by comparing simple chest films of different positions, which should be evaluated in a patient with a mass in a pulmonary cavity. The patient recovered from hemoptysis after taking tranexamic acid, and there was no more hemoptysis or remarkable respiratory symptoms thereafter. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Objectives: Background: Static lung hyperinflation (SLH) measured using body plethysmography in patients with asthma is associated with poor outcomes. The severity of SLH may be associated with small airway dysfunction (SAD), which can be measured using impulse oscillometry (IOS). Objective: This study aims to determine the correlation between SLH and SAD in patients with severe asthma and assess the improvement in SLH and SAD with treatment., Methods: We analyzed data from patients who were enrolled in the Taiwan Severe Asthma Registry, which comprises a prospective observational cohort. Plethysmography and IOS were performed regularly. The relationship between spirometry and IOS parameters was determined. Changes in the clinical outcomes in response to treatment were analyzed., Results: Of 107 patients with severe asthma, 83 (77.6%) had SLH based on an increased residual volume to total lung capacity ratio (RV/ TLC). Most patients were older women with worse pulmonary function and SAD than those without SLH. SAD, defined as increased airway resistance/reactance, was significantly correlated with SLH. Airway reactance at 5 Hz (X5) ≤-0.21 kPa/(L/s) detected SLH with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 (P<.0001; sensitivity, 85.2%; and specificity, 83.3%). After 12 months, patients who received add-on biologics (vs those who did not) had significantly reduced exacerbations, fractional exhaled nitric oxide level, and blood eosinophil counts, as well as improved forced expiratory volume in the first second, X5, and a trend toward reduced RV/TLC ratio., Conclusions: In severe asthma, airway reactance (X5) could be a novel parameter for assessing SLH.

BACKGROUND: The importance of early intravenous (IV) antibiotic use for Mycobacterium abscessus complex lung diseases (MABC-LD) treatment remains unknown. METHODS: A retrospective multi-centre observational study was conducted in Taiwan. Patients who were diagnosed with and received treatment for MABC-LD from January 2007 to April 2021 were included. Treatment outcome was defined as modified microbiological cure of MABC-LD. RESULTS: Of the 89 enrolled patients, 34 (38.2%) received IV antibiotics as part of the treatment regimen. The median time to IV initiation was 1 day (IQR 1???49); 24 (70.6%) of these patients received IV agents within 4 weeks, defined as early-use. Forty-two (47.2%) patients achieved modified microbiological cure. In the multivariable logistic analysis, early IV antibiotic use was an independent factor associated with modified microbiological cure (aOR 5.32, 95% CI 1.66???17.00), whereas high radiological score (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.73???1.00) demonstrated negative association. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, early use of effective IV antibiotic was prescribed in a low percentage (27%) for MABC-LD. By contrast, early IV antibiotic use was correlated with higher microbiological cure than were late or non-use. Future larger and prospective studies are needed to validate the association.