ObjectivePhotoacoustic tomography (PAT) holds significant potential for high-resolution deep-tissue imaging. In preclinical research, custom-designed concave arc-shaped ultrasound transducer arrays are often used to maximize the detection aperture. However, manufacturing limitations and assembly tolerances frequently cause the actual physical positions of array elements to deviate from their theoretical design. Additionally, concave arrays are typically covered with an acoustic lens, which introduces a mismatch in the speed of sound between the coupling medium and the lens material. The combination of these geometric and acoustic-phase errors leads to severe image artifacts, reduced contrast, and degraded resolution. This study proposes a systematic two-step calibration strategy to address these issues and substantially improve image quality. MethodsFirst, a high-intensity isotropic photoacoustic point source was constructed using a multi-mode optical fiber coated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to acquire high signal-to-noise ratio calibration data. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was employed to accurately determine the time of arrival (ToA) of photoacoustic signals. Subsequently, a geometric calibration algorithm based on nonlinear least-squares (NLS) estimation was developed. This algorithm iteratively solves for the true spatial coordinates of each array element by minimizing the residual between theoretical and measured acoustic path lengths. To further address sound-speed inhomogeneity caused by the acoustic lens, a phase compensation algorithm based on bilinear interpolation was proposed. This algorithm computes a pixel-specific phase delay map across the imaging region and performs point-by-point signal correction during delay-and-sum (DAS) reconstruction. The proposed methods were validated using a custom 96-channel concave arc-shaped array (center frequency: 12  MHz) through both phantom imaging and in vivo mouse tumor models. ResultsPhantom experiments showed that at an imaging depth of14 mm, the reconstruction position deviation of the point source in the uncalibrated system reached up to 1  mm. After applying the combined calibration, the lateral resolution (full width at half maximum, FWHM) at the focal point of the arc array reached 95  μm—representing a 85% reduction compared to the uncalibrated state and a 79% reduction compared to geometric calibration alone without phase compensation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the calibrated system clearly resolved the microvascular network of subcutaneous tumors in mice. Photoacoustic signals were strictly confined within tumor boundaries delineated by ultrasound imaging (USI), eliminating the vascular spillover artifacts commonly observed in uncalibrated images. Furthermore, after intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG), the system successfully detected weak photoacoustic signals at a depth of 5 mm, performing significantly better than the uncalibrated system. ConclusionThe proposed calibration method, which integrates nonlinear least-squares estimation with phase compensation, significantly improves image fidelity and spatial resolution consistency across a wide field of view by correcting systemic geometric errors and acoustic phase aberrations. This approach demonstrates high robustness and provides a reliable technical foundation for the clinical translation of photoacoustic probes with non-standard geometries.

Objective To explore the electroencephalography(EEG)characteristics of patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)which are different from those of healthy subjects during dynamic balance tests,and study the connection and influence between brain activity and KOA.Methods Fifteen patients with KOA and 17 healthy subjects performed the timed up and go test(TUGT)and five times sit-to-stand test(5STS).The EEG characteristics of the 4 frequency bands,namely δ(0.5-4 Hz),θ(4-8 Hz),α(8-14 Hz)and β(14-30 Hz)of 9 electrodes including CZ,C3,C4 in the central region,PZ,P3,P4 in the parietal lobe,and OZ,O1,O2 in the occipital lobe of the cerebral cortex of the subjects were recorded.Time and frequency domain analysis were conducted.Results During 5STS,the time-domain amplitudes of electrodes C4,P3,and P4 in the δ band,electrodes C4,P3,and P4 in the θ band,and electrodes P3 and P4 in the β band of KOA patients were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects(P<0.05);the power of EEG signals of electrodes P3,P4,and O2 in the β band was significantly higher than that of healthy subjects.During TUGT,except that the time-domain amplitude of electrode PZ in the θ band of KOA patients was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects(P<0.05),there was no significant difference in all electrodes in other frequency bands;the power of EEG signals of electrodes C3,CZ,C4,PZ,P4,O1,OZ,O2 in the δ band and electrodes CZ,P3,PZ,and OZ in the α band and electrodes CZ,P4,OZ,and O2 in the β band was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects(P<0.05).Conclusions Compared with healthy subjects,the activity in the parietal lobe area of the brain of KOA patients during 5STS was stronger,while the brain activity in the central region,parietal lobe,and occipital lobe areas of KOA patients during TUGT was weaker than that of healthy subjects.This study may provide some references for clinicians in the prevention and treatment of KOA.

Objective To evaluate the surgical technique and clinical value of laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy guided by inserting ureteral catheters into the diverticulum under plasmakinetic resectoscope.Methods From December 2018 to May 2024,9 patients underwent laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy in combination with resectoscope.Each patient had a solitary bladder diverticulum with a median maximum diameter of 6.40(5.70,7.40)cm(range:5.0～8.5 cm).Among the 9 patients,3 patients had concurrent benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)and simultaneously underwent transurethral plasmakinetic resection of the prostate;1 patient had concurrent both BPH and bladder calculi,requiring simultaneously underwent plasmakinetic resection of the prostate and bladder calculi removal;2 patients required ureteral reimplantation as the diverticulum was directly involving the ureteral orifice;1 case underwent ureteroscopic double-J stent implantation because the opening of the ipsilateral ureter was adjacent to the entrance of the diverticulum.Results Bladder diverticulectomy was successfully performed in the all patients.Median operative time was 160.00(120.00,317.50)min(range:85～345 min).Median estimated blood loss was 20.00(10.00,150.00)mL(range:10～300 mL).No iatrogenic injuries to adjacent organs were observed.Pelvic drains were removed 1～3 d postoperatively,with no urine leakage.Urinary catheters were maintained for 7～10 d after operation.Follow-up at 3～12 months showed no recurrence or hydronephrosis in any of the patients.Conclusion Laparoscopic resection of bladder diverticula guided by ureteral catheter placed into bladder diverticula by means of resectoscope has the advantages of less trauma,less bleeding and faster recovery,and is an effective measure for the treatment of bladder diverticula.

Objective To explore the electroencephalography(EEG)characteristics of patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)which are different from those of healthy subjects during dynamic balance tests,and study the connection and influence between brain activity and KOA.Methods Fifteen patients with KOA and 17 healthy subjects performed the timed up and go test(TUGT)and five times sit-to-stand test(5STS).The EEG characteristics of the 4 frequency bands,namely δ(0.5-4 Hz),θ(4-8 Hz),α(8-14 Hz)and β(14-30 Hz)of 9 electrodes including CZ,C3,C4 in the central region,PZ,P3,P4 in the parietal lobe,and OZ,O1,O2 in the occipital lobe of the cerebral cortex of the subjects were recorded.Time and frequency domain analysis were conducted.Results During 5STS,the time-domain amplitudes of electrodes C4,P3,and P4 in the δ band,electrodes C4,P3,and P4 in the θ band,and electrodes P3 and P4 in the β band of KOA patients were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects(P<0.05);the power of EEG signals of electrodes P3,P4,and O2 in the β band was significantly higher than that of healthy subjects.During TUGT,except that the time-domain amplitude of electrode PZ in the θ band of KOA patients was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects(P<0.05),there was no significant difference in all electrodes in other frequency bands;the power of EEG signals of electrodes C3,CZ,C4,PZ,P4,O1,OZ,O2 in the δ band and electrodes CZ,P3,PZ,and OZ in the α band and electrodes CZ,P4,OZ,and O2 in the β band was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects(P<0.05).Conclusions Compared with healthy subjects,the activity in the parietal lobe area of the brain of KOA patients during 5STS was stronger,while the brain activity in the central region,parietal lobe,and occipital lobe areas of KOA patients during TUGT was weaker than that of healthy subjects.This study may provide some references for clinicians in the prevention and treatment of KOA.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum phenylacetylglutamine(PAGln),short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels and ventricular remodeling and prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods A total of 267 CHF patients treated at Jiulongpo District People's Hospital of Chongqing from January 2019 to December 2022 were selected as the CHF group,and 100 healthy individuals underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group.CHF patients were further divided into a poor prognosis group(n=63)and a good prognosis group(n=204)based on 1-year outcomes.Serum levels of PAGln and SCFAs(acetic acid,propionic acid,butyric acid)were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Echocardiography was used to assess ventricular remode-ling indicators including left ventricular mass index(LVMI),interventricular septal thickness in diastole(IVST),left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWT),and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD).Pearson correlation was used to analyze the associations between serum PAGln,SCFAs levels and LVMI,IVST,LVPWT,LVEDD.Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for poor prognosis in CHF patients,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to assess the predic-tive value of PAGln and SCFAs levels.Results Serum PAGln levels were significantly higher in the CHF group than in the control group,while acetic acid,propionic acid,and butyric acid levels were significantly low-er(P＜0.05).LVMI,IVST,LVPWT,and LVEDD were significantly elevated in the CHF group compared to the control group(P＜0.05).Serum PAGln levels were positively correlated with LVMI,IVST,LVPWT,and LVEDD(P＜0.05),while SCFAs levels were negatively correlated with these parameters(P＜0.05).Univa-riate analysis showed that age,duration of CHF,NYHA functional classification,atrial fibrillation,LVEF,NT-proBNP,PAGln,acetic acid,propionic acid,and butyric acid were associated with poor prognosis(P＜0.05).Multivariate analysis identified NYHA class Ⅲ-Ⅳ,atrial fibrillation,elevated NT-proBNP,and elevated PA-Gln as independent risk factors for poor prognosis,while higher LVEF and increased levels of acetic acid,pro-pionic acid,and butyric acid were independent protective factors(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for the combined prediction using PAGln and SCFAs was 0.881,which was greater than that for PAGln(0.800)or SCFAs(0.789)alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion Elevated serum PAGln and decreased SCFAs levels are closely associated with ventricular remodeling and poor prognosis in CHF pa-tients.The combination of serum PAGln and SCFAs levels has a high predictive value for poor prognosis in CHF.

OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily investigate the effects and mechanism of action of Yishen Yangsui Formula (, YSYSF)on the recovery of neurological function in rats with degenerative cervical myelopathy. METHODS: Fifty adult SD female rats were randomly divided into control group, sham group, model group, YSYSF group and positive drug group by using randomized numerical table method. In the model group, YSYSF group and positive drug group, polyvinyl alcohol acrylamide interpenetrating network hydrogel(water-absorbent swelling material) was used to construct a rat spinal cord chronic compression model. The sham group was implanted with the water-absorbent swelling material and then removed without causing spinal cord compression. The control group, the sham group and the model group were given equal amounts of saline by gavage, the group of YSYSF was given Chinese herbal medicine soup by gavage 9.1 g·kg^-1 once a day, and the positive drug group was given tetrahexylsalicylglucoside sodium monosialate ganglioside by intraperitoneal injection 4.2 mg·kg^-1 once a day. The motor function of the rats was assessed by the BBB method after 1, 3, 7, and 14 d of drug administration. The spinal cord tissues were taken from rats executed 14 d after drug administration, and the morphological changes of the spinal cord compression site were observed by HE staining, and the expression levels of Caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, PYCARD, IL-1β, and IL-18 were detected in the area of spinal cord injury by Western blot method. RESULTS: The BBB scores of the control group and the sham group were normal at all time points after modeling, which were higher than the BBB scores of the model group, the YSYSF, and the positive drug group (P<0.05). From the 3rd day after gavage, at all time points, the BBB scores of rats in the YSYSF group and the positive drug group were higher than those of rats in the model group (P<0.05). The staining pattern of HE spinal cord tissue was normal in the control group and the sham group, and the HE spinal cord in the model group was severely damaged with a large number of neuron deaths, whereas the damage to the spinal cord and neuron cells was reduced in the YSYSF group and the positive drug group. The expression levels of caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, PYCARD, IL-1β and IL-18 in the spinal cord of the model group were significantly higher than those of the sham group (P<0.0001), and the expression levels of caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, PYCARD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the YSYSF group and the drug group were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION YSYSF can improve the motor function of rats with degenerative cervical spinal cord disease, alleviate the pathological changes, and promote the recovery of spinal cord neurological function. The specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of inflammatory vesicles NLRP3 and PYCARD, the reduction of the release of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, the reduction of the expression of caspase-1 and GSDMD, the reduction of cellular death, and the inhibition of inflammatory response.
Animals ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Spinal Cord/pathology* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Spinal Cord Diseases/drug therapy* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between dislocation and functional outcomes in supination-external rotation (SER) ankle fractures. METHODS: A retrospective case series study was performed on patients with ankle fractures treated surgically at a large trauma center from January 2015 to December 2021. The inclusion criteria were young and middle-aged patients of 18 - 65 years with SER ankle fractures that can be classified by Lauge-Hansen classification and underwent surgery at our trauma center. Exclusion criteria were serious life-threatening diseases, open fractures, fractures delayed for more than 3 weeks, fracture sites ≥ 2, etc. Then patients were divided into dislocation and no-dislocation groups. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, surgery-related outcomes, and postoperative functional outcomes were collected and analyzed. The functional outcomes of SER ankle fractures were assessed postoperatively at 1-year face-to-face follow-up using the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score and by 2 experienced orthopedic physicians. Relevant data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 by Chi-square or t-test. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 371 ankle fractures. Among them, 190 (51.2%) were SER patterns with 69 (36.3%) combined with dislocations. Compared with the no-dislocation group, the dislocation group showed no statistically significant differences in gender, age composition, fracture type, diabetes, or smoking history, preoperative waiting time, operation time, and length of hospital stay (all p > 0.05), but a significantly higher Lauge-Hansen injury grade (p < 0.001) and syndesmotic screw fixation rate (p = 0.033). Moreover, the functional recovery was poorer, revealing a significantly lower FAOS in the sport/rec scale (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that among SER IV ankle fracture patients, FAOS was much lower in pain (p = 0.042) and sport/rec scales (p < 0.001) for those with dislocations. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score revealed no significant difference between dislocation and no-dislocation patients. CONCLUSION Dislocation in SER ankle fractures suggests more severe injury and negatively affects functional recovery, mainly manifested as more pain and poorer motor function, especially in SER IV ankle cases.
Humans ; Ankle Fractures/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Supination ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Rotation ; Joint Dislocations/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Adolescent ; Recovery of Function ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of severe early childhood caries (SECC) treatment combined with local anesthesia under general anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 108 children under 6 years old who underwent SECC dental treatment under general anesthesia at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from March to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of classⅠor Ⅱ. The study subjects were divided into a control group (n=54) and an experimental group (n=54) by retrieving intraoperative cases and postoperative follow-up records. The control group was given general anesthesia through inhalation combined with nasotracheal intubation, whereas the experimental group was given local anesthesia with 2% lidocaine on each treated tooth on the basis of general anesthesia. The basic information, preoperative anesthesia depth, hemodynamic changes during different surgical procedures, postoperative pain, and adverse reactions in the two groups were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in the basic information and preoperative anesthesia depth between the two groups (P>0.05). Among the three procedures (pulpotomy, root canal treatment, and tooth extraction), the three observed indicators in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The proportion of patients in the experimental group who needed to take analgesic measures in accordance with the modified facial pain scale (FPS-R) score was significantly lower than that in the control group at postoperative wakefulness and 2 h after surgery (P<0.05). Meanwhile, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups at 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). The proportion of patients in the experimental group who needed to take analgesic measures on the basis of the parent posto-perative pain measurement (PPPM) score was significantly lower than that in the control group when they were awake after surgery (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups at 2 and 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). Moreover, no statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups at 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of local anesthesia during SECC dental treatment under general anesthesia results in minimal changes in intraoperative hemodynamics and mild postoperative pain response, hence worthy of clinical promotion.
Humans ; Anesthesia, General ; Child, Preschool ; Dental Caries/therapy* ; Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control* ; Anesthesia, Local/methods* ; Male ; Hemodynamics ; Female ; Lidocaine/administration & dosage* ; Child ; Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage* ; Anesthesia, Dental/methods*

Objective To evaluate the surgical technique and clinical value of laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy guided by inserting ureteral catheters into the diverticulum under plasmakinetic resectoscope.Methods From December 2018 to May 2024,9 patients underwent laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy in combination with resectoscope.Each patient had a solitary bladder diverticulum with a median maximum diameter of 6.40(5.70,7.40)cm(range:5.0～8.5 cm).Among the 9 patients,3 patients had concurrent benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)and simultaneously underwent transurethral plasmakinetic resection of the prostate;1 patient had concurrent both BPH and bladder calculi,requiring simultaneously underwent plasmakinetic resection of the prostate and bladder calculi removal;2 patients required ureteral reimplantation as the diverticulum was directly involving the ureteral orifice;1 case underwent ureteroscopic double-J stent implantation because the opening of the ipsilateral ureter was adjacent to the entrance of the diverticulum.Results Bladder diverticulectomy was successfully performed in the all patients.Median operative time was 160.00(120.00,317.50)min(range:85～345 min).Median estimated blood loss was 20.00(10.00,150.00)mL(range:10～300 mL).No iatrogenic injuries to adjacent organs were observed.Pelvic drains were removed 1～3 d postoperatively,with no urine leakage.Urinary catheters were maintained for 7～10 d after operation.Follow-up at 3～12 months showed no recurrence or hydronephrosis in any of the patients.Conclusion Laparoscopic resection of bladder diverticula guided by ureteral catheter placed into bladder diverticula by means of resectoscope has the advantages of less trauma,less bleeding and faster recovery,and is an effective measure for the treatment of bladder diverticula.

Insufficient future liver remnant volume remains a critical limitation for single-stage resection in patients with hepatic malignancies. The techniques for promoting future liver remnant hypertrophy to realize two-stage hepatectomy include portal vein embolization， associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy， and portal vein ligation. In recent years， the application of auxiliary liver transplantation has further facilitated two-stage total hepatectomy. This article systematically reviews the clinical applications of these techniques and analyzes their advantages and limitations， so as to provide a reference for optimizing clinical decision-making.