Backscatter measurement of cancellous bone using the ultrasound transit time spectroscopy.

Recently, ultrasound transit time spectroscopy (UTTS) was proposed as a promising method for bone quantitative ultrasound measurement. Studies have showed that UTTS could estimate the bone volume fraction and other trabecular bone structure in ultrasonic through-transmission measurements. The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of UTTS to be adapted in ultrasonic backscatter measurement and further evaluate the performance of backscattered ultrasound transit time spectrum (BS-UTTS) in the measurement of cancellous bone density and structure. First, taking ultrasonic attenuation into account, the concept of BS-UTTS was verified on ultrasonic backscatter signals simulated from a set of scatterers with different positions and intensities. Then, in vitro backscatter measurements were performed on 26 bovine cancellous bone specimens. After a logarithmic compression of the BS-UTTS, a linear fitting of the log-compressed BS-UTTS versus ultrasonic propagated distance was performed and the slope and intercept of the fitted line for BS-UTTS were determined. The associations between BS-UTTS parameters and cancellous bone features were analyzed using simple linear regression. The results showed that the BS-UTTS could make an accurate deconvolution of the backscatter signal and predict the position and intensity of the simulated scatterers eliminating phase interference, even the simulated backscatter signal was with a relatively low signal-to-noise ratio. With varied positions and intensities of the scatterers, the slope of the fitted line for the log-compressed BS-UTTS versus ultrasonic propagated distance (i.e., slope of BS-UTTS for short) yield a high agreement (r2 = 99.84%-99.96%) with ultrasonic attenuation in simulated backscatter signal. Compared with the high-density cancellous bone, the low-density specimen showed more abundant backscatter impulse response in the BS-UTTS. The slope of BS-UTTS yield a significant correlation with bone mineral density (r = 0.87; p < 0.001), BV/TV (r = 0.87; p < 0.001), and cancellous bone microstructures (r up to 0.87; p < 0.05). The intercept of BS-UTTS was also significantly correlated with bone densities (r = -0.87; p < 0.001) and trabecular structures (|r|=0.43-0.80; p < 0.05). However, the slope of the BS-UTTS underestimated attenuation when measurements were performed experimentally. In addition, a significant non-linear relationship was observed between the measured attenuation and the attenuation estimated by the slope of the BS-UTTS. This study demonstrated that the UTTS method could be adapted to ultrasonic backscatter measurement of cancellous bone. The derived slope and intercept of BS-UTTS could be used in the measurement of bone density and microstructure. The backscattered ultrasound transit time spectroscopy might have potential in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in the clinic.

Metabolic Imaging of Acute Ischemic Stroke (PET, 1Hydrogen Spectroscopy, 17Oxygen Imaging, 23Sodium MRI, pH Imaging).

Acute stroke imaging plays a vital and time-sensitive role in therapeutic decision-making. Current clinical workflows widely use computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) techniques including CT and MR perfusion to estimate the volume of ischemic penumbra at risk for infarction without acute intervention. The use of imaging techniques aimed toward evaluating the metabolic derangements underlying a developing infarct may provide additional information for differentiating the penumbra from benign oligemia and infarct core. The authors review several modalities of metabolic imaging including PET, hydrogen and oxygen spectroscopy, sodium MRI, and pH-weighted MRI.

Determination of seawater COD spectra using double-loop contraction and sorted frog optimization.

This study develops a novel double-loop contraction and C value sorting selection-based shrinkage frog-leaping algorithm (double-contractive cognitive random field [DC-CRF]) to mitigate the interference of complex salts and ions in seawater on the ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorbance spectra for chemical oxygen demand (COD) quantification. The key innovations of DC-CRF are introducing variable importance evaluation via C value to guide wavelength selection and accelerate convergence; a double-loop structure integrating random frog (RF) leaping and contraction attenuation to dynamically balance convergence speed and efficiency. Utilizing seawater samples from Jiaozhou Bay, DC-CRF-partial least squares regression (PLSR) reduced the input variables by 97.5% after 1,600 iterations relative to full-spectrum PLSR, RF-PLSR, and CRF-PLSR. It achieved a test R2 of 0.943 and root mean square error of 1.603, markedly improving prediction accuracy and efficiency. This work demonstrates the efficacy of DC-CRF-PLSR in enhancing UV-Vis spectroscopy for rapid COD analysis in intricate seawater matrices, providing an efficient solution for optimizing seawater spectra.

Assessment of radio-activation using spectroscopy in medical linear accelerators.

In radiotherapy, when photon energy exceeding 8 MV is utilized, photoneutrons can activate the components within the gantry of the linear accelerator (linac). At the end of the linac's lifecycle, radiation workers are tasked with its dismantling and disposal, potentially exposing them to unintentional radiation. This study aims to identify and measure the radioisotopes generated by this activation through spectroscopy, and to evaluate the effective dose rate. We selected nine medical linacs, considering various factors such as manufacturer (Siemens, Varian, and Elekta), model, energy, period of operation, and workload. We identified the radionuclides in the linac head by employing an in situ high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Spectroscopy and dose-rate measurements were conducted post-shutdown. We also measured the dose rates at the beam-exit window following irradiation with 10 MV and 15 MV photon beams. As a result of the spectroscopy, we identified approximately 20 nuclides including those with half-lives of 100 days or longer, such as 54Mn, 60Co, 65Zn, 122Sb, and 198Au. The dose rate measurements after 10 MV irradiation decreased to the background level in 10 min. By contrast, on 15 MV irradiation, the dose rate was 628 nSv/h after 10 min and decreased to 268 nSv/h after 1.5 hours. It was confirmed that the difference in the level of radiation and the type of nuclide depends on the period of use, energy, and workload. However, the type of nuclide does not differ significantly between the linacs. It is necessary to propose appropriate guidelines for the safety of workers, and disposal/move-install should be planned while taking into consideration the equipment's energy usage rate.

Non-Invasive Alcohol Concentration Measurement Using a Spectroscopic Module: Outlook for the Development of a Drunk Driving Prevention System.

Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant and falls under the category of psychoactive drugs. It has the potential to impair vital bodily functions, including cognitive alertness, muscle coordination, and induce fatigue. Taking the wheel after consuming alcohol can lead to delayed responses in emergency situations and increases the likelihood of collisions with obstacles or suddenly appearing objects. Statistically, drivers under the influence of alcohol are seven times more likely to cause accidents compared to sober individuals. Various techniques and methods for alcohol measurement have been developed. The widely used breathalyzer, which requires direct contact with the mouth, raises concerns about hygiene. Methods like chromatography require skilled examiners, while semiconductor sensors exhibit instability in sensitivity over measurement time and has a short lifespan, posing structural challenges. Non-dispersive infrared analyzers face structural limitations, and in-vehicle air detection methods are susceptible to external influences, necessitating periodic calibration. Despite existing research and technologies, there remain several limitations, including sensitivity to external factors such as temperature, humidity, hygiene consideration, and the requirement for periodic calibration. Hence, there is a demand for a novel technology that can address these shortcomings. This study delved into the near-infrared wavelength range to investigate optimal wavelengths for non-invasively measuring blood alcohol concentration. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis of the optical characteristics of biological substances, integrated these data into a mathematical model, and demonstrated that alcohol concentration can be accurately sensed using the first-order modeling equation at the optimal wavelength. The goal is to minimize user infection and hygiene issues through a non-destructive and non-invasive method, while applying a compact spectrometer sensor suitable for button-type ignition devices in vehicles. Anticipated applications of this study encompass diverse industrial sectors, including the development of non-invasive ignition button-based alcohol prevention systems, surgeon's alcohol consumption status in the operating room, screening heavy equipment operators for alcohol use, and detecting alcohol use in close proximity to hazardous machinery within factories.

Molecular Structure of Salicylic Acid and Its Hydrates: A Rotational Spectroscopy Study.

We present a study of salicylic acid and its hydrates, with up to four water molecules, done by employing chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. We employed the spectral data set of the parent, 13C, and 2H isotopologues to determine the molecular structure and characterize the intra- and intermolecular interactions of salicylic acid and its monohydrate. Complementary theoretical calculations were done to support the analysis of the experimental results. For the monomer, we analyzed structural properties, such as the angular-group-induced bond alternation (AGIBA) effect. In the microsolvates, we analyzed their main structural features dominated by the interaction of water with the carboxylic acid group. This work contributes to seeding information on how water molecules accumulate around this group. Moreover, we discussed the role of cooperative effects further stabilizing the observed inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bond interactions.

Characterization of Flavor Profile of Sauced Pork from Different Regions of China Based on E-Nose, E-Tongue and Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectroscopy.

This study aimed to investigate the volatile flavor compounds and tastes of six kinds of sauced pork from the southwest and eastern coastal areas of China using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS) combined with an electronic nose (E-nose) and electronic tongue (E-tongue). The results showed that the combined use of the E-nose and E-tongue could effectively identify different kinds of sauced pork. A total of 52 volatile flavor compounds were identified, with aldehydes being the main flavor compounds in sauced pork. The relative odor activity value (ROAV) showed that seven key volatile compounds, including 2-methylbutanal, 2-ethyl-3, 5-dimethylpyrazine, 3-octanone, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, dimethyl disulfide, 2,3-butanedione, and heptane, contributed the most to the flavor of sauced pork (ROAV ≥1). Multivariate data analysis showed that 13 volatile compounds with the variable importance in projection (VIP) values > 1 could be used as flavor markers to distinguish six kinds of sauced pork. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant link between the E-nose sensor and alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes, esters, and hetero-cycle compounds. The results of the current study provide insights into the volatile flavor compounds and tastes of sauced pork. Additionally, intelligent sensory technologies can be a promising tool for discriminating different types of sauced pork.

Augmenting authenticity for non-invasive in vivo detection of random blood glucose with photoacoustic spectroscopy using Kernel-based ridge regression.

Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) is a potential method for the noninvasive detection of blood glucose. However random blood glucose testing can help to diagnose diabetes at an early stage and is crucial for managing and preventing complications with diabetes. In order to improve the diagnosis, control, and treatment of Diabetes Mellitus, an appropriate approach of noninvasive random blood glucose is required for glucose monitoring. A polynomial kernel-based ridge regression is proposed in this paper to detect random blood glucose accurately using PAS. Additionally, we explored the impact of the biological parameter BMI on the regulation of blood glucose, as it serves as the primary source of energy for the body's cells. The kernel function plays a pivotal role in kernel ridge regression as it enables the algorithm to capture intricate non-linear associations between input and output variables. Using a Pulsed Laser source with a wavelength of 905 nm, a noninvasive portable device has been developed to collect the Photoacoustic (PA) signal from a finger. A collection of 105 individual random blood glucose samples was obtained and their accuracy was assessed using three metrics: Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Difference (MAD), and Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD). The respective values for these metrics were found to be 10.94 (mg/dl), 10.15 (mg/dl), and 8.86%. The performance of the readings was evaluated through Clarke Error Grid Analysis and Bland Altman Plot, demonstrating that the obtained readings outperformed the previously reported state-of-the-art approaches. To conclude the proposed IoT-based PAS random blood glucose monitoring system using kernel-based ridge regression is reported for the first time with more accuracy.

Measurement of Phytochrome B Thermal Reversion Rates In Vivo.

Thermal reversion of phytochromes is the light-independent but strongly temperature-dependent relaxation of the light-activated Pfr form of phytochromes back into the inactive Pr ground state. The thermal reversion rates of different phytochromes vary considerably. For phytochrome B (phyB), thermal reversion represents a critical parameter affecting phyB activity as it reduces the active phyB Pfr pool, accelerated by increasing temperatures. Phytochromes are dimers existing in three different states: Pfr-Pfr homodimer, Pfr-Pr heterodimer, and Pr-Pr homodimer. Consequently, thermal reversion occurs in two steps, with Pfr-Pfr to Pfr-Pr reversion being much slower than reversion from Pfr-Pr to Pr-Pr. To measure thermal reversion in vivo, the relative proportion of Pfr in relation to the total amount of phytochrome (Ptot) must be determined in living samples. This is accomplished by in vivo spectroscopy utilizing dual wavelength ratiospectrophotometers, optimized for assaying phytochromes in highly scattering plant material. The method is depending on the photoreversibility of phytochromes displaying light-induced absorbance changes in response to actinic irradiation. In this chapter, we describe the experimental design and explain step-by-step the calculations necessary to determine the thermal reversion rates of phyB in vivo, taking into account phytochrome dimerization.

Influence mechanism of the temporal duration of laser irradiation on photoacoustic technique: a review.

Significance: In the photoacoustic (PA) technique, the laser irradiation in the time domain (i.e., laser pulse duration) governs the characteristics of PA imaging-it plays a crucial role in the optical-acoustic interaction, the generation of PA signals, and the PA imaging performance. Aim: We aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of laser pulse duration on various aspects of PA imaging, encompassing the signal-to-noise ratio, the spatial resolution of PA imaging, the acoustic frequency spectrum of the acoustic wave, the initiation of specific physical phenomena, and the photothermal-PA (PT-PA) interaction/conversion. Approach: By surveying and reviewing the state-of-the-art investigations, we discuss the effects of laser pulse duration on the generation of PA signals in the context of biomedical PA imaging with respect to the aforementioned aspects. Results: First, we discuss the impact of laser pulse duration on the PA signal amplitude and its correlation with the lateral resolution of PA imaging. Subsequently, the relationship between the axial resolution of PA imaging and the laser pulse duration is analyzed with consideration of the acoustic frequency spectrum. Furthermore, we examine the manipulation of the pulse duration to trigger physical phenomena and its relevant applications. In addition, we elaborate on the tuning of the pulse duration to manipulate the conversion process and ratio from the PT to PA effect. Conclusions: We contribute to the understanding of the physical mechanisms governing pulse-width-dependent PA techniques. By gaining insight into the mechanism behind the influence of the laser pulse, we can trigger the pulse-with-dependent physical phenomena for specific PA applications, enhance PA imaging performance in biomedical imaging scenarios, and modulate PT-PA conversion by tuning the pulse duration precisely.

Spectral Reflectance Measurements.

This chapter provides a methodology for evaluating plant health and leaf characteristics using spectral reflectance. It provides a step-by-step guide to using spectrometers for high-resolution point measurements of leaf spectral reflectance and multispectral imaging for capturing spatial data, emphasizing the importance of consistent measurement conditions. The chapter further explores the intricacies of multispectral imaging, including calibration, data collection, and image processing. Finally, this chapter delves into the application of various spectral indices for the quantification of key traits such as pigment content, the status of the xanthophyll cycle, water content, and how to identify spectral regions of interest for further research and development. Serving as a guide for researchers and practitioners in plant science, this chapter provides a straightforward framework for plant health assessment using spectral reflectance.

Simple and sensitive determination of Cr (III), Cu (II) and Pb (II) in tea infusions using AgNPs-modified resin combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

The detection of heavy metals in tea infusions is important because of the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Existing highly sensitive detection methods pose challenges because they are complicated and time-consuming. In this study, we developed an innovative and simple method using Ag nanoparticles-modified resin (AgNPs-MR) for pre-enrichment prior to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the simultaneous analysis of Cr (III), Cu (II), and Pb (II) in tea infusions. Signal enhancement using AgNPs-MR resulted in amplification with limits of detection of 0.22 µg L-1 for Cr (III), 0.33 µg L-1 for Cu (II), and 1.25 µg L-1 for Pb (II). Quantitative analyses of these ions in infusions of black tea from various brands yielded recoveries ranging from 83.3% to 114.5%. This method is effective as a direct and highly sensitive technique for precisely quantifying trace concentrations of heavy metals in tea infusions.

Ultrafast spectroscopy study of DNA photophysics after proflavine intercalation.

Proflavine (PF), an acridine DNA intercalating agent, has been widespread applied as an anti-microbial and topical antiseptic agent due to its ability to suppress DNA replication. On the other hand, various studies show that PF intercalation to DNA can increase photogenotoxicity and has potential chances to induce carcinomas of skin appendages. However, the effects of PF intercalation on the photophysical and photochemical properties of DNA have not been sufficiently explored. In this study, the excited state dynamics of the PF intercalated d(GC)9 • d(GC)9 and d(AT)9 • d(AT)9 DNA duplex are investigated in an aqueous buffer solution. Under 267 nm excitation, we observed ultrafast charge transfer (CT) between PF and d(GC)9 • d(GC)9 duplex, generating a CT state with an order of magnitude longer lifetime compared to that of the intrinsic excited state reported for the d(GC)9 • d(GC)9 duplex. In contrast, no excited state interaction was detected between PF and d(AT)9 • d(AT)9. Nevertheless, a localized triplet state with a lifetime over 5 µs was identified in the PF-d(AT)9 • d(AT)9 duplex.

3D polarization-interference holographic histology for wavelet-based differentiation of the polycrystalline component of biological tissues with different necrotic states. Forensic applications.

Significance: The interference-holographic method of phase scanning of fields of scattered laser radiation is proposed. The effectiveness of this method for the selection of variously dispersed components is demonstrated. This method made it possible to obtain polarization maps of biological tissues at a high level of depolarized background. The scale-selective analysis of such maps was used to determine necrotic changes in the optically anisotropic architectonics of biological tissues. Objective: Development and experimental approbation of layered phase polarimetry of repeatedly scattered fields in diffuse layers of biological tissues. Application of scale-selective processing of the found coordinate distributions of polarization states in various phase sections of object fields. Determination of criteria (markers) for histological differential diagnosis of the causes of necrotic changes in optical anisotropy of biological tissues. Approach: We used a synthesis of three instrumental and analytical methods. Polarization-interference registration of laser radiation scattered by a sample of biological tissue. Digital holographic reconstruction and layered phase scanning of distributions of complex amplitudes of the object field. Analytical determination of polarization maps of various phase cross-sections of repeatedly scattered radiation. Application of wavelet analysis of the distributions of polarization states in the phase plane of a single scattered component of an object field. Determination of criteria (markers) for differential diagnosis of necrotic changes in biological tissues with different morphological structure. Two cases are considered. The first case is the myocardium of those who died as a result of coronary heart disease and acute coronary insufficiency. The second case is lung tissue samples of deceased with bronchial asthma and fibrosis. Results: A method of polarization-interference mapping of diffuse object fields of biological tissues has been developed and experimentally implemented. With the help of digital holographic reconstruction of the distributions of complex amplitudes, polarization maps in various phase sections of a diffuse object field are found. The wavelet analysis of azimuth and ellipticity distributions of polarization in the phase plane of a single scattered component of laser radiation is used. Scenarios for changing the amplitude of the wavelet coefficients for different scales of the scanning salt-like MHAT function are determined. Statistical moments of the first to fourth orders are determined for the distributions of the amplitudes of the wavelet coefficients of the azimuth maps and the ellipticity of polarization. As a result, diagnostic markers of necrotic changes in the myocardium and lung tissue were determined. The statistical criteria found are the basis for determining the accuracy of their differential diagnosis of various necrotic states of biological tissues. Conclusions: Necrotic changes caused by "coronary artery disease-acute coronary insufficiency" and "asthma-pulmonary fibrosis" were demonstrated by the method of wavelet differentiation with polarization interference with excellent accuracy.

Ultrafast spectroscopy of the hydrophilic carotenoid crocin at various pH.

This study delves into the pH-dependent effects on the excited-state behavior of crocin, a hydrophilic carotenoid with diverse functions in biological systems. Steady-state spectroscopy demonstrates notable changes in absorption and fluorescence spectra, characterized by a pH-dependent blue shift and altered resolution of vibrational bands. Transient absorption spectra further elucidate these effects, highlighting a significant blue shift in the S1-Sn peak with increasing pH. Detailed kinetic analysis shows the pH-dependent dynamics of crocin's excited states. At pH 11, a shortening of effective conjugation is observed, resulting in a prolonged S1/ICT lifetime. Conversely, at pH 9, our data suggest a more complex scenario, suggesting the presence of two distinct crocin species with different relaxation patterns. This implies structural alterations within the crocin molecule, potentially linked to the deprotonation of hydroxyl groups in crocin and/or saponification at high pH.

Bone health status evaluation in men by means of REMS technology.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis in males is largely under-diagnosed and under-treated, with most of the diagnosis confirmed only after an osteoporotic fracture. Therefore, there is an urgent need for highly accurate and precise technologies capable of identifying osteoporosis earlier, thereby avoiding complications from fragility fractures. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and precision of the non-ionizing technology Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in a male population in comparison with conventional Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). METHODS: A cohort of 603 Caucasian males aged between 30 and 90 years were involved in the study. All the enrolled patients underwent lumbar and femoral scans with both DXA and REMS. The diagnostic agreement between REMS and DXA-measured BMD was expressed by Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman method. The accuracy of the diagnostic classification was evaluated by the assessment of sensitivity and specificity considering DXA as reference. RESULTS: A significant correlation between REMS- and DXA-measured T-score values (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001) for lumbar spine and for femoral neck (r = 0.90, p < 0.0001) documented the substantial equivalence of the two measurement techniques. Bland-Altman outcomes showed that the average difference in T-score measurement is very close to zero (-0.06 ± 0.60 g/cm2 for lumbar spine and - 0.07 ± 0.44 g/cm2 for femoral neck) confirming the agreement between the two techniques. Furthermore, REMS resulted an effective technique to discriminate osteoporotic patients from the non-osteoporotic ones on both lumbar spine (sensitivity = 90.1%, specificity = 93.6%) and femoral neck (sensitivity = 90.9%, specificity = 94.6%). Precision yielded RMS-CV = 0.40% for spine and RMS-CV = 0.34% for femur. CONCLUSION: REMS, is a reliable technology for the diagnosis of osteoporosis also in men. This evidence corroborates its high diagnostic performance already observed in previous studies involving female populations.

Comparison of single and double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the detection of biomolecules tagged with photon-upconversion nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a well-recognized analytical technique used for elemental analysis. This method is gaining considerable attention also in biological applications thanks to its ability for spatial mapping and elemental imaging. The implementation of LIBS in the biomedical field is based on the detection of metals or other elements that either naturally occur in the samples or are present artificially. The artificial implementation of nanoparticle labels (Tag-LIBS) enables the use of LIBS as a readout technique for immunochemical assays. However, one of the biggest challenges for LIBS to meet immunoassay readout standards is its sensitivity. RESULTS: This paper focuses on the improvement of LIBS sensitivity for the readout of nanoparticle-based immunoassays. First, the LIBS setup was optimized on photon-upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) droplets deposited on the microtiter plate wells. Two collection optics systems were compared, with single pulse (SP) and collinear double pulse (DP) LIBS arrangements. By deploying the second laser pulse, the sensitivity was improved up to 30 times. The optimized SP and DP setups were then employed for the indirect detection of human serum albumin based on immunoassay with UCNP-based labels. Compared to our previous LIBS study, the detection limit was enhanced by two orders of magnitude, from 10 ng mL-1 to 0.29 ng mL-1. In addition, two other immunochemical methods were used for reference, based on the readout of upconversion luminescence of UCNPs and absorbance measurement with enzyme labels. Finally, the selectivity of the assay was tested and the practical potential of Tag-LIBS was demonstrated by the successful analysis of urine samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY: In this work, we improved the sensitivity of the Tag-LIBS method by combining new labels based on UCNPs with the improved collection optics and collinear DP configuration. In the instrumental setup optimization, the DP LIBS showed better sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio than SP. The optimizations allowed the LIBS readout to surpass the sensitivity of enzyme immunoassay, approaching the qualities of upconversion luminescence readout, which is nowadays a state-of-the-art readout technique.

Video-rate endocavity photoacoustic/harmonic ultrasound imaging with miniaturized light delivery.

Significance: Endocavity ultrasound (US) imaging is a frequently employed diagnostic technique in gynecology and urology for the assessment of male and female genital diseases that present challenges for conventional transabdominal imaging. The integration of photoacoustic (PA) imaging with clinical US imaging has displayed promising outcomes in clinical research. Nonetheless, its application has been constrained due to size limitations, restricting it to spatially confined locations such as vaginal or rectal canals. Aim: This study presents the development of a video-rate (20 Hz) endocavity PA/harmonic US imaging (EPAUSI) system. Approach: The approach incorporates a commercially available endocavity US probe with a miniaturized laser delivery unit, comprised of a single large-core fiber and a line beamshaping engineered diffuser. The system facilitates real-time image display and subsequent processing, including angular energy density correction and spectral unmixing, in offline mode. Results: The spatial resolutions of the concurrently acquired PA and harmonic US images were measured at 318 µm and 291 µm in the radial direction, respectively, and 1.22 deg and 1.50 deg in the angular direction, respectively. Furthermore, the system demonstrated its capability in multispectral PA imaging by successfully distinguishing two clinical dyes in a tissue-mimicking phantom. Its rapid temporal resolution enabled the capture of kinetic dye perfusion into an ex vivo porcine ovary through the depth of porcine uterine tissue. EPAUSI proved its clinical viability by detecting pulsating hemodynamics in the male rat's prostate in vivo and accurately classifying human blood vessels into arteries and veins based on sO2 measurements. Conclusions: Our proposed EPAUSI system holds the potential to unveil previously overlooked indicators of vascular alterations in genital cancers or endometriosis, addressing pressing requirements in the fields of gynecology and urology.

Physics-assisted machine learning for THz time-domain spectroscopy: sensing leaf wetness.

Signal processing techniques are of vital importance to bring THz spectroscopy to a maturity level to reach practical applications. In this work, we illustrate the use of machine learning techniques for THz time-domain spectroscopy assisted by domain knowledge based on light-matter interactions. We aim at the potential agriculture application to determine the amount of free water on plant leaves, so-called leaf wetness. This quantity is important for understanding and predicting plant diseases that need leaf wetness for disease development. The overall transmission of 12,000 distinct water droplet patterns on a plastized leaf was experimentally acquired using THz time-domain spectroscopy. We report on key insights of applying decision trees and convolutional neural networks to the data using physics-motivated choices. Eventually, we discuss the generalizability of these models to determine leaf wetness after testing them on cases with increasing deviations from the training set.

More than double the fun with two-photon excitation microscopy.

For generations researchers have been observing the dynamic processes of life through the lens of a microscope. This has offered tremendous insights into biological phenomena that span multiple orders of time- and length-scales ranging from the pure magic of molecular reorganization at the membrane of immune cells, to cell migration and differentiation during development or wound healing. Standard fluorescence microscopy techniques offer glimpses at such processes in vitro, however, when applied in intact systems, they are challenged by reduced signal strengths and signal-to-noise ratios that result from deeper imaging. As a remedy, two-photon excitation (TPE) microscopy takes a special place, because it allows us to investigate processes in vivo, in their natural environment, even in a living animal. Here, we review the fundamental principles underlying TPE aimed at basic and advanced microscopy users interested in adopting TPE for intravital imaging. We focus on applications in neurobiology, present current trends towards faster, wider and deeper imaging, discuss the combination with photon counting technologies for metabolic imaging and spectroscopy, as well as highlight outstanding issues and drawbacks in development and application of these methodologies.