Recent uci_eng_bme items

Electroacoustic tomography guided nanosecond pulsed field ablation: a simulation study

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising non-thermal method for treatment of atrial fibrillation that works by inducing irreversible electroporation in cardiac tissue. The procedure is designed to avoid heat damage. However, longer (microsecond) pulse durations can still generate thermal effects. Nanosecond pulses can deliver the necessary electric field much faster, reducing the risk of heating and potentially improving spatial precision and treatment safety. Currently, PFA is an open loop process which does not allow for real time lesion visualization. The lack of real time visualization significantly limits the capabilities of this procedure, leading to incomplete electroporation, and an increase in the likelihood of arrhythmia and the need for repeat procedures. This work presents an initial simulation framework which is aimed at closing the loop and providing real time feedback. The electric field distribution was simulated with a simplified circular catheter with alternating...

Robotic ultrasound platform for ultrasound and radioacoustic imaging for monitoring radiotherapy

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Accurate radiotherapy requires precise soft-tissue anatomy at the time of treatment, yet current workflows lack volumetric imaging immediately prior to irradiation. Ultrasound offers real-time, radiation-free imaging but is limited by operator dependence. We present a fully autonomous robotic ultrasound platform for pre-treatment volumetric imaging in radiotherapy. CT-based scan trajectories are registered to the patient surface using an RGB-D camera, and a 6-DOF robotic arm performs surface-conforming, force-controlled B-mode scans with optically tracked 3D reconstruction. Validation in a human torso phantom demonstrates high-precision visualization of organ boundaries with strong correspondence to CT. This approach enables low-cost pre-treatment 3D imaging and establishes a foundation for future real-time dual-modality ultrasound and radioacoustic imaging (RAI) for combined anatomical and dose monitoring during treatment.

XACT‐guided interventional procedures: A feasibility study

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: X-ray Induced Acoustic Computed Tomography (XACT) is an emerging imaging technique that provides 3D volumetric images from a single projection by detecting X-ray-induced acoustic (XA) waves with ultrasound (US) transducers. Unlike MRI or CT, XACT enables real-time 3D imaging without long acquisition times, 2D limitations, or motion artifacts from mechanical rotation. Furthermore, when integrated with conventional pulse-echo US through time-sequenced operation, XACT provides complementary soft-tissue contrast, establishing it as a promising platform for dynamic interventional radiology (IR) guidance. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of XACT as a novel imaging tool for IR, specifically for guiding needle placement and monitoring contrast agent dynamics. METHODS: We developed a 3D XACT imaging system equipped with a 256-element 2D matrix array and a portable X-ray tube to visualize needle insertion and contrast agent dynamics. To capture both needle...

A single‐view‐based electroacoustic tomography imaging using deep learning for electroporation monitoring

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: Electroacoustic tomography (EAT) is an emerging imaging technique with potential for guiding electroporation therapy. However, in clinical applications, EAT scan is typically limited to a single view acquisition, leading to severe artifacts in the reconstruction. PURPOSE: This study aims to develop novel deep-learning models to substantially enhance the image quality of the single-view EAT reconstruction. METHODS: We proposed a two-stage deep learning model (EXPP-Net) to address the limited view problem in EAT image reconstruction. The two-stage model comprises extrapolation and post-processing sub-models. The extrapolation sub-model receives a single-view sinogram u_α acquired at any angle α and a rotation angle γ∈[-60°, -24°, 24°, 60°], and predicts four single-view sinograms at angles α+γ. The 5 sinograms (i.e., u_α _-60°, u_α _-24°, u_α, u_α _+24°, u_α _+60°) are...

X-ray induced acoustic corrected by transmission radiography

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

X-ray induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) is an emerging imaging modality capable of reconstructing three-dimensional distributions of X-ray energy deposition from a single projection. While XACT provides strong functional contrast, its image quality is often degraded by limited acoustic detection geometries, leading to reconstruction artifacts and reduced spatial accuracy. In this work, we present a dual-modality XACT imaging framework that integrates transmission X-ray imaging to improve three-dimensional reconstruction robustness. A pulsed X-ray source was used to generate acoustic signals via thermoelastic expansion, which were detected by a planar ultrasound array for volumetric XACT reconstruction. Simultaneously acquired transmission X-ray images were processed to extract structural priors that were co-registered with the XACT coordinate system and incorporated into an iterative reconstruction scheme. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach substantially...

4D electroacoustic tomography (EAT) for monitoring electroporation therapy

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Real-time monitoring of deep-tissue electric field distribution during electroporation therapy remains a significant clinical challenge. Electroacoustic Tomography (EAT) addresses this need by detecting ultrasound waves generated during pulsed electric energy induces cell membrane poration. Using a three-dimensional matrix array transducer, we demonstrate EAT's capability to visualize volumetric electric field distributions in real-time. A comprehensive database of EA signals was developed using square pulses ranging from 600-1000V with pulse widths of 60-150ns. To validate the 4D imaging capabilities, discrete pulse trains were delivered from 50 to 1000V at 50V increments, with universal back projection reconstructions effectively visualizing the source pressure distribution. Dynamic reconstructions clearly demonstrate electric field strength growth correlating with voltage increments. Our system's clinical viability has been validated through both in vivo murine studies using...

Electroacoustic tomography and ultrasound guided irreversible electroporation for prostate cancer treatment

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a minimally invasive tumor ablation technique that utilizes short, high-intensity electric pulses to disrupt cell membranes and induce tissue ablation. Recently, nanosecond-pulsed IRE (nsIRE), employing ultrashort electrical pulses, has demonstrated effectiveness in minimizing thermal damage and reducing muscle twitching, attracting substantial interest in prostate cancer treatment. However, a significant limitation remains, that is the accurate, real-time monitoring of electrical energy deposition during nsIRE procedures. Electroacoustic tomography (EAT), an emerging imaging technique, detects acoustic signals generated by rapid electrostriction during electroporation pulses, providing real-time visualization of electrical field distributions. To address the monitoring challenge, we developed an integrated imaging system combining EAT with ultrasound (US) imaging. This study aimed to validate the capability of the EAT-US platform to precisely...

X-ray induced acoustic (XACT) for interventional radiology

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We propose an innovative imaging modality, x-ray Induced Acoustic Computed Tomography (XACT), for interventional radiology applications. An XACT imaging system was developed to visualize needle insertion during interventional procedures. By integrating XACT with conventional pulse-echo ultrasound, a dual-modality imaging platform was established that takes advantage of the complementary strengths of both techniques—XACT for high-contrast localization of x-ray absorption and ultrasound for real-time soft-tissue visualization. Experimental results obtained from ex vivo tissue samples demonstrate millimeter-scale spatial resolution and dynamic two-dimensional imaging capability, highlighting the potential of XACT to improve procedural precision in image-guided interventions.

Electroacoustic tomography and intracardiac echocardiography imaging for image‑guided atrial fibrillation treatment

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In the United States alone, an estimated 3-6 million people have atrial fibrillation (AF), and this number is expected to at least double by the year 2050. Cardiac ablation is a non-pharmacological treatment option available; however, current technologies are associated with complications and high rate of recurrence. To mitigate this, we propose a novel cardiac ablation system that incorporates real-time visualization of non-thermal ablation. This system will include nanosecond pulsed field ablation (nsPEF) which directly targets cardiomyocytes with a novel electroacoustic tomography (EAT) technology in parallel with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). The dynamic imaging of the ICE catheter will allow for anatomical guidance and dynamic visualization of catheter position and lesion formation when combined with EAT. This has been validated through the Siemens AcuNav Volume ICE catheter adapted for integration with a programmable ultrasound research platform (Verasonics NXT) to...

A Physics-Informed Neural Network for In Vivo Dosimetry Using Quantitative Radiacoustic Imaging

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Accurate dosimetry is critical for safe and effective radiotherapy, yet no clinical method currently measures dose directly within the patient in vivo. Radiacoustic imaging (RAI), which detects acoustic waves generated by thermoelastic expansion during radiation delivery, offers a promising solution but has been limited to qualitative output. We present a quantitative RAI (qRAI) framework powered by a physics-informed neural network (PINN) that reconstructs quantitative dose maps in vivo. The PINN incorporates the physics of acoustic wave generation and propagation, along with a digital twin of the radiation delivery and radiacoustic detection systems, enabling accurate reconstruction from limited-view data. Reconstructed pressure maps are calibrated against experimental and simulated dose references. We validate the method across diverse clinical scenarios, including water tank dosimetry, human torso phantoms, and FLASH electron therapy. Compared to purely data-driven...

3D dynamic x‑ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of x-ray–Induced Acoustic Computed Tomography (XACT) as a novel imaging modality for interventional radiology, with a focus on guiding needle placement. A three-dimensional XACT imaging system was developed using a 256-element two-dimensional matrix ultrasound array and a portable pulsed x-ray source. The system was designed to visualize needle insertion during interventional procedures. Experiments were conducted using human-mimicking phantoms. A model-based GPU-accelerated reconstruction algorithm was implemented to enable efficient three-dimensional XACT image reconstruction. The experimental results demonstrate the capability of three-dimensional XACT imaging for interventional applications, including accurate visualization of needle placement. An imaging speed of up to 1 frame per second was achieved, primarily limited by the repetition rate of the x-ray source and signal-to-noise (SNR) considerations. The reconstructed XACT images...

Ultrasound microvessel imaging: a step toward clinical integration in image‑guided radiotherapy

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ultrafast ultrasound imaging, enabled by plane-wave acquisition, achieves frame rates over 10,000 frames per second, which is more than 100 times faster than conventional clinical ultrasound. This high temporal resolution allows for visualization of microvascular flow, opening new opportunities in tumor localization and treatment response monitoring for radiotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of ultrafast ultrasound microvessel imaging using a controlled phantom model. A vessel-mimicking tube was submerged in a water tank, and intermittent water flow with air gaps was introduced to simulate sparse flow dynamics. Data were acquired using a Verasonics Ultrafast Ultrasound system with a P4-2v phased array probe at a frame rate of ~800Hz. Beamformed IQ data were processed with rigid motion correction to reduce tank-induced disturbances, followed by singular value decomposition (SVD) filtering to isolate flow signals from noise and background motion. The resulting...

AAV9-Mimetic Peptides and Electroporation Synergistically Enhance Nanoparticle Transport through the Blood–Brain Barrier

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a major hurdle in neurotherapeutics delivery. However, adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) variants can cross from the bloodstream to accumulate in brain tissue, with their tropism facilitated by surface peptide loops. In this work, we examined the feasibility of grafting AAV9-based peptides (AAV.PHP.eB, AAV.X1, and AAV.CPP.16) onto nanoparticles (NPs) to increase transport through brain endothelial cells. We also evaluated the effects of combining the cell-mediated transcytosis strategy with nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs). To test the importance of the AAV9-mimetic peptide structural presentation, we chemically conjugated linear peptides or recombinantly inserted peptides into external loops of a protein NP delivery scaffold (E2). E2 shares similar size, symmetry, and nanostructure features to AAV9 but is based on a non-viral source. Computational modeling, particle sizes, and circular dichroism data showed that...

Shape-optimized model-based reconstruction algorithm for radiacoustic imaging

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We present a shape-optimized model-based (SOMB) reconstruction framework that addresses the limited-view problem in radiacoustic imaging arising from restricted detector placement, which creates severely ill-posed inverse problems that manifest as characteristic artifacts in reconstructed images. We first reconstruct the approximate dose-region boundary using a parametric level set-based shape optimization. Pointwise model-based dose reconstruction is then performed only within this shape-constrained region. By restricting reconstruction from the full imaging domain to only the pixels within the identified region, the number of unknowns is significantly reduced, transforming a severely ill-posed inverse problem into a significantly better-constrained one. We validate this methodology through computational studies and experiments using clinical X-ray and proton radiation sources under limited angular coverage data acquisition settings. Results demonstrate substantial artifact reduction...

Effect of probe rotation and position on in vivo OCT imaging of the neonatal airway

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Subglottic stenosis continues to be a diagnostic challenge for clinicians, especially in neonates, whose airways can be as small as 2 mm in diameter. Optical coherence tomography has been investigated as a less invasive and thus potentially safer method of imaging the neonatal airway. However, imaging quality and ultimately, diagnostic accuracy, can be impacted by probe positioning and rotation.

Volumetric FLASH dosimetry in vivo using real-time radiacoustic imaging

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objective.The main goal of this research is to verify the spatial fidelity of radiacoustic imaging (RAI) as a quantitative dosimetric monitoring tool for FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT)in vivo. FLASH-RT delivers therapeutic radiation at ultra-high instantaneous dose rates (>10⁶Gy s^-1), offering substantial reductions in normal tissue toxicity while maintaining tumor control. However, clinical translation remains limited by the absence of real-time,in vivodosimetry systems capable of resolving dose delivery at microsecond timescales.Approach.Here, we present an RAI platform that enables volumetric, single-pulse mapping of radiation dose deposition during FLASH-RTin vivo. The system utilizes a 16 × 16 ultrasound transducer matrix array with a model-based reconstruction algorithm to generate quantitative, three-dimensional dose maps with single pulse-level temporal resolution.Main results.In both water phantoms andin...

Limited‑view radioacoustic imaging using parametric level sets

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Restricted transducer placement in clinical environments limits radiacoustic imaging (RAI) to incomplete angular measurements, producing characteristic artifacts—including spurious tails and missing features—that compromise dose reconstruction accuracy during radiation therapy monitoring. We address this limited-view challenge through two-stage reconstruction: parametric level-set optimization first identifies approximate dose region boundaries, then model-based inversion reconstructs detailed distributions within this spatially-constrained domain. Shape representation using radial basis functions reduces dimensionality from pixel-wise unknowns to geometric parameters describing piecewise-constant regions, while domain restriction concentrates measurement information onto fewer reconstruction variables. Validation studies encompass computational simulations and clinical LINAC experiments under limited as well as sparse angular coverage. In the simulated study, an elliptical source...

Radiacoustic imaging (RAI) of spatially fractionated proton therapy in human torso phantom and in vivo

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Proton therapy monitoring is currently limited to surface dosimetry despite the need for in vivo Bragg peak localization and monitoring of more complex delivery paradigms such as spatially fractionated GRID therapy, both of which are associated with improved patient outcomes. Radiacoustic imaging (RAI), which captures acoustic waves generated by pulsed proton dose deposition deep within the body, enables pulse-resolved, volumetric, quantitative monitoring of Bragg peak location and total dose delivery. In this work, the livers of a human torso phantom and a rabbit were irradiated with spatially separated proton beams, and the resulting radiacoustic signals were reconstructed into volumetric dose maps spanning both individual pulses and entire treatments. These high-fidelity reconstructions demonstrate the potential of RAI to enable adaptive radiotherapy and to ensure accurate in vivo delivery of spatially fractionated proton therapies.

Differentiating irreversible and reversible electroporation zones: a correlation library between electroacoustic tomography and histopathology

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Pulsed electrical ablation has become a powerful tool in biomedicine, with applications in cancer treatment, atrial fibrillation therapy, and opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery. A key limitation, however, is that the electric field distribution is invisible in soft tissue, making it difficult to monitor and guide treatment in real time. To overcome this challenge, we have developed electroacoustic tomography (EAT)—a novel imaging modality that captures ultrasound signals generated by pulsed electric fields to visualize energy deposition within tissue. EAT offers the potential to distinguish between irreversible electroporation (IRE) and reversible electroporation (RE) regions during therapy. To establish a robust correlation between EAT and tissue response, we constructed a comprehensive ablation library using potato models, which are low-cost, relatively convenient, and free of ethical issues. We systematically varied treatment voltage and performed EAT imaging...

Charge readout electronics for the DUNE horizontal drift far detector: design and performance in ProtoDUNE-HD

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
DUNE (Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment) is a long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment currently under construction, whose far detectors will be the largest liquid argon time projection chambers ever built. This detector design calls for custom-built cryogenic front-end electronics to meet its performance requirements. This paper describes the charge readout electronics that will be used in the DUNE horizontal drift (HD) far detector and presents performance results using data from the ProtoDUNE-HD detector, a 770 ton liquid argon time projection chamber operated at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2024 that served as the final prototype of the DUNE HD design.

Optimization of Antenna Array Configurations Using Deep Learning

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
We introduce a deep learning-based optimization method that enhances the design of sparse phased array by reducing grating lobes. Our approach begins with a generation of sparse antenna array configurations, efficiently addressing the non-convex challenges and high degrees of freedom in array design. We then employ neural networks, trained on 70,000 and tested on 30,000 configurations, to approximate a non-convex cost function that measures the ratio between the energy of the main lobe and the side lobe level. The approximation is differentiable and allows for the minimization of the cost function by gradient descent with respect to the antenna’s elements coordinates, yielding a new optimized configuration. A custom penalty mechanism is also implemented, integrating various physical and design constraints into our optimization method. The effectiveness of our method is tested on the ten configurations with the lowest initial cost values, showing a further reduction in cost by...

Optimization of Sparse Phased Arrays Using Deep Learning

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Antenna arrays enhance communication, sensing, and imaging in fields like wireless communications, radar, and radio astronomy by improving signal quality and range through beamforming and spatial multiplexing. However, they face challenges such as mutual coupling, calibration issues, and increased complexity compared to single antennas. These issues require careful engineering to optimize array performance across applications. We present an optimization technique based on deep learning that improves the design of sparse phased arrays by minimizing grating lobes. This method starts with generating configurations for sparse antenna arrays, effectively tackling the non-convex challenges and the high degrees of freedom involved in array design. We utilize neural networks, trained on 70,000 and tested on 30,000 configurations, to estimate a non-convex cost function that evaluates the energy ratio between the main lobe and side lobe levels. This estimation is differentiable, facilitating...

Sparse Phased Array Optimization Using Deep Learning

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Antenna arrays are widely used in wireless communication, radar systems, radio astronomy, and military defense to enhance signal strength, directivity, and interference suppression. We introduce a deep learning-based optimization approach that enhances the design of sparse phased arrays by reducing grating lobes. This approach begins by generating sparse array configurations to address the non-convex challenges and extensive degrees of freedom inherent in array design. We use neural networks to approximate the non-convex cost function that estimates the energy ratio between the main and side lobes. This differentiable approximation facilitates cost function minimization through gradient descent, optimizing the antenna elements' coordinates and leading to an improved layout. Additionally, we incorporate a tailored penalty mechanism that includes various physical and design constraints into the optimization process, enhancing its robustness and practical applicability. We demonstrate...

Microencapsulated Tumor Organoids Maintain Drug Sensitivity Stratification

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Drug sensitivity profiling on patient-derived organoids mirrors patient response for gastrointestinal cancers and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials to guide treatment decisions. However, long expansion times are typically... Drug sensitivity profiling on patient-derived organoids mirrors patient response for gastrointestinal cancers and is currently being evaluated in clinical trials to guide treatment decisions. However, long expansion times are typically required to achieve adequate cell numbers. Accordingly, miniaturization of organoid cultures can be leveraged to reduce assay time and increase the number of compounds tested. Microencapsulation by droplet microfluidics has been applied to produce miniaturized organoid cultures, but the predictive accuracy has yet to be fully established. Here, we show that drug response can be preserved while reducing pancreatic cancer organoid culture volume by 100-fold. Testing five standard-of-care chemotherapeutics in miniaturized...

Spatial frequency domain imaging of the oculofacial region in control patients

Fri, 2 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) is a wide-field optical imaging modality that applies patterned illumination at multiple center wavelengths (470 to 851nm) to quantify the properties of subsurface tissue in vivo. Imaging of the periocular region will guide diagnostic and therapeutic decision making in inflammatory and infiltrative conditions by quantifying parameters such as tissue oxygen saturation and hemoglobin concentration. We previously used a fabricated tissue simulating facial phantom to study the geometric impact of complex ocular adnexal anatomy inherent to the periocular region and identified robust and accurate regions of interest (ROI) by which to image patients. Twenty-five control patients were imaged under an approved IRB protocol using the Reflect RS™ (Modulim, Inc., Irvine, CA) to measure calibrated diffuse reflectance images over a 15 x 20cm 2 field of view, with a spatial resolution of ~0.5mm. “En face” and “side profile” views were captured along established...

Unsupervised clustering FLIM-phasor from multifunctionalized nanoparticles in living cancer cells

Fri, 2 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
In the present work, we developed a data-driven algorithm for the automated segmentation of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) images, enhancing the analysis of multifunctionalized nanoparticles (NPs) within living cancer cells. FLIM, a powerful microscopy technique, generates images that capture the fluorescence lifetime across a sample at the pixel level, revealing critical details about the molecular environment. Traditionally, FLIM image analysis has relied on manual segmentation with the phasor plot approach, a graphical representation of FLIM data in aGandScoordinate system, which is susceptible to user bias and inconsistency. Here, we present an automated and free of user-biased thresholding and segmentation algorithm that streamlines with clustering techniques to automatically identify phasor-clusters in the phasor plot space, reducing user dependency and providing a reproducible strategy under tested conditions image segmentation. We demonstrate...

BPS2026 – ESPRESSO: Spatiotemporal omics based on organelle phenotyping reveals dynamic cell state transitions

Fri, 2 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
BPS2026 – ESPRESSO: Spatiotemporal omics based on organelle phenotyping reveals dynamic cell state transitions

An Optimized Bioluminescent Lantern for RNA Imaging

Fri, 2 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000
A complete understanding of RNA dynamics requires methods to continuously image transcripts in living systems. We recently developed a panel of bioluminescent tools for multiplexed RNA detection, comprising luciferase fragments fused to RNA-binding proteins (RNA lanterns). The RNA lanterns assembled a light-emitting luciferase upon binding unique, structured RNA tags. Different colors of emission were produced via bioluminescence resonance energy transfer to fluorescent protein fusions. In this work, we systematically optimized the RNA lantern platform for enhanced performance in live cells. A luciferase-fluorescent protein linkage was identified that enabled improved energy transfer and enhanced photon outputs. The RNA lantern was further optimized for selective recognition of structured RNA tags. The new RNA lantern-tag combination is orthogonal to existing probes and enabled the first demonstration of three-color bioluminescent RNA visualization in live cells. Overall, this...

The ENIGMA Consortium: large-scale collaborative analyses of neuroimaging and genetic data

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000
The Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis (ENIGMA) Consortium is a collaborative network of researchers working together on a range of large-scale studies that integrate data from 70 institutions worldwide. Organized into Working Groups that tackle questions in neuroscience, genetics, and medicine, ENIGMA studies have analyzed neuroimaging data from over 12,826 subjects. In addition, data from 12,171 individuals were provided by the CHARGE consortium for replication of findings, in a total of 24,997 subjects. By meta-analyzing results from many sites, ENIGMA has detected factors that affect the brain that no individual site could detect on its own, and that require larger numbers of subjects than any individual neuroimaging study has currently collected. ENIGMA’s first project was a genome-wide association study identifying common variants in the genome associated with hippocampal volume or intracranial volume. Continuing work is exploring genetic associations...

A standardized data specification for reproducible, verifiable structured light and multispectral image sets

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI) is a quantitative wide-field imaging technique that uses light and diffuse optical spectroscopic principles to rapidly generate tissue optical property images. However, SFDI datasets present significant workflow challenges: they can be large (on the order of gigabytes), contain multiple image formats, and require computationally intensive processing. Additionally, SFDI images typically require calibration measurements, further complicating data organization. The proliferation of calibration data, imaging data, and processing options creates technical overhead and leads to reproducibility issues. While multiple "Open SFDI"initiatives exist, no standardized storage format has emerged, making the replication of published SFDI research difficult. Commercial solutions like Modulim's directory-based format contain trade secrets and lack open-source processing options. We are developing an open standard for SFDI images, extensible to multispectral...

Characterization of global and region-specific transcriptomic alterations in the bladder following acute partial bladder outlet obstruction in female mini-swine.

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) is a fibroproliferative disorder that results in poorly compliant, high-pressure bladders due to lower urinary tract occlusion. The mechanisms governing pBOO-induced bladder remodeling remain poorly understood. The goals of the present study were to profile global and region-specific transcriptomes of porcine bladders in response to pBOO using RNA sequencing and to identify genes and pathways differentially affected in the bladder dome and trigone by obstructive injury. Nine adult female Yucatan mini-swine were randomized and divided into either nonsurgical controls (n = 5) or those subjected to pBOO for 4 weeks (n = 4). Post-pBOO swine demonstrated bladder smooth muscle hypertrophy as well as significant declines in bladder capacity (35% ± 7% of baseline) and compliance (38% ± 10% of baseline). The global transcriptome of obstructed bladders revealed enrichment of processes related to loss of urothelial barrier function, immune activation,...

Mapping Polyamide–DNA Interactions in Human Cells Reveals a New Design Strategy for Effective Targeting of Genomic Sites

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Targeting the genome with sequence-specific synthetic molecules is a major goal at the interface of chemistry, biology, and personalized medicine. Pyrrole/imidazole-based polyamides can be rationally designed to target specific DNA sequences with exquisite precision in vitro; yet, the biological outcomes are often difficult to interpret using current models of binding energetics. To directly identify the binding sites of polyamides across the genome, we designed, synthesized, and tested polyamide derivatives that enabled covalent crosslinking and localization of polyamide-DNA interaction sites in live human cells. Bioinformatic analysis of the data reveals that clustered binding sites, spanning a broad range of affinities, best predict occupancy in cells. In contrast to the prevailing paradigm of targeting single high-affinity sites, our results point to a new design principle to deploy polyamides and perhaps other synthetic molecules to effectively target desired genomic sites...

Axonal theta oscillations evoke bursting in target hippocampal subregions.

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000
OBJECTIVE: Local field potentials (LFPs) measured in the extracellular matrix of the brain are postulated to arise from the integration of synaptic ionic currents and spread by volume conduction. However, there is a lack of consensus on whether these spatiotemporal voltage gradients are just an epiphenomenon of spiking or if the LFPs play a functional role in information processing. APPROACH: To examine a potential functional role of LFPs in information processing, we developed a microfluidic device that allows neurons from the hippocampal formation to self-wire through microfluidic channels, effectively isolating the activity of single axons between subregions of the network. RESULTS: We recorded spontaneous theta-band activity (4-10 Hz) in these axons whose power spectra were independent of simultaneous spiking activity. The highest theta amplitudes above noise were seen intermittently in a sparse set of axons from the CA3 into the CA1. Source neurons for the axonal theta were...

Breaking the age-related redox spiral for regeneration.

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Breaking the age-related redox spiral for regeneration.

Maternal allostatic load in pregnancy is prospectively associated with child adiposity and metabolic function across infancy and early childhood.

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000
BACKGROUND: Empirical evidence suggests that the origins of obesity and metabolic dysfunction can be traced to stress-related exposures in prenatal life. The aim of the present study was to examine the prospective association of a composite, multi-system measure of maternal biological stress in pregnancy -- allostatic load (AL) -- with offspring adiposity and insulin resistance across infancy and early childhood. METHODS: In N = 55 mother-child dyads, maternal allostatic load was operationalized as a latent variable representing the following components: pre-pregnancy BMI, cortisol, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), free fatty acids, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure. Offspring percent total (%FM) and abdominal (%AbFM) fat were quantified with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at birth (newborn), 6-mo, and ∼5 yrs age, and HOMA-IR was quantified at ∼5 yrs age. Generalized estimating equation modeling was used to...

Microdystrophins partially rescue deficits of Duchenne muscular dystrophy iPSC-cardiomyocytes

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle wasting disease caused by the lack of dystrophin. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in DMD patients. Smaller variants of dystrophin, called microdystrophins, amenable to packaging into adeno-associated virus (AAV), have been shown to be effective in improving skeletal muscle function in animal models. However, the functional benefit of these microdystrophins in the DMD heart remains unclear. To determine the efficacy of microdystrophin gene therapy, we compared three microdystrophin variants in DMD cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We used three DMD lines of different genetic backgrounds and benchmarked against controls expressing full-length dystrophin. We also tested a dystrophin variant, minidystrophin, which is larger than the microdystrophins. Our results show that microdystrophins partially rescue disease phenotypes; however, the results are variable...

Optimized hip-knee-ankle exoskeleton assistance at a range of walking speeds

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Abstract Background Effective autonomous exoskeletons will need to be useful at a variety of walking speeds, but we do not know how optimal exoskeleton assistance should change with speed. Optimal exoskeleton assistance may increase with speed similar to biological torque changes or a well-tuned assistance profile may be effective at a variety of speeds. Methods We optimized hip-knee-ankle exoskeleton assistance to reduce metabolic cost for three participants walking at 1.0 m/s, 1.25 m/s and 1.5 m/s. We measured metabolic cost, muscle activity, exoskeleton assistance and kinematics. We performed two tailed paired t-tests to determine significance. Results Exoskeleton assistance reduced the metabolic cost of walking compared to wearing the exoskeleton with no torque applied by 26%, 47% and 50% at 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 m/s, respectively. For all three participants, optimized exoskeleton ankle torque was the smallest for slow walking, while hip and knee torque changed slightly with...

Two Faces of Mitral Stenosis: Uncovering Structural and Hemodynamic Signatures of Rheumatic and Mitral Annular Calcification–Induced Disease

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000
BACKGROUND: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common and associated with increased cardiovascular risk and, when severe, mitral stenosis (MS). MAC-related MS differs anatomically and hemodynamically from rheumatic MS (RMS), challenging standard diagnostic methods. This study compares structural and flow characteristics, including kinetic energy losses, across MAC-related MS, RMS, and normal mitral valves, and evaluates the applicability of conventional diagnostic metrics in MAC. METHODS: Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic data sets from 70 patients (22 normal mitral valves, 26 RMS valves, 22 MAC valves) were used to obtain linear, area, and volumetric measurements for valve comparison. Representative valves from each group were converted into 3-dimensional silicone models for in vitro testing in a heart flow simulator. Transmitral flow was assessed with particle image velocimetry, flow energetics were quantified, and coefficients of contraction...

From Polymer Structure to Valve Function: A Multiscale Evaluation of Polycarbonate Polyurethanes for Polymeric Mitral Valves

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000
PurposePolymeric heart valves (PHVs) offer the potential to combine the durability of mechanical valves with the favorable hemodynamics of bioprosthetic valves; however, establishing clear relationships between polymer properties and valve-level function remains a key challenge. This study evaluates polycarbonate-based polyurethanes as candidate scaffold materials for polymeric mitral valves through a multiscale structure–function approach.MethodsTwo aromatic polycarbonate-based thermoplastic polyurethanes, Carbothane AC-4095A (CB95-AC) and QuadraSil ARCS 90A (Qsil), were characterized using rheological, mechanical, and spectroscopic analyses. Trileaflet valve scaffolds were fabricated and evaluated using particle image velocimetry (PIV), pressure–flow measurements, and accelerated wear testing (AWT) up to 50 million cycles. Preliminary in vivo performance was assessed following implantation of a CB95-AC valve in an ovine model.ResultsQsil exhibited higher solution viscosity,...

Microfluidic Precision Engineered Artificial GARP Presenting Cells for Regulatory T-Cell Induction

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000
PurposeThe incidence of autoimmune diseases has increased in Western societies, highlighting the need for novel treatment strategies. Current therapies, including biologics, are limited by high costs, potential adverse effects, and often lack specificity and long-term efficacy. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance and represent a promising target for autoimmune disease therapies. However, current methods for inducing Tregs, such as in vitro cytokine combinations and in vivo antigen-specific approaches, face challenges in stability and effectiveness. This research aims to develop an innovative artificial cell platform to enhance Treg induction for autoimmune disease treatment.MethodsThis study developed artificial GARP-presenting cells (aGPCs), an innovative artificial cell platform designed to mimic natural cellular functions and enhance Treg induction. We evaluated aGPC efficacy in inducing Tregs both in vitro and in vivo, comparing results...

Correlating ultrasonic communication with behavior in a small-scale rat colony living in a naturalistic habitat

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Traditional studies of rat communication have focused on a few individuals in simplified laboratory settings, leaving colony-level vocal-behavioral dynamics largely unexplored. Here, we examined the nocturnal lives of a rat colony housed in an enhanced naturalistic habitat (ENH). Using infrared cameras and ultrasound microphones, we recorded 18,412 ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) alongside social behaviors. Analyses revealed structurally distinct USVs not previously characterized statistically or behaviorally. Notably, 22 kHz calls-typically associated with aversion-occurred across multiple social behaviors lacking obvious aversive context. Brief exposure to cat hair elicited uniquely modified 22 kHz calls as rats fled to their burrows, remaining hidden for two days. The introduction of an unfamiliar caged rat, and the disruption of the colony's social structure then showed how social stressors alter vocal-behavioral dynamics. These findings reveal the structured and context-sensitive...

Heart–Lung Interactions in Pulmonary Hypertension due to Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF) is a common and high-risk clinical condition characterized by the convergence of pulmonary vascular dysfunction and right ventricular (RV) stress. Despite its prevalence, the pathophysiological mechanisms of development and progression of PH-HFpEF remain largely unknown. Consequently, there are no current therapies that target PH-HFpEF other than optimization of treatment for HFpEF and some limited adaptation of therapies for pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). This review examines PH-HFpEF through the lens of heart-lung interactions, integrating evidence across hemodynamic, molecular, and cellular scales. We highlight how chronic venous pressure overload, impaired pulmonary vascular reserve, and increased pulsatile load reshape RV afterload and contribute to RV-pulmonary arterial uncoupling, particularly during physiological stress such as exercise. We further discuss how endothelial...

Stronger pre-surgical functional connectivity networks are associated with improved surgical outcome in temporal lobe epilepsy

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the network differences in pre-surgical resting-state EEG between individuals with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy who become seizure-free and those who continue to have seizures after epilepsy surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 15 individuals with unilateral TLE who were seizure-free (SF) after epilepsy surgery and 13 who continued to have seizures post-surgery (nSF). Functional connectivity was measured using cross-correlation techniques on clips of resting-state scalp EEG that were free of any visually apparent epileptiform abnormalities. RESULTS: Stronger pre-surgical functional connectivity was associated with favorable post-surgical outcomes. The SF group demonstrated significantly higher connectivity strength, particularly in cross-hemispheric and intra-hemispheric networks involving the ictal hemisphere (P = 0.02). Functional connectivity strength predicted post-surgical seizure freedom with 75 % accuracy...

Prediction of treatment response in infantile epileptic spasms syndrome using EEG phase–amplitude coupling

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000
OBJECTIVE: Treatment selection for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is complex and multifaceted, and currently no electroencephalogram (EEG) biomarkers can guide this decision by predicting treatment response. We tested the predictive value of phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) as IESS patients are known to have elevated PAC. METHODS: We analyzed retrospective EEG recordings from 40 IESS patients, before and after treatment, and 20 healthy controls. Patients were classified as responders (n = 25) or nonresponders (n = 15) based on short-term treatment outcomes. We measured PAC in each EEG using modulation index (MI) and mean vector length (MVL) and analyzed the relationship between pre- and posttreatment values and the ability of pretreatment values to predict response. RESULTS: MI and MVL values decreased with treatment in almost all subjects. However, nonresponders had significantly higher pretreatment MI than responders (p < 0.05), suggesting utility for predicting...

Physiological ripples during sleep in scalp electroencephalogram of healthy infants

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Physiological ripples during sleep in scalp electroencephalogram of healthy infants

EEG functional connectivity as a marker of evolution from infantile epileptic spasms syndrome to Lennox–Gastaut syndrome

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000
OBJECTIVE: Timely diagnosis and effective treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) improve prognosis and lower health care costs, but the transition from infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) to LGS is highly variable and insidious. Objective biomarkers are needed to monitor this progression and guide clinical decision-making. METHODS: We retrospectively collected longitudinal EEG data at the Children's Hospital of Orange County from 15 children who were diagnosed with IESS and later with LGS between 2012 and 2021. Electroencephalography studies were from IESS and LGS diagnoses, between the two diagnoses, and following LGS diagnosis. Functional connectivity networks were calculated using a cross-correlation-based method and assessed relative to diagnostic timepoint, treatment response, and the presence of clinical markers of disease, age, and amplitude of interictal spikes. RESULTS: Connectivity strength was high at LGS diagnosis and decreased after favorable response to...

Semi-autonomous liquid handling via on-chip pneumatic digital logic

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000
This report presents a liquid-handling chip capable of executing metering, mixing, incubation, and wash procedures largely under the control of on-board pneumatic circuitry. The only required inputs are four static selection lines to choose between the four machine states, and one additional line for power. State selection is simple: constant application of vacuum to an input causes the device to execute one of its four liquid handling operations. Programmed control of 31 valves, including fast coordinated cycling for peristaltic pumping, is accomplished by pneumatic digital logic circuits built out of microfluidic valves and channels rather than electronics, eliminating the need for the off-chip control machinery that is typically required for integrated microfluidics.

SCREENING FOR EARLY LIFE UNPREDICTABILITY IN PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE IDENTIFIES CHILD OBESITY RISK

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000
SCREENING FOR EARLY LIFE UNPREDICTABILITY IN PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE IDENTIFIES CHILD OBESITY RISK

Limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy, but Not Alzheimer's Disease, neuropathological changes are associated with Physical Performance Decline in the Oldest Old: Insights from The 90+ Study

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000
AbstractBackground
To examine physical performance longitudinal trajectories in relation to Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathological Changes (ADNC) and Limbic‐predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy neuropathological changes (LATE‐NC) at autopsy. ADNC and LATE‐NC have similar cognitive presentations, but it is unclear whether physical presentation is similar as well.
Method
Participants were from The 90+ Study, a longitudinal study of aging among individuals 90 years and older with evaluations every 6 months. We used 4 physical performance measures including gait speed, the Five Times Sit to Stand test (5XSST), grip strength, balance, and a composite summing the 4 measures. Each measure was scored from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (best performance), the composite from 0 to 16. Neuropathological changes from brain autopsies were dichotomized: ADNC as intermediate/high versus none/low and LATE‐NC as present versus absent. To examine the longitudinal association of ADNC...

ESPRESSO: Spatiotemporal omics based on organelle phenotyping reveals dynamic cell state transitions

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000
ESPRESSO: Spatiotemporal omics based on organelle phenotyping reveals dynamic cell state transitions

Integrated Strain–Flow Analysis for Early Assessment of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000
PurposeEarly detection of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is essential in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) but remains challenging using conventional echocardiography. This study investigates the feasibility of a noninvasive, physics-based framework using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography that integrates myocardial strain and volumetric flow analysis to characterize RV mechanical performance across stages of PAH.MethodsA prospective pilot study (N = 15) enrolled healthy controls, PAH patients with preserved RV size, and PAH patients with RV dysfunction. Deformation was evaluated by principal strain analysis and by conventional (longitudinal, circumferential) components. Hemodynamic metrics included hemodynamic forces and energetic properties that were derived using a physics-informed volumetric echocardiographic particle image velocimetry (V-Echo-PIV) method applied to contrast-enhanced acquisitions.ResultsDeformation analysis revealed that longitudinal...

Hippocampal ensembles represent sequential relationships among discrete nonspatial events

Thu, 7 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000
ABSTRACT The hippocampus is critical to the temporal organization of our experiences, including the ability to remember past event sequences and predict future ones. Although this fundamental capacity is conserved across modalities and species, its underlying neuronal mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we recorded hippocampal ensemble activity as rats remembered a sequence of nonspatial events (5 odor presentations unfolding over several seconds), using a task with established parallels in humans. Using novel statistical methods and deep learning techniques, we then identified new forms of sequential organization in hippocampal activity linked with task performance. We discovered that sequential firing fields (“time cells”) provided temporal information within and across events in the sequence, and that distinct types of task-critical information (stimulus identity, temporal order, and trial outcome) were also sequentially differentiated within event presentations. Finally,...

Ultrasound-Integrated Urinary Catheter for Minimally-Invasive Cervical & Fetal Monitoring

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Over 4 million births occur in the United States annually, and nearly all laboring mothers undergo multiple manual exams to assess cervical dilation and effacement as part of labor progression. Assessing cervical dilation is a critical part of labor management. However, manual cervical exam poses a risk of infection that can lead to maternal and fetal complications, and these exams are subjective with variability rates as high as 50%. Our innovation leverages the anatomical proximity of the bladder and uterus to obtain labor metrics. 75% of mothers receive an epidural for pain management and are unable to feel their lower body, resulting in the need for a urinary catheter to drain the bladder. We propose an ultrasound-integrated urinary catheter to provide continuous, objective measurements of both cervical dilation and fetal vitals while seamlessly integrating into the existing standard for labor management. The ultrasound-integrated urinary catheter could transform obstetric...

Evaluating synthesized speech intelligibility in noise

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Humans can modify their speech to improve intelligibility in noisy environments. With the advancement of speech synthesis technology, machines may also synthesize voices that remain highly intelligible in noise condition. This study evaluates both the subjective and objective intelligibility of synthesized speech in speech-shaped noise from three major speech synthesis platforms. It was found that synthesized voices have a similar intelligibility range to human voices, and some synthesized voices were more intelligible than human voices. It was also found that two modern automatic speech recognition systems recognized 10% more words than human listeners.

Detrended fluctuation analysis of amygdala-hippocampal beta synchrony reveals network rigidity in depression associated with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Objective Depressive symptoms are common in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), yet the network dynamics linking limbic circuitry to mood disturbance in TLE remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether the temporal organization of amygdala-hippocampal beta synchrony reflects depressive symptom burden in individuals with TLE undergoing intracranial EEG (iEEG) monitoring. Approach We analyzed iEEG recordings from 14 adults with TLE who underwent intracranial monitoring as part of routine pre-surgical evaluation. Dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) in the beta band was calculated between the amygdala and the hippocampus, and the temporal structure of the dFC was quantified using detrended fluctuation analysis. Random permutation of epochs was performed to assess the influence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) on the network dynamics. We additionally extracted the ultra-slow fluctuations in dFC and assessed whether the timing of the IEDs was phase-locked...

NeoFusion: Fully Mechanical Syringe Pump for Low-Resource Countries

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000
There are approximately 6,500 newborn deaths each day. Despite many of these deaths being preventable by proper access to quality healthcare, the world continues to see a health crisis that disproportionately impacts low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), with about 98% of newborn deaths occurring in these regions. The WHO has identified syringe pumps as necessary medical devices because they can gradually deliver precise amounts of medication, fluids, nutrients, and electrolytes to neonates. However, the majority of syringe infusion pumps currently on the market depend on electricity, which can be unreliable in areas lacking proper infrastructure. Our solution, NeoFusion, does not require electricity and is fully mechanical, powered by the potential energy stored in a spring. Preliminary trials with our prototype achieved accurate and adjustable flow rates. In future designs, we will incorporate a visual and auditory alarm system for occlusions.

Flapping-Wing Micro-Air-Vehicle Project (FMMAV)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000
We are a student-led research team dedicated to bridging the gap between natural flight and modern engineering by studying the complex aerodynamics of flapping wings. Our project focuses on evolving our quadflapper and novel prototypes into high-performance aerial vehicles that challenge the efficiency of traditional propeller drones.

SimuMed Solutions: Developing Accurate Simulation Models for Groin-to-Right Heart Catheterization to Enhance R&D Testing

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Cardiovascular disease affects nearly 50% of adults in the United States, with many requiring right heart catheterization as part of their diagnosis or treatment. A common approach for this procedure is the groin-to-right heart catheterization, which involves inserting a catheter through the femoral vein into the right atrium, allowing access to the interatrial septum. While transradial access (via the arm or wrist) has become increasingly popular due to a lower risk of complications such as major bleeding or stroke, femoral access (via the groin) remains necessary in cases requiring larger catheters or more complex procedures. However, the femoral access approach carries a higher risk of bleeding and vascular injury due to its deeper access site and the potential for excessive insertion force. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop realistic, high-fidelity testing models that simulate the femoral access procedure to enhance procedural safety and outcomes. These models...

Evaluating the potential of acupuncture for Alzheimer’s disease treatment: A meta-analysis and systematic review of mouse model studies

Wed, 8 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that was developed within the framework of traditional Chinese medicine. While acupuncture has been recently proposed as a therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), acupuncture effects are not well understood in terms of neural mechanisms. Here, we review and examine the studies that used AD mouse models and analyze the experiments where researchers administered electroacupuncture (EA) to AD mice to assess the potential therapeutic impact of acupuncture on disease pathology and cognitive function in controlled laboratory settings. We analyzed 29 relevant PubMed articles published between January 2014 and July 2025. Our results reveal that EA significantly reduces both amyloid-beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels and neuroinflammatory biomarkers, including molecular signatures for activated microglia and astrocytes in the brain. EA also enhances cognitive functions. While no study directly compared acupoint strategies, the indirect comparisons...

Expanding the Spectrum of Central Sensitivity Syndrome: Integrating Otologic Migraine as Otologic Central Sensitivity Syndrome

Wed, 1 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Objective: To propose that migraine-related symptoms such as dizziness, sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo-when occurring without headache-should be recognized as manifestations of central sensitivity syndrome (CSS), and to explore the implications of this reclassification for clinical practice and patient care. Data sources: PubMed Central and Google Scholar. Review methods: A search of the literature was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included combinations of keywords such as "migraine", "vertigo", "tinnitus", "dizziness", "sudden hearing loss", "central sensitivity syndrome", and "central sensitization". Conclusions: Non-headache migraine symptoms show significant overlap with characteristics of CSS, including central nervous system hyperexcitability and dysregulation. Neuroimaging and clinical data support this connection, suggesting these symptoms may be better understood within the CSS framework. Recognizing this...

JAK2 inhibition with baricitinib stunts growth and postnatal development in juvenile rats

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000
The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway has recently emerged as an important regulator of musculoskeletal development. Inhibition of the pathway with small-molecule JAK inhibitors (jakinibs) may improve tendon development and healing. The goal of the present study was to characterize the effects of blocking JAK1 and 2 during a key postnatal musculoskeletal growth phase in Sprague-Dawley rats (postnatal day (PND) 7-28). We administered vehicle or baricitinib via chow (3 mg, or 10 mg/kg BW/day), which blocks JAK1 and JAK2, for 21 days and characterized the resulting systemic and musculoskeletal effects. We found a striking reduction in overall growth of the juvenile rats with baricitinib treatment, with a reduction in body weight of ∼30% for males and ∼20% for females at PND 28. The spleen was smaller in size with baricitinib treatment, even after normalization to body weight. Bone and tendon similarly showed decreases in mechanical...

Collagen remodeling in murine melanoma therapy response through second-harmonic generation imaging

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000
The study by Heaton et al. marks a significant advancement in understanding the role of collagen remodeling within the melanoma tumor microenvironment during immunotherapy. Using in vivo second-harmonic generation imaging, the authors quantitatively tracked dynamic changes in collagen morphology in a preclinical melanoma model, revealing a shift toward a healthier phenotype associated with treatment. These findings enhance our understanding of tumor extracellular matrix dynamics and highlight the potential of optical imaging technologies to guide and optimize cancer immunotherapy. This commentary will explore these findings, contextualize them within the broader field of tumor immunology, and discuss their implications for improving immunotherapy strategies in melanoma and other cancers.

Spatial and temporal evaluations of the liquid argon purity in ProtoDUNE-SP

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) rely on highly pure argon to ensure that ionization electrons produced by charged particles reach readout arrays. ProtoDUNE Single-Phase (ProtoDUNE-SP) was an approximately 700-ton liquid argon detector intended to prototype the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Far Detector Horizontal Drift module. It contains two drift volumes bisected by the cathode plane assembly, which is biased to create an almost uniform electric field in both volumes. The DUNE Far Detector modules must have robust cryogenic systems capable of filtering argon and supplying the TPC with clean liquid. This paper will explore comparisons of the argon purity measured by the purity monitors with those measured using muons in the TPC from October 2018 to November 2018. A new method is introduced to measure the liquid argon purity in the TPC using muons crossing both drift volumes of ProtoDUNE-SP. For extended periods on the timescale of weeks, the drift...

MEASUREMENT OF PULSATILE FLOW IN THE TEETH USING LASER SPECKLE IMAGING

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000
MEASUREMENT OF PULSATILE FLOW IN THE TEETH USING LASER SPECKLE IMAGING

Treatment of age-related decreases in GTP levels restores endocytosis and autophagy

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Age-related declines in neuronal bioenergetic levels may limit vesicular trafficking and autophagic clearance of damaged organelles and proteins. Age-related ATP depletion would impact cognition dependent on ionic homeostasis, but limits on proteostasis powered by GTP are less clear. We used neurons isolated from aged 3xTg-AD Alzheimer’s model mice and a novel genetically encoded fluorescent GTP sensor (GEVAL) to evaluate live GTP levels in situ. We report an age-dependent reduction in ratiometric measurements of free/bound GTP levels in living hippocampal neurons. Free GTP colocalized in the mitochondria decreased with age accompanied by the accumulation of free GTP-labeled vesicular structures. The energy dependence of autophagy was demonstrated by depletion of GTP with rapamycin stimulation, while bafilomycin inhibition of autophagy raised GTP levels. Twenty-four-hour supplementation of aged neurons with the NAD precursor nicotinamide and the Nrf2 redox modulator EGCG restored...

Secondary Macular Hole Closure With Sub-Tenon Triamcinolone Acetonide

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide in the management of secondary full-thickness macular holes after vitreoretinal surgeries or traumatic injury. Methods: This case series includes 3 patients with secondary macular holes. All patients were treated with 40 mg sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide injections for macular holes. Results: Postinjection, the macular holes closed in 2 months, 2 weeks, and 1 month, respectively. Vision improved in all cases. The third patient experienced a significant increase in intraocular pressure, effectively managed with topical medications. No recurrence was observed at follow-up. Conclusions: Sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide is a promising therapeutic option for the management of secondary macular holes less than 200 µm in diameter, demonstrating efficacy in promoting hole closure and improving visual outcomes.

Dense sampling for mapping pituitary growth dynamics before, during, and after pregnancy.

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Pregnancy represents a period of profound endocrine activity and neural reorganization. While recent evidence highlights pituitary volume as a biomarker of endocrine dynamics during pregnancy, its precise trajectory (timing and relative magnitude of effect) across human pregnancy remains undescribed. Three healthy women (59 total observations) underwent T1-weighted MRI before conception (5 baseline observations), during pregnancy (38 total observations, spanning gestational weeks 1-36), and up to 1 year postpartum (16 total observations). Anterior and posterior pituitary lobes were manually delineated at every visit. A longitudinal pipeline co-registered each scan to all other intra-subject scans, propagated their labels, and generated majority-vote ensembles for objective and regularized volume estimates. Person-centered z-scores were computed, and generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) with random intercepts estimated nonlinear volume trajectories. The anterior lobe followed...

Multiplexed bioluminescence microscopy via phasor analysis

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Bioluminescence imaging with luciferase–luciferin pairs is a well-established technique for visualizing biological processes across tissues and whole organisms. Applications at the microscale, by contrast, have been hindered by a lack of detection platforms and easily resolved probes. We addressed this limitation by combining bioluminescence with phasor analysis, a method commonly used to distinguish spectrally similar fluorophores. We built a camera-based microscope equipped with special optical filters to directly assign phasor locations to unique luciferase–luciferin pairs. Six bioluminescent reporters were easily resolved in live cells, and the readouts were quantitative and instantaneous. Multiplexed imaging was also performed over extended time periods. Bioluminescent phasor further provided direct measures of resonance energy transfer in single cells, setting the stage for dynamic measures of cellular and molecular features. The merger of bioluminescence with phasor analysis...

A Novel, Low-Cost, 3D-Printed Motorized Injector for Retinal Sheet Transplantation

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Retinal transplantation offers promise for restoring vision in advanced retinal degeneration. However, manual delivery of retinal sheets is often hindered by imprecise placement and collateral tissue damage resulting from instrument instability. We introduce a novel, 3D-printed, motorized retinal sheet injector designed to enhance placement accuracy and minimize tissue injury. The motorized injector features an Arduino-controlled foot pedal with three discrete actuator positions (“Min”, “Mid”, “Max”). When compared via frame-by-frame motion analysis, the motorized system reduced tip variance by approximately threefold over manual methods. In addition, in in vitro gelatin trials, the motorized injector achieved significantly higher placement accuracy versus the manual injector, which suffered from occasional complete misplacements. The novel motorized retinal sheet injector markedly improves stability and placement accuracy relative to manual methods, potentially reducing complications...

Landscape expansion microscopy reveals interactions between membrane and phase-separated organelles.

Wed, 4 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Landscape expansion microscopy (land-ExM) is a light microscopy technique that visualizes both the lipid and protein ultrastructural context of cells. Achieving this level of detail requires both superresolution and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Although expansion microscopy (ExM) provides superresolution, obtaining high signal-to-noise images of both proteins and lipids remains challenging. land-ExM overcomes this limitation by using self-retention trifunctional anchors to significantly enhance protein and lipid signals in expanded samples. This improvement enables the accurate visualization of diverse membrane organelles and phase separations, as well as the 3D visualization of their contact sites. As a demonstration, we revealed triple-organellar contact sites among the stress granule, the nuclear tunnel, and the nucleolus. Overall, land-ExM offers a high-contrast superresolution platform that advances our understanding of how cells spatially coordinate interactions between...

Frequency and leg stiffness adaptation in human vertical hopping before, during and after added load.

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Terrestrial animal gaits often use spring-like mechanics to enhance movement economy through elastic energy cycling. Hopping is a relatively simple, constrained task, yet retains essential features of bouncing gaits, requiring cyclic regulation of limb stiffness and generation of high muscle forces to support body weight and enable elastic energy cycling. We investigated how humans adjust hopping frequency and leg stiffness before, during, and after experiencing added load. Eighteen participants hopped bipedally for 90 seconds per trial, with hop frequency and height unconstrained, while kinematic, ground reaction force, and ankle muscle electromyographic (EMG) data were collected. We analysed mechanics across four conditions: initial body weight (BWi), two added mass trials (+10% and +20% BW), and final body weight (BWf). With added mass, participants increased leg stiffness and maintained a consistent hopping frequency (∼2.15 Hz); yet, when returning to BWf, the elevated leg...

Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody Use and COVID-19 Infection Outcomes

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Importance: Evidence on the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 therapies across a diverse population with varied risk factors is needed to inform clinical practice. Objective: To assess the safety of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nMAbs) for the treatment of COVID-19 and their association with adverse outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study included 167 183 patients from a consortium of 4 health care systems based in California, Minnesota, Texas, and Utah. The study included nonhospitalized patients 12 years and older with a positive COVID-19 laboratory test collected between November 9, 2020, and January 31, 2022, who met at least 1 emergency use authorization criterion for risk of a poor outcome. Exposure: Four nMAb products (bamlanivimab, bamlanivimab-etesevimab, casirivimab-imdevimab, and sotrovimab) administered in the outpatient setting. Main Outcomes and Measures: Clinical and SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence data and propensity-adjusted...

Differences in 10–20 Hz ‘shock’ attenuation emerge between injured and uninjured runners across a 30-minute run

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Running is associated with high rates of injury. One mechanism that has been proposed to contribute to running injury is greater exposure to 10-20 Hz frequencies. Typically, these frequencies are attenuated (decreased in power) as they travel up the body, however, attenuation may be compromised as runners become fatigued. Here, we report the first ever comparison of 10-20 Hz frequency attenuation in injured and uninjured runners across a fatiguing run. Thirty-one runners (16 uninjured; 15 previously injured; 14 female; 17 male; age 31.6 ± 12.6 years) ran overground for 30-minutes while accelerations were measured at the tibia, gastrocnemius, sacrum, and head using tri-axial inertial measurement units. Power spectral density was calculated at each location and transfer functions between locations were used to quantify attenuation. Across the 30-minute run, fatigue was recorded using Borg's rating of perceived exertion and percent maximum heart rate. Between-group...

Analysis of yeast's ORF upstream regions by parallel processing, microarrays, and computational methods.

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
We use a network of workstations to compute all pairwise alignments of the 500 bp upstream regions of 6,225 yeast ORFs (Open Reading Frames). We correlate the alignments with DNA microarray expression data from budding yeast cells over an oxidative stress time course. We confirm on a genomic scale that, in general, genes with extremely similar upstream regions have similar activity levels, even when located on different chromosomes. As the difference in upstream regions increases, the correlation rapidly drops towards zero. Divergent ORFs with overlapping upstream regions do not seem to be correlated in any way. The pairwise alignments coupled with the expression data, together with other computational techniques, suggest a few new putative regulatory binding sites that can be tested experimentally. Finally, we investigate the inherent symmetry present in the two strands of the yeast genome. We show that it extends at least all the way up to 9-mers and is likely to result from...

The Influence of Social Determinants on Receiving Outpatient Treatment with Monoclonal Antibodies, Disease Risk, and Effectiveness for COVID-19

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
The Influence of Social Determinants on Receiving Outpatient Treatment with Monoclonal Antibodies, Disease Risk, and Effectiveness for COVID-19

Subcutaneous Lactate Correlates With Arterial Lactate in Severe Combined Trauma and Shock in Swine

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
INTRODUCTION: Changes in blood lactate (Lac) carry prognostic value in pathologic processes and guide decision-making on therapeutic interventions. This feasibility study evaluated a new wearable continuous lactate monitor (CLM) currently undergoing preclinical validation in severe combat-relevant porcine trauma models. PURPOSE: Assess the performance of CLM compared to arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. HYPOTHESIS: CLM-derived Lac values correlate with ABG Lac. METHODS: Female Yorkshire swine (50-60 kg, N = 6) were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, subjected to a combination of the following injuries: bilateral pulmonary contusion (PC), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or hemorrhagic shock (HEM): (PC N = 3, PC + TBI N = 1; PC + HEM N = 1; PC + TBI + HEM N = 1). Animals were managed with immediate application of veno-venous extracorporeal life support. Two CLMs were placed in the skin of the lower abdomen. ABG analysis was performed using a GEM Premier 4000 [Werfen, Bedford,...

Label-free human skin imaging with enhanced molecular contrast via time-resolved fluorescence and advanced phasor analysis

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Current state-of-the-art clinical skin imaging using label-free multiphoton microscopy (MPM) faces challenges due to limited molecular specificity, which hampers the accurate characterization of skin tissues because of overlapping fluorescence signals from multiple molecular components. In this study, we present a novel approach to enhance molecular contrast in MPM clinical skin imaging by leveraging advanced strategies to effectively unmix the various endogenous fluorophores present in the skin with the performance capabilities of a recently developed imaging platform for in vivo time-resolved fluorescence imaging of human skin. By identifying phasor positions of key endogenous skin fluorophores – such as keratin, melanin, free NADH, and protein-bound NADH – we effectively perform multicomponent unmixing in different skin types and conditions, including those with varying levels of pigmentation and metabolic states. The phasor analysis allows for the mapping and quantification...

Two-step regression analysis approach to assess burn wound severity using spatial frequency domain imaging

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Significance: Prompt care is essential for burn wound recovery. Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) has previously shown promise in predicting healing outcomes across burn severity grades. This study builds on that by demonstrating calibrated reflectance images ( ) from SFDI can estimate thermally induced collagen denaturation depth (CDD), a histology-based metric of burn severity linked to healing outcomes. These findings may simplify future hardware design by clarifying contrast sources in SFDI. Aim: To develop predictive models for: 1) Day-1 postburn CDD using SFDI and 2) Day-28 healing outcomes using day-1 CDD. Approach: Using a previously reported graded-severity porcine burn model ( ) with eight contact durations (5 to 40 s), we collected SFDI and color images on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Histological analysis using Picrosirius red staining and polarization microscopy was performed on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to assess CDD. Healing outcomes were clinically...

Multidimensional mapping of stimulation-responsive regulatory elements and candidate causal variants in T cell activation.

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have elucidated numerous noncoding variants linked to immune-related disorders, yet the intricate context-specific mechanisms governing their effects remain poorly defined. Here, we leverage CD4⁺ T cell activation as a model to integrate multilayered genomic data and interrogate the dynamic regulatory mechanisms underpinning these genetic associations. We have applied a cistromic strategy to systematically identify and prioritize stimulation-responsive cis-regulatory elements (CREs) and key genes essential for T cell activation. Using capture Hi-C and tiling CRISPR activation screening at the CD28 locus, we reveal a pivotal CRE harboring a causal small insertion variant, rs5837875, that modulates CD28 activation in an allele-specific manner. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that ZNF384 mediates stimulation-responsive chromatin looping between the rs5837875-containing enhancer and the CD28 promoter, culminating...

Modeling the interplay of sex hormones in cardiac hypertrophic signaling

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Biological sex plays a crucial role in the outcomes of cardiac health and therapies. Sex hormones are known to strongly influence cardiac remodeling through intracellular signaling pathways, yet their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To address this need, we developed and validated a logic-based systems biology model of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy that, for the first time, incorporates the effects of both estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) alongside well-established hypertrophic stimuli (Strain, angiotensin II (AngII), and endothelin-1 (ET-1)). We qualitatively validated the model to literature data with 82% agreement. Quantitative validation was done by simulating the impact of the inputs (E2, T, Strain, AngII, and ET-1) on cardiac hypertrophy, captured as change in CellArea. We perturbed the validated model to examine the differential response to hypertrophy and identify changes in influential and sensitive downstream nodes for a pre-menopausal female, post-menopausal female,...

Regional and Sexual Dimorphism in Murine Skeletal Responses to Osteocytic HIF Pathway Modulation

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are transcription factors stabilized under hypoxia and degraded under normoxia by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Von Hippel-Lindau (Vhl). In osteocytes, the central orchestrators of bone homeostasis, Vhl and HIFs promote an osteoanabolic transcriptional program. In this study, we assessed unique impacts of osteocytic Vhl deletion versus individual HIF-α paralog stabilization on bone structure, mineralization, and mechanics as a function of sex and skeletal region. Microcomputed tomography revealed that osteocytic Vhl deletion robustly increased trabecular bone mass in both sexes and at both axial and appendicular regions, while HIF-2α accumulation increased femoral metaphyseal bone mass in both sexes while enhancing vertebral bone mass only in males. Vhl deletion paradoxically reduced mineral heterogeneity in male vertebrae, despite raising peak and mean calcium content in both sexes. In contrast, HIF-2α stabilization impaired cortical mineralization...

Impact of common variants on brain gene expression from RNA to protein to schizophrenia risk

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Genetic variants influencing gene expression have been extensively studied at the transcriptional level. How these variants affect downstream processes remains unclear. We quantitated ribosome occupancy in prefrontal cortex samples from the BrainGVEX cohort and integrated these data with transcriptomic and proteomic profiles from the same individuals. Through cis-QTL mapping, we identified genetic variants associated with transcript level (eQTLs), ribosome occupancy (rQTLs), and protein level (pQTLs). Notably, only 34% of eQTLs have their effects propagated to the protein levels, suggesting widespread post-transcriptional attenuation. Using both a gene-based approach and a variant-based approach we identified omics-specific QTLs that associated with brain disorder GWAS signals and found the majority of them to be driven predominantly by transcriptional regulation. Consistently, using a TWAS approach, we identified 74 SCZ risk genes across the three omics layers, 52 were discovered...

Medicare’s Bundled Payments For Care Improvement Initiative Maintained Quality Of Care For Vulnerable Patients

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative established four models to test whether linking payments for an episode of care could reduce Medicare payments while maintaining or improving quality. Evaluations concluded that model 2, the largest, generally lowered payments without reducing quality for the average beneficiary, but these global results could mask adverse findings among vulnerable subpopulations. We analyzed changes in emergency department visits, unplanned hospital readmissions, and all-cause mortality within ninety days of hospital discharge among beneficiaries with one or more of three vulnerable characteristics-dementia, dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid, and recent institutional care-in 105,458 beneficiary episodes in the period October 2013-December 2016. The results for twelve types of medical and surgical BPCI episodes were evaluated relative to results in matched comparison groups. Our findings suggest that BPCI model 2 did...

Two-visit Repeatability Of VL and PFC Hemoglobin Thresholds In Ramp Exercise

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Two-visit Repeatability Of VL and PFC Hemoglobin Thresholds In Ramp Exercise

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy and imaging of biological tissues: a decade of advancements (2016-2025)

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Significance: Short-wave infrared (SWIR) light has recently gained popularity in tissue spectroscopy and imaging applications for a wide range of biomedical applications, primarily due to advancements in hardware (e.g., cameras). Aim: We aim to provide a detailed review of SWIR-based biomedical optics studies from the past decade, during which there has been a proliferation of SWIR-based tissue-optics studies. Approach: We report literature occurring after the publication of our previous (2015) review of this space, describing next-generation SWIR-based techniques that hold significant promise for enhanced in vivo tissue characterization and clinical translation. Results: Interest from the biophotonics field in SWIR technology is typically attributable to (1) the capability of SWIR light to provide greater sensitivity to chromophores such as water and lipids, with absorption peaks not as prominent in the visible-to-near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectral region, and (2) the...

Early detection of coronary artery disease using low-dose CT perfusion: An experimental western fat diet study

Wed, 3 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in myocardial blood flow (MBF) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) over time in a swine model fed a Western diet (WD) using a novel low-dose myocardial CT perfusion technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten swine with low-density lipoprotein receptor mutations were fed a WD starting at week 0 and imaged after 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 23 weeks of WD exposure (mean ± SD: 17.1 ± 3.25 weeks; range 12-23 weeks) using a 320-slice CT scanner under rest and adenosine-induced stress (240 μg/kg/min). Peripheral contrast injection (370 mgI/mL, 0.5 mL/kg, 5 mL/s) with a diluted chaser (30:70 contrast/saline) was followed by bolus tracking and a single-volume scan acquired at peak aortic enhancement (100 kVp, 200 mA). A first-pass analysis model derived MBF (mL/min/g) from bolus-tracking and scan data. Rest and stress MBF were used to compute CFR. Correlations between WD duration and both stress MBF and CFR were assessed....

Real-time tracking of the Bragg peak during proton therapy via 3D protoacoustic Imaging in a clinical scenario

Wed, 3 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Proton radiotherapy favored over X-ray photon therapy due to its reduced radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, is highly dependent on the accurate positioning of the Bragg peak. Existing methods like PET and prompt gamma imaging to localize Bragg peak face challenges of low precision and high complexity. Here we introduce a 3D protoacoustic imaging with a 2D matrix array of 256 ultrasound transducers compatible with 256 parallel data acquisition channels provides real-time imaging capability (up to 75 frames per second with 10 averages), achieving high precision (5 mm/5% Gamma index shows accuracy better than 95.73%) at depths of tens of centimeters. We have successfully implemented this method in liver treatment with 5 pencil beam scanning and in prostate cancer treatment on a human torso phantom using a clinical proton machine. This demonstrates its capability to accurately identify the Bragg peak in practical clinical scenarios. It paves the way for adaptive radiotherapy...

Early life environment moderates association of body composition and internalizing problems in adolescence

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Metabolic and depressive disorders are major chronic global health concerns, often co-occurring and mutually reinforcing each other. Thus, understanding risk and protective factors underlying their development is crucial for identifying effective preventive strategies. Participants included N = 10,446 participants (31,418 observations) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study aged 10-15 years. Primary outcomes were internalizing problem scores, and random slopes quantifying the within-person coupling between waist-to-height ratio and internalizing problems. Predictors included early-life adversity measures and potentially protective environments measured at the family, community, peer, and school level. Early-life adversity and protective environment scores were examined as moderators of the coupling between body composition and internalizing problems. Early-life adversity was significantly associated with the magnitude of within-person coupling (random slope); individuals...

Assessment of mitochondrial viability under calcium Stress: Insights for mitochondrial transplantation

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Mitochondrial transplantation has emerged as a promising cardioprotective strategy for ischemia-reperfusion injury, aiming to restore bioenergetic function by delivering healthy mitochondria to damaged tissue. However, conflicting reports exist regarding whether mitochondria can survive exposure to the calcium-rich extracellular environment, such as the bloodstream, prior to cellular uptake. Resolving this question is essential for advancing the therapeutic use of mitochondria in clinical settings. Isolated mitochondria from L6 rat skeletal muscle cells were incubated with physiologic (1.3 mM), sub-physiologic (0.65 mM), and supraphysiologic (2.6 mM) concentrations of calcium. Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using MitoTracker™ Red FM fluorescence, and structural integrity was evaluated using impedance-based Coulter counter analysis over a 12-hour time course. Mitochondria exposed to 1.3 mM calcium retained 90-95 %...

The inherent fragility of collective proliferative control

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Tissues achieve and maintain their sizes through active feedback, whereby cells collectively regulate proliferation and differentiation to facilitate homeostasis and the ability to respond to disturbances. One of the best understood feedback mechanisms-renewal control-achieves remarkable feats of robustness in determining and maintaining desired sizes. Yet in a variety of biologically relevant situations, we show that stochastic effects should cause rare but catastrophic failures of renewal control. We define the circumstances under which this occurs and raise the possibility that such events account for important non-genetic steps in the development of cancer. We further suggest that the spontaneous stochastic reversal of these events could explain cases of cancer normalization or dormancy following treatment. Indeed, we show that the kinetics of post-treatment recurrence for many cancers are often better fit by a model of stochastic re-emergence due to the loss of collective...

Consensus guidelines for cellular label-free optical metabolic imaging: ensuring accuracy and reproducibility in metabolic profiling

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Significance: Cellular metabolism plays a central role in health and disease, making its study critical for advancing diagnostics and therapies. Label-free optical metabolic imaging using endogenous fluorescence from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) [NAD(P)H] and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) provides nondestructive, high-resolution insights into metabolic function and heterogeneity from the sub-cellular to the tissue level. Standardized approaches are essential to ensure reproducibility and comparability across studies. Aim: We aim to establish a consensus framework for the acquisition, calibration, and reporting of microscopic imaging metabolic function assessments based on fluorescence intensity and lifetime measurements of NAD(P)H and FAD. Approach: We present best practices for calibrating, analyzing, and reporting fluorescence intensity-based optical redox ratios and fluorescence lifetime data using multiexponential fitting and phasor analysis. Guidelines...

Autoimmune antibodies and systemic inflammatory markers are prevalent and associated with cognition in individuals aged 90+

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000
BackgroundWhile recent studies have found associations between markers of autoimmunity/inflammation and cognitive performance in individuals aged 60-90, these findings remain unexplored in individuals aged 90 and above.ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of autoimmune antibodies and raised inflammatory markers and their associations with cognition in participants aged 90 + .MethodsWe included participants with serological testing from The 90+ Study, a community-based longitudinal study in southern California. For measures of autoimmunity, we evaluated antinuclear, antineutrophil cytoplasmic (ANCA), rheumatoid factor, double stranded DNA, antithyroglobulin, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. For inflammatory markers, we examined interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). To examine the relationship between autoimmune antibodies and inflammatory markers with cognitive performance, we ran linear mixed effects models.ResultsAmong 201 participants (mean age 94.8...

Complementary biomolecular coassemblies direct energy transport for cardiac photostimulators

Wed, 8 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Charge and energy transport within living systems are fundamental processes that enable the autonomous function of excitable cells and tissues. To date, localized control of these transport processes has been enabled by genetic modification approaches to render light sensitivity to cells. Here, we present peptidic nanoassemblies as constituents of a cardiac biomaterial platform that leverages complementary sequence interactions to direct photoinduced energy transport at the cellular interface. Photophysical characterizations and conductivity measurements confirm the occurrence of energy/charge transfer and photocurrent generation upon optical excitation in both dry and electrolytic environments. Comparing an electrostatic sequence pair against a sequence-matched donor-acceptor coassembly, we demonstrate that the sequence design with charge complementarity shows more prominent photocurrent behavior. With the flanking bioadhesive units, the primary and stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes...

Optimizing automated detection of high frequency oscillations using visual markings does not improve SOZ localization

Tue, 7 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000
OBJECTIVE: High frequency oscillations (HFOs) are a biomarker of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) and can be visually or automatically detected. In theory, one can optimize an automated algorithm's parameters to maximize SOZ localization accuracy; however, there is no consensus on whether or how this should be done. Therefore, we optimized an automated detector using visually identified HFOs and evaluated the impact on SOZ localization accuracy. METHODS: We detected HFOs in intracranial EEG from 20 patients with refractory epilepsy from two centers using (1) unoptimized automated detection, (2) visual identification, and (3) automated detection optimized to match visually detected HFOs. RESULTS: SOZ localization accuracy based on HFO rate was not significantly different between the three methods. Across patients, visually optimized detector settings varied, and no single set of settings produced universally accurate SOZ localization. Exploratory analysis suggests that, for many patients,...

Label-free multiphoton microscopy of human skin: longitudinal studies capturing cell dynamics

Wed, 1 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000
This study presents recent advances in an imaging platform developed by our lab, the fast large area multiphoton exoscope (FLAME), a microscope designed for clinical skin imaging. Its dual-scanning modality enables reliable, cellular-scale imaging of the same skin locations over extended time periods across areas up to 1 cm². Enabling fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, this device, for the first time in vivo, allows detailed longitudinal tracking of cellular dynamics in human skin, such as responses to injury, significantly advancing the capabilities of dermatological research. By overcoming previous limitations in large-area, high-resolution skin imaging, FLAME opens new opportunities for monitoring therapy responses, tracking cellular dynamics, and understanding skin biology at the cellular level.

Multivariate Linear Regression Approach to Predicting Burn Depth Using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging

Wed, 1 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000
We applied multivariate linear regression to spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) data to predict burn depth, as determined by histological grading. To reduce the variable space, we preliminarily employed the minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm.

Fast large-area multiphoton exoscope for label-free in vivo imaging of immune cells in human skin

Wed, 1 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Fast large-area multiphoton exoscope for label-free in vivo imaging of immune cells in human skin

Highly multiplexed spectral FLIM via physics informed data analysis

Wed, 1 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000
Spectral fluorescence lifetime imaging (S-FLIM) allows for the simultaneous deconvolution of signal from multiple fluorophore species by leveraging both spectral and lifetime information. However, existing analyses still face multiple difficulties in decoding information collected from typical S-FLIM experiments. These include: using information from pre-calibrated spectra in environments that may differ from the cellular context in which S-FLIM experiments are performed; limitations in the ability to deconvolute species due to overlapping spectra; high photon budget requirements, typically about a hundred photons per pixel per species. Yet information on the spectra themselves are already encoded in the data and do not require pre-calibration. What is more, efficient photon-by-photon analyses are possible reducing both the required photon budget and making it possible to use larger budgets in order to discriminate small differences in spectra to resolve spatially co-localized...

CDCP1/mitochondrial Src axis increases electron transport chain function to promote metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer

Wed, 1 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000
BackgroundTriple-negative type of breast cancer (TNBC) has limited therapeutic options and frequently metastasizes, leading to low survival rates. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is a driver of TNBC metastasis, but the signaling underlying this metabolic change is poorly understood.MethodsWe performed metabolic assays and assessed migratory and metastatic potential in cells with manipulated CDCP1/mitochondrial Src signaling.ResultsWe show that the pro-metastatic cell surface protein CUB-domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1) activates Src kinase localized in mitochondria, which potently induces OXPHOS and TNBC migration. Genetic targeting of either CDCP1 or mitochondrial Src, as well as pharmacological inhibition of Src reduce OXPHOS in vitro. We further show that mitochondrial Src increases OXPHOS by stimulating Complex I activity in the electron transport chain. Importantly, rescuing Complex I activity in cells devoid of CDCP1/mitochondrial Src signaling restores both OXPHOS...

An open, integrated platform for multiplexed bioluminescence microscopy

Wed, 1 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000
We report an imaging package to democratize all-in-one bioluminescence and fluorescence microscopy. The platform comprises three tools: PhasorViewer, a visualization suite to design experiments and identify optimal probe combinations; PhasorScope, an open-source, cost-effective microscopy framework to upgrade conventional microscopes; and PhasorAnalysis, a dedicated, user-friendly analysis pipeline to quantify phasor imaging data. We demonstrate the utility of the platform for multiplexed, simultaneous fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging with readily accessible optical reporters.