Multi-channel parallel ultrasound detection based on a photothermal tunable fiber optic sensor array.

A multi-channel parallel ultrasound detection system based on a photothermal tunable fiber optic sensor array is proposed. The resonant wavelength of the ultrasound sensor has a quadratic relationship with the power of a 980-nm heating laser. The maximum tuning range is larger than 15 nm. Through photothermal tuning, the inconsistent operating wavelengths of the Fabry-Perot (FP) sensor array can be solved, and then a multiplexing capacity of up to 53 can be theoretically realized, which could greatly reduce the time required for data acquisition. Then, a fixed wavelength laser with ultra-narrow linewidth is used to interrogate the sensor array. The interrogation system demonstrates a noise equivalent pressure (NEP) as low as 0.12 kPa, which is 5.5-times lower than the commercial hydrophone. Furthermore, a prototype of a four-channel ultrasound detection system is built to demonstrate the parallel detection capability. Compared with the independent detection, the SNR of parallel detection does not deteriorate, proving that the parallel detection system and the sensor array own very low cross talk characteristics. The parallel detection technique paves a way for real-time photoacoustic/ultrasound imaging.

Non-Invasive Detection of Anti-Inflammatory Bioactivity and Key Chemical Indicators of the Commercial Lanqin Oral Solution by Near Infrared Spectroscopy.

Quality control methods of current traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation is time-consuming and difficult to assess in terms of overall efficiency of the drug. A non-destructive rapid near-infrared spectroscopy detection system for key chemical components and biological activity of Lanqin oral solution (LOS), one of the best-selling TCM formulations, was established for comprehensive quality evaluation. Near infrared spectral scanning was carried out on 101 batches of commercial LOS under the penetrated vial state and traditional state. RAW 264.7 cells were cultured to detect the anti-inflammatory ability of LOS, and the reference concentrations of epigoitrin, geniposide, and baicalin were obtained by HPLC. The quantitative models were optimized by three kinds of variable selection methods. The correlation coefficients of prediction value of the models were greater than 0.94. The system also passed the external validation. The performance of the non-invasive models was similar to the traditional models. The established non-destructive system can be applied to the rapid quality inspection of LOS to avoid unqualified drugs from entering the market and ensure drug effectiveness. The biological activity index of LOS was introduced and predicted by NIRs for the first time, which provides a new idea about the quality control of TCM formulations.

Miniaturized fiber optic ultrasound sensor with multiplexing for photoacoustic imaging.

A miniaturized ultrasound sensor based on optical fiber is designed and realized for multichannel parallel ultrasound detection and photoacoustic imaging. The fiber optic sensor is composed of a polymer coating, a reflective mirror and a single-mode optical fiber, with only 125 µm in diameter. By integrating the coherent demodulation technology and multiplexing technology, which using a relatively cheap fixed wavelength laser, hundreds of sensors could work simultaneously. Meanwhile, highly sensitive ultrasound detection has been demonstrated with the noise equivalent pressure as low as 0.46 kPa and the sensor exhibits a nearly omnidirectional directivity. Furthermore, a photoacoustic imaging system based on three sensors working in parallel is demonstrated. High lateral resolutions of 165-217 µm and axial resolutions of 112-131 µm over a depth range of larger than 5 mm are obtained. A three-dimensional phantom imaging experiment is also demonstrated. Benefited from parallel detection, the imaging speed is three times faster than that of a single sensor. The miniaturized fiber optic ultrasound sensor probe provides a competitive alternative for mechanically scanning-free endoscopic imaging, which is beneficial from small size, omnidirectional directivity and parallel detection capability.

Emerging pharmaceutical therapeutics and delivery technologies for osteoarthritis therapy.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint degenerative diseases in the world. At present, the management of OA depends on the lifestyle modification and joint replacement surgery, with the lifespan of prosthesis quite limited yet. Effective drug treatment of OA is essential. However, the current drugs, such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, as well as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, are accompanied by obvious side effects, with the therapeutic efficacy to be enhanced. Recently, novel reagents such as IL-1 antagonists and nerve growth factor inhibitors have entered clinical trials. Moreover, increasing evidence demonstrated that active ingredients of natural plants have great potential for treating OA. Meanwhile, the use of novel drug delivery strategies may overcome the shortcomings of conventional preparations and enhance the bioavailability of drugs, as well as decrease the side effects significantly. This review therefore summarizes the pathological mechanisms, management strategies, and research progress in the drug molecules including the newly identified active ingredient derived from medicinal plants for OA therapy, with the drug delivery technologies also summarized, with the expectation to provide the summary and outlook for developing the next generation of drugs and preparations for OA therapy.

Translating the ICAP Theory of Cognitive Engagement Into Practice.

ICAP is a theory of active learning that differentiates students' engagement based on their behaviors. ICAP postulates that Interactive engagement, demonstrated by co-generative collaborative behaviors, is superior for learning to Constructive engagement, indicated by generative behaviors. Both kinds of engagement exceed the benefits of Active or Passive engagement, marked by manipulative and attentive behaviors, respectively. This paper discusses a 5-year project that attempted to translate ICAP into a theory of instruction using five successive measures: (a) teachers' understanding of ICAP after completing an online module, (b) their success at designing lesson plans using different ICAP modes, (c) fidelity of teachers' classroom implementation, (d) modes of students' enacted behaviors, and (e) students' learning outcomes. Although teachers had minimal success in designing Constructive and Interactive activities, students nevertheless learned significantly more in the context of Constructive than Active activities. We discuss reasons for teachers' overall difficulty in designing and eliciting Interactive engagement.