An error correction technique for the micro-scanning instrument of the optical micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system is proposed. The technique is based on micro-scanning technology combined with the propos...An error correction technique for the micro-scanning instrument of the optical micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system is proposed. The technique is based on micro-scanning technology combined with the proposed second-order oversampling reconstruction algorithm and local gradient image reconstruction algorithm. In this paper, we describe the local gradient image reconstruction model, the error correction technique, down-sampling model and the error correction principle. In this paper, we use a Lena original image and four low-resolution images obtained from the standard half-pixel displacement to simulate and verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique, two groups of low-resolution thermal microscope images are collected by the actual thermal microscope imaging system for experimental study. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed technique can reduce the optical micro-scanning errors, improve the imaging effect of the system and improve the system's spatial resolution. It can be applied to other electro-optical imaging systems to improve their resolution.展开更多
A method of micro-scanning location adaptive calibration was proposed, which was real- ized by the digital image micro-displacement estimation. With geometric calculation, this calibration method used the displacement...A method of micro-scanning location adaptive calibration was proposed, which was real- ized by the digital image micro-displacement estimation. With geometric calculation, this calibration method used the displacement estimation of two thermal microscope images to get the size and direc- tion of each scanning location calibration angle. And each location calibration process was repeated according to the offset given by the system beforehand. The comparison experiments of sequence oversampling reconstruction before and after the micro-scanning location calibration were done. The results showed that the calibration method effectively improved the thermal microscope imaging qual- ity.展开更多
Based on a strong inter-diagonal matrix and Taylor series expansions,an oversample reconstruction method was proposed to calibrate the optical micro-scanning error. The technique can obtain regular 2 ×2 microscan...Based on a strong inter-diagonal matrix and Taylor series expansions,an oversample reconstruction method was proposed to calibrate the optical micro-scanning error. The technique can obtain regular 2 ×2 microscanning undersampling images from the real irregular undersampling images,and can then obtain a high spatial oversample resolution image. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed technique can reduce optical micro-scanning error and improve the system＇s spatial resolution. The algorithm is simple,fast and has low computational complexity. It can also be applied to other electro-optical imaging systems to improve their spatial resolution and has a widespread application prospect.展开更多
Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery.The three-dimensional(3D)digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can rele...Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery.The three-dimensional(3D)digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can release strain on the surgeon's neck and back,which can improve outcomes in microsurgery.We report a randomized prospective study of vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy using a 3D digital image microscope system(3D-DIM)in rats.A total of 16 adult male rats were randomly divided into two groups of 8 each:the standard operating microscope(SOM)group and the 3D-DIM group.The outcomes measured included the operative time,real-time postoperative mechanical patency,and anastomosis leakage.Furthermore,a user-friendly microscope score was designed to evaluate the ergonomic design and equipment characteristics of the microscope.There were no differences in operative time between the two groups.The real-time postoperative mechanical patency rates were 100.0%for both groups.The percentage of vasoepididymostomy anastomosis leakage was 16.7%in the SOM group and 25.0%in the 3D-DIM group;however,no vasovasostomy anastomosis leakage was found in either group.In terms of the ergonomic design,the 3D-DIM group obtained better scores based on the surgeon's feelings;in terms of the equipment characteristics,the 3D-DIM group had lower scores for clarity and higher scores for flexibility and adaptivity.Based on our randomized prospective study in a rat model,we believe that the 3D-DIM can improve surgeon comfort without compromising outcomes in male infertility reconstructive microsurgery,so the 3D-DIM might be widely used in the future.展开更多
This imaging technique is used for approximate interpretation of TEM data including ungrounded loopsource and grounded line source soundings.Loop source data can be collected as central-loop soundings or asout-of-loop...This imaging technique is used for approximate interpretation of TEM data including ungrounded loopsource and grounded line source soundings.Loop source data can be collected as central-loop soundings or asout-of-loop soundings with a short or long offset configuration.The imaging method is based on the same princi-ple as that employed by Fullager(1989),with apparent resistivities computed directly from time-derivative data,db/d,and then associated with depths according to image theory.展开更多
A general theoretical framework is presented to explain the formation of the phase signal in an x-ray microscope integrated with a grating interferometer,which simultaneously enables the high spatial resolution imagin...A general theoretical framework is presented to explain the formation of the phase signal in an x-ray microscope integrated with a grating interferometer,which simultaneously enables the high spatial resolution imaging and the improved image contrast.By using this theory,several key parameters of phase contrast imaging can be predicted,for instance,the fringe visibility and period,and the conversion condition from the differential phase imaging(DPI)to the phase difference imaging(PDI).Additionally,numerical simulations are performed with certain x-ray optical components and imaging geometry.Comparison with the available experimental measurement[Appl.Phys.Lett.113063105(2018)]demonstrates the accuracy of this developed quantitative analysis method of x-ray phase-sensitive microscope imaging.展开更多
The process of wound healing is routinely evaluated by histological evaluation in the clinic,which may cause scarring and secondary injury.Reflectance confocal microscopy(RCM)represents a noninvasive,real-time imaging...The process of wound healing is routinely evaluated by histological evaluation in the clinic,which may cause scarring and secondary injury.Reflectance confocal microscopy(RCM)represents a noninvasive,real-time imaging technique that allows in vivo evaluation of the skin.Traditional RCM was wide-probe-based,which limited its application on uneven and covered skin.In this study,we report the development of a portable reflectance confocal microscope(PRCM)in which all components were assembled in a handheld shell.Although the size and weight of the PRCM were reduced based on the use of a microelectromechanical system,the resolution was kept at 0.91μm,and the field of view of the system was 343μm×532μm.When used in vivo,the PRCM was able to visualize cellular and nuclear morphology for both mouse and human skin.PRCM evaluations were then performed on wounds after topically applied mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)or saline treatment.The PRCM allowed visualization of the formation of collagen bundles,re-epithelization from the wound edge to the wound bed,and hair follicle regeneration,which were consistent with histological evaluations.Therefore,we offer new insights into monitoring the effects of topically applied MSCs on the process of wound healing by using PRCM.This study illustrates that the newly developed PRCM represents a promising device for real-time,noninvasive monitoring of the dynamic process of wound healing,which demonstrates its potential to diagnose,monitor,or predict disease in clinical wound therapy.展开更多
Photoacoustic imaging(PAI)is a new biomedical imaging technology that provides a mixed contrast mechanism and excellent spatial resolution in biological tissues.It is a non-invasive technology that can provide in vivo...Photoacoustic imaging(PAI)is a new biomedical imaging technology that provides a mixed contrast mechanism and excellent spatial resolution in biological tissues.It is a non-invasive technology that can provide in vivo anatomical and functional information.This technology has great application potential in microscopic imaging and endoscope system.In recent years,the devel-opment of micro electro mechanical system(MEMS)technology has promoted the improvement and miniaturization of the photoacoustic imaging system,as well as its preclinical and clinical appli-cations.This paper introduces the research progress of MEMS technology in photoacoustic micro-scope systems and the miniaturization of photoacoustic endoscope ultrasonic transducers,and points out the shortcomings of existing technology and the direction of future development.展开更多
As an emerging microscopic detection tool,quantum microscopes based on the principle of quantum precision measurement have attracted widespread attention in recent years.Compared with the imaging of classical light,qu...As an emerging microscopic detection tool,quantum microscopes based on the principle of quantum precision measurement have attracted widespread attention in recent years.Compared with the imaging of classical light,quantum-enhanced imaging can achieve ultra-high resolution,ultra-sensitive detection,and anti-interference imaging.Here,we introduce a quantum-enhanced scanning microscope under illumination of an entangled NOON state in polarization.For the phase imager with NOON states,we propose a simple four-basis projection method to replace the four-step phase-shifting method.We have achieved the phase imaging of micrometer-sized birefringent samples and biological cell specimens,with sensitivity close to the Heisenberg limit.The visibility of transmittance-based imaging shows a great enhancement for NOON states.Besides,we also demonstrate that the scanning imaging with NOON states enables the spatial resolution enhancement of√N compared with classical measurement.Our imaging method may provide some reference for the practical application of quantum imaging and is expected to promote the development of microscopic detection.展开更多
Transforming a scattering medium into a lens for imaging very simple binary objects is possible;however,it remains challenging to image complex grayscale objects,let alone measure 3D continuous distribution objects.He...Transforming a scattering medium into a lens for imaging very simple binary objects is possible;however,it remains challenging to image complex grayscale objects,let alone measure 3D continuous distribution objects.Here,we propose and demonstrate the use of a ground glass diffuser as a scattering lens for imaging complex grayscale fringes,and we employ it to achieve microscopic structured light 3D imaging(MSL3DI).The ubiquitous property of the speckle patterns permits the exploitation of the scattering medium as an ultra-thin scattering lens with a variable focal length and a flexible working distance for microscale object measurement.The method provides a light,flexible,and cost-effective imaging device as an alternative to microscope objectives or telecentric lenses in conventional MSL3DI systems.We experimentally demonstrate that employing a scattering lens allows us to achieve relatively good phase information and robust 3D imaging from depth measurements,yielding measurement accuracy only marginally lower than that of a telecentric lens,typically within approximately 10μm.Furthermore,the scattering lens demonstrates robust performance even when the imaging distance exceeds the typical working distance of a telecentric lens.The proposed method facilitates the application of scattering imaging techniques,providing a more flexible solution for MSL3DI.展开更多
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and often fatal disease, especially since the brain metastasis of TNBC has been a particularly severe manifestation. However, brain metastasis in TNBC at early sta...Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and often fatal disease, especially since the brain metastasis of TNBC has been a particularly severe manifestation. However, brain metastasis in TNBC at early stages often lacks noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to detect. Near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorescence microscopic imaging obtains long wavelength, which enables reduced scattering, high spatial resolution and minimal autofluorescence, it is also a favorable imaging method for tumor diagnosis. PbS@CdS quantum dots (QDs) are one of the popular NIR-II fluorescence nanoprobes for well brightness. In this study, NIR-II emissive PbS@CdS QDs were utilized and further encapsulated with thiol-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (SH-PEG, MW = 5000) to form PbS@CdS@PEG QDs nanoparticles (NPs). The obtained PbS@CdS@PEG QDs NPs were then characterized and further studied in detail. The PbS@CdS@PEG QDs NPs had large absorption spectra, exhibited strong NIR-II fluorescence emission at approximately 1300nm, and possessed good NIR-II fluorescence properties. Then, the mice model of early-stage brain metastases of TNBC was established, and the PbS@CdS@PEG QDs NPs were injected into the tumor-bearing mice for NIR-II fluorescence microscopic bioimaging. The brain vessels and tumors of the living mice were detected with high spatial resolution under the NIR-II fluorescence microscopic imaging system with irradiation of 808nm laser. The tumor tissues were further restricted and prepared as thin slices. The NIR-II fluorescence signals were collected from the tumor slices with high spatial resolution and signal-to-background ratio (SBR). Thus, the PbS@CdS@PEG QDs NPs-assisted NIR-II fluorescence microscopic system can effectively achieve targeting brain metastases of TNBC imaging, offering a novel and promising approach for TNBC-specific diagnosis.展开更多
细胞内肌动蛋白(actin)通过与actin结合蛋白(actin binding proteins,ABPs)相互作用,形成以F-actin为基础多种ABPs参与装配的高度有序的超分子聚合结构,行使各种重要生理功能。在体外聚合条件下,不存在F-actin稳定剂时纯化的actin主要...细胞内肌动蛋白(actin)通过与actin结合蛋白(actin binding proteins,ABPs)相互作用,形成以F-actin为基础多种ABPs参与装配的高度有序的超分子聚合结构,行使各种重要生理功能。在体外聚合条件下,不存在F-actin稳定剂时纯化的actin主要通过自装配形成大尺度的聚集堆积结构;这种表观无序的结构体系由于被认为不具备细胞功能活性而受到忽视。利用激光原子力显微镜(atomic force microscope,AFM)和透射电子显微镜(transmission electron microscope,TEM)技术,对actin体外通过自装配过程形成的大尺度聚集结构进行了细致的观察和分析。研究发现,actin在体外通过自装配过程除了形成无序的蛋白堆积物之外,还能够聚合形成复杂的离散结构,包括树状分支的纤维丛、无规卷曲的纤维簇以及具有不同直径的长纤维等;这些大尺度纤维复合物明显不同于在ABPs或过量F-actin稳定剂参与下形成的由单根微丝和微丝束构成的聚合结构。表明无ABPs或F-actin稳定剂存在的情况下,体外聚合的F-actin在一定条件下可进一步聚集缠绕形成复杂的纤维结构或无序的蛋白堆积物。事实上,actin自装配过程反映了其固有的聚合热力学特性,深入探索将有助于理解ABPs在体内actin超分子聚合结构体系装配中的调控作用及其分子机制。展开更多
基金Supported by Postgraduate Innovation Funding Project of Hebei Province(CXZZSS2019050)the Qinhuangdao City Key Research and Development Program Science and Technology Support Project(201801B010)
文摘An error correction technique for the micro-scanning instrument of the optical micro-scanning thermal microscope imaging system is proposed. The technique is based on micro-scanning technology combined with the proposed second-order oversampling reconstruction algorithm and local gradient image reconstruction algorithm. In this paper, we describe the local gradient image reconstruction model, the error correction technique, down-sampling model and the error correction principle. In this paper, we use a Lena original image and four low-resolution images obtained from the standard half-pixel displacement to simulate and verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique, two groups of low-resolution thermal microscope images are collected by the actual thermal microscope imaging system for experimental study. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed technique can reduce the optical micro-scanning errors, improve the imaging effect of the system and improve the system's spatial resolution. It can be applied to other electro-optical imaging systems to improve their resolution.
基金Supported by Beijing Natural Science Foundation(4062029)Ministry of Science and Technology Innovation Foundation for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (06KW1051)North China University of Technology Dr. Start-up Fund for 2013
文摘A method of micro-scanning location adaptive calibration was proposed, which was real- ized by the digital image micro-displacement estimation. With geometric calculation, this calibration method used the displacement estimation of two thermal microscope images to get the size and direc- tion of each scanning location calibration angle. And each location calibration process was repeated according to the offset given by the system beforehand. The comparison experiments of sequence oversampling reconstruction before and after the micro-scanning location calibration were done. The results showed that the calibration method effectively improved the thermal microscope imaging qual- ity.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC 61501396)the Colleges and Universities under the Science and Technology Research Projects of Hebei Province(QN2015021)
文摘Based on a strong inter-diagonal matrix and Taylor series expansions,an oversample reconstruction method was proposed to calibrate the optical micro-scanning error. The technique can obtain regular 2 ×2 microscanning undersampling images from the real irregular undersampling images,and can then obtain a high spatial oversample resolution image. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed technique can reduce optical micro-scanning error and improve the system＇s spatial resolution. The algorithm is simple,fast and has low computational complexity. It can also be applied to other electro-optical imaging systems to improve their spatial resolution and has a widespread application prospect.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Nature Science Foundation of China(81701524,81871215)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA16020701)the National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFC1002003).
文摘Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery.The three-dimensional(3D)digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can release strain on the surgeon's neck and back,which can improve outcomes in microsurgery.We report a randomized prospective study of vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy using a 3D digital image microscope system(3D-DIM)in rats.A total of 16 adult male rats were randomly divided into two groups of 8 each:the standard operating microscope(SOM)group and the 3D-DIM group.The outcomes measured included the operative time,real-time postoperative mechanical patency,and anastomosis leakage.Furthermore,a user-friendly microscope score was designed to evaluate the ergonomic design and equipment characteristics of the microscope.There were no differences in operative time between the two groups.The real-time postoperative mechanical patency rates were 100.0%for both groups.The percentage of vasoepididymostomy anastomosis leakage was 16.7%in the SOM group and 25.0%in the 3D-DIM group;however,no vasovasostomy anastomosis leakage was found in either group.In terms of the ergonomic design,the 3D-DIM group obtained better scores based on the surgeon's feelings;in terms of the equipment characteristics,the 3D-DIM group had lower scores for clarity and higher scores for flexibility and adaptivity.Based on our randomized prospective study in a rat model,we believe that the 3D-DIM can improve surgeon comfort without compromising outcomes in male infertility reconstructive microsurgery,so the 3D-DIM might be widely used in the future.
基金①Supported by the National Natural Science Fundation of China and National Science Foundation of USA
文摘This imaging technique is used for approximate interpretation of TEM data including ungrounded loopsource and grounded line source soundings.Loop source data can be collected as central-loop soundings or asout-of-loop soundings with a short or long offset configuration.The imaging method is based on the same princi-ple as that employed by Fullager(1989),with apparent resistivities computed directly from time-derivative data,db/d,and then associated with depths according to image theory.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12027812 and 11804356)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.2021362).
文摘A general theoretical framework is presented to explain the formation of the phase signal in an x-ray microscope integrated with a grating interferometer,which simultaneously enables the high spatial resolution imaging and the improved image contrast.By using this theory,several key parameters of phase contrast imaging can be predicted,for instance,the fringe visibility and period,and the conversion condition from the differential phase imaging(DPI)to the phase difference imaging(PDI).Additionally,numerical simulations are performed with certain x-ray optical components and imaging geometry.Comparison with the available experimental measurement[Appl.Phys.Lett.113063105(2018)]demonstrates the accuracy of this developed quantitative analysis method of x-ray phase-sensitive microscope imaging.
基金the National Key Research andDevelopment Program of China(No.2021YFA1101100)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA16020807)+3 种基金the Major Innovative Research Team of Suzhou,China(No.ZXT2019007)Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology(SIBET)Jilin City Science and Technology Cooperation Project(No.E0550104)Science and Technology Innovation Talents in Universities of Henan Province and Doctor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province in the year of 2020.
文摘The process of wound healing is routinely evaluated by histological evaluation in the clinic,which may cause scarring and secondary injury.Reflectance confocal microscopy(RCM)represents a noninvasive,real-time imaging technique that allows in vivo evaluation of the skin.Traditional RCM was wide-probe-based,which limited its application on uneven and covered skin.In this study,we report the development of a portable reflectance confocal microscope(PRCM)in which all components were assembled in a handheld shell.Although the size and weight of the PRCM were reduced based on the use of a microelectromechanical system,the resolution was kept at 0.91μm,and the field of view of the system was 343μm×532μm.When used in vivo,the PRCM was able to visualize cellular and nuclear morphology for both mouse and human skin.PRCM evaluations were then performed on wounds after topically applied mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)or saline treatment.The PRCM allowed visualization of the formation of collagen bundles,re-epithelization from the wound edge to the wound bed,and hair follicle regeneration,which were consistent with histological evaluations.Therefore,we offer new insights into monitoring the effects of topically applied MSCs on the process of wound healing by using PRCM.This study illustrates that the newly developed PRCM represents a promising device for real-time,noninvasive monitoring of the dynamic process of wound healing,which demonstrates its potential to diagnose,monitor,or predict disease in clinical wound therapy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32101153)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2021CX11018).
文摘Photoacoustic imaging(PAI)is a new biomedical imaging technology that provides a mixed contrast mechanism and excellent spatial resolution in biological tissues.It is a non-invasive technology that can provide in vivo anatomical and functional information.This technology has great application potential in microscopic imaging and endoscope system.In recent years,the devel-opment of micro electro mechanical system(MEMS)technology has promoted the improvement and miniaturization of the photoacoustic imaging system,as well as its preclinical and clinical appli-cations.This paper introduces the research progress of MEMS technology in photoacoustic micro-scope systems and the miniaturization of photoacoustic endoscope ultrasonic transducers,and points out the shortcomings of existing technology and the direction of future development.
基金supported by he National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12304359,12304398,12404382,12234009,12274215,and 12427808)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2023M731611)+4 种基金the Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Postdoctoral Talent(Grant No.2023ZB717)Innovation Program for Quantum Science and Technology(Grant No.2021ZD0301400)Key R&D Program of Jiangsu Province(Grant No.BE2023002)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(Grant Nos.BK20220759 and BK20233001)Program for Innovative Talents and Entrepreneurs in Jiangsu,and Key R&D Program of Guangdong Province(Grant No.2020B0303010001).
文摘As an emerging microscopic detection tool,quantum microscopes based on the principle of quantum precision measurement have attracted widespread attention in recent years.Compared with the imaging of classical light,quantum-enhanced imaging can achieve ultra-high resolution,ultra-sensitive detection,and anti-interference imaging.Here,we introduce a quantum-enhanced scanning microscope under illumination of an entangled NOON state in polarization.For the phase imager with NOON states,we propose a simple four-basis projection method to replace the four-step phase-shifting method.We have achieved the phase imaging of micrometer-sized birefringent samples and biological cell specimens,with sensitivity close to the Heisenberg limit.The visibility of transmittance-based imaging shows a great enhancement for NOON states.Besides,we also demonstrate that the scanning imaging with NOON states enables the spatial resolution enhancement of√N compared with classical measurement.Our imaging method may provide some reference for the practical application of quantum imaging and is expected to promote the development of microscopic detection.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.62275188 and 62505216)the Central Guidance on Local Science and Technology Development Fund(Grant No.YDZJSX2024D019)+1 种基金the International Scientific and Technological Cooperative Project in Shanxi Province(Grant No.202104041101009)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province of China through Research Project(Grant No.20210302123195).
文摘Transforming a scattering medium into a lens for imaging very simple binary objects is possible;however,it remains challenging to image complex grayscale objects,let alone measure 3D continuous distribution objects.Here,we propose and demonstrate the use of a ground glass diffuser as a scattering lens for imaging complex grayscale fringes,and we employ it to achieve microscopic structured light 3D imaging(MSL3DI).The ubiquitous property of the speckle patterns permits the exploitation of the scattering medium as an ultra-thin scattering lens with a variable focal length and a flexible working distance for microscale object measurement.The method provides a light,flexible,and cost-effective imaging device as an alternative to microscope objectives or telecentric lenses in conventional MSL3DI systems.We experimentally demonstrate that employing a scattering lens allows us to achieve relatively good phase information and robust 3D imaging from depth measurements,yielding measurement accuracy only marginally lower than that of a telecentric lens,typically within approximately 10μm.Furthermore,the scattering lens demonstrates robust performance even when the imaging distance exceeds the typical working distance of a telecentric lens.The proposed method facilitates the application of scattering imaging techniques,providing a more flexible solution for MSL3DI.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)under Grant Nos.62035011,82202220 and 82060326State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis,Prevention and treat ment of High Incident Diseases in central Asia(Nos.SKL-HIDCA-2022-3 and SKL-HIDCA-2022-GJ1)+3 种基金the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Regional Collaborative Innovation Special Science and Technology Assistance Program(No.2022E02130)Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Natural Sci ence Foundation Key Project(No.2022D01D40)Outstanding Youth Project(2023D01E06)Y.Gao and C.Zhang authors contributed equally to this work.
文摘Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and often fatal disease, especially since the brain metastasis of TNBC has been a particularly severe manifestation. However, brain metastasis in TNBC at early stages often lacks noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to detect. Near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorescence microscopic imaging obtains long wavelength, which enables reduced scattering, high spatial resolution and minimal autofluorescence, it is also a favorable imaging method for tumor diagnosis. PbS@CdS quantum dots (QDs) are one of the popular NIR-II fluorescence nanoprobes for well brightness. In this study, NIR-II emissive PbS@CdS QDs were utilized and further encapsulated with thiol-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (SH-PEG, MW = 5000) to form PbS@CdS@PEG QDs nanoparticles (NPs). The obtained PbS@CdS@PEG QDs NPs were then characterized and further studied in detail. The PbS@CdS@PEG QDs NPs had large absorption spectra, exhibited strong NIR-II fluorescence emission at approximately 1300nm, and possessed good NIR-II fluorescence properties. Then, the mice model of early-stage brain metastases of TNBC was established, and the PbS@CdS@PEG QDs NPs were injected into the tumor-bearing mice for NIR-II fluorescence microscopic bioimaging. The brain vessels and tumors of the living mice were detected with high spatial resolution under the NIR-II fluorescence microscopic imaging system with irradiation of 808nm laser. The tumor tissues were further restricted and prepared as thin slices. The NIR-II fluorescence signals were collected from the tumor slices with high spatial resolution and signal-to-background ratio (SBR). Thus, the PbS@CdS@PEG QDs NPs-assisted NIR-II fluorescence microscopic system can effectively achieve targeting brain metastases of TNBC imaging, offering a novel and promising approach for TNBC-specific diagnosis.
文摘细胞内肌动蛋白(actin)通过与actin结合蛋白(actin binding proteins,ABPs)相互作用,形成以F-actin为基础多种ABPs参与装配的高度有序的超分子聚合结构,行使各种重要生理功能。在体外聚合条件下,不存在F-actin稳定剂时纯化的actin主要通过自装配形成大尺度的聚集堆积结构;这种表观无序的结构体系由于被认为不具备细胞功能活性而受到忽视。利用激光原子力显微镜(atomic force microscope,AFM)和透射电子显微镜(transmission electron microscope,TEM)技术,对actin体外通过自装配过程形成的大尺度聚集结构进行了细致的观察和分析。研究发现,actin在体外通过自装配过程除了形成无序的蛋白堆积物之外,还能够聚合形成复杂的离散结构,包括树状分支的纤维丛、无规卷曲的纤维簇以及具有不同直径的长纤维等;这些大尺度纤维复合物明显不同于在ABPs或过量F-actin稳定剂参与下形成的由单根微丝和微丝束构成的聚合结构。表明无ABPs或F-actin稳定剂存在的情况下,体外聚合的F-actin在一定条件下可进一步聚集缠绕形成复杂的纤维结构或无序的蛋白堆积物。事实上,actin自装配过程反映了其固有的聚合热力学特性,深入探索将有助于理解ABPs在体内actin超分子聚合结构体系装配中的调控作用及其分子机制。
