Real-time Imaging Research Articles

Advancements in sarcopenia diagnosis: from imaging techniques to non-radiation assessments.

Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition with significant clinical implications, and it is expected to escalate globally, demanding for effective diagnostic strategies, possibly at an early stage of the disease. Imaging techniques play a pivotal role in comprehensively evaluating sarcopenia, offering insights into both muscle quantity and quality. Among all the imaging techniques currently used for the diagnosis and follow up of sarcopenia, it is possible to distinguish two classes: Rx based techniques, using ionizing radiations, and non-invasive techniques, which are based on the use of safe and low risk diagnostic procedures. Dual-energy x-ray Absorptiometry and Computed Tomography, while widely utilized, entail radiation exposure concerns. Ultrasound imaging offers portability, real-time imaging, and absence of ionizing radiation, making it a promising tool Magnetic Resonance Imaging, particularly T1-weighted and Dixon sequences, provides cross- sectional and high-resolution images and fat-water separation capabilities, facilitating precise sarcopenia quantification. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), a non-invasive technique, estimates body composition, including muscle mass, albeit influenced by hydration status. Standardized protocols, such as those proposed by the Sarcopenia through Ultrasound (SARCUS) Working Group, are imperative for ensuring consistency across assessments. Future research should focus on refining these techniques and harnessing the potential of radiomics and artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic capabilities in sarcopenia.

Deep-Learning-Based Real-Time Passive Non-Line-of-Sight Imaging for Room-Scale Scenes.

Non-line-of-sight imaging is a technique for reconstructing scenes behind obstacles. We report a real-time passive non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging method for room-scale hidden scenes, which can be applied to smart home security monitoring sensing systems and indoor fast fuzzy navigation and positioning under the premise of protecting privacy. An unseen scene encoding enhancement network (USEEN) for hidden scene reconstruction is proposed, which is a convolutional neural network designed for NLOS imaging. The network is robust to ambient light interference conditions on diffuse reflective surfaces and maintains a fast reconstruction speed of 12.2 milliseconds per estimation. The consistency of the mean square error (MSE) is verified, and the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) values of 19.21 dB, 15.86 dB, and 13.62 dB are obtained for the training, validation, and test datasets, respectively. The average values of the structural similarity index (SSIM) are 0.83, 0.68, and 0.59, respectively, and are compared and discussed with the corresponding indicators of the other two models. The sensing system built using this method will show application potential in many fields that require accurate and real-time NLOS imaging, especially smart home security systems in room-scale scenes.

Retraction Note: Quantum-inspired adaptive loss detection and real-time image restoration for live optical quantum image transmission

Retraction Note: Quantum-inspired adaptive loss detection and real-time image restoration for live optical quantum image transmission

From in-situ experimentation to in-line metrology: Advanced imaging characterization for battery research and manufacturing

The continuous advancement of battery technology necessitates innovative approaches in both research and manufacturing to ensure improved performance, reliability, and safety. This article explores the critical role of advanced imaging characterization techniques, spanning from in-situ experimentation to in-line metrology, in the development and production of lithium-ion batteries. By integrating real-time imaging and diagnostic tools, researchers and manufacturers can gain unprecedented insights into the electrochemical processes, material behaviors, structural defects and their evolutions in commercial-grade batteries. This comprehensive characterization enables the optimization of material compositions, electrode designs, and manufacturing processes, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and longevity of batteries. The synergy between in-situ experimentation and in-line metrology provides a robust framework for addressing the complex challenges in battery research and manufacturing, paving the way for innovations that will meet the growing demands of energy storage systems.

Self-navigated subspace reconstruction for real-time MR imaging of the vocal tract

Purpose: Real-time MRI offers a continuous and dynamic view of the object being imaged. Researchers have applied real-time MRI to speech production, which allows for the visualization of the vocal tract during speech.Methods: This study proposed applying self-navigated subspace reconstruction for real-time vocal tract imaging. We performed experiments on a clinical 3 T MRI using standard RF coils and rapid acquisition. Additionally, 1000 frames were compressed during reconstruction to a few principal components, and iterative low-rank approximation was performed on compressed k-space, in conjunction with the orthogonal basis estimation for the subspace.Results: The simulation study involving a 32-time acceleration showed that the proposed method produced a reasonably small root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.159, compared to 0.278 for sliding window reconstruction, 0.2527 for SToRM and 0.294 for low-rank reconstruction. The study also presented in vivo images of a typical sagittal image with a temporal resolution of 7 ms/frame or 21 ms/frame for the three-slice scan.Conclusion: Our study presented a subspace reconstruction technique that does not require a navigator echo, which can be used for real-time MRI, particularly in speech imaging applications.

ZnO Nanoparticles-Induced MRI Alterations to the Rat Olfactory Epithelium and Olfactory Bulb after Intranasal Instillation.

Since zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely applied, the nano community and the general public have paid great attention to the toxicity of ZnO NPs. We detected 20-nm ZnO NPs biotoxicity following nasal exposure utilizing the non-invasive and real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. MR images were scanned in the rat olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB) on a 4.7 T scanner following the treatment (as early as 1 day and up to 21 days after), and the histological changes were evaluated. The influence of the size of the ZnO NPs and chemical components was also investigated. Our study revealed that 20-nm ZnO NPs induced obvious structural disruption and inflammation in the OE and OB at the acute stage. The results suggest that the real-time and non-invasive advantages of MRI allow it to observe and assess, directly and dynamically, the potential toxicity of long-term exposure to ZnO NPs in the olfactory system. These findings indicate the size-dependent toxicity of ZnO NPs with respect to the olfactory bulb. Further study is needed to reveal the mechanism behind ZnO NPs' toxicity.

Retrospective Review of the Image Quality of Monoplane Transesophageal Echocardiography in Prehospital Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Single Center Pilot Study

Objectives Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is a frequently encountered pathology with resultant poor outcomes in the majority of patients. Echocardiography has been utilized to help guide clinical decision making and monitor effectiveness of resuscitative efforts. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) the mainstay of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) real time resuscitative imaging has limitations, most notably is the disruption of closed chest compressions. Trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an emerging technology in emergency care and can potentially overcome these limitations but image quality and accuracy of use in the prehospital environment remains unknown. Our primary objective is to identify the accuracy of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fellow physicians in performing TEE via the identification of key cardiac structures. Secondarily we assess image quality as well as accuracy on cardiac activity interpretation as compared to TEE-experienced cardiologists. Methods A pilot study using descriptive analysis of a retrospective case-series with specific focus on inter-rater reliability as well as pragmatic management alterations based on real-time image interpretation by EMS physicians. After focused education, 13 patients were eligible for prehospital TEE who suffering OHCA from July 2022 to June 2023. Ultrasound (US) images were interpreted by EMS fellow physicians and over-read by cardiologists with specific focus on inter-rater reliability. After collection of patients presenting data and US images, analysis was performed. Results Of 13 patients initially screened, 10 patients were included in a study with a median age of 50 years old (41–70). Three patients were excluded due to equipment malfunction or insufficient image capture. An interrater reliability identified a kappa of 0.96 with respect to identification of cardiac structures and a kappa of 0.65 for identification of cardiac activity. Conclusions In this small study of prehospital TEE, EMS fellow physicians had high inter-rater reliability in image interpretation pertaining to anatomy and cardiac activity when compared with cardiologists. Further research is needed to determine its efficacy, safety, and widespread application in the prehospital setting.

Prototype for Multi-UAV Monitoring–Control System Using WebRTC

Most unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ground control station (GCS) solutions today are either web-based or native applications, primarily designed to support a single UAV. In this paper, our research aims to provide an open, universal framework intended for rapid prototyping, addressing these objectives by developing a Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC)-based multi-UAV monitoring and control system for applications such as automated power line inspection (APOLI). The APOLI project focuses on identifying damage and faults in power line insulators through real-time image processing, video streaming, and flight data monitoring. The implementation is divided into three main parts. First, we configure UAVs for hardware-accelerated streaming using the GStreamer framework on the NVIDIA Jetson Nano companion board. Second, we develop the server-side application to receive hardware-encoded video feeds from the UAVs by utilizing a WebRTC media server. Lastly, we develop a web application that facilitates communication between clients and the server, allowing users with different authorization levels to access video feeds and control the UAVs. The system supports three user types: pilot/admin, inspector, and customer. Our research aims to leverage the WebRTC media server framework to develop a web-based GCS solution capable of managing multiple UAVs with low latency. The proposed solution enables real-time video streaming and flight data collection from multiple UAVs to a server, which is displayed in a web application interface hosted on the GCS. This approach ensures efficient inspection for applications like APOLI while prioritizing UAV safety during critical scenarios. Another advantage of the solution is its integration compatibility with platforms such as cloud services and native applications, as well as the modularity of the plugin-based architecture offered by the Janus WebRTC server for future development.

Implant dynamics, inner structure, and their impact on drug release of in situ forming implants uncovered through CT imaging

In situ forming implants (ISFIs) composed of biodegradable polymers and biocompatible solvents are generally designed for sustained drug release. In this study, a non-invasive computed tomography (CT) imaging approach is used to achieve real time imaging of ISFIs in vivo and in vitro using leuprolide acetate in situ forming implant as a model drug product. The process of implant formation, inner structure change and their impact on drug release were elucidated. Real-time drug distribution was unveiled by the CT contrast agent, iohexol, where it shows a core-shell structure of the deposition. The incorporation of leuprolide acetate (LA) led to a reduced extent of burst release, prolongated release profile, and extended implant size expansion. LA was found to interact with the solvent and slowed down the polymer phase inversion, thus significantly changed the drug distribution in the implant and reduced the drug release. The implant inner structure identified through SEM, implant size change, and polymer degradation along with the CT real time imaging all consistently support the implant formation differences and their implant on the drug release. Similar patterns of implant size expansion and iohexol distribution in the implants were observed both in vitro and in vivo for the implants with and without LA. The comprehensive understanding of the impact of implant formation on drug release through real time CT imaging facilitates the ISFI product development and evaluation.

Real-time indocyanine green fluorescence imaging and navigation for cone unit laparoscopic hepatic resection of intrahepatic duct stone: a case series study

Background Intrahepatic bile duct stones, although common and benign, require varying therapeutic strategies due to their recurrent nature. Inadequate management can escalate to liver cirrhosis or cholangiocarcinoma. A surgical method merging indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI) with liver cone unit resection is optimal, ensuring complete lesion removal and healthy liver tissue conservation. Method A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 15 patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones who were admitted to Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. All patients underwent laparoscopic anatomical liver resection guided by ICG-FI. Results Among the 15 patients included in the study, ten were male and five were female, with an average age of 52 years. All patients were free from underlying medical conditions. Intraoperatively, ICG-FI was good, with clear boundaries, and all patients successfully underwent surgery without any conversions to open surgery. The mean operative time was 236 ± 56 min, and the estimated blood loss was 320 ± 75 ml. Patients had a postoperative hospital stay of 5.5 ± 1.5 days. No severe complications occurred. Conclusions Real-time ICG-FI with anatomical liver resection is a safe and effective approach for managing intrahepatic bile duct stones.

When flank pain leads to fainting: a case of a ruptured angiomyolipoma diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound

BackgroundAcute flank pain is a common presentation in the Emergency Department (ED). Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has emerged as an invaluable tool in the evaluation of acute flank pain and provides real-time images resulting in the early identification of the underlying pathology.Case ReportHere we report a case of a young lady presented to the ED with a complaint of right flank pain followed by a syncopal episode. The diagnosis of ruptured angiomyolipoma was made using a PoCUS and an immediate consult to interventional radiology and urology was provided.ConclusionThis case highlights the importance of PoCUS in assessing patients presented to the ED with acute flank pain. Its incorporation into clinical practice promises to revolutionize the approach to renal emergencies, emphasizing its important role in delivering timely and effective care.

Anesthesia for Posterior Tracheopexy in Pediatric Patients.

Tracheobronchomalacia refers to an abnormally excessive collapse of the trachea and/or bronchi during exhalation. In the pediatric population, tracheobronchomalacia is increasingly recognized as a cause of morbidity and mortality. Historically, options for medical management and surgical intervention were limited, and patient outcomes were poor. Over the last decade, select US pediatric institutions have devoted significant resources to the establishment of dedicated surgery and anesthesia teams and the development of novel techniques for the successful identification, assessment, and surgical correction of tracheobronchomalacia in a highly complex subset of the pediatric population. The close communication, collaboration, and evolution of anesthesia techniques to meet the unique requirements of new surgical procedures have greatly improved patient safety and optimized outcomes. More than 800 cases have been performed across 2 US pediatric institutions using these techniques. This article reviews the posterior tracheopexy procedure, a newer but increasingly common surgery designed to address tracheobronchomalacia, and provides an overview of related anesthesia considerations and unique challenges. In addition, this article describes novel anesthesia techniques developed specifically to facilitate optimal diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia and intraoperative management of posterior tracheopexy and similar airway surgeries. These include methods to safely enable 3-phase rigid dynamic bronchoscopy for accurate tracheobronchomalacia diagnosis, recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during cervical and thoracic surgical dissection, continuous intraoperative bronchoscopy to enable real-time images during airway reconstruction, and intraoperative assessment of airway repair adequacy to ensure successful correction of tracheobronchomalacia.

(Nip)ulations: The Nipulator Electronic Bra and the Embodiment of the Image Processing Tool

Abstract The Nipulator electronic bra is a custom-built wearable device that uses two potentiometers, a hacked DJ Hero microcontroller, and Cycling ’74 software to (nip)ulate the author’s voice and image in real time. The bra functions as an instrument for live video and sound processing as well as a feminist art object. This essay discusses how the author’s work with rare and historically significant image and sound processing tools like the Sandin Image Processor, Jones Frame Buffer, and Paik/Abe Raster Manipulation Unit influenced the creation of The Nipulator, as well as her experimental media art practice. Other artistic and personal influences are also considered, and a thorough description of the bra’s design, technical evolution, and durability challenges is provided.

Real-time live imaging of cytosolic hydrogen peroxide and Ca2+ of Marchantia polymorpha gemmalings reveal immediate initial responses of plant cells triggered by nonthermal plasma irradiation

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma generators capable of generating plasma under normal pressure and temperature conditions have recently been developed, and their biological applications have been extensively studied. Plasma irradiation has been reported to affect plant germination and growth; however, the molecular mechanism underlying these effects and initial cellular responses to plasma irradiation remains poorly understood. To unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of plasma irradiation on plants, we have been establishing novel experimental systems using a model liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. We here focused on the initial responses of plant cells to plasma irradiation. To investigate immediate cellular responses following plasma irradiation, we developed a new plasma device that allows irradiation under a microscope. Through integration with live fluorescence imaging, we established an experimental setup to track, the dynamics of intracellular concentration of H2O2 and Ca2+ as representative initial cellular responses. We revealed that plasma irradiation induced a rapid and transient increase in intracellular concentration of H2O2 and Ca2+ in Marchantia gemmalings. Pharmacological analyses suggested that the long-lived reactive species, H2O2, generated by the plasma generator was directly delivered into the plant cells. Competitive inhibitors of Ca2+ channels abolished the Ca2+ rise, suggesting that plasma irradiation immediately activate plasma membrane Ca2+ channel(s) to induce Ca2+ influx. Importantly, this study marks the inaugural demonstration of real-time monitoring of cytosolic H2O2 and Ca2+ dynamics in plants, triggered by plasma irradiation.

Integration of Mitoflash and Time-Series Transcriptomics Facilitates Energy Dynamics Tracking and Substrate Supply Analysis of Floral Thermogenesis in Lotus.

The high biosynthetic and energetic demands of floral thermogenesis render thermogenic plants the ideal systems to characterize energy metabolism in plants, but real-time tracking of energy metabolism in plant cells remains challenging. In this study, a new method was developed for tracking the mitochondrial energy metabolism at the single mitochondria level by real-time imaging of mitochondrial superoxide production (i.e., mitoflash). Using this method, we observed the increased mitoflash frequencies in the receptacles of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. at the thermogenic stages. This increase, combined with the higher expression of antioxidant response-related genes identified through time-series transcriptomics at the same stages, shows us a new regulatory mechanism for plant redox balance. Furthermore, we found that the upregulation of respiratory metabolism-related genes during the thermogenic stages not only correlates with changes in mitoflash frequency but also underscores the critical roles of these pathways in ensuring adequate substrate supply for thermogenesis. Metabolite analysis revealed that sugars are likely one of the substrates for thermogenesis and may be transported over long distances by sugar transporters. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that mitoflash is a reliable tool for tracking energy metabolism in thermogenic plants and contributes to our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying floral thermogenesis.

Automated localization of dike leakage outlets using UAV-borne thermography and YOLO-based object detectors

Leakage-induced soil erosion poses a major threat to dike failure, particularly during floods. Timely detection and notification of leakage outlets to dike management are crucial for ensuring dike safety. However, manual inspection, the current main approach for identifying leakage outlets, is costly, inefficient, and lacks spatial coverage. To achieve efficient and automatic localization of dike leakage outlets, an innovative strategy combining drones, infrared thermography, and deep learning is presented. Drones are employed for dikes’ surface sensing. Real-time images from these drones are sent to a server where well-trained detectors are deployed. Once a leakage outlet is detected, alarming information is remotely sent to dike managers. To realize this strategy, 4 thermal imagers were employed to image leaking outlets of several models and actual dikes. 9,231 hand-labeled thermal images with 13,387 leaking objects were selected for analysis. 19 detectors were trained using transfer learning. The best detector achieved a mean average precision of 95.8 % on the challenging test set. A full-scale embankment was constructed for leakage outlet detection tests. Various field tests confirmed the efficiency of the proposed leakage outlet localization method. In some tough conditions, the trained detector also evidently outperformed manual judgement. Results indicate that under typical circumstances, the localization error of the proposed method is within 5 m, demonstrating its practical reliability. Finally, the influencing factors and limits of the suggested strategy are thoroughly examined.

TDP-43 Amyloid Fibril Formation via Phase Separation-Related and -Unrelated Pathways.

Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in proteins can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) for functional assembly, but this increases the chance of forming disease-associated amyloid fibrils. Not all amyloid fibrils form through LLPS however, and the importance of LLPS relative to other pathways in fibril formation remains unclear. We investigated this question in TDP-43, a motor neuron disease and dementia-causing protein that undergoes LLPS, using thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, NMR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) experiments. Using a fluorescence probe modified from ThT strategically designed for targeting protein assembly rather than β-sheets and supported by TEM images, we propose that the biphasic ThT signals observed under LLPS-favoring conditions are due to the presence of amorphous aggregates. These aggregates represent an intermediate state that diverges from the direct pathway to β-sheet-dominant fibrils. Under non-LLPS conditions in contrast (at low pH or at physiological conditions in a construct with key LLPS residues removed), the protein forms a hydrogel. Real-time WAXS data, ThT signals, and TEM images collectively demonstrate that the gelation process circumvents LLPS and yet still results in the formation of fibril-like structural networks. We suggest that the IDR of TDP-43 forms disease-causing amyloid fibrils regardless of the formation pathway. Our findings shed light on why both LLPS-promoting and LLPS-inhibiting mutants are found in TDP-43-related diseases.

Comparative Evaluation of Laser System to Conventional Surgical Approaches in Periodontal Healing Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging, radiation-free diagnostic tool in dentistry, providing high-resolution, real-time imaging of both hard and soft tissues, including periodontal areas, for more accurate postoperative evaluations. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of OCT on periodontal tissues in animals by comparing the healing effects of laser therapy with those of conventional surgical instruments. Methods: Six rabbits underwent periodontal surgery using a laser, scalpel, and punch to perform an apically positioned flap on the mandibular anterior incisors and to create a tongue ulcer on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Visual and OCT evaluations were conducted on days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14. Results: In periodontal surgery, the laser exhibited slightly faster healing compared to other methods. In tongue ulcer formation, the scalpel and punch groups demonstrated slightly faster healing than that of the laser. However, both methods ultimately showed similar healing outcomes. Conclusions: In the dental field, OCT is emerging as a valuable tool for assessing healing, including early stages of healing, in periodontal therapy.

Designing and Implementing a Public Urban Transport Scheduling System Based on Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities

Many countries encourage their populations to use public urban transport to decrease pollution and traffic congestion. However, this can generate overcrowded routes at certain times and low economic efficiency for public urban transport companies when buses carry few passengers. This article proposes a Public Urban Transport Scheduling System (PUTSS) algorithm for allocating a public urban transport fleet based on the number of passengers waiting for a bus and considering the efficiency of public urban transport companies. The PUTSS algorithm integrates artificial intelligence (AI) methods to identify the number of people waiting at each station through real-time image acquisition. The technique presented is Azure Computer Vision. In a case study, the accuracy of correctly identifying the number of persons in an image was computed using the Microsoft Azure Computer Vision service. The proposed PUTSS algorithm also uses Google Maps Service for congestion-level identification. Employing these modern tools in the algorithm makes improving public urban transport services possible. The algorithm is integrated into a software application developed in C#, simulating a real-world scenario involving two public urban transport vehicles. The global accuracy rate of 89.81% demonstrates the practical applicability of the software product.

Fatigue Driving Detection Based on Facial Multi-Information Feature Fusion

Abstract Driver fatigue driving risk detection is one of the important areas of road traffic safety research in China. According to statistics, more than 40% of China’s traffic accidents every year are related to driver fatigue. In order to reduce this risk, this paper proposes a new method based on facial multi-information feature fusion to realize real-time fatigue driving detection. The method includes using the camera to capture the driver’s face image in real time, combining the face recognition in Dlib library and the detection of 68 key points, and implementing the face detection through OpenCV. Further, the opening and closing states of eyes and mouth were analyzed based on EAR and MAR algorithms, and a reasonable threshold was set to judge fatigue behavior. The HPE head pose estimation method is used to judge the fatigue state by considering the pitch Angle and roll Angle information. Finally, the improved rough set theory comprehensive evaluation method is used to carry out decision fusion processing on the feature results, and intuitively display the system detection results, which is convenient to evaluate the fatigue state of the current driver. The experimental results show that the multi-feature fusion detection method has good real-time performance, the accuracy rate is 94.55%, and the fatigue state can be detected quickly and accurately under various driving attitudes.