According to the collection principles and characteristics of the pulse physiological signals of traditional Chinese medicine, combined with the international standard requirements of the pulse graph force transducer (ISO 19614:2017-05), a special force sensor component that can be used for a complete and objective collection of pulse signals has been developed, this sensor meets the requirements of industrialization. The sensor can measure the pulse amplitude and width signals of the cunpart of the human body. In addition, three sensors can be placed at the cun, guan, chi part at the same time, so that the "three body parts and nine pulse-taking sites" can be realized synchronously. After the sensor has been verified, the results meet the relevant requirements of international standard. The consistency of the result can be reached to 92.3% compared with the diagnosis result of clinical TCM experts.
Heart Rate ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Pulse ; Transducers

The present study was aimed to explore the neuroprotective role of imatinib in global ischemia-reperfusion-induced cerebral injury along with possible mechanisms. Global ischemia was induced in mice by bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 20 min, which was followed by reperfusion for 24 h by restoring the blood flow to the brain. The extent of cerebral injury was assessed after 24 h of global ischemia by measuring the locomotor activity (actophotometer test), motor coordination (inclined beam walking test), neurological severity score, learning and memory (object recognition test) and cerebral infarction (triphenyl tetrazolium chloride stain). Ischemia-reperfusion injury produced significant cerebral infarction, impaired the behavioral parameters and decreased the expression of connexin 43 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in the brain. A single dose administration of imatinib (20 and 40 mg/kg) attenuated ischemia-reperfusion-induced behavioral deficits and the extent of cerebral infarction along with the restoration of connexin 43 and p-STAT3 levels. However, administration of AG490, a selective Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 inhibitor, abolished the neuroprotective actions of imatinib and decreased the expression of connexin 43 and p-STAT3. It is concluded that imatinib has the potential of attenuating global ischemia-reperfusion-induced cerebral injury, which may be possibly attributed to activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway along with the increase in the expression of connexin 43.
Animals ; Brain ; Carotid Arteries ; Cerebral Infarction ; Connexin 43 ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Ischemia ; Learning ; Memory ; Mice ; Motor Activity ; Neuroprotection ; Phosphotransferases ; Reperfusion ; Reperfusion Injury ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; Transducers ; Walking

Tumor interstitial pressure is a fundamental feature of cancer biology. Elevation in tumor pressure affects the efficacy of cancer treatment and results in the heterogenous intratumoral distribution of drugs and macromolecules. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) play a prominent role in cancer therapy and molecular nuclear imaging. Therapy using mAb labeled with radionuclides—also known as radioimmunotherapy (RIT)—is an effective form of cancer treatment. RIT is clinically effective for the treatment of lymphoma and other blood cancers; however, its clinical use for solid tumor was limited because their high interstitial pressure prevents mAb from penetrating into the tumor. This pressure can be decreased using anti-cancer drugs or additional external therapy. In this paper, we reviewed the intratumoral pressure using direct tumor-pressure measurement strategies, such as the wick-in-needle and pressure catheter transducer method, and indirect tumor-pressure measurement strategies via magnetic resonance.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Biology ; Catheters ; Lymphoma ; Methods ; Radioimmunotherapy ; Transducers

Ultrasonic computed tomography based on back scattering theory is the most powerful and accurate tool in ultrasound based imaging approaches because it is capable of providing quantitative information about the imaged target and detects very small targets. The duple-frequency distorted Born iterative method (DF–DBIM), which uses density information along with sound contrast for imaging, is a promising approach for imaging targets at the level of biological tissues. With two frequencies f₁ (low) and f₂ (high) through Nf₁ and Nf₂ iterations respectively, this method is used to estimate target density along with sound contrast. The implications of duple-frequency fusion for the image reconstruction quality of density information along with sound contrast based ultrasound tomography have been analyzed in this paper. In this paper, we concentrate on the selection of parameters that is supposed to be the best to improve the reconstruction quality of ultrasound tomography. When there are restraints imposed on simulated scenarios to have control of the computational cost, the iteration number Nf₁ is determined resulting in giving the best performance. The DF–DBIM is only effective if there are a moderate number of iterations, transmitters and receivers. In case that the number of transducers is either too large or too small, a result of reconstruction which is better than that of the single frequency approach is not produced by the implementation of DF–DBIM. A fixed sum N(iter) of Nf₁ and Nf₂ was given, the investigation of simulation results shows that the best value of Nf₁ is [N(iter)/2 − 1]. The error, when applying this way of choosing the parameters, will be normalized with the reduction of 56.11%, compared to use single frequency as used in the conventional DBIM method. The target density along with sound contrast is used to image targets in this paper. It is a fact that low-frequency offers fine convergence, and high-frequency offers fine spatial resolution. Wherefore, this technique can effectively expand DBIM's applicability to the problem of biological tissue reconstruction. Thanks to the usage of empirical data, this work will be further developed prior to its application in reality.
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Methods ; Transducers ; Ultrasonics ; Ultrasonography

Differentiation of preadipocyte, also named adipogenesis, leads to the phenotype of mature adipocyte that is filled with many lipid droplets. Excessive lipid accumulation in adipocytes leads to the development of obesity. In this study, we investigated the effect of 11 different natural compounds on lipid accumulation during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Strikingly, among the natural compounds, cryptotanshinone at 10 µM most strongly reduced triglyceride (TG) contents in 3T3-L1 cells after 8 days of the differentiation. Furthermore, cryptotanshinone at 10 µM significantly suppressed lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells after 8 days of the differentiation. Cryptotanshinone at 1 to 10 µM tested did not affect the survival of 3T3-L1 cells after 8 days of the differentiation. On mechanistic levels, cryptotanshinone time-differentially decreased the expression levels of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and perilipin A but also the phosphorylation levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) during the 3T3-L1 cell differentiation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that cryptotanshinone inhibits lipid accumulation in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells, which appears to be mediated through the reduced expression and/or phosphorylation levels of C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, FAS, Perilipin A, and STAT-3.
3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes ; Adipogenesis ; Lipid Droplets ; Obesity ; Peroxisomes ; Phenotype ; Phosphorylation ; Transducers ; Triglycerides

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an emerging new technology with considerable potential to treat various neurological diseases. With refinement of ultrasound transducer technology and integration with magnetic resonance imaging guidance, transcranial sonication of precise cerebral targets has become a therapeutic option. Intensity is a key determinant of ultrasound effects. High-intensity focused ultrasound can produce targeted lesions via thermal ablation of tissue. MRgFUS-mediated stereotactic ablation is non-invasive, incision-free, and confers immediate therapeutic effects. Since the US Food and Drug Administration approval of MRgFUS in 2016 for unilateral thalamotomy in medication-refractory essential tremor, studies on novel indications such as Parkinson's disease, psychiatric disease, and brain tumors are underway. MRgFUS is also used in the context of blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening at low intensities, in combination with intravenously-administered microbubbles. Preclinical studies show that MRgFUS-mediated BBB opening safely enhances the delivery of targeted chemotherapeutic agents to the brain and improves tumor control as well as survival. In addition, BBB opening has been shown to activate the innate immune system in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaque clearance and promotion of neurogenesis in these studies suggest that MRgFUS-mediated BBB opening may be a new paradigm for neurodegenerative disease treatment in the future. Here, we review the current status of preclinical and clinical trials of MRgFUS-mediated thermal ablation and BBB opening, described their mechanisms of action, and discuss future prospects.
Alzheimer Disease ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Brain ; Brain Neoplasms ; Essential Tremor ; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation ; Immune System ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Microbubbles ; Models, Animal ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Neurogenesis ; Parkinson Disease ; Plaque, Amyloid ; Sonication ; Therapeutic Uses ; Transducers ; Ultrasonography ; United States Food and Drug Administration

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and ultrasonography (USG) fusion imaging system for imaging prostate cancer and to verify its diagnostic capability by applying the hybrid imaging system to a prostate cancer phantom. METHODS: A multi-channel NIRS system using the near-infrared 785-nm wavelength with 12 channels and four detectors was developed. After arranging the optical fibers around a USG transducer, we performed NIRS imaging and grayscale USG imaging simultaneously. Fusion imaging was obtained by processing incoming signals and the spatial reconstruction of NIRS, which corresponded with grayscale USG acquired at the same time. The NIRS-USG hybrid system was applied to a silicone-based optical phantom of the prostate gland containing prostate cancer to verify its diagnostic capability qualitatively. RESULTS: The NIRS-USG hybrid imaging system for prostate cancer imaging simultaneously provided anatomical and optical information with 2-dimensional registration. The hybrid imaging system showed more NIR attenuation over the prostate cancer model than over the model of normal prostate tissue. Its diagnostic capability to discriminate a focal area mimicking the optical properties of prostate cancer from the surrounding background mimicking the optical properties of normal prostate tissue was verified by applying the hybrid system to a silicone-based optical phantom of prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: This study successfully demonstrated that the NIRS-USG hybrid system may serve as a new imaging method for improving the diagnostic accuracy of prostate cancer, with potential utility for future clinical applications.
Diagnosis ; Methods ; Optical Fibers ; Prostate ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared ; Transducers ; Ultrasonography

In this study, we sought to describe a novel imaging apparatus that is lightweight, inexpensive, and highly eff ective for use in colorectal diagnostic and treatment settings. Typical probes for use in colorectal ultrasonic imaging applications are developed for surgeons to diagnose and stage rectal tumors and image the rectum and anus. Here we outline a new technique and use it for colorectal imaging in an animal. This technique involves use of an ultrasound array module positioned along the axis of rotation such that improved rotation is possible. This module is in the shape of a linear rod with a rotary linear component that allows for emission of focused ultrasonic echo signals from a linear section of the probe. The usability of the transducer and rectal image quality are satisfactory in a porcine model with the technique proposed here, axial/lateral resolution as 0.96/2.24 mm with 6 dB applied through the contour map using the point spread function. When compared to currently available methods, this technique provides superior diagnostic 3D volumetric image quality with reduced acquisition time. Given this, the ultrasound device proposed here may prove a viable and preferable method to those currently available for urology and colorectal imaging applications.
Anal Canal ; Animals ; Methods ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Rectum ; Surgeons ; Transducers ; Ultrasonics ; Ultrasonography ; Urology

This article reviews the historical development and up-to-date state of thermometric technologies for measuring human body temperature (BT) from two aspects: measurement methodology and signifi cance interpretation. Since the fi rst systematic and comprehensive study on BT and its relation to human diseases was conducted by Wunderlich in the late 19th century, BT has served as one of the most fundamental vital signs for clinical diagnosis and daily healthcare. The physiological implication of BT set point and thermoregulatory mechanisms are briefl y outlined. Infl uential determinants of BT measurement are investigated thoroughly. Three types of BT measurement, i.e., core body temperature, surface body temperature and basal body temperature, are categorized according to its measurement position and activity level. With the comparison of temperature measurement in industrial fi elds, specialties in technological and biological aspects in BT measurement are mentioned. Methodologies used in BT measurement are grouped into instrumental methods and mathematical methods. Instrumental methods utilize results of BT measurements directly from temperature-sensitive transducers and electronic instrumentations by the combination of actual and predictive measurement, invasive and noninvasive measurement. Mathematical methods use several numerical models, such as multiple regression model, autoregressive model, thermoregulatory mechanism-based model and the Kalman fi lter-based method to estimate BT indirectly from some relevant vital signs and environmental factors. Thermometry modalities are summarized on the dichotomies into invasive and noninvasive, contact and noncontact, direct and indirect, free and restrained, 1-D and n-D. Comprehensive interpretation of BT has an equal importance as the measurement of BT. Two modes to apply BT are classifi ed into real-time applications and long-term applications. With rapid advancement in IoT infrastructure, big data analytics and AI platforms, prospects for future development in thermometry and interpretation of BT are discussed.
Basal Bodies ; Body Temperature ; Delivery of Health Care ; Diagnosis ; Human Body ; Humans ; Methods ; Thermometers ; Thermometry ; Transducers ; Vital Signs

Biosensors are analytical devices for biomolecule detection that compromise three essential components: recognition moiety, transducer, and signal processor. The sensor converts biomolecule recognition to detectable signals, which has been applied in diverse fields such as clinical monitoring, in vitro diagnostics, food industry etc. Based on signal transduction mechanisms, biosensors can be categorized into three major types: optical biosensors, electrochemical biosensors, and mass-based biosensors. Recently, the need for faster, more sensitive detection of biomolecules has compeled researchers to develop various sensing techniques. In this review, the basic structure and sensing principles of biosensors are introduced. Additionally, the review discusses multiple recent works about nucleic acid and exosome sensing.
Biosensing Techniques ; Exosomes ; Food Industry ; In Vitro Techniques ; Nucleic Acids ; Signal Transduction ; Transducers