Time-resolved characteristics of a nanosecond pulsed multi-hollow needle plate packed bed dielectric barrier discharge

In this paper,self-designed multi-hollow needle electrodes are used as a high-voltage electrode in a packed bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor to facilitate fast gas flow through the active discharge area and achieve large-volume stable discharge.The dynamic characteristics of the plasma,the generated active species,and the energy transfer mechanisms in both positive discharge(PD)and negative discharge(ND)are investigated by using fast-exposure intensified charge coupled device(ICCD)images and time-resolved optical emission spectra.The experimental results show that the discharge intensity,number of discharge channels,and discharge volume are obviously enhanced when the multi-needle electrode is replaced by a multihollow needle electrode.During a single voltage pulse period,PD mainly develops in a streamer mode,which results in a stronger discharge current,luminous intensity,and E/N compared with the diffuse mode observed in ND.In PD,as the gap between dielectric beads changes from 0 to250μm,the discharge between the dielectric bead gap changes from a partial discharge to a standing filamentary micro-discharge,which allows the plasma to leave the local area and is conducive to the propagation of surface streamers.In ND,the discharge only appears as a diffusionlike mode between the gap of dielectric beads,regardless of whether there is a discharge gap.Moreover,the generation of excited states N_(2)^(+)(B^(2)∑_(u)^(+))and N2(C^(3)Π_(u))is mainly observed in PD,which is attributed to the higher E/N in PD than that in ND.However,the generation of the OH(A^(2)∑^(+))radical in ND is higher than in PD.It is not directly dominated by E/N,but mainly by the resonant energy transfer process between metastable N_(2)(A^(3)∑_(u)^(+))and OH(X^(2)Π).Furthermore,both PD and ND demonstrate obvious energy relaxation processes of electron-to-vibration and vibration-to-vibration,and no vibration-to-rotation energy relaxation process is observed.

Specific cerebral activation following true and sham Waiguan(SJ 5) needling Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence

Positive activation and negative activation of glucose metabolism can be detected in different brain regions under acupuncture conditions using functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） which reveals acupoint function and location-acupoint specificity. This study observed the regional cerebral activation of the Waiguan （SJ 5） acupoint following true needling at the true Waiguan acupoint, sham needling at the true Waiguan acupoint and true needling at a sham point using fMRI. The fMRI results demonstrated that compared with sham needling, true needling at Waiguan activated the BA8 area and left cerebellum. Compared with needling at the sham point, needling at Waiguan activated the BA2 area, the left cerebellum and the right inferior semilunar lobule. Thus the activated brain areas caused by needling Waiguan may be the basis for treatment of certain diseases.

Automated Detection and Quantification of Prostate Cancer in Needle Biopsies by Digital Image Analysis

Introduction: Triple immunohistochemical (IHC) stains including antibodies specific for alpha-methylacyl-CoA-racemase and basal cell markers have been a valuable aid in accurate identification of prostate carcinoma. However, accurate quantification of minuscule areas of prostate carcinoma in biopsy specimens can often be a challenge. Here we assessed the diagnostic value and quantitative use of automated digital image analysis on triple IHC stained prostate needle biopsies. Methods: Twelve cases of prostate needle biopsy material including 75 needle cores were stained with triple-antibody cocktail (P504S + 34βE12 + p63). Slides were digitally scanned with the APERIO digital image analyzer and evaluated with the GENIE pattern and color recognition digital image analysis that we developed. A slide with known areas of adenocarcinoma, high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), benign glands and stroma was used as a training set for the automated digital image analysis platform. Results: Among 75 needle biopsy cores, 19 (25.33%) contained adenocarcinoma by histology. Digital image analysis recognized adenocarcinoma in 95% of these needle biopsies. The average area of the needle biopsy was 7.63 mm2 and overall the average area of tumor was 0.196 mm2. The smallest area of tumor recognized by the program was 0.0022 mm2 (0.0363% of the core) and the largest was 0.62 mm2 (8.17% of the core) among needle core biopsies. False positives resulted from areas of high grade PIN with patchy basal cells. The false negative was caused by uneven AMACR staining in one area of adenocarcinoma. Digital recognition of areas of interest was improved by three successive image analysis training which increased the sensitivity and specificity from 83% and 89% to 90% and 93%, respectively. Conclusions: Digital image analysis in concert with IHC triple staining may be useful for accurate detection and quantitative analysis of small foci of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Defining methods to increase the sensitivity and specificity of quantitative automated digital image analysis will likely evolve as an area of investigation. Future automated digital scanning and innovative pattern and color recognition technologies may open avenues for classifying a variety of prostate lesions.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence for activated functional brain areas following acupoint needling in the extremities

Totally three articles focusing on functional magnetic resonance imaging features of brain function in the activated brain regions of stroke patients undergoing acupuncture on the healthy limbs and healthy controls undergoing acupuncture on the lower extremities are published in three issues. We hope that our readers find these papers useful to their research.

Imaging diagnosis of pancreatic cancer:A state-of-the-art review

Pancreatic cancer(PC)remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide,and has a poor,five-year survival rate of 5%.Although complete surgical resection is the only curative therapy for pancreatic cancer,less than20%of newly-diagnosed patients undergo surgical resection with a curative intent.Due to the lack of early symptoms and the tendency of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to invade adjacent structures or to metastasize at an early stage,many patients with pancreatic cancer already have advanced disease at the time of their diagnosis and,therefore,there is a high mortality rate.To improve the patient survival rate,early detection of PC is critical.The diagnosis of PC relies on computed tomography(CT)and/or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP),or biopsy or fine-needle aspiration using endoscopic ultrasound(EUS).Although multi-detector row computed tomography currently has a major role in the evaluation of PC,MRI with MRCP facilitates better detection of tumors at an early stage by allowing a comprehensive analysis of the morphological changes of the pancreas parenchyma and pancreatic duct.The diagnosis could be improved using positron emission tomography techniques in special conditions in which CT and EUS are not completely diagnostic.It is essential for clinicians to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various pancreatic imaging modalities in order to be able to make optimal treatment and management decisions.Our study investigates the current role and innovative techniques of pancreatic imaging focused on the detection of pancreatic cancer.

State-of-the-art imaging techniques in endoscopic ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has recently evolved through technological improvement of equipment,with a major clinical impact in digestive and mediastinal diseases.State-of-the-art EUS equipment now includes real-time sono-elastography,which might be useful for a better characterization of lesions and increased accuracy of differential diagnosis (for e.g.lymph nodes or focal pancreatic lesions).Contrast-enhanced EUS imaging is also available,and is already being used for the differential diagnosis of focal pancreatic masses.The recent development of low mechanical index contrast harmonic EUS imaging offers hope for improved diagnosis,staging and monitoring of anti-angiogenic treatment.Tridimensional EUS (3D-EUS) techniques can be applied to enhance the spatial understanding of EUS anatomy,especially for improved staging of tumors,obtained through a better assessment of the relationship with major surrounding vessels.Despite the progress gained through all these imaging techniques,they cannot replace cytological or histological diagnosis.However,real-time optical histological diagnosis can be achieved through the use of single-fiber confocal laser endomicroscopy techniques placed under real-time EUS-guidance through a 22G needle.Last,but not least,EUS-assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures offer a whole new area of imaging applications,used either for combination of NOTES peritoneoscopy and intraperitoneal EUS,but also for access of retroperitoneal organs through posterior EUS guidance.

The Role of a Pre-Fine Needle Aspiration Clinic in Improving the Quality of Thyroid Nodule Investigation in Saskatchewan

Background: The Canadian province of Saskatchewan introduced a pre-fine needle aspiration (FNA) clinic to review adherence of referrals for thyroid biopsy based on the guidelines of the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) scoring system. The intention is to minimize low-yield biopsy rates by improving the quality of thyroid nodule investigation in Saskatchewan through this clinic. TI-RADS is a malignancy risk scoring system for thyroid nodules based on five sonographic characteristics: composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci (calcium). Recommendations for intervention or clinical follow-up are further determined by the size of the nodule. Methods: Through a retrospective chart review of all thyroid biopsy referrals to the Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatchewan between 22 March 2016 and 17 May 2018, the impact of the multidisciplinary pre-FNA clinic on appropriate thyroid biopsies in Saskatchewan was evaluated. Results: This study evaluated 252 referrals, 203 of which underwent FNA and 23 which received surgical biopsy. TI-RADS scores appended to thyroid biopsy referrals increased upon pre-FNA clinic initiation, yet score quality did not improve. Rates of malignant biopsies were lower than ACR-reporting suggesting inappropriate biopsy of low risk nodules perhaps by overcalling the TI-RADS score. The majority of FNA cytology matched final surgical pathology, with 78% of indeterminate FNAs being malignant, and all non-diagnostic FNAs being benign. Conclusions: The implementation of the pre-FNA clinic reduced the number of thyroid biopsies in Saskatchewan by 11% overall.

Ultrasound Needle Guidance System for Precision Vaccinations and Drug Deliver

Image-guided needles are currently used for drug delivery in bodies, but the additional time associated with aligning and maintaining the needle’s position results in increased patient discomfort or risk of invasion of the human body. In this paper, a needle guidance system using piezoelectric materials is designed and analyzed for precise drug delivery without damaging parts of the body and improving processing time. A piezoelectric generates an ultrasound wave that can propagate through different mediums, and a second piezoelectric crystal can receive that energy and convert it into voltage. A 1D real-time image represents the changes of the voltage induced in the double piezoelectric crystal. Extensive data analysis and visualization are done using different obstacles and location of the needle verified for other mediums. The presence of obstacles in between those crystals can be identified in the real-time grayscale image. The needle can reach its destination using this image information as directional guidance. This guided drug delivery improves patient recovery time and eliminates extra injuries that can be caused due to wrong needle injections, such as lumbar puncture-related nerve damage.

针灸不同穴位组治疗中风后假性球麻痹吞咽功能障碍疗效研究

目的:分析针灸不同穴位组对中风后假性球麻痹吞咽功能障碍的治疗效果。方法:将90例中风后假性球麻痹吞咽功能障碍患者分为常规组、项针组、舌针组,每组30例,治疗14 d。比较各组治疗14 d后的疗效,治疗前、治疗14 d后营养指标、梗死灶多模态磁共振参数、吞咽功能相关指标、症状改善情况。结果:治疗14 d后,舌针组总有效率高于项针组、常规组(P<0.05)。治疗14 d后,各组血清白蛋白(ALB)、前白蛋白(PAD)、血红蛋白(Hb)、N-乙酰天门冬氨酸(NAA)/肌酸(Cr)、N-乙酰天门冬氨酸与(胆碱+肌酸)比值、韦氏成人智力量表评分高于治疗前,且舌诊组最高,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。各组Cho/Cr、标准吞咽功能评价量表(SAA)、洼田饮水试验评分、洼田饮水试验前后脉冲血氧饱和度下降值、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表、汉密尔顿焦虑量表、汉密尔顿抑郁量表评分低于治疗前,且舌诊组最低,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论:与常规治疗或项针治疗相比,舌针治疗中风后假性球麻痹吞咽功能障碍能更有效地改善患者营养状态、梗死灶多模态磁共振参数、吞咽功能及临床症状。

超声检查辅助CT或MRI评估放疗头颈癌患者颈部淋巴结肿大的研究

目的本研究旨在评估超声(US)加/不加细针吸取细胞学(FNAC)和计算机断层扫描(CT)/磁共振成像(MRI)评估接受放射治疗的头颈癌患者颈淋巴结病(LAP)的诊断性能。方法回顾性分析269名在2014年1月至2023年1月期间接受放射治疗(RT)或同期放化疗(CCRT)的头颈部癌症患者。诊断方法包括:(1)单纯CT/MRI;(2)CT/MRI结合放疗后超声预测模型;(3)CT/MRI联合US+FNAC。我们使用ROC曲线比较了它们的诊断性能。结果总共观察到141个(52%)恶性淋巴结和128个(48%)良性淋巴结。在诊断准确率方面,CT/MRI和US+FNAC联合检查的ROC曲线下面积最高(0.965),其次是联合CT/MRI和放疗后US预测模型(0.906)和单独CT/MRI(0.836)。结论在评估接受放射治疗的头颈部癌症患者的LAP时,在诊断复发或持续性结节疾病方面,在CT/MRI中添加US检查比单独CT/MRI更高的诊断性能。

多种超声影像技术在乳腺癌诊断中的研究进展

乳腺癌是我国女性发病率最高的恶性肿瘤,常规超声是乳腺癌筛查常用的影像检查方法。弹性成像、超声造影、自动乳腺超声成像系统、S-detect技术及超声引导下穿刺活检等新技术正在飞速发展并逐渐应用于临床,为乳腺癌的诊断提供了更有价值的信息。本文就多种超声影像技术诊断乳腺癌的临床应用进展进行综述。

多模态超声联合细针抽吸活组织检查对直径≤5 mm甲状腺微小癌诊断分析

目的 分析多模态超声联合细针抽吸活组织检查(fine needle aspiration, FNA)对直径≤5 mm甲状腺微小癌(thyroid microcarcinoma, TMC)的诊断准确性。方法 回顾性分析2019年9月-2021年3月行多模态超声(二维超声、超声造影、超声弹性成像)联合FNA检查,且经手术病理证实为直径≤5 mm甲状腺微小结节120例(结节132个)的临床资料,分析多模态超声和FNA及联合检测与病理诊断结果的一致性,并采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析单项和联合检测的诊断价值。结果 132个直径≤5 mm甲状腺微小结节经术后病理结果分析,良性结节36个,TMC 96个。与病理结果比较,二维超声诊断符合率为85.60%(113/132),Kappa值0.646;超声造影诊断符合率为90.15%(119/132),Kappa值0.758;超声弹性成像诊断符合率为90.15%(119/132),Kappa值0.754;多模态超声诊断符合率为90.91%(120/132),Kappa值0.771;FNA诊断符合率为92.42%(122/132),Kappa值0.806;多模态超声联合FNA诊断符合率为94.70%(125/132),Kappa值0.860。ROC曲线分析结果显示,多模态超声与FNA单项诊断曲线下面积比较无差异(P>0.05);多模态超声与FNA联合诊断TMC的曲线下面积大于单项诊断(P<0.05)。结论 多模态超声和FNA对直径≤5 mm TMC均具有较好的临床诊断价值,二者联合更能提高临床诊断准确率。

超声内镜在胃肠道间质瘤诊断中的应用进展

胃肠道间质瘤(gastrointestinal stromal tumor,GIST)是具有恶性潜能的间质瘤,不同恶性风险的GIST选择不同的治疗策略,如监测随访、内镜治疗、手术切除或/和药物治疗。因此,GIST的早期诊断以及风险评估对选择合适的治疗方案十分重要。目前,随着内镜技术的广泛应用,超声内镜(endoscopic ultrasound,EUS)、超声内镜弹性成像(endoscopic elastic imaging,EUS-EG)、超声内镜谐波增强(contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound,CH-EUS)、超声内镜引导下细针抽吸/活检(endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy,EUS-FNA/EUS-FNB)被应用于GIST的诊断以及风险评估。本文主要对以上检查方式在GIST中的应用进行阐述。

经直肠超声联合多参数磁共振前列腺穿刺活检研究进展

近年多参数磁共振技术的发展带动了前列腺穿刺活检技术的进步,经直肠超声联合多参数磁共振前列腺穿刺逐渐成为现在的主流穿刺术式,本文介绍了经直肠超声联合多参数磁共振前列腺穿刺的方案以及新型前列腺穿刺术式的发展,分析其优缺点,旨在为读者在未来的实践中提供借鉴。

基于机器学习和模板匹配的变电站仪表自动读数方法

针对变电站固定摄像头拍摄的各种类型的指针式仪表,提出一种自动读数方法。该方法包括模板制作、模板匹配、图像处理、表针识别和几何读数五个阶段。通过模板制作确定刻度值和角度的几何关系,使用模板匹配算法定位待读数的仪表盘位置,提取仪表盘部分的图像,并通过高斯滤波和伽马变换降低光照和阴影对表针识别的干扰。为提升复杂环境下图像二值化的效果,使用K均值聚类算法获取仪表盘图像的动态二值化阈值。为适应圆形和椭圆形变形的表盘,使用可变长度的线段拟合仪表盘二值化图像中的表针,获取表针的旋转角度,再结合主要刻度的角度和刻度值的对应关系,计算出表针角度对应的读数。实际应用结果表明,针对自然场景下变电站中的指针式仪表,该方法对光照、阴影、遮挡、倾斜、变形等干扰因素具有良好的鲁棒性,误差均小于最小刻度间隔,满足工程应用要求。

超声甲状腺影像报告和数据系统在甲状腺结节诊治中的应用及进展

超声因其安全、无创、低价、方便等优点,成为甲状腺结节检测的首选方法,目前国内外有数个版本甲状腺影像报告和数据系统(Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System,TI-RADS)用于甲状腺结节恶性风险的分层管理。不同版本TI-RADS对同一甲状腺结节的分类及其是否需要进行细针穿刺活检(fine-needle aspiration biospy,FNAB)的建议存在差异。本文对各TI-RADS版本在甲状腺结节风险分层管理方面的应用、优势与局限性,以及其最新的研究进展进行了述评。

激痛点火针疗法对腰背肌筋膜炎患者疼痛的影响

目的观察激痛点火针疗法对腰背肌筋膜炎患者疼痛的影响。方法选取2021年3月—2023年3月在福建中医药大学附属三明市中西医结合医院康复科就诊的腰背肌筋膜炎患者65例,按随机数字表法分为对照组(n=32)与观察组(n=33)。对照组采用常规针刺治疗,观察组采用针刺联合激痛点火针疗法。6周后评估2组患者疼痛评分、腰椎功能评分,观察腰背部红外成像结果。结果观察组患者视觉模拟评分法(visual analog scale,VAS)评分[(3.76±1.08)分vs.(5.28±1.55)分],Oswestry功能障碍指数问卷(Oswestry disability index,ODI)评分[(13.76±3.42)分vs.(11.50±4.58)分]及腰背部红外成像的平均温度[(30.21±3.03)℃vs.(33.31±3.16)℃]均显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论针刺联合激痛点火针疗法可以有效缓解腰背肌筋膜炎患者疼痛,改善腰椎功能障碍。

外固定支架复位联合克氏针治疗对桡骨远端骨折愈合时间、影像学参数的影响

目的探讨外固定支架复位联合克氏针治疗对桡骨远端骨折患者骨折愈合时间、影像学参数的影响。方法选取2020年1月-2023年2月淄博市博山区中医院骨三科收治的86例桡骨远端骨折患者为研究对象,按照随机数表法分为两组。对照组(n=43例)给予手法复位小夹板固定治疗,观察组(n=43例)实施外固定支架复位联合克氏针治疗。对比两组相关症状改善时间、腕关节活动情况、桡骨短缩长度和骨密度、影像学指标、并发症。结果观察组骨折愈合时间、疼痛改善时间、手背消肿时间均短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3个月,观察组腕关节旋前活动度、旋后活动度、背伸活动度、掌屈活动度、骨密度、掌倾角、尺偏角均高于对照组,观察组桡骨短缩长度短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组并发症总发生率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在桡骨远端骨折患者中应用外固定支架复位联合克氏针治疗效果显著,能够有效缩短骨折愈合时间,提高腕关节活动度,降低机体内疼痛程度,减少并发症的发生。

二维剪切波弹性成像和血清学模型在慢性乙型肝炎患者肝纤维化分期中的应用价值

目的 探讨二维剪切波弹性成像和血清学模型及其联合应用在慢性乙型肝炎患者肝纤维化分期中的诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析2020年8月—2022年8月在福建医科大学孟超肝胆医院进行过二维剪切波弹性成像(2D-SWE)与肝组织病理学检查的327例慢性乙型肝炎患者的临床资料,提取患者的性别、年龄、血清学指标和2D-SWE结果,根据肝纤维化程度分为S0~S1组、S≥2组、S≥3组和S=4组,根据血清学指标计算血清学模型。采用Spearman相关分析法对2D-SWE和血清学模型与肝纤维化分期进行相关分析,以肝组织病理结果为标准,绘制受试者工作特征曲线,比较各参数及其联合应用诊断肝纤维化分期的效能,并采用Delong检验比较不同方法间的差异。结果 2D-SWE检测LSM值与肝纤维化分期呈强相关性(r=0.741,P<0.001),血清学模型中除了AAR外的其他6种(APRI、FIB-4、GPR、GP、RPR、S指数)与肝纤维化分期均存在正相关(P值均<0.001)。2D-SWE诊断S≥2、S≥3和S=4肝纤维化的AUC值分别为0.878、0.932、0.942,显著高于血清学模型(P值均<0.001),其最佳截断值分别为6.9 kPa、7.9 kPa、9.4 kPa。血清学模型中APRI在诊断S≥2、S=4的AUC值最高(0.788、0.875),S指数在诊断S≥3的AUC值最高(0.846)。在诊断S≥2、S≥3、S=4时2D-SWE和APRI联合能将AUC值分别提高到0.887、0.938、0.950,诊断S≥2、S≥3、S=4时2D-SWE和S指数联合诊断的AUC值分别为0.879、0.935、0.941;但单独使用2D-SWE与上述联合诊断并无统计学差异(P值均>0.05)。结论 2D-SWE对肝纤维化分期的诊断效能显著优于7种血清学模型;血清学模型具有一定的诊断价值,其中APRI、S指数的价值较高;单独使用2D-SWE与指标联合并无明显差异,联合并不能显著提高诊断效能,新的联合诊断方法仍有待探索。

超微血管成像联合同轴针在肝脏占位性病变穿刺活检中的应用价值

目的:探讨超微血管成像(SMI)联合同轴针在超声引导下肝脏占位性病变穿刺活检中的应用价值。方法:超声引导下肝脏占位性病变穿刺活检144例病人均接受外科手术治疗。将所有病人划分为2组,即接受SMI联合同轴针肝占位性病变穿刺活检为SMI+同轴针组;接受肝脏占位性病变单针穿刺活检为单针组,记录并分析取材过程的相关数据、穿刺病理结果及外科手术病理结果,评价SMI联合同轴针在超声引导下肝脏占位性病变穿刺活检中的应用价值。结果:SMI+同轴针组在取材时间、穿刺次数、术后疼痛发生率及疼痛数字评分法评分低于单针组,在诊断准确率、肝脏恶性病变检出率及平均标本长度优于单针组,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05),2组取材次数、标本有效率、术后肝包膜下出血方面差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:SMI联合同轴针在超声引导下肝脏占位性病变穿刺活检中具有一次穿刺多点取材的优势,能够减少穿刺次数、缩短取材时间、提高诊断准确率、肝脏恶性病变检出率、平均标本长度、降低疼痛发生率及疼痛数字评分的优点,具有较好的临床应用前景。