Real-time Changes Research Articles

Evaluation of the relationship between the real-time changes of macular structure and visual function in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after silicone oil tamponade

PurposeTo evaluate the relationship between the real-time changes of macular structure and visual function in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients. MethodsForty-six patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular structural changes were analyzed within 3 months after silicone oil tamponade. ResultsThe mean final BCVA was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA (P = 0.002). The parafoveal thickness became thinner, the proportion of subretinal fluid (SRF) decreased, and the proportion of intact external limiting membrane (ELM) increased within 3 months postoperatively. The recovery stage and the integrity of ELM in the SRF (-) group were significantly faster than that in the SRF (+) group (all P < 0.05). The central foveal thickness (CFT), the inferior and temporal thickness of the parafovea, and the integrity of the ELM were significantly correlated with BCVA at each time point (all P < 0.05). Long duration of preoperative RRD, thinner CFT at 1 month postoperatively, and without integrity of ELM at 3 months postoperatively were associated with poor final BCVA recovery (R2 = 0.462). ConclusionsThe macular microstructural tended to restore integrity within 3 months. The presence of SRF in macula delayed the recovery of RRD patients but did not affect the visual function.

A dynamic humidity arena to explore humidity-related behaviours in insects.

Humidity is a critical environmental factor influencing the behaviour of terrestrial organisms. Despite its significance, the neural mechanisms and behavioural algorithms governing humidity sensation remain poorly understood. Here, we introduce a dynamic humidity arena that measures the displacement and walking speed of insects responding to real-time changes in relative humidity (RH). This arena operates in a closed-loop mode, adjusting humidity based on the insect's position with 0.2% RH resolution, allowing the insect to choose its optimal humidity. It can also be set to maintain a specific RH, simulating an open-loop condition to observe insect behaviour at constant humidity levels. Using the dynamic humidity arena, we found that desiccated and starved Drosophila melanogaster search for a RH of around 65-70% at 23°C, whereas sated flies show no unique preference for any RH. If the desiccated and starved flies are rehydrated, their searching behaviour is abolished, suggesting that desiccation has a great impact on the measured response. In contrast, mutant flies with impaired humidity sensing, due to a non-functional ionotropic receptor (Ir)93a, show no preference for any RH level irrespective of being desiccated and starved or sated. These results demonstrate that the dynamic humidity arena is highly sensitive and precise in capturing the nuanced behaviours associated with hydration status and RH preference in D. melanogaster. The dynamic humidity arena is easily adaptable to insects of other sizes and offers a foundation for further research on the mechanisms of hygrosensation, opening new possibilities for understanding how organisms perceive and respond to humidity in their environment.

A Dynamic Lane-Changing Trajectory Planning Algorithm for Intelligent Connected Vehicles Based on Modified Driving Risk Field Model

A dynamic LC trajectory planning algorithm based on the modified driving risk field is proposed to address the issue of dynamic changes during the lane-changing (LC) process. First, a modified driving risk field (MDRF) model is constructed for LC scenarios. Then, according to the state of the target vehicle and discrete sampling points, a series of LC candidate trajectories were generated based on the quintic polynomial. After eliminating candidate trajectories that do not meet the constraints, the MDRF was utilized as a safety evaluation function. Additionally, comfort and smoothness evaluation functions were combined to evaluate candidate LC trajectories in order to obtain the optimal LC reference trajectory. Then, this paper proposes a dynamic LC trajectory planning algorithm, addressing the challenges of complex traffic scenarios and dynamic changes in adjacent vehicle states. Utilizing the optimal reference trajectory as a basis, a dynamic segmented algorithm is applied to the x–t and y–x curves, constructing an optimized objective function that considers the MDRF. Under multiple constraints, including the continuity and smoothness of the lateral and longitudinal trajectories, the penalty function approach is employed to solve the optimization objective function, yielding the optimal LC trajectory adapted to real-time changes in the traffic state. Finally, the proposed dynamic LC trajectory planning algorithm was validated under four different scenarios by using MATLAB 2023b. The simulation results indicate the safety, continuity, and dynamic feasibility of the proposed algorithm. Moreover, it demonstrates strong adaptability and flexibility in challenging dynamic LC scenarios.

Trace iron induced piezo-polarization field strength on piezo-promoted peroxymonosulfate activation for pollutant degradation

Advanced oxidation processes based on piezo-promoted peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in environmental remediation have been widely applied, but the treatment efficiency of pollutants was restricted by sluggish charge separation and low affinity of PMS. Herein, trace iron-doped layered molybdenum disulfide (Fe/MoS2) was used to degrade pollutants by piezo-promoted PMS activation. Real-time reaction site changes in carbamazepine (CBZ) degradation process were predicted by Fukui function calculation of the reaction intermediates, and the possible degradation pathways were given. Through piezoresponse force microscopy and calculation of the adsorption energy, electronic localized functions and Crystal Orbital Hamilton Population, it was verified that Fe doping improves the adsorption of oxygen-containing reactants on MoS2, enhancing the electron delocalization and piezo-polarization field, thus accelerating the piezo-promoted PMS activation kinetics. The degradation efficiency of CBZ on Fe/MoS2 (0.44 min−1) was about 22 times than that of MoS2. Piezo-promoted PMS activation strategy based on Fe/MoS2 still maintains a high removal rate in the treatment of dye and antibiotic pollutants such as ornidazole, rhodamine B, tetracycline, methyl orange, chlortetracycline. This study provides insights into the mechanism by which piezo-promoted PMS activation, and achieving high chemical efficiency for pollutants removal.

Study on the Diffusion Characteristics of Polymer Grouting Materials Applied for Crack Filling in Underground Mines Based on Numerical Simulation and Experimental Methods.

Polymer grouting materials are increasingly used in the filling of mine fissures. Unlike conventional inorganic grouting materials, the self-expansion of polymers adds complexity to their diffusion process within the crack. The objective of this research was to examine how polymer grouting material spreads in cracks at ambient temperatures and pressure. The investigation involved conducting grouting tests and performing numerical fluid simulation calculations using the finite-volume method in the computational fluid dynamics software, ANSYS FLUENT 2022 R1. The fluid volume approach was employed to determine the boundary between fluid and air and to ascertain the variation patterns of density in the slurry and the fracture system. This study applied the principles of fluid mechanics to investigate the patterns of variation in the physical characteristics of polymer grouting materials, including their density, pressure, flow velocity, and movement distance, during the diffusion process. The results indicated that the density of the polymer grouting material decreased exponentially over time throughout the diffusion process. With the increase in the grouting's volume, the grout's pressure and the permeable distance of the grout increased. The slurry's pressure near the grouting hole exceeded the other points' pressure. The physical parameters of the slurry were numerically simulated by ANSYS FLUENT 2022 R1 software, and the results were compared with the experimental data. After comparing the numerical simulation results with the test data, it was clear that the numerical simulation method was superior in accurately predicting the distribution pattern of each parameter of the polymer slurry during diffusion. The grouting volume, pressure distribution, and real-time change in the position of the flow of slurry could be efficiently determined through numerical calculation and simulated grouting tests. This work can offer valuable information for designing polymer grouting materials used in underground mine fissures.

Platinum-perovskite nanocomposite-based Exosensor for specific detection of prostate cancer in clinical settings.

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) with an average size of 50-150nm, transfer various biomolecules and exchange signaling molecules between cells in a paracrine manner. Molecular investigations have revealed that EVs can reflect real-time metabolic changes in normal- and cancer-origin cells and thus harbor valid diagnostic biomarkers. Despite these advantages, the detection of low concentrations of cancer cell EVs in biological fluids is still a great challenge. Here, a new electrochemical Exosensor based on platinum-perovskite is developed for the direct detection of EVs using a biotinylated monoclonal CD63 antibody as a capture element. The label-free method exhibited higher sensitivity with a lower limit of quantification of 2000 EVs/µL with a dynamic linear range (LDR) of 2000 to 14,000 EVs/μL compared with other available methods. To enhance the selectivity of detection, EVs were simultaneously sandwiched between secondary antibodies of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), as an FDA-approved prostate cancer biomarker. Data indicated that this Exosensor can distinguish normal and cancer EVs in samples from healthy individuals and prostate cancer patients. Taken together, this technology offers a unique approach to label-free quantification of EVs and cancer detection in the early stages.

Combining realist evaluation and appreciative inquiry: A participatory, learning-focused methodology for tourism interventions

Useful lessons can be drawn from realist evaluation and appreciative inquiry for the evaluation of tourism interventions in complex contexts. We combine the strengths of these two approaches to design a participatory learning-focused evaluation with an emphasis on co-created intervention improvement. We apply this proposed ‘Realist Appreciative Evaluation’ on a government-led intervention aimed at supporting tourism firms to improve their sustainability practices. While realist evaluation introduces causal thinking within a framework of contexts-mechanisms-outcomes, appreciative inquiry enables participants to be solution-oriented. The study shows how evaluation can constitute a constructive, dynamic learning process for participants, rather than something to fear. Our methodology promotes collaboration and real-time change, within the rigorous theory-based realist evaluation approach, to improve the evaluation of tourism interventions.

Magnetic Torque-Driven All-Terrain Microrobots.

All-terrain microrobots possess significant potential in modern medical applications due to their superior maneuverability in complex terrains and confined spaces. However, conventional microrobots often struggle with adaptability and operational difficulties in variable environments. This study introduces a magnetic torque-driven all-terrain multiped microrobot (MTMR) to address these challenges. By coupling the structure's multiple symmetries with different uniform magnetic fields, such as rotating and oscillating fields, the MTMR demonstrates various locomotion modes, including rolling, tumbling, walking, jumping, and their combinations. Experimental results indicate that the robot can navigate diverse terrains, including flat surfaces, steep slopes (up to 75°), and gaps over twice its body height. Additionally, the MTMR performs well in confined spaces, capable of passing through slits (0.1 body length) and low tunnels (0.25 body length). The robot shows potential for clinical applications like minimally invasive hemostasis in internal bleeding and thrombus removal from blood vessels through accurate cargo manipulation capability. Moreover, the MTMR can carry temperature sensors to monitor environmental temperature changes in real time while simultaneously manipulating objects, displaying its potential for in-situ sensing and parallel task implementation. This all-terrain microrobot technology demonstrates notable adaptability and versatility, providing a solid foundation for practical applications in interventional medicine.

Quantitatively Predicting Effects of Exercise on Pharmacokinetics of Drugs Using a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model.

Exercise significantly alters human physiological functions, such as increasing cardiac output and muscle blood flow and decreasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and liver blood flow, thereby altering the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. In this study, we aimed to establish a database of human physiological parameters during exercise and to construct equations for the relationship between changes in each physiological parameter and exercise intensity, including cardiac output, organ blood flow (e.g., muscle blood flow and kidney blood flow), oxygen uptake, plasma pH and GFR, etc. The polynomial equation P = ΣaiHRi was used for illustrating the relationship between the physiological parameters (P) and heart rate (HR), which served as an index of exercise intensity. The pharmacokinetics of midazolam, quinidine, digoxin, and lidocaine during exercise were predicted by a whole-body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (WB-PBPK) model and the developed database of physiological parameters following administration to 100 virtual subjects. The WB-PBPK model simulation results showed that most of the observed plasma drug concentrations fell within the 5th-95th percentiles of the simulations, and the estimated peak concentrations (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of drugs were also within 0.5-2.0 folds of observations. Sensitivity analysis showed that exercise intensity, exercise duration, medication time, and alterations in physiological parameters significantly affected drug pharmacokinetics and the net effect depending on drug characteristics and exercise conditions. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of drugs during exercise could be quantitatively predicted using the developed WB-PBPK model and database of physiological parameters. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study simulated real-time changes of human physiological parameters during exercise in the WB-PBPK model and comprehensively investigated pharmacokinetic changes during exercise following oral and intravenous administration. Furthermore, the factors affecting pharmacokinetics during exercise were also revealed.

Differences in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Patients With Cancer Six Months Before Death.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide a direct report of the patient's perspective, complementary to clinician assessment. Currently, understanding the real-time changes in PROM scores near the end of life remains limited. This study evaluated differences in mean PROM scores between patients with cancer within 6 months before death compared with surviving patients with cancer. This retrospective case-control study uses the National Institutes of Health's Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System computer adaptive testing instruments to assess pain interference, physical function, fatigue, and depression. Patients dying within 6 months of PROM completion were selected as cases and matched to controls 1:3 by age at PROM completion, sex, cancer disease site, and cancer stage at diagnosis. Generalized estimating equation models assessed the difference in mean PROM score in cases compared with controls. A total of 461 cases and 1,270 controls from September 2020 to January 2023 were included. After adjustment for ethnicity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and census tract median household income, significant differences in mean scores were demonstrated. Physical function domain showed the largest difference, with cases averaging 6.52 points lower than controls (95% CI, -8.25 to -4.80). Fatigue and pain interference domains showed a rise in PROMs scores by 4.83 points (95% CI, 2.94 to 6.72) and 4.33 points (95% CI, 2.53 to 6.12), respectively. Compared with controls, patients dying within 6 months of PROM completion demonstrated worse PROM scores in the four domains assessed. These findings suggest the utility of routinely collected PROMs as a real-time indicator of the terminal stage of life among patients with cancer to allow for earlier intervention with supportive oncology services.

Application of a surrogate model for condition monitoring of a digital twin gas turbine

Condition monitoring technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliable operation of gas turbines. Digital twin has propelled condition monitoring research into a new phase. This paper established a surrogate model of gas turbines for condition monitoring based on Markov-projection approximation subspace tracking. Furthermore, it explores the application of surrogate model in developing digital twin for gas turbines. The study initially establishes a Markov matrix and acquires an observation vector, utilizing the framework of the linear model. Utilizing real-time measurement data of gas turbine, the signal subspace of the observation vector autocorrelation matrix is updated through the projection approximation subspace tracking. By aligning this signal subspace with the generalized observability matrix, the identification results of the surrogate model parameters are obtained online. Furthermore, a variable weight projection approximation subspace tracking method has been proposed to enhance the algorithm robustness. Simulation and real experiment demonstrate that the surrogate model output effectively tracks the real-time changes in gas turbine measurement data. When faults and degradation arise, condition monitoring can be achieved by analyzing the evolution of model parameters to obtain feedback information from the gas turbine. The proposed method maintains its robustness in the presence of impulsive noise. These features offer a novel approach for the development of gas turbine digital twin.

Raman spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations of protein microgels at the oil-water interface

The real-time structural changes of the molecular space conformation of myofibrillar protein microgels (MPM) after heat treatment (90 °C, 30 min) were analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation, and the structural properties and changes of MPM at the oil-water interface were analyzed by the combination of Raman spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. The shift in the oil ratio had a major impact on the transformation of disulfide bonds within the protein molecule. Simultaneously, it caused tryptophan and tyrosine residues (I850 cm−1/ I850 cm−1 > 1) to become exposed, increasing the locations of amino acid residues in the protein that interact with the oil phase. HIPE with different oil phases influenced the change in spatial structural conformation of MPM, and there was a flexible structural change in the molecular space. The HIPE system, which was stabilized by 3.0 wt% MPM and 0.75 oil phase, exhibited a thixotropic recovery of >70 % and the highest elastic modulus G′ (822.14 Pa) based on the rheological behavior. It is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of high internal phase emulsion stabilized by microgel protein in food industry.

Motivation and anxiety in Chinese EFL students’ listening process: An idiodynamic approach

This study pioneers the use of the idiodynamic approach to investigate the dynamic interplay between motivation and anxiety in Chinese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) during listening tasks. Despite the acknowledged importance of understanding moment-to-moment fluctuations in language learning motivations and emotions, research has yet to explore these dynamics within listening comprehension contexts using this approach. To address this gap, the authors enlisted five Chinese EFL learners to examine how motivation and anxiety fluctuate and interact during two distinct listening activities: a multiple-choice English listening test and a listening practice task. Utilizing the Anion Variable Tester V2 software, we captured real-time changes in participants’ motivation and anxiety levels, offering a novel lens through which to view these psychological dynamics. Quantitative analysis, including Pearson correlation per task, Pearson correlation in segment, and moving correlation analysis, revealed significant variations in the relationship between motivation and anxiety across individuals and tasks and patterns of positive, negative, and non-significant correlations emerging within tasks. Qualitatively, the study identified that the factors interactively influence the fluctuations of motivation and anxiety. These findings contribute to our understanding of motivation and anxiety’s nuanced roles in language learning and underscore the value of the idiodynamic method in capturing these complex psychological processes. The implications of this research extend to developing more responsive and emotionally attuned language teaching practices.

Prescribed Performance Formation Tracking Control for Underactuated AUVs under Time-Varying Communication Delays

Achieving formation tracking control of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) under communication delays presents a significant challenge. To address this challenge, a distributed prescribed performance control protocol based on a real-time state information online predictor (RSIOP) is proposed in this paper. First, we innovatively designed an RSIOP to achieve active compensation for the delayed state information of neighboring AUVs. Next, considering formation performance and safety, a low-complexity and practical nonlinear mapping function was used to implement prescribed performance tracking control for the AUV formation. Additionally, the adverse effects of external disturbance uncertainties and input saturation are also considered. Finally, the simulation tests demonstrated that the proposed formation control protocol can successfully achieve the predetermined formation tracking tasks in the presence of time-varying communication delays and external disturbances, while also enabling real-time changes in formation configuration during the process. Throughout, the protocol maintains input saturation limits, and the actual control inputs remain smooth, with no significant oscillations. Furthermore, comparative simulation tests verified the necessity of the RSIOP developed in this study and quantitatively demonstrated that the proposed control method exhibits superior performance in terms of formation control accuracy, error convergence speed, and transient-state constraints.

Adaptive adjustment method of segment linear frequency modulation excitation for wideband dipole logging

Abstract Wideband dipole signal is the basis for dipole dispersion correction and near-borehole imaging. Segment linear frequency modulation (SLFM) sound source signal is an effective method to broaden the dipole frequency band. In the actual logging process, the formation environment changes in real time, and the SLFM sound source with fixed parameters cannot compensate the bending wave excitation intensity curve at any time, which affects the quality of logging. This paper presents a method for adaptive adjustment of the SLFM sound source signal. Adaptive parameter adjustment can be made according to the change of downhole environment, so that the signal can be adapted to the changing downhole geological environment.

Development of modified laser Doppler flowmetry device for real-time monitoring of esophageal mucosal blood flow: a preclinical assessment with an animal model.

This study aimed to modify a laser Doppler flowmeter designed and assembled at our institute. After measuring sensitivity evaluation in ex vivo experiments, we confirmed the efficacy of this new device for monitoring real-time esophageal mucosal blood flow changes after thoracic stent graft implantation by simulating various clinical situations in an animal model. Thoracic stent graft implantation was performed in a swine model (n = 8). Esophageal mucosal blood flow decreased significantly from baseline (34.1 ± 18.8ml/min/100g vs. 16.7 ± 6.6ml/min/100g, P < 0.05) in the lower esophagus (Th6-Th8) where the stent graft covered the aorta. In the hemorrhagic shock model (shock index ≥ 1.0), esophageal mucosal blood flow showed a remarkable change from baseline in the upper esophagus (Th1-Th3), where the stent graft did not cover the aorta (20.8 ± 9.8ml/min/100g vs. 12.9 ± 8.6ml/min/100g, P < 0.01); however, it returned to the baseline value within a 30-min period. Mucosal blood flow remained stable in the esophagus, where the stent graft did not cover the aorta. After elevating the mean blood pressure to > 70mmHg with continuous intravenous noradrenaline infusion, esophageal mucosal blood flow increased significantly in both regions; however, the reaction was different between the two regions. Our newly developed laser Doppler flowmeter could measure real-time esophageal mucosal blood flow changes in various clinical situations during thoracic stent graft implantation in a swine model. Hence, this device can be applied in many medical fields by downsizing it.

Lanthanide metal-organic framework functionalized with 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinoline for ratiometric sensing to real-time determine monophenolase activity through indicator displacement assay

Tyrosinase monophenolase activity plays a crucial role in various biological processes and industrial applications, making the development of continuous monophenolase assays highly significant. In this study, ratiometric fluorescence sensing using a dual-emission sensor was established to determine monophenolase activity in real-time by integrating indicator displacement assay with lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Europium MOFs functionalized with 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinoline (HBQ) were fabricated by conjugating an HBQ guest fluorophore to the 3,5-dicarboxyphenylboronic acid (DBA) ligand using a solvothermal method. The conjugated HBQ served as an optical indicator at 510 nm with large Stokes shift, whereas the Eu-MOFs acted as a fluorescent internal standard at 616 nm for dual emission. DBA acts as an antenna ligand and provides a competitive receptor site for L-3,4-dihydroxyphenlalanine (L-DOPA) and HBQ. L-DOPA competitively binds to DBA owing to its higher affinity and displaces the conjugated HBQ, resulting in the quenching of HBQ and Eu-MOFs fluorescence. A linear change in the dual-emission intensity ratio was observed as a ratiometric response towards L-DOPA. The sensor quantified L-DOPA with a detection limit of 0.13 μM. Monophenolase activity was correlated with the real-time change in the ratiometric signal using L-DOPA as the product of the enzymatic reaction. A progression curve for the formation of L-DOPA was constructed to calculate the initial rate, yielding a low detection limit for monophenolase activity of 0.15 U·mL−1. The method has been successfully applied to real samples, kinetic studies, and high-throughput screening of inhibitors. This sensing platform opens a new avenue for determining tyrosinase activity.

Study on dynamic imbibition mechanism of matrix-fracture in three dimensions tight sandstone based on level set method

Tight oil reservoirs require fracturing techniques to create complex fracture networks for efficient development. It is frequently accompanied by a dynamic matrix-fracture imbibition process, promoting enhanced recovery. At present, the mechanism of three dimensions (3D) matrix-fracture dynamic imbibition at the pore scale has not been fully elucidated. In this paper, the dynamic imbibition process of oil-water two phases in matrix-fracture was simulated based on the Navier–Stokes equations, and the level set method was used to capture the real-time interfacial changes between the two phases. It was found that during matrix-fracture dynamic imbibition process, oil-phase droplets in a single pore remain in the pore mainly due to the “stuck” effect. Cluster residual oil in the pore space is mainly retained due to the “flow around” effect. Continuous residual oil in the deeper regions of the matrix is due to insufficient capillary force. Water phase in the micro-confinement space of a tight reservoir intrudes into the pore space along the pore corners, forming the “fingering” phenomenon is beneficial for enhancing the efficiency of micro-dynamic imbibition. It differs from cognition obtained in the micro-view space during conventional water flooding. The enhancement of imbibition efficiency is often accompanied by the occurrence of fluctuations in the average pressure within the matrix. Therefore, a method involving impulse type of high-frequency and short-period for supplemental energy and imbibition is suggested to enhance recovery in tight sandstone reservoirs. This study reveals the detailed mechanisms of oil-water two-phase transport at different stages in the dynamic imbibition process and holds significant guiding implications for enhancing recovery in this type of reservoirs.

Dynamic Forest Monitoring: Real-Time Land Use Change Alerts Powered by Cloud Computing

Dynamic Forest Monitoring: Real-Time Land Use Change Alerts Powered by Cloud Computing

Metabolomic biomarkers and altered phenylalanine metabolic pathway in preschool children with atopic dermatitis - A pilot study.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) has high prevalence in children. Current AD diagnosis and management focuses only on clinical phenotypes, but do not explore the endophenotypes, which are more important because they are a series of biomarkers linking clinical phenotype and genotype Aims Metabolomics can qualitatively and quantitatively capture real-time dynamic changes in a wide range of small molecule metabolites. This pilot study evaluated metabolomics biomarkers and altered metabolic pathways in preschool children with AD, aiming to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways of the disease. Methods Blood samples of 23 preschool children with AD and 23 healthy children without AD or any other skin disease were collected. The untargeted metabolomic measurements were performed on a SCIEX-AD ultraperformance liquid chromatography system coupled with an AB SCIEX X500B QTOF system. Characteristics of small molecules in AD children were assessed and their associations with AD clinical index were evaluated. Altered metabolic pathways in AD children were also analysed using a comprehensive metabolomics platform. Results A total of 1,969 metabolites were identified, of which AD children exhibited 377 significantly altered metabolites. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated that the AD group and the control group could be clearly separated. Volcano plot analysis illustrated that 144 metabolites were up-regulated and 233 metabolites were down-regulated in AD children. The Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD index) showed a moderate-to-strong association with estrogens, carotenes, leukotrienes, flavonols and keto acids in AD children (|r|=0.440-0.557). Several pathways, including the phenylalanine metabolism, were identified as altered in AD children. Limitations A small group of children was included in the study; the results need to be validated in larger sample sizes. Conclusion Results of this study illustrate potential alterations in metabolites and the phenylalanine metabolic pathway in preschool children with AD. Although this is a pilot study with a limited sample size, it may provide a new perspective for exploring the pathogenesis of AD, and for personalised treatment modalities.