Journal Of Visualized Experiments[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Exhaled Nitric Oxide Predicts Glucocorticoid Response in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Chen J, Li J, Wang W … +2 more , Wang F, Yang Q
J Vis Exp · 2026 Jun · PMID 42329826 · Publisher ↗
This retrospective study evaluated the clinical value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in predicting glucocorticoid response in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Based on the c...
This retrospective study evaluated the clinical value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in predicting glucocorticoid response in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Based on the critical value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels ≥25 ppb at admission, patients were categorized into two groups: the high FeNO group (n = 61) and the low FeNO group (n = 61). All patients received standard basic treatment, which included inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), short-acting β2 receptor agonists (SABA), and short-acting anticholinergic drugs (SAMA). The treatment subgroup was administered additional systemic glucocorticoid therapy. The primary outcomes of this study were improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1% pred) and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score. Secondary outcomes included changes in the duration of hospital stay and levels of exhaled nitric oxide. Baseline exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels were positively correlated with blood eosinophil counts. In the high-level FeNO group, patients in the treatment group showed significant improvements in lung function, a reduction in the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, and lower exhaled nitric oxide levels compared with the control group. Conversely, in the low-level FeNO group, no significant differences were observed between the treatment and control subgroups. These findings indicate that baseline fractional exhaled nitric oxide can identify eosinophilic airway inflammation and predict responsiveness to glucocorticoid therapy, supporting personalized glucocorticoid treatment selection in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This retrospective study shows that baseline fractional exhaled nitric oxide identifies eosinophilic airway inflammation and predicts glucocorticoid response in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, supporting personalized treatment and reducing hospital stay.
Improving Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Te3 Thin Films By Manganese Co-Sputtering.
Th'ng A, Ahmad Musri N, Chelvanathan P … +4 more , Su'ait MS, Md Yatim N, Nor Hairin AL, Syafiq U
J Vis Exp · 2026 Jun · PMID 42329824 · Publisher ↗
Bi2Te3 remains a benchmark n-type thermoelectric (TE) material for low-temperature energy conversion, but its small band gap can reduce efficiency because of thermally generated parasitic carriers. Elemental doping has b...
Bi2Te3 remains a benchmark n-type thermoelectric (TE) material for low-temperature energy conversion, but its small band gap can reduce efficiency because of thermally generated parasitic carriers. Elemental doping has been explored to improve TE performance, although systematic studies on manganese (Mn)-doped Bi2Te3 thin films remain limited. In this study, a radiofrequency magnetron co-sputtering workflow was used to fabricate Mn-doped Bi2Te3 thin films by varying Mn target power while maintaining constant Bi2Te3 deposition conditions. Structural, microstructural, compositional, and TE transport properties were evaluated using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and temperature-dependent transport measurements. X-ray diffraction confirmed retention of the rhombohedral Bi2Te3 phase with a preferred (015) orientation, while peak shifts toward higher 2θ values were consistent with Mn-related lattice contraction. All films exhibited negative Seebeck coefficients, confirming n-type conduction. Increasing Mn doping enhanced the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient but also increased electrical resistivity, demonstrating a transport tradeoff. The film deposited at 5 W Mn power achieved the highest power factor of 529.33 µW m K at 523 K because of its low resistivity combined with adequate thermopower. These results demonstrate that moderate Mn incorporation can improve the power-factor-related performance of Bi2Te3 thin films within the measured temperature range.
Albumin-Corrected Anion Gap And Mortality In Septic Intensive Care Patients: An Analysis Using Medical Information Mart For Intensive Care IV.
Yu Y, Kong H, Li J … +7 more , Lou J, Cui S, Xu S, Huang N, Jin G, Fan Y, Le X
J Vis Exp · 2026 Jun · PMID 42329823 · Publisher ↗
Early prognostic assessment is crucial for sepsis patients in intensive care units (ICU). This study investigated the relationship between the albumin-corrected anion gap (ACAG) and clinical outcomes in ICU patients with...
Early prognostic assessment is crucial for sepsis patients in intensive care units (ICU). This study investigated the relationship between the albumin-corrected anion gap (ACAG) and clinical outcomes in ICU patients with sepsis. This retrospective cohort study analyzed 8,286 sepsis patients from the MIMIC-IV (version 2.2) database. Primary outcomes were 30-day in-hospital mortality and 30-day ICU mortality. The authors used Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests, multivariable Cox regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression to evaluate associations between ACAG and the outcome. Subgroup analyses assessed consistency across different factors. Higher ACAG levels were significantly associated with increased mortality risks. As a continuous variable, ACAG independently predicted higher in-hospital mortality in fully adjusted models (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02, p < 0.001). Quartile analysis revealed that Q4 patients (ACAG > 26.62) had 41% higher in-hospital mortality risk than Q1 in fully adjusted models (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.24-1.49, p < 0.001). For ICU mortality, Q4 showed 54% higher risk than Q1 (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.41-1.75, p < 0.001), although continuous ACAG was not significant in the fully adjusted model (p = 0.099), suggesting a threshold effect. RCS analysis identified a nonlinear association with an inflection point at ACAG = 23. Subgroup analyses confirmed consistent effects, with significant interactions for body mass index, acute kidney injury, continuous renal replacement therapy, and mechanical ventilation. Higher ACAG levels are significantly associated with increased 30-day mortality in ICU sepsis patients, showing a nonlinear pattern with an inflection point at 23. Monitoring ACAG may aid risk assessment in critically ill sepsis patients, particularly when values exceed this threshold. Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and validate clinical utility.
Is Teicoplanin Resistance Detected By The Automated System In Staphylococcus spp Strains Reliable?
Yakut S, Zeyrek FY
J Vis Exp · 2026 Jun · PMID 42329822 · Publisher ↗
A total of 467 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and 66 coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) isolates collected between June 2022 and December 2024 were included in this study. Teicoplanin susceptibility testing was...
A total of 467 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and 66 coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) isolates collected between June 2022 and December 2024 were included in this study. Teicoplanin susceptibility testing was performed using the automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing system, broth microdilution (BMD), and a gradient test method. Methicillin resistance was detected in 71.7% of S. aureus isolates and in all CoNS isolates. In this study, 13 S. aureus isolates and 4 CoNS isolates were identified as teicoplanin-resistant by automated susceptibility testing system. All 13 S. aureus isolates were found to be susceptible to teicoplanin by both the gradient test and BMD. All four CoNS isolates were identified as susceptible by the gradient test, whereas BMD classified two isolates as susceptible and two as resistant. Teicoplanin resistance was detected in four strains [S. capitis (n = 1) and S. haemolyticus (n = 3)] among the CoNS isolates by BMD. The four teicoplanin-resistant CoNS strains identified by BMD were isolated from blood cultures; three were obtained from pediatric patients and one from an adult patient. Overall, the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) rate was relatively high in the study, and all CoNS isolates were methicillin resistant. In addition, automated systems were found to be unreliable for determining teicoplanin resistance, and isolates identified as resistant should be confirmed by BMD. Given that teicoplanin is a last-resort antibiotic used to treat pathogens such as MRSA and methicillin-resistant CoNS, its susceptibility should be closely monitored.
Eye-Tracking Based Measurement Framework For Quantifying Visual Attention In Screen-Based Interactive Digital Art Environments.
Yuan Y, Jia X
J Vis Exp · 2026 Jun · PMID 42329821 · Publisher ↗
This article presents a gaze-enabled measurement framework designed to quantify visual attention during interactive digital art experiences and to link attention dynamics to experiential outcomes. Unlike traditional stat...
This article presents a gaze-enabled measurement framework designed to quantify visual attention during interactive digital art experiences and to link attention dynamics to experiential outcomes. Unlike traditional static art viewing, interactive digital art involves dynamic media, multi-source information, and continuous feedback loops, which challenge standard eye-tracking methodologies. The proposed system integrates eye-tracking acquisition, interaction logging, timestamp synchronization, dynamic Area of Interest (AOI) mapping, and metric computation into a unified pipeline. The protocol outlines the development of a reproducible data workflow that aligns gaze data with specific interaction events, enabling precise calculations of attention allocation, switching costs, and exploratory entropy. The experimental design involves both free exploration and goal-directed tasks, as demonstrated in a study with 37 participants. Results from applying this protocol indicate high perceived user-friendliness and satisfaction, with measurement modeling supporting a two-construct model of usability and satisfaction. Furthermore, outcome modeling confirms that perceived usability acts as a foundational predictor for overall user satisfaction, while the single-case demonstration validates the pipeline's capacity to quantify context-aware attention shifts. This protocol provides researchers and designers with a rigorous, reproducible toolset for analyzing how interaction design elements-such as feedback latency and guidance intensity-shape user attention and subsequent subjective experiences in immersive digital environments.
Multi-Omics Pan-Cancer Bioinformatics Workflow for Evaluating PTDSS1 and PTDSS2 as Prognostic and Immune Biomarkers.
Ding W, Xu W, Zhou W … +1 more , Zhang M
J Vis Exp · 2026 Jun · PMID 42329820 · Publisher ↗
The phosphatidylserine synthesis enzymes PTDSS1 and PTDSS2 play important roles in cellular processes, including membrane composition and signal transduction. Abnormal expressions of these enzymes has been associated wit...
The phosphatidylserine synthesis enzymes PTDSS1 and PTDSS2 play important roles in cellular processes, including membrane composition and signal transduction. Abnormal expressions of these enzymes has been associated with tumor-associated macrophage infiltration and poor survival outcomes in breast cancer. However, their comprehensive roles across different cancer types remain unclear. In this study, we performed a pan-cancer analysis to evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic, immune infiltration, and immunotherapeutic relevance of PTDSS1 and PTDSS2. Multiple public databases were used to analyze gene expression patterns, clinical correlations, survival outcomes, tumor stemness scores, and immune-related characteristics across various cancers. The results showed that PTDSS1 and PTDSS2 are widely expressed in human tissues and significantly upregulated in most tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. High expression of PTDSS1 or PTDSS2 was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in several cancer types and showed significant correlations with clinical stage and tumor stemness scores. In addition, functional analyses suggested that these genes may contribute to tumorigenesis, immune regulation, and chemoresistance. Overall, the findings highlight the prognostic significance of PTDSS1 and PTDSS2 in multiple cancers and suggest that they may serve as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as promising targets for immunotherapy.
Feasibility of Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy for Breast Nodules in Patients with Retroglandular Breast Implants.
Meng Z, Wang S, Sun P … +2 more , Hu X, Zhao J
J Vis Exp · 2026 Jun · PMID 42329812 · Publisher ↗
Ultrasound-guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy has been widely utilized as a key modality for breast nodule resection. Nevertheless, its application remains relatively contraindicated in patients who have undergone brea...
Ultrasound-guided Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy has been widely utilized as a key modality for breast nodule resection. Nevertheless, its application remains relatively contraindicated in patients who have undergone breast prosthesis placement. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of ultrasound‑guided vacuum‑assisted breast biopsy (US‑VABB) for the resection of breast nodules ≤ 1.5 cm with BI-RADS 3-4a in patients with retroglandular breast implants. A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted on patients with breast nodules who underwent US-VABB in the Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to October 2024. A total of 18 patients (18 nodules) who had previously undergone breast implant placement with implants located behind the glandular tissue were included. The complete nodule resection rate, implant-related complications, postoperative pathological results, and short-term follow-up data were analyzed. Primary outcomes included complete resection rate and implant-related complications, while secondary outcomes included pathological findings and short-term follow-up results. The maximum diameter of the nodules in the 18 patients ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 cm (mean: 1.1 ± 0.4 cm), and all nodules were completely resected in a single operation, with no evidence of residual lesions on imaging. No serious complications such as breast implant rupture or leakage occurred during or after the operation. The implant rupture rate was 0% (0/18), and minor complications occurred in 16.7% of patients. Postoperative pathology revealed fibroadenoma (n=11), breast adenosis (n=3), intraductal papilloma (n=2), atypical ductal hyperplasia (n=1), and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, n=1). The patient with DCIS underwent additional resection, with no residual tumor detected. These findings demonstrate that US-VABB is a safe and feasible minimally invasive approach for patients with retroglandular breast implants presenting with breast nodules ≤1.5 cm and BI-RADS 3-4a, with high resection success and low complication rates.
Anisotropic Polyvinyl Alcohol Phantom Fabrication for Ultrasound Elastography: Procedure and Quality Controls.
Ma X, Shan L, Dong J
J Vis Exp · 2026 Jun · PMID 42329808 · Publisher ↗
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) phantoms are typically isotropic and are widely used to validate ultrasound elastography techniques for soft-tissue evaluation. However, some biological soft tissues (e.g., skeletal muscle) exhibi...
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) phantoms are typically isotropic and are widely used to validate ultrasound elastography techniques for soft-tissue evaluation. However, some biological soft tissues (e.g., skeletal muscle) exhibit distinct mechanical anisotropy, which necessitates the use of anisotropic PVA phantoms for the rigorous testing of elastography methods targeting these tissues. While prior studies have noted that in-house anisotropic PVA phantoms can be fabricated via stretch-integrated freeze/thaw cycles (FTCs), critical technical details (e.g., fabrication process, quality control) remain insufficiently documented. This work presents a visually detailed, reproducible protocol for fabricating anisotropic PVA phantoms, focusing on key materials, stepwise processes, and quality controls to induce stable, uniform anisotropy. Key materials include PVA as the phantom matrix, potassium sorbate as a preservative, graphite particles as acoustic scatterers, and pure water (or deionized water) as the solvent. The fabrication process comprises three core stages: 1) Preparation of a homogeneous PVA-based solution through controlled thermal conditions to ensure complete PVA dissolution; 2) Solidification via FTCs: the cooled solution is poured into 3D-printed molds, followed by stretch-free FTCs to form a preliminary structure; 3) Inducing anisotropy via stretched FTCs: additional FTCs are performed under controlled stretching to induce directional anisotropy. Quality-control measures (e.g., avoiding air bubbles during PVA dissolution) are described in detail. After fabrication, ultrasound shear wave imaging (SWI) and uniaxial tensile testing are employed to confirm the phantom's mechanical anisotropy. This paper provides a standardized approach for fabricating anisotropic tissue-mimicking phantoms to validate ultrasound elastography techniques with enhanced accuracy and consistency.
Regional Economic Data Extraction and Development Prediction Based on an Improved GWO Algorithm.
Lan Y, Liu W, Zhou Z
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296238 · Publisher ↗
With the increasing demand for high-quality regional economic development, accurately extracting hidden features of economic data and achieving reliable development trend prediction has become an important prerequisite f...
With the increasing demand for high-quality regional economic development, accurately extracting hidden features of economic data and achieving reliable development trend prediction has become an important prerequisite for formulating scientific economic policies. To optimize the feature extraction accuracy of regional economic data and the development prediction reliability, a model for feature extraction and development prediction of regional economic data is constructed by integrating an improved grey wolf optimization algorithm, a support vector machine, and a generative adversarial network. On the F1 unimodal function and F2 multi-modal function tests, the convergence speed was significantly better than that of the wind-driven optimization and sine cosine algorithm, demonstrating stronger adaptability in complex optimization problems. The comparative experiment on the steel wire rope dataset showed that the algorithm improved the recognition rate by 1.25% compared to the Principal Component Analysis-Grey Wolf Optimizer-Support Vector Machine, reaching 98.75%, and had higher efficiency in high-dimensional feature processing, verifying its superiority in feature extraction and classification recognition. The model was applied to the economic data in Anhui Province, selecting 8 core indicators such as the GDP of the primary industry and the income of urban and rural residents from 2011 to 2022. In 2011, when the true value was 16,311, the predicted value of the research model was 16,200. In 2015, when the true value was 23,808, the model predicted a value of 23,600. The minimum absolute error from 2011 to 2020 was only 103, and the error rate was as low as 0.005, demonstrating outstanding stability in medium and long-term forecasting. The proposed model can effectively capture the characteristics of regional economic data, improve prediction accuracy, and provide a scientific basis for regional economic development decisions.
Construction of a Music Genre Preference Recognition Model Based on Deep Learning.
Yuege L
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296237 · Publisher ↗
With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues, music therapy has gained attention as a non-pharmacological intervention, and deep learning techniques have shown promise in music emotion recognition and preferenc...
With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues, music therapy has gained attention as a non-pharmacological intervention, and deep learning techniques have shown promise in music emotion recognition and preference prediction. This study constructed a deep neural network model (CNN+RNN/EEGNet) to efficiently identify music type preferences and examine the influence of user familiarity on prediction accuracy. EEG signals were collected using a four-channel Muse S wearable device, and user familiarity scores were used as input features. The study followed a four-stage workflow: preparation, experimental design, model construction, and result analysis. In the experimental design, music was categorized into rock, ballad, and folk, and EEG data and familiarity ratings were collected for each category. Data was trained and tested using CNN+RNN or EEGNet models, and model performance was evaluated via subject-level 10-fold cross-validation. Results indicated that predicting all music types with EEG data alone achieved an accuracy of 82.28 ± 3.42%. For individual music types, accuracies were 91.13 ± 3.60% (rock), 91.83 ± 2.07% (ballad), and 87.87 ± 4.76% (folk). When incorporating user familiarity as a feature and using a multi-level rating output, overall prediction accuracy increased to 94.94 ± 1.61%, while individual music type accuracies reached 99.15 ± 1.56% (rock), 98.51 ± 2.30% (ballad), and 98.21 ± 2.60% (folk). These results demonstrate that combining familiarity features with a multi-level scoring system significantly improves the prediction of music preferences. By using an affordable, wearable Muse S EEG device and leveraging user familiarity, this study successfully developed a highly effective deep neural network model (CNN+RNN/EEGNet) for recognizing music type preferences. The findings indicate that both overall and individual music-type predictions benefit from the inclusion of familiarity information, highlighting the potential of this approach for personalized music recommendations and music therapy applications.
Multi-Locus Sequencing for Strain Typing of Toxoplasma gondii.
Khedr AA, Denny PW
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296236 · Publisher ↗
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed apicomplexan parasite characterized by substantial genetic diversity, necessitating accurate molecular approaches for strain discrimination. The goal of this protocol is to est...
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed apicomplexan parasite characterized by substantial genetic diversity, necessitating accurate molecular approaches for strain discrimination. The goal of this protocol is to establish a reproducible workflow for targeted multi-locus genotyping of cultured T. gondii isolates. The procedure involves in vitro propagation of representative Type I (RH) and Type II (ME49) strains, extraction of genomic DNA, locus-specific amplification of the SAG2 and SAG3 genes, and sequencing-based analyses to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletion (INDEL) events. Sequencing data are processed to generate high-confidence consensus sequences and to perform comparative alignment for the identification of strain-specific polymorphisms. Application of this workflow to archetypal strains demonstrated high mapping efficiency, consistent read depth across target loci, and accurate recovery of expected amplicon sizes, confirming reliable detection of locus-level genetic variation. Although comprehensive genotype assignment requires inclusion of additional standardized markers, this protocol provides a scalable and reproducible framework for targeted genetic characterization of laboratory-maintained T. gondii isolates and supports consistent multi-locus sequence analysis.
Expansion Duroplasty For Severe Cervical Spinal Cord Swelling After Traumatic Injury: A Step-by-Step Surgical Protocol.
Li CY, Chen KH, Huang SH … +5 more , Wang HK, Lin TC, Chen BA, Li YC, Lu YJ
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296235 · Publisher ↗
Acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury frequently leads to severe cord edema, elevated intraspinal pressure, reduced spinal cord perfusion, and progressive neurological deterioration. Conventional bony decompression...
Acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury frequently leads to severe cord edema, elevated intraspinal pressure, reduced spinal cord perfusion, and progressive neurological deterioration. Conventional bony decompression via laminectomy may provide limited relief, as the non-elastic dura mater can continue to constrain the swollen spinal cord. Expansion duroplasty is designed to address this limitation by enlarging the intradural space using an artificial dural substitute, allowing controlled expansion of the injured spinal cord. This protocol describes patient positioning, selection of laminectomy levels based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, dural opening technique, preparation of an artificial dural substitute, suturing sequence, and postoperative strategies to mitigate cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Critical steps are highlighted to ensure a watertight closure, minimize infection risk, and optimize gravity-dependent wound drainage. Representative results include postoperative imaging demonstrating restoration of the cerebrospinal fluid space, reduced dural constriction, and absence of significant pseudomeningocele formation. This method is intended for patients with severe cervical spinal cord swelling within 72 hours of injury and can be implemented in centers with microsurgical spine expertise as an adjunct to standard decompression procedures.
Generation and Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Organoids following Drug Treatment.
He D, Liang Z, Zhang CY … +14 more , Xian JS, Yang YX, Gong YF, Tang H, Zhou GD, Jiang CY, Xing L, Li DM, Hou YC, Yue C, Cheng W, Tang YQ, Liu M, Zhang XF
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296231 · Publisher ↗
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and is characterized by marked intratumoral heterogeneity, which contributes to variable treatment responses, tumor recurrence, and disease...
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and is characterized by marked intratumoral heterogeneity, which contributes to variable treatment responses, tumor recurrence, and disease progression. A deeper understanding of how tumor cells change at the transcriptional level before and after drug treatment is therefore essential for improving therapeutic strategies. However, practical experimental workflows that connect organoid-based drug treatment with downstream single-cell transcriptomic profiling remain limited. In this study, a standardized workflow for generating hepatocellular carcinoma organoids, applying defined drug treatment, and performing single-cell RNA sequencing on samples collected before and after treatment is developed. The protocol includes organoid revival and expansion, pre-treatment quality assessment, drug exposure, organoid preparation for single-cell dissociation, library construction, and basic comparative analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data. Critical technical precautions are provided to improve reproducibility and sample quality. This workflow enables side-by-side characterization of cellular composition and transcriptional changes associated with drug treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma organoids. The protocol is robust, scalable, and adaptable across different organoid systems, providing a practical platform for investigating treatment-associated gene expression changes at single-cell resolution.
Bronchoscopic Cytology and Metagenomic Sequencing to Differentiate Cancer Treatment-related and Infectious Lung Injury.
Yu Q, Liu F, Xu R … +5 more , Jie J, Tang M, Li D, Gu Y, Song L
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296229 · Publisher ↗
Patients with cancer treatment-related lung injury (CTLI) frequently present with non-specific respiratory symptoms and radiological changes that closely mimic infectious pneumonia or tumor progression, presenting a sign...
Patients with cancer treatment-related lung injury (CTLI) frequently present with non-specific respiratory symptoms and radiological changes that closely mimic infectious pneumonia or tumor progression, presenting a significant challenge for a definitive diagnosis. Traditional diagnostic processes, mainly evaluated through blood biomarkers and standard microbial cultures, usually cannot make a clear diagnosis and take too much time. Here, we present a comprehensive protocol to diagnose CTLI by combining bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytological analysis with metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). The procedural workflow consists of three primary stages. First, standardized bronchoscopy is performed to obtain high-quality BALF samples. Second, conducting cytological analysis of the obtained BALF samples provides a snapshot of the lung microenvironment. This allows identification of inflammatory features and screening for malignant cells to exclude tumor progression. Finally, mNGS is utilized to identify or exclude active infectious etiologies. This advanced genomic technique achieves rapid, highly sensitive, and unbiased pathogen detection, successfully overcoming the limitations of traditional cultures. Representative results using this method demonstrate that this approach can effectively distinguish immune-related pneumonitis from active pulmonary infections or tumor progression. Compared with traditional diagnostic methods, this protocol has the advantage of quickly and accurately distinguishing CTLI from infectious etiologies and occult malignancies. Ultimately, this standardized workflow clarifies clinical diagnoses, guides critical treatment decisions, and improves patient outcomes.
Integrating Terrestrial Laser Scanning, Generative AI, and Mixed Reality for Digital Heritage Reconstruction.
Li B, Luo J, Liu Y … +2 more , Fan B, Stone S
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296225 · Publisher ↗
The rapid acceleration of urbanization in developing regions has precipitated a dual crisis for architectural heritage: the physical degradation of structures and the intangible dissipation of cultural memory. Traditiona...
The rapid acceleration of urbanization in developing regions has precipitated a dual crisis for architectural heritage: the physical degradation of structures and the intangible dissipation of cultural memory. Traditional conservation methodologies, which rely predominantly on static documentation, such as photography and manual surveying, are increasingly insufficient for capturing the complex spatial and temporal dimensions of these historic sites. This study introduces a novel, combinatorial methodological framework designed to bridge the gap between rigorous archiving and dynamic public engagement. We detail a workflow that synergizes three distinct technologies: Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) to capture the tangible geometric attributes of the building with millimeter-level accuracy; Conditional Generative Artificial Intelligence (CGAI) to generate historically informed visual representations of lost cultural elements (specifically, traditional temple fair structures) based on archival references; and Augmented Reality (AR) via holographic headsets to superimpose these layers into a unified Mixed Reality (MR) experience. The protocol describes the complete pipeline from data acquisition strategies and point cloud processing to AI-driven model generation and final deployment. This approach yields a dynamic digital simulacrum that successfully overlays high-precision spatial data with interpretive cultural visualizations, offering a technically feasible and scalable workflow for the digital preservation and augmented exhibition of urban heritage landmarks.
Efficient Isolation of Adipose-derived Stem Cells and Adipocytes from Porcine Adipose Tissue.
Xiao Y, Zhou X, Tang X … +8 more , García Neira N, Valenzuela González EE, Wang Y, Tang Y, Yu J, Zhao Z, Li M, Lu L
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296221 · Publisher ↗
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as ideal seed cells in regenerative medicine due to their abundant sources, minimally invasive harvesting, multi-lineage differentiation potential, and immunomodulatory pro...
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as ideal seed cells in regenerative medicine due to their abundant sources, minimally invasive harvesting, multi-lineage differentiation potential, and immunomodulatory properties. Their applications span tissue repair, disease modelling, and cell therapy; however, efficient isolation of high-viability ADSCs remains critical for advancing research and clinical translation. Conventional isolation methods, such as enzymatic digestion combined with mechanical dissociation via pipetting, are limited by lengthy processing times (1-3 h), poor cell viability (often <70%), and substantial batch-to-batch variability, compromising downstream experiments. Here, we present the SoniConvert system (a mechanical wave-based cell separation system), which combines mechanical wave and enzymatic digestion to address these challenges. The system integrates a microprocessor-based control unit that regulates mechanical wave-mediated dissociation via digital feedback, together with a tissue-specific loosening reagent optimized for adipose tissue (5-15 min incubation). This approach enables rapid conversion of tissue to a single-cell suspension, with mechanical dissociation completed in 3-9 s. The system offers three advantages: (1) ultra-fast processing, with the core isolation process-from enzymatic digestion to initial cell fraction separation-completed in approximately 30 min (>90% reduction compared to conventional methods); (2) high viability preservation, with trypan blue staining confirming cell viability of 80-95%, exceeding traditional protocols; and (3) broad compatibility, as the resulting single-cell suspensions meet requirements for primary cell culture, flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays, and adipose organoid construction. By reducing processing time, enhancing cell integrity, and limiting variability, this system provides a practical platform for adipose-related research.
Multimodal Architecture for Phoneme Labeling Imprecision in Dysarthric Speech: Integrating Transformers and TCNs for Clinical Rehabilitation.
Zhang Y, Huang J
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296219 · Publisher ↗
Due to articulation issues and phoneme variability, speech disorders such as dysarthria pose significant challenges in clinical rehabilitation. Traditional automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems, which are typically...
Due to articulation issues and phoneme variability, speech disorders such as dysarthria pose significant challenges in clinical rehabilitation. Traditional automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems, which are typically trained on normative datasets, often fail to accurately decode dysarthric speech. Recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and deep learning have allowed the integration of multimodal architectures, such as merging auditory, articulatory, and visual information to record complex speech patterns, making it increasingly possible. In this review, we have explored the convergence of transformers and temporal convolutional networks (TCNs) within multimodal frameworks to address phoneme labeling imprecision in dysarthric speech. Here, we discuss how transformer-based contextual modeling and TCN-driven temporal precision can enhance phoneme boundary detection, classification, and rehabilitation feedback. The review also discusses the potential of such hybrid systems in individualized speech therapy, interpretability issues, and clinical applications. Multimodal architectures are a translational approach to enhancing therapeutic monitoring, communication aids, and speech intelligibility assessment for people with motor speech disorders by bridging clinical medicine and medical informatics.
A Standardized Acupotomy Protocol For The Treatment of Tenosynovitis of Hand Flexor Tendons In Human Patients.
Xu L, Luo Y, Zhou C … +5 more , Yu Y, Liu J, Wei S, Qian Z, Huang W
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296218 · Publisher ↗
Tenosynovitis of hand flexor tendons (THFT) is a high-incidence overuse injury of the hand. Its pathological essence is a dynamic imbalance between the volume of the tendon sheath and the tendon caused by fibrous connect...
Tenosynovitis of hand flexor tendons (THFT) is a high-incidence overuse injury of the hand. Its pathological essence is a dynamic imbalance between the volume of the tendon sheath and the tendon caused by fibrous connective tissue hyperplasia in the A1 pulley region, leading to mechanical entrapment and typical clinical symptoms, including palmar pain, triggering, and limited movement. Traditional conservative treatments yield suboptimal long-term efficacy, while open surgery is associated with high trauma and complication risks, creating demand for a minimally invasive therapeutic approach. Acupotomy, an integrated therapy of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, achieves minimally invasive release of the stenotic tendon sheath with minimal trauma and rapid recovery. Standardized operation is critical for its clinical application; however, detailed and standardized protocols are currently lacking. This protocol details the key steps of acupotomy for THFT, including preoperative multidimensional evaluation (history taking, physical examination, and ultrasonic assessment) with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, standardized preoperative preparation (environment, materials, patient positioning, disinfection, and local anesthesia), the stepwise acupotomy procedure (precise insertion, targeted longitudinal release, and safe withdrawal), and comprehensive postoperative management (immediate care, functional exercise guidance, wound care, and regular follow-up assessment). The primary purpose of this protocol is to standardize acupotomy surgery for THFT, providing a structured framework for safe implementation and facilitating consistent procedural application in clinical practice.
Effect of Combined Electrowarm Dry Needling on Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Wang M, Gan Y, Zhang C … +2 more , Liu K, Xing Z
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296217 · Publisher ↗
Postpartum pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common complication after childbirth, with limited safe and effective treatment options due to the risks of pharmacological interventions in postpartum women. This study aimed to...
Postpartum pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a common complication after childbirth, with limited safe and effective treatment options due to the risks of pharmacological interventions in postpartum women. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined electrowarm dry needling therapy targeting myofascial pain trigger points (MTrPs) for alleviating PGP in postpartum women. A total of 92 postpartum women with PGP were randomly assigned to a treatment group (n = 46) receiving electrowarm dry needling on MTrPs 5x per week for 4 weeks plus standard postpartum care; a control group (n = 46) received only standard postpartum care. The intervention was conducted 5x a week for 4 weeks, with pain assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 1/3/7 days post intervention, disability by the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (OLBPQ), and quality of life by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) at 1 month and 3-5 months post intervention. Pubic symphysis distance was measured by B-mode ultrasound at follow-up. Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between groups (all P > 0.05). The treatment group demonstrated significantly reduced VAS scores at 3 and 7 days post intervention (P = 0.029 and P < 0.001, respectively), and marked improvements in OLBPQ scores at 1 week and 4 weeks (P < 0.001). NHP scores indicated enhanced quality of life in the treatment group, particularly at 3-5 months follow-up (P < 0.001), and the pubic symphysis distance was significantly decreased (P. < 0.01). No serious adverse events were observed in the treatment group, with only two cases of mild local soreness. Combined electrowarm dry needling therapy targeting MTrPs is a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and disability and improving quality of life in postpartum women with acute PGP in this single-center study.
A Porcine Model of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepatic Gastrostomy for Malignant Obstructive Jaundice.
Peng Z, Yuan D, Peng T … +3 more , Chen W, Gao H, Gao H
J Vis Exp · 2026 May · PMID 42296215 · Publisher ↗
Current clinical evidence on biliary drainage predominantly focuses on intraoperative outcomes and single-point laboratory assessments, lacking comprehensive longitudinal functional curves and mechanistic insight into th...
Current clinical evidence on biliary drainage predominantly focuses on intraoperative outcomes and single-point laboratory assessments, lacking comprehensive longitudinal functional curves and mechanistic insight into the pathways of complications. This study compares endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) with percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) in terms of hepatobiliary biochemical decline kinetics during days 0-7, drainage efficiency parameters, inflammatory-endotoxin temporal profiles, and 28-day stent patency-survival endpoints. Twenty-four pigs with surgically induced malignant obstructive jaundice were randomized to the EUS-HGS group (n = 12) or the PTCD group (n = 12). Daily monitoring included total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltransferase. Drainage volume and bile bilirubin concentrations were recorded daily. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lipopolysaccharide levels were measured on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7, with bile cultures performed on days 0, 3, and 7. The EUS-HGS method demonstrated superior TB half-life (2.3 ± 0.4 vs 3.8 ± 0.6 days; β = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.16; P < 0.001) and a higher drainage efficiency index (5.2 ± 1.1 vs 3.1 ± 0.8 µmol/L/mL; P < 0.001). The 28-day stent patency rate was 91.7% for EUS-HGS and 58.3% for PTCD (hazard ratio = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.12-0.78; P = 0.013). The area under the curve for CRP was significantly lower in the EUS-HGS group (420 ± 95 vs 680 ± 120 mg·day/L; P < 0.001); IL-6 peaked earlier but resolved faster in the EUS-HGS group. Bacterial colonization occurred in 25% of EUS-HGS cases versus 50% of PTCD cases (P = 0.041). The EUS-HGS approach demonstrates superior bilirubin clearance kinetics, enhanced drainage efficiency, reduced inflammatory burden, and improved 28-day patency compared with PTCD, supporting the mechanistic advantages of the transgastric approach.
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