1.A Method for Position Correction of Ultrasonic Arrays Used in High-resolution Photoacoustic Tomography
Yang TANG ; Zhan-Jun ZHANG ; Xing HUANG ; Kuan PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):767-778
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.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Combination with Chinese Herbal Medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis:A Retrospective Study and A Meta-analysis
Chenguang ZHAN ; Shengqin YANG ; Xin LI ; Yu WEN ; Peng ZHANG ; Xingrui YAN ; Haifang DU ; Maojie WANG ; Xiaodong WU ; Liyan MEI ; Xiumin CHEN ; Yanlin LI ; Runyue HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):534-543
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors combined with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MethodsClinical data from 169 RA patients were retrospectively collected. Among them, 71 cases received JAK inhibitors as the control group, while 98 cases received JAK inhibitors plus CHM as the observation group, both treated for 24 weeks. The rheumatoid factor (RF), cyclic citic peptide antibody (anti-CCP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count (WBC) were recorded before and after treatment. Databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception till August 31st, 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the combined use of JAK inhibitors and CHM for RA. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed for RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP, 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28), overall clinical effective rate, and incidence of adverse events. Sensitivity analysis were also performed. ResultsThe retrospective study demonstrated that after treatment, ESR, CRP, and anti-CCP levels decreased in the observation group, while ESR and CRP levels decreased in the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, ESR and RF levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). A total of 9 RCTs involving 770 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that the JAK inhibitors plus CHM group was superior to the JAK inhibitors group in reducing RF (MD=-8.97, 95%CI -15.01 to -2.94, P=0.004), CRP (MD=-3.34, 95%CI -3.82 to -2.86, P<0.001), ESR (MD=-5.33, 95%CI -7.98 to -2.69, P<0.001), and DAS28 score (MD=-0.54, 95%CI -0.74 to -0.34, P<0.001), as well as in improving the overall clinical effective rate (OR=4.53, 95%CI 2.55 to 8.03, P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in anti-CCP levels (SMD=-2.08, 95%CI -4.41 to 0.24, P=0.080) or incidence of adverse events (OR=0.93, 95%CI 0.55 to 1.57, P=0.790). ConclusionThe combination of JAK inhibitors and CHM demonstrates remarkable efficacy in treating RA, contributing to improved disease activity and reduced inflammatory markers with a favorable safety profile.
3.Host MYH9 protein promotes Zika virus invasion in U251 cells
Qianyi PENG ; Yalan FENG ; Jing HE ; Rong HUANG ; Jiafei ZHAN ; Yuhang ZHENG ; Chen CHEN ; Rong XIA ; Lei YUAN ; Jian YANG ; Kui XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(3):278-286
Objective:This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role and mechanism of myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) in the invasion of Zika virus (ZIKV) into human glioma cells (U251).Methods:Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technology, MYH9-knockout U251 cells (U251-MYH9 KD) were constructed. Following ZIKV infection, the protein expression levels, RNA load, and viral titer of ZIKV were detected through western blot (WB), Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and plaque formation assays, respectively. The infection efficiency of ZIKV in U251 cells treated with the MYH9 inhibitor blebbistatin was assessed. The binding and internalization efficiency of ZIKV were measured in U251-MYH9 KD cells. The interaction between MYH9 and the ZIKV envelope protein (E) was studied using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). The effects of soluble MYH9 recombinant protein and anti-human MYH9 antibodies on ZIKV infection were evaluated by qPCR and plaque formation assays. Results:It was found that knockout or inhibition of MYH9 significantly suppressed ZIKV infection in U251 cells. MYH9 knockout notably inhibited the binding and internalization of ZIKV in U251 cells. MYH9 interacted with the ZIKV E protein, and both MYH9 recombinant protein and anti-human MYH9 antibodies, by blocking the binding of ZIKV E protein to cell surface MYH9, inhibited ZIKV infection in U251 cells in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusions:MYH9 facilitates ZIKV invasion into U251 cells through interaction with the ZIKV E protein.
4.Effect of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology in robot-assisted laparoscopic hemi-nephrectomy for duplex kidney in children
Xiong ZHAN ; Jinpu PENG ; Moudong WU ; Dan WANG ; Mujie LI ; Nini AN
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(8):607-610
Objective:Exploring the efficacy of indocyanine green(ICG)near-infrared fluorescence(NIRF)imaging technology in robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for children with duplicated kidneys.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 7 children with duplicated kidneys admitted to Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital from December 2023 to September 2024,including 3 males and 4 females. The patients with a median age of 36(2,132)months. All cases of duplicated kidneys were located at the renal pole,with 5 on the left side and 2 on the right side. All 7 patients had a history of worsening hydronephrosis,with 4 having a history of urinary tract infection and 1 accompanied by urinary incontinence(urine leakage outside the normal voiding period). Preoperative diagnosis was confirmed via enhanced CT of the urinary tract,diuretic renal dynamic imaging(SPECT),and voiding cystourethrography. One case had an ectopic ureteral opening. One case had recurrent urinary tract infections following ureteral cyst fenestration surgery,and five cases had terminal ureteral obstruction. All seven cases showed that the functional capacity of the duplicated upper kidney was <10%. All 7 cases underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic repeated nephrectomy of the upper kidney using ICG-NIRF technology. Intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging was performed in three stages:a catheter was inserted through the lower kidney ureter,and after the first injection of ICG,green fluorescence was observed in the lower kidney ureter. Under fluorescence guidance,the upper and lower ureters were anatomically dissected;The second ICG injection via intravenous administration revealed the vessels supplying the upper kidney,and the blood supply to the upper kidney was blocked;After the third ICG injection via intravenous administration,the normal lower kidney showed fluorescence imaging,while the ischemic upper kidney did not. The upper kidney was resected along the anatomical boundary between the upper and lower kidneys.Results:All 7 surgeries were successfully completed,with an average surgical time of(155.1 ± 22.7)min;Intraoperative blood loss was(12.5 ± 8.7)ml;postoperative hospital stay was(5.2 ± 1.7)days. Postoperative follow-up duration was(9.2 ± 3.5)months,with preoperative concomitant urinary tract infection and post-micturition dribbling symptoms resolved. No cases of ureteral stump effusion or urinary leakage were observed postoperatively. At the 3-month postoperative follow-up SPECT examination,no loss of lower kidney function was detected.Conclusions:The application of ICG-NIRF imaging technology in robotic-assisted laparoscopic heminephrectomy for children with duplicated kidneys is easy to perform and safe. Its main advantage is the ability to clearly identify normal ureters,blood vessels of non-functional kidneys,and the boundary between the upper and lower halves of the kidney,thereby guiding the optimization of surgical strategies.
5.Study of application of Common Data Model of Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership in China
Meng ZHANG ; Peng SHEN ; Zhike LIU ; Van Zandt MUI ; Jing LI ; Chao LI ; Yexiang SUN ; Junqing XIE ; Hripcsak GEORGE ; Yong CHEN ; Hongbo LIN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):907-913
Objective:To comprehensively evaluate the application of Common Data Model (CDM) of Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) in China, and provide reference for the implementation of data standardization and evidence sharing in China.Methods:PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WanFang and SinoMed databases were used for literature retrieval to collect the research papers of OMOP CDM application for data standardization in China until March 15, 2023. The information about institutions, types and numbers of patients were extracted.Results:A total of 14 research papers, including 9 in English and 5 in Chinese, were selected. The research papers published since 2018 were collected, which focused on patients with hypertension, diabetes, and depression. A total of 12 institutions or platforms transformed data into OMOP CDM. Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital was the first one to apply the CDM and demonstrated its feasibility in China. Additionally, the regional information system in Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, standardized the multi-dimensional data of patients with diabetes and hypertension. Based on this platform, a series of prediction models for complications in patients with diabetes were constructed. Another major database in Beijing Anding Hospital applied OMOP CDM to analyze the characteristics of patients with late-life depression and dementia.Conclusions:This study analyzed the application of OMOP CDM in China. Through in-depth analysis of specific cases, the study provided guidance for the future cross-regional evidence sharing and collaboration.
6.Prevalence of sarcopenia and influencing factors in middle-aged and older adults in Zhejiang Province
Yincun WANG ; Xucheng WU ; Kaili SUN ; Xueqing JIA ; Liming ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Jing SHAO ; Zuobing CHEN ; Xiaoting LIU ; Peng ZHAN ; Zuyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(7):1224-1230
Objective:To investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and potential influencing factors in middle-aged and elderly populations in Zhejiang Province.Methods:Data were obtained from Zhejiang Provincial Household Economic Status Survey, a cross-sectional survey was condcuted in middle-aged and olde adults selected through multi-stage sampling in three cities in Zhejiang (Huzhou, Jiaxing and Shaoxing) in July 2023. A total of 3 019 study participants, average age 62.3 years old, 53.5% men, were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sarcopenia screening was conducted by using the questionnaire with five sarcopenia related-items. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with sarcopenia.Results:The prevalence of sarcopenia in the middle-aged and old study participants was 4.47%. Significant differences were observed between the participants with or without sarcopenia in terms of age, educational level, BMI, alcohol consumption status, diet habit, physical activity level, sleep quality, number of chronic diseases, childhood socioeconomic status, adulthood community socioeconomic status, muscle strength, walking assistance, ability to stand from seat, ability to climb stairs, and fall frequency ( P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that old age (≥75 years: OR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.60-4.97), low body weight ( OR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.06-3.62), unhealthy diet habit ( OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.01-2.46), physical inactivity ( OR=5.80, 95% CI: 3.09-10.88), poor or very poor sleep quality ( OR=1.65, 95% CI:1.23-2.41), number of chronic diseases (1 chronic disease: OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.08-3.14; 2 chronic diseases: OR=3.22, 95% CI: 1.81-5.71; 3 or more chronic diseases: OR=3.74, 95% CI: 2.11-6.65), poor childhood socioeconomic status ( OR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.23-7.20), and poor adulthood community socioeconomic status ( OR=3.87, 95% CI: 1.63-9.17) were significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Conclusions:The prevalence of sarcopenia was relatively low in middle-aged and old population in Zhejiang. Age, BMI, unhealthy diet, physical activity level, sleep quality, number of chronic diseases, childhood socioeconomic status, and adulthood community socioeconomic status were identified as significant influencing factors.
7.Value of multiparametric ultrasonography in the diagnosis of mucosal healing in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease
Ya PENG ; Hongjuan OUYANG ; Meizheng ZHAN ; Xiangnan OUYANG ; Peilan LI ; Jinqiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(2):161-166
Objective:To explore the value of multiparametric ultrasonography,including grayscale ultrasound(US),color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI),and real-time shear wave elastography(SWE)in diagnosing mucosal healing(MH)in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease.Methods:This prospective study consecutively enrolled pediatric CD patients who underwent endoscopic examinations at Hunan Children's Hospital from January 2024 to August 2024. Based on the Simplified Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease(SES-CD),all intestinal segments were divided into two groups:the MH group and the non-mucosal healing(NMH)group. Differences in bowel wall thickness(BWT),bowel wall stratification,color Doppler grading,SWE values,and increased thickness of mesenteric fat were compared between the two groups. ROC curves were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of each ultrasound parameter. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of MH,and a regression model was developed based on these factors.Results:A total of 234 intestinal segments from 60 pediatric CD patients were included in the analysis,divided into the MH group(101 segments)and the NMH group(133 segments).There were significant differences between the MH and NMH groups in terms of BWT,bowel wall stratification,color Doppler grading,SWE values,and increased thickness of mesenteric fat(all P<0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified BWT,color Doppler grading,and SWE values as independent predictors associated with MH(all P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve was 0.906(95% CI = 0.867 - 0.945, P<0.05),with a sensitivity of 0.865 and specificity of 0.851. Conclusions:Multiparametric ultrasonography can effectively assess MH in pediatric CD patients,providing critical information for accurate clinical evaluation of disease status and treatment outcomes.
8.Exploration of action mechanisms of Gang Huo Qing wen granules in treatment of influenza based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technique
Wenyu WU ; Wanning LAN ; Xin JIAO ; Peng WU ; Kai WANG ; Shaofeng ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(17):2597-2602
OBJECTIVE T o explore the action mechanisms of Ganghuo Qingwen granules(GHQWG)in treatment of influenza based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technique.METHODS The TCMSP database was logged in to search for active compounds,targets of GHQWG and targets of influenza so as to screen out the intersected targets between HGQWG and influenza and establish a drug-ingredient-target network.The poten-tial mechanisms were analyzed by means of protein-protein interaction analysis,Gene Ontology(GO)function an-notation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment,and the activity of binding the key targets with ingredients was validated by molecular docking.RESULTS GHQWG contained 90 types of po-tential active ingredients,312 active ingredient targets,1996 influenza targets and 134 intersection targets.The core ingredients included quercetin,kaempferol and luteolin;the key targets involved V-Rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A(RELA),tumor protein 53(TP53),mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3),tumor necrosis factor(TNF),serine/threonine kinase proteins 1(AKT1)and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1).The function enrichment showed that GHQWG could regulate the processes of gene expression,in-flammatory reaction and apoptosis.The result of KEGG indicated that GHQWG played therapeutic effect on influ-enza mainly through C type agglutinin receptor,TNF and in terleukin-17(IL-17)signaling pathway.The molecu-lar docking analysis showed that RELA,TP53,M APK3,TNF,AKT1 and M APK1 had strong activities of bind-ing with quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,β-sitosterol,wogonin,stigmasterol,caffeic acid and isorhamnetin.CONCLUSION GHQWG may regulate the key targets of signaling pathways of C type agglutinin receptor,TNF and IL-17 through multiple ingredients-multiple targes-multiple pathway mechanisms so as to play the therapeutic effect on influenza.
9.Establishment of near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative models for moisture and index components in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces
Xun LU ; Zhe ZHANG ; Geng-zhi ZHAN ; Lu-yao CAI ; Cun-yu LI ; Yun-feng ZHENG ; Tuan-jie WANG ; Yu JIN ; Guo-ping PENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3184-3190
AIM To establish the near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative models for moisture,23-acetylalismol B and 23-acetylalismol C in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces.METHODS The near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)data were collected in 95 batches of decoction pieces,after which drying method was adopted in the content determination of moisture,HPLC was applied to determining the contents of 23-acetylalismol B and 23-acetylalismol C,the quantitative models were established by partial least squares method combined with feature extraction algorithms.RESULTS The model training determination coefficients were 0.952 6,0.958 1 and 0.920 8,along with the prediction determination coefficients of 0.930 0,0.905 2 and 0.906 4,the residual prediction deviations(PRD)of 4.00,3.58 and 3.46,and the root mean square error ratios of prediction values to calibration values(RMSEP/RMSEC)of 1.15,1.11 and 1.06,respectively.CONCLUSION The quantitative models based on NIRS exhibit good prediction effects,which can be used for the rapid quality detection of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces.
10.Exploration on the Effects of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on Rabbit Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Based on the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL Signaling Pathway
Wei PENG ; Liguo ZHU ; Xunlu YIN ; Jie LUO ; Kexin YANG ; Minshan FENG ; Jie YU ; Long LIANG ; Linghui LI ; Jiawen ZHAN ; Tao HAN ; Mingyi LUO ; Dian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):71-77
Objective To observe the effects of Bushen Huoxue Prescription on the pathway related to necroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in a model rabbit of intervertebral disc degeneration;To explore its mechanisms in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.Methods A intervertebral disc degeneration rabbit model was established using the spinal instability method.Totally 40 model rabbits were randomly divided into model group,ibuprofen group and Bushen Huoxue Prescription low-,medium-and high-dosage groups.Additionally,a normal control group and a sham-operation group were set up,with 8 rabbits in each group.Each treatment groups received the corresponding drugs via gavage for two consecutive weeks.HE staining was used to observe morphology of nucleus pulposus tissue,transmission electron microscopy was used to observe ultrastructure in nucleus pulposus cells,immunohistochemical staining was used to assess the expressions of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein in nucleus pulposus tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the model group showed a significant decrease in nucleus pulposus cells,disordered cell arrangement,reduced extracellular matrix,interrupted cell membrane continuity under transmission electron microscopy,organelle swelling,nuclear membrane disruption,partial chromatin loss,and positive expression of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus tissue decreased(P<0.01),while the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the treatment groups showed an increased number of nucleus pulposus cells with orderly arrangement and more extracellular matrix,the ultrastructural damage of the cell membrane,organelle and nucleus in nucleus pulposus cells was partially restored under transmission electron microscopy,the positive expressions of Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ significantly increased in Bushen Huoxue Prescription medium-and high-dosage groups and the ibuprofen group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Bushen Huoxue Prescription may delay intervertebral disc degeneration of the model rabbit by inhibiting the expressions of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL protein in nucleus pulposus cells,and promoting the generation of extracellular matrix components Aggrecan and Collagen Ⅱ.

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