The dissolution kinetics of Al_(2)O_(3) in CaO-Al_(2)O_(3) SiOslags was studied using a high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscope at 1773 to 1873 K.The results show that the controlling step during the Al_(2...The dissolution kinetics of Al_(2)O_(3) in CaO-Al_(2)O_(3) SiOslags was studied using a high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscope at 1773 to 1873 K.The results show that the controlling step during the Al_(2)O_(3) dissolution was the diffusionin molten slag.It was found that the dissolution curves of Al_(2)O_(3) particles were hardly agreed with the traditional boundary layer diffusion model with the increase of the CaO/Al_(2)O_(3) ratio of slag.A modified diffusion equation considering slag viscosity was developed to study the dissolution mechanism of Al_(2)O_(3) in slag.Diffusion coefficients of Al_(2)O_(3) in slag were calculated as 2.8×10to 4.1×10m~2/s at the temperature of 1773-1873 K.The dissolution rate of Al_(2)O_(3) increased with higher temperature,CaO/Al_(2)O_(3),and particle size.A new model was shown to be v_(Al_(2)O_(3))=0.16×r_(0)^(1.58)×x^(3.52)×(T-T_(mp))^(1.11)to predict the dissolution rate and the total dissolution time of Al_(2)O_(3) inclusions with various sizes,where vAl_(2)O_(3) is the dissolution rate of Al_(2)O_(3) in volume,μm^(3)/s;x is the value of CaO/Al_(2)O_(3) mass ratio;R_(0) is the initial radius of Al_(2)O_(3),μm;T is the temperature,K;T_(mp) is the melting point of slag,K.展开更多
BACKGROUND In recent years,confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)has become a new endoscopic imaging technology at the microscopic level,which is extensively performed for real-time in vivo histological examination.CLE ca...BACKGROUND In recent years,confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)has become a new endoscopic imaging technology at the microscopic level,which is extensively performed for real-time in vivo histological examination.CLE can be performed to distinguish benign from malignant lesions.In this study,we diagnosed using CLE an asymptomatic patient with poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with gastric mucosal lesions,which may be gastric cancer,in the small curvature of the stomach by gastroscopy.She consented to undergo CLE for morphological observation of the gastric mucosa.Through the combination of CLE diagnosis and postoperative pathology,the intraoperative CLE diagnosis was considered to be reliable.According to our experience,CLE can be performed as the first choice for the diagnosis of gastric cancer.CONCLUSION CLE has several advantages over pathological diagnosis.We believe that CLE has great potential in the diagnosis of benign and malignant gastric lesions.展开更多
Gastric cancer(GC)is a multifactorial disease,where both environmental and genetic features can have an impact on its occurrence and development.GC represents one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwi...Gastric cancer(GC)is a multifactorial disease,where both environmental and genetic features can have an impact on its occurrence and development.GC represents one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.GC is most frequent in males and is believed to arise from a series of premalignant lesions.The detection of GC at an early stage is crucial because early GC,which is an invasive stomach cancer confined to the mucosal or submucosal lining,may be curable with a reported 5-year survival rate of more than 90%.Advanced GC usually has a poor prognosis despite current treatment standards.The diagnostic efficacy of conventional endoscopy(with light endoscopy)is currently limited.Confocal laser endomicroscopy is a novel imaging technique that allows real-time in vivo histological examination of mucosal surfaces during endoscopy.Confocal laser endomicroscopy may be of great importance in the surveillance of precancerous gastric lesions and in the diagnosis of GC.In this editorial we commented on the article about this topic published by Lou et al in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.展开更多
Confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)is a novel endoscopic modality that provides real-time histological information via high-resolution magnified view of the mucosa.CLE has a higher sensitivity,specificity,and diagnosti...Confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)is a novel endoscopic modality that provides real-time histological information via high-resolution magnified view of the mucosa.CLE has a higher sensitivity,specificity,and diagnostic accuracy in detecting atrophic gastritis as compared to chromoendoscopy and narrow-band imaging.It can even predict low-grade and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia by analyzing gastric pit patterns.CLE may have some advantages over the standard biopsy protocol,such as higher diagnostic yield and fewer biopsy requirements.Its diagnostic accuracy in detecting superficial gastric cancer is higher than that of white-light endoscopy.Inherent limitations,such as a narrow field of vision,can be surpassed by technological advancements and integration with other detection methods.Artificial intelligence holds promise in automated analysis of histopathological images.Thus,CLE can be helpful in screening for early gastric cancer and may help reduce the risk of complications from repeated biopsies,such as mucosal damage,bleeding,and infection.展开更多
Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a new endoscopic imaging technology that allows real-time, high-resolution observation of tomographic images of mucosal cells and subcellular levels in vivo, detecting microscopi...Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a new endoscopic imaging technology that allows real-time, high-resolution observation of tomographic images of mucosal cells and subcellular levels in vivo, detecting microscopic structural changes in mucosal morphology, and its in vivo immediate pathological diagnostic capability can avoid delays in mucosal pathological diagnosis and reduce the pain caused by repeated biopsies. CLE is known as “optical biopsy” and compared with other endoscopic techniques, it has obvious advantages. CLE systems include probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) and endoscope-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (eCLE). Since 2006, CLE has been widely used for the evaluation of various lesions in the digestive system, including esophageal, gastric, and colonic neoplasia, pancreatic cysts and solid lesions, and inflammatory bowel disease. The advent of CLE has made in vivo microscopic imaging possible, which has changed the endoscopic screening and diagnosis of multiple gastrointestinal (GI) lesions. However, the value of its use in GI diseases is still controversial. In this review, we focus on the application of CLE in the field of esophageal diseases.展开更多
The solidification process of a conventional superalloy, IN718, was investigated by confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM). The liquid fraction during solidification was obtained as a function of real time and te...The solidification process of a conventional superalloy, IN718, was investigated by confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM). The liquid fraction during solidification was obtained as a function of real time and temperature in reference with the in-situ observation. The characteristics of L→γ transformation were analyzed and the γ growing rate of each stage was also calculated. Scheil equation was employed to predict the segregation behavior, and the predict results are in consistence with the experimental results. As a result, the confocal scanning laser microscope shows a great potential for solidification process research.展开更多
Thygeson superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is a rare,chronic,inflammatory disorder,with adverse impact on the visual function and quality of life in patients.It was first described by Thygeson in 1950,1 as typic...Thygeson superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is a rare,chronic,inflammatory disorder,with adverse impact on the visual function and quality of life in patients.It was first described by Thygeson in 1950,1 as typically bilateral,corneal epithelial opacities without associated stromal involvement or corneal edema.Recurrent episodes of tearing,foreign body sensation,photophobia,and reduced vision are observed.To date,virus infection and immune factors have been considered as important risk factors for visual deterioration in the patients with TSPK,but the origin of the comeal opacities remains poorly understood.Keywords:Thygeson superficial punctate keratitis ; laser confocal microscopy展开更多
AIM: To classify the histological severity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection-associated gastritis by confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE). METHODS: Patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms or individual...AIM: To classify the histological severity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection-associated gastritis by confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE). METHODS: Patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms or individuals who were screened for gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. Histological severity of H. pylori infection-associated gastritis was graded according to the established CLE criteria. Diagnostic value of CLE for histo-logical gastritis was investigated and compared with that of white light endoscopy (WLE). Targeted biopsies from the sites observed by CLE were performed. RESULTS: A total of 118 consecutive patients with H. pylori infection-associated gastritis were enrolled in this study. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showedthat the sensitivity and specifi city of CLE were 82.9% and 90.9% for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, 94.6% and 97.4% for predicting gastric normal mucosa, 98.5% and 94.6% for predicting histological active inflammation, 92.9% and 95.2% for predicting glan-dular atrophy, 98.6% and 100% for diagnosing intes-tinal metaplasia, respectively. Post-CLE image analysis showed that goblet cells and absorptive cells were the two most common parameters on the CLE-diagnosed intestinal metaplasia (IM) images (P < 0.001). More his-tological lesions of the stomach could be found by CLE than by WLE (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CLE can accurately show the histological severity of H. pylori infection-associated gastritis. Mapping IM by CLE has a rather good diagnostic accuracy.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the diagnosis of different differentiated gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (IN) by magnifica-tion endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE). METHODS:...AIM:To evaluate the diagnosis of different differentiated gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (IN) by magnifica-tion endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE). METHODS:Eligible patients with suspected gastric IN lesions previously diagnosed by endoscopy in secondary hospitals and scheduled for further diagnosis and tratment were recruited for this study. Excluded from the study were patients who had liver cirrhosis, impaired renal function, acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, coagulopathy, esophageal varices, jaundice, and GI post-surgery. Also excluded were those who were pregnant, breastfeeding, were younger than 18 years old, or were unable to provide informed consent. All patients had all mucus and bile cleared from their stom-achs. They then received upper GI endoscopy. When a mucosal lesion is found during observation with whitelight imaging, the lesion is visualized using maximal magnification, employing gradual movement of the tip of the endoscope to bring the image into focus. Saved images are analyzed. Confocal images were evaluated by two endoscopists (Huang J and Li MY), who were familiar with CLE, blinded to the related information about the lesions, and asked to classify each lesion as either a low grade dysplasia (LGD) or high grade dysplasia (HGD) according to given criteria. The results were compared with the final histopathologic diagnosis. ME-NBI images were evaluated by two endoscopists (Lu ZS and Ling-Hu EQ) who were familiar with NBI, blinded to the related information about the lesions and CLE images, and were asked to classify each lesion as a LGD or HGD according to the "microvascular pattern and surface pattern" classification system. The results were compared with the final histopathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The study included 32 pathology-proven low grade gastric IN and 26 pathology-proven high grade gastric IN that were detected with any of the modalities. CLE and ME-NBI enabled clear visualization of the vascular microsurface patterns and microvascular structures of the gastric mucosa. The accuracy of the CLE and the ME-NBI diagnosis was 88% (95% CI:78%-98%) and 81% (95% CI: 69%-93%), respectively. The kappa coefficient of agreement between the histopathology and the in vivo CLE imaging was 0.755; between the histopathology and the in vivo CLE imaging was 0.615. McNemar's test (binomial distribution used) indicated that the agreement was significant (P < 0.05). When patients were diagnosed by MENBI with CLE, the overall accuracy of the diagnosis was 86.21% (95% CI:73%-96%), and the kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.713, according to McNemar's test (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Higher diagnostic accuracy, sensitivityand specificity of CLE over ME-NBI indicate the feasibility of these two techniques for the efficacious diagnostic classification of gastric IN.展开更多
Gastrointestinal cancers represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality,with incomplete response to chemotherapy in the advanced stages and poor prognosis.Angiogenesis plays a crucial part in tumor growth and meta...Gastrointestinal cancers represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality,with incomplete response to chemotherapy in the advanced stages and poor prognosis.Angiogenesis plays a crucial part in tumor growth and metastasis,with most gastrointestinal cancers depending strictly on the development of a new and devoted capillary network.Confocal laser endomicroscopy is a new technology which allows in vivo microscopic analysis of the gastrointestinal mucosa and its microvascularization during ongoing endoscopy by using topically or systemically administered contrast agents.Targeting markers of angiogenesis in association with confocal laser endomicroscopic examination(immunoendoscopy),as a future challenge,will add functional analysis to the morphological aspect of the neoplastic process.This review describes previous experience in endomicroscopic examination of the upper and lower digestive tract with emphasis on vascularization,resulting in a broad spectrum of potential clinical applications,and also preclinical research that could be translated to human studies.展开更多
While flexible endoscopy is essential for macroscopic evaluation,confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)has recently emerged as an endoscopic method enabling visualization at a cellular level.Two systems are currently avai...While flexible endoscopy is essential for macroscopic evaluation,confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)has recently emerged as an endoscopic method enabling visualization at a cellular level.Two systems are currently available,one based on miniprobes that can be inserted via a conventional endoscope or via a needle guided by endoscopic ultrasound.The second system has a confocal microscope integrated into the distal part of an endoscope.By adding molecular probes like fluorescein conjugated antibodies or fluorescent peptides to this procedure(either topically or systemically administered during on-going endoscopy),a novel world of molecular evaluation opens up.The method of molecular CLE could potentially be used for estimating the expression of important receptors in carcinomas,subsequently resulting in immediate individualization of treatment regimens,but also for improving the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic procedures by identifying otherwise invisible mucosal lesions.Furthermore,studies have shown that fluorescein labelled drugs can be used to estimate the affinity of the drug to a target organ,which probably can be correlated to the efficacy of the drug.However,several of the studies in this research field have been conducted in animal facilities or in vitro,while only a limited number of trials have actually been carried out in vivo.Therefore,safety issues still needs further evaluations.This review will present an overview of the implications and pitfalls,as well as future challenges of molecular CLE in gastrointestinal diseases.展开更多
To evaluate the clinical impact of confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) in the diagnosis and management of patients with an uncertain diagnosis. METHODSA retrospective chart review was performed. Patients who underwent...To evaluate the clinical impact of confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) in the diagnosis and management of patients with an uncertain diagnosis. METHODSA retrospective chart review was performed. Patients who underwent CLE between November 2013 and October 2015 and exhibited a poor correlation between endoscopic and histological findings were included. Baseline characteristics, indications, previous diagnostic studies, findings at the time of CLE, clinical management and histological results were analyzed. Interventions based on CLE findings were also analyzed. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of CLE and target biopsies of surgical specimens. RESULTSA total of 144 patients were included. Of these, 51% (74/144) were female. The mean age was 51 years old. In all, 41/144 (28.4%) lesions were neoplastic (13 bile duct, 10 gastric, 8 esophageal, 6 colonic, 1 duodenal, 1 rectal, 1 ampulloma and 1 pancreatic). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and observed agreement when CLE was used to detect N-lesions were 85.37%, 87.38%, 72.92%, 93.75% and 86.81%, respectively. Cohen’s Kappa was 69.20%, thus indicating good agreement. Changes in management were observed in 54% of the cases. CONCLUSIONCLE is a new diagnostic tool that has a significant clinical impact on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with uncertain diagnosis.展开更多
A laser scanning confocal imaging-surface plasmon resonance (LSCI-SPR) instrument integrated with a wavelength-dependent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor and a laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) is ...A laser scanning confocal imaging-surface plasmon resonance (LSCI-SPR) instrument integrated with a wavelength-dependent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor and a laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) is built to detect the bonding process of human IgG and fluorescent-labeled affinity purified antibodies in real time. The shifts of resonant wavelength at different reaction time stages are obtained by SPR, corresponding well with the changes of the fluorescence intensity collected by using LSCM. The instrument shows the merits of the combination and complementation of the SPR and LSCM, with such advantages as quantificational analysis, high spatial resolution and real time monitor, which are of great importance for practical applications in biosensor and life science.展开更多
Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, we have found that the in cells loaded with fluo-3/AM, highest intracellular Ca(2+) in the perinuclear region is associated with the Golgi apparatus. The spatiotemporal subcel...Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, we have found that the in cells loaded with fluo-3/AM, highest intracellular Ca(2+) in the perinuclear region is associated with the Golgi apparatus. The spatiotemporal subcellu lar distribution of Ca(2+) in living human fibroblasts exposing to calcium-free medium in response to agonists has been investigated. PDGF, which releases Ca(2+) from intracellular stores by inositol(1, 4, 5)-trisphosphate pathway,produced a biphasic transient rise in intracellular calcium.The initial rise was resulted from a direct release of calcium from the Golgi apparatus. Calcium could be also released from and reaccumulated into the Golgi apparatus by the stimulation of thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the Ca(2+) transport ATPase of intracellular calcium store. Permeablizing the plasma membrane by 10 μM digitonin resulted in the calcium release from the Golgi apparatus and depletion of the internal calcium store. These results suggest that the Golgi apparatus plays a role in Ca(2+) regulation in signal transduction.展开更多
BACKGROUND In the last decade, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) has emerged as a newendoscopic imaging modality for real-time in vivo histological examination at themicroscopic level. CLE has been shown to be usefu...BACKGROUND In the last decade, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) has emerged as a newendoscopic imaging modality for real-time in vivo histological examination at themicroscopic level. CLE has been shown to be useful for distinguishing benign andmalignant lesions and has been widely used in many digestive diseases. In ourstudy, we used CLE for the first time to examine the morphology of cholesterolpolyps as well as the different parts of normal gallbladder mucosa.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman was diagnosed by ultrasound with a polyp of 21 mm in thegallbladder wall. She consented to polyp removal by laparoscopic choledochoscopy.During laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with choledochoscopicpolyp resection, CLE was used to observe the morphology of the polyp surfacecells. The appearance of the mucosa and microvessels in various parts of thegallbladder were also observed under CLE. Through comparison betweenpostoperative pathology and intraoperative CLE diagnosis, the reliability ofintraoperative CLE diagnosis was confirmed. CLE is a reliable method to examineliving cell pathology during cholecystectomy. Based on our practice, CLE shouldbe prioritized in the diagnosis of gallbladder polyps.CONCLUSION Compared with traditional histological examination, CLE has several advantages.We believe that CLE has great potential in this field.展开更多
Recently,the use of confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE) in the diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis(CUC) was reported.In this brief report we aimed to assess the application of probe-based CLE to characterize coloni...Recently,the use of confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE) in the diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis(CUC) was reported.In this brief report we aimed to assess the application of probe-based CLE to characterize colonic mucosa and dysplasia in CUC.The study involved a patient presenting long-standing CUC.Confocal imaging of both the inflamed mucosa,a circumscribed lesion(dysplasiaassociated lesional mass),and adjacent colonic mucosa are demonstrated and the correlation between the CLE and histological images.Inflamed mucosa and dysplasia showed specific alteration of crypt architecture,cellular infiltration,and vessel architecture with an excellent correlation between CLE and standard histological examination.展开更多
To investigate the bacterial colonization on zirconium oxide and titanium surfaces in vivo quantitatively using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Ten samples of zirconium oxide ceramic and commercially pu...To investigate the bacterial colonization on zirconium oxide and titanium surfaces in vivo quantitatively using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Ten samples of zirconium oxide ceramic and commercially pure titanium were fabricated and polished using silicon carbide abrasive paper. One sample from each group was evaluated topographic pattern under a scanning electron microscope. One sample from each group was to evaluate roughness using a profilometer. Eight volunteers were selected. The samples were cemented at the buccal surfaces of upper first molars. All samples were removed after 48 hours, immersed in SYTO-9 and propidium iodide fluorescent to stain for adherent bacteria and obseIved with CLSM. Fewer bacteria were observed in zirconia group than titanium group. However, there was no statistical difference between two groups. The experimental results demonstrate that zirconium oxide may be considered as a promising material for dental implant abutments.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Alpha-tocopherol ( α-tocopherol) can effectively relieve neuronal damage induced by oxygen-centered free radicals. However, the effective dose remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protect...BACKGROUND: Alpha-tocopherol ( α-tocopherol) can effectively relieve neuronal damage induced by oxygen-centered free radicals. However, the effective dose remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of low-concentration α-tocopherol on neuronal membranes. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Contrast observation and in vitro study, performed at Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital between April and September 2006. MATERIALS: Fetal cortical neurons were derived from two 14-day pregnant SD rats, and α-tocopherol was provided by Sigma, USA. METHODS: The neurons were randomly assigned to six groups: (1) normal: neurons were cultured under normal conditions; (2) oxidative damage: oxidative free radicals was damaged using the Fenton reaction; (3) α-tocopherol: neurons were cultured in different concentrations of -tocopherol 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L for 2 hours, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neuronal membrane damage was observed using a confocal laser microscope, and malonaldehyde production was detected using the thiobarbituric acid method. RESULTS: At normal, biological concentrations (10 mg/L), α-tocopherol induced no change in the damaged neurons (P 〉 0.05). However, at a concentration of 80 mg/L, the number of damaged neurons was significantly reduced, compared with the damage group (P 〈 0.05). Malonaldehyde levels following 80 mg/L α-tocopherol treatment were less than the oxygen free radical damage group (P 〈 0.05), but greater than the control group (P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: A concentration of 80 mg/L α-tocopherol can effectively protect the neuronal cell membrane from oxidative damage展开更多
A new Quantum Dots(Qdots) nanocrystal composed of semiconductor core and zinc sulfide shell, and its feasibility as labels in immunofluorescence analysis for the imaging of tumor biomarkers by laser scanning confoca...A new Quantum Dots(Qdots) nanocrystal composed of semiconductor core and zinc sulfide shell, and its feasibility as labels in immunofluorescence analysis for the imaging of tumor biomarkers by laser scanning confocal microscope(LSCM) was investigated. Qdots taged by mercaptoacetic acid were conjugated with second antibody, then imaging differences of Heat Shock Proteins 70(HSP70) in renal carcinoma tissure sections with immunofluorescence analysis method using Qdots bioconjugates and conventional organic dye FITC were observed by LSCM to assess the brightness and opticalstability of Qdots. The experimental results showed Qdots bioconjugates achieved the better results in demonstrating HSP70 with more brighter color and more clear picture than FITC labels. Moreover, the label signals of Qdots did not fade clearly after continued exposure to a 488 nm laser for 1 h. The Qdots bioconjugates have good feasibility in immunofluorescence analysis for the bioimaging by LSCM.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate neoangiogenesis in patients with colon cancer by two fluorescently labeled antibodies on fresh biopsy samples imaged with confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE).METHODS: CLE is an imaging technique for ga...AIM: To evaluate neoangiogenesis in patients with colon cancer by two fluorescently labeled antibodies on fresh biopsy samples imaged with confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE).METHODS: CLE is an imaging technique for gastrointestinal endoscopy providing in vivo microscopy at subcellular resolution.An important question in validating tumor angiogenesis is what proportion of the tumor vascular network is represented by preexisting parent tissue vessels and newly formed vessels.CD105(endoglin) represents a proliferation-associated endothelial cell adhesion molecule.In contrast to panendothelial markers,such as CD31,CD105 is preferentially expressed in activated endothelial cells that participate in neovascularization.Thus,we evaluated CD105 and CD31 expression from samples of ten patients with primary rectal adenocarcinoma,using a dedicated endomicroscopy system.A imaging software was used to obtain the Z projection of the confocal serial images from each biopsy sample previously combined into stacks.Vascular density and vessel diameters were measured within two 50 μm x 475 μm rectangular regions of interest centered in the middle of each image in the horizontal and vertical direction.The results were averaged over all the patients and were expressed as the mean ± SE.RESULTS: The use of an anti-CD105 antibody was found to be suitable for the detection of blood vessels in colon cancer.Whereas anti-CD31 antibodies stained blood vessels in both normal and pathologic colon equally,CD105 expression was observed primarily in malignant lesions,with little or no expression in the vessels of the normal mucosa(244.21 ± 130.7 vessels/mm3 in only four patients).The average diameter of antiCD105 stained vessels was 10.97 ± 0.6 μm in tumor tissue,and the vessel density was 2787.40 ± 134.8 vessels/mm3.When using the anti-CD31 antibody,the average diameter of vessels in the normal colon tissue was 7.67 ± 0.5 μm and the vessel density was 3191.60 ± 387.8 vessels/mm3,while in the tumors we obtained an average diameter of 10.88 ± 0.8 μm and a vessel density of 4707.30 ± 448.85 vessels/mm3.Thus,there were more vessels stained with CD31 than CD105(P < 0.05).The average vessel diameter was similar for both CD31 and CD105 staining.A qualitative comparison between CLE vs immunohistochemistry lead to similar results.CONCLUSION: Specific imaging and quantification of tumor microvessels are feasible in human rectal cancer using CLE examination and CD105 immunostaining of fresh tissue samples.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Nos.U1860206,51725402)the Science and Technology Program of Hebei,China(Nos.20311006D,20591001D)。
文摘The dissolution kinetics of Al_(2)O_(3) in CaO-Al_(2)O_(3) SiOslags was studied using a high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscope at 1773 to 1873 K.The results show that the controlling step during the Al_(2)O_(3) dissolution was the diffusionin molten slag.It was found that the dissolution curves of Al_(2)O_(3) particles were hardly agreed with the traditional boundary layer diffusion model with the increase of the CaO/Al_(2)O_(3) ratio of slag.A modified diffusion equation considering slag viscosity was developed to study the dissolution mechanism of Al_(2)O_(3) in slag.Diffusion coefficients of Al_(2)O_(3) in slag were calculated as 2.8×10to 4.1×10m~2/s at the temperature of 1773-1873 K.The dissolution rate of Al_(2)O_(3) increased with higher temperature,CaO/Al_(2)O_(3),and particle size.A new model was shown to be v_(Al_(2)O_(3))=0.16×r_(0)^(1.58)×x^(3.52)×(T-T_(mp))^(1.11)to predict the dissolution rate and the total dissolution time of Al_(2)O_(3) inclusions with various sizes,where vAl_(2)O_(3) is the dissolution rate of Al_(2)O_(3) in volume,μm^(3)/s;x is the value of CaO/Al_(2)O_(3) mass ratio;R_(0) is the initial radius of Al_(2)O_(3),μm;T is the temperature,K;T_(mp) is the melting point of slag,K.
基金The Health Science and Technology Foundation of Inner Mongolia,No.202201436Science and Technology Innovation Foundation of Inner Mongolia,No.CXYD2022BT01.
文摘BACKGROUND In recent years,confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)has become a new endoscopic imaging technology at the microscopic level,which is extensively performed for real-time in vivo histological examination.CLE can be performed to distinguish benign from malignant lesions.In this study,we diagnosed using CLE an asymptomatic patient with poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with gastric mucosal lesions,which may be gastric cancer,in the small curvature of the stomach by gastroscopy.She consented to undergo CLE for morphological observation of the gastric mucosa.Through the combination of CLE diagnosis and postoperative pathology,the intraoperative CLE diagnosis was considered to be reliable.According to our experience,CLE can be performed as the first choice for the diagnosis of gastric cancer.CONCLUSION CLE has several advantages over pathological diagnosis.We believe that CLE has great potential in the diagnosis of benign and malignant gastric lesions.
文摘Gastric cancer(GC)is a multifactorial disease,where both environmental and genetic features can have an impact on its occurrence and development.GC represents one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.GC is most frequent in males and is believed to arise from a series of premalignant lesions.The detection of GC at an early stage is crucial because early GC,which is an invasive stomach cancer confined to the mucosal or submucosal lining,may be curable with a reported 5-year survival rate of more than 90%.Advanced GC usually has a poor prognosis despite current treatment standards.The diagnostic efficacy of conventional endoscopy(with light endoscopy)is currently limited.Confocal laser endomicroscopy is a novel imaging technique that allows real-time in vivo histological examination of mucosal surfaces during endoscopy.Confocal laser endomicroscopy may be of great importance in the surveillance of precancerous gastric lesions and in the diagnosis of GC.In this editorial we commented on the article about this topic published by Lou et al in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.
文摘Confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)is a novel endoscopic modality that provides real-time histological information via high-resolution magnified view of the mucosa.CLE has a higher sensitivity,specificity,and diagnostic accuracy in detecting atrophic gastritis as compared to chromoendoscopy and narrow-band imaging.It can even predict low-grade and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia by analyzing gastric pit patterns.CLE may have some advantages over the standard biopsy protocol,such as higher diagnostic yield and fewer biopsy requirements.Its diagnostic accuracy in detecting superficial gastric cancer is higher than that of white-light endoscopy.Inherent limitations,such as a narrow field of vision,can be surpassed by technological advancements and integration with other detection methods.Artificial intelligence holds promise in automated analysis of histopathological images.Thus,CLE can be helpful in screening for early gastric cancer and may help reduce the risk of complications from repeated biopsies,such as mucosal damage,bleeding,and infection.
文摘Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a new endoscopic imaging technology that allows real-time, high-resolution observation of tomographic images of mucosal cells and subcellular levels in vivo, detecting microscopic structural changes in mucosal morphology, and its in vivo immediate pathological diagnostic capability can avoid delays in mucosal pathological diagnosis and reduce the pain caused by repeated biopsies. CLE is known as “optical biopsy” and compared with other endoscopic techniques, it has obvious advantages. CLE systems include probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) and endoscope-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (eCLE). Since 2006, CLE has been widely used for the evaluation of various lesions in the digestive system, including esophageal, gastric, and colonic neoplasia, pancreatic cysts and solid lesions, and inflammatory bowel disease. The advent of CLE has made in vivo microscopic imaging possible, which has changed the endoscopic screening and diagnosis of multiple gastrointestinal (GI) lesions. However, the value of its use in GI diseases is still controversial. In this review, we focus on the application of CLE in the field of esophageal diseases.
基金Project(08dj1400402) supported by the Major Program for the Fundamental Research of Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology, China
文摘The solidification process of a conventional superalloy, IN718, was investigated by confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM). The liquid fraction during solidification was obtained as a function of real time and temperature in reference with the in-situ observation. The characteristics of L→γ transformation were analyzed and the γ growing rate of each stage was also calculated. Scheil equation was employed to predict the segregation behavior, and the predict results are in consistence with the experimental results. As a result, the confocal scanning laser microscope shows a great potential for solidification process research.
文摘Thygeson superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is a rare,chronic,inflammatory disorder,with adverse impact on the visual function and quality of life in patients.It was first described by Thygeson in 1950,1 as typically bilateral,corneal epithelial opacities without associated stromal involvement or corneal edema.Recurrent episodes of tearing,foreign body sensation,photophobia,and reduced vision are observed.To date,virus infection and immune factors have been considered as important risk factors for visual deterioration in the patients with TSPK,but the origin of the comeal opacities remains poorly understood.Keywords:Thygeson superficial punctate keratitis ; laser confocal microscopy
基金Supported by A Program from Clinical Projects of Ministry of Health of China (2007) and Taishan Scholar Program of Shandong Province
文摘AIM: To classify the histological severity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection-associated gastritis by confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE). METHODS: Patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms or individuals who were screened for gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. Histological severity of H. pylori infection-associated gastritis was graded according to the established CLE criteria. Diagnostic value of CLE for histo-logical gastritis was investigated and compared with that of white light endoscopy (WLE). Targeted biopsies from the sites observed by CLE were performed. RESULTS: A total of 118 consecutive patients with H. pylori infection-associated gastritis were enrolled in this study. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showedthat the sensitivity and specifi city of CLE were 82.9% and 90.9% for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, 94.6% and 97.4% for predicting gastric normal mucosa, 98.5% and 94.6% for predicting histological active inflammation, 92.9% and 95.2% for predicting glan-dular atrophy, 98.6% and 100% for diagnosing intes-tinal metaplasia, respectively. Post-CLE image analysis showed that goblet cells and absorptive cells were the two most common parameters on the CLE-diagnosed intestinal metaplasia (IM) images (P < 0.001). More his-tological lesions of the stomach could be found by CLE than by WLE (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CLE can accurately show the histological severity of H. pylori infection-associated gastritis. Mapping IM by CLE has a rather good diagnostic accuracy.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the diagnosis of different differentiated gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (IN) by magnifica-tion endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) and confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE). METHODS:Eligible patients with suspected gastric IN lesions previously diagnosed by endoscopy in secondary hospitals and scheduled for further diagnosis and tratment were recruited for this study. Excluded from the study were patients who had liver cirrhosis, impaired renal function, acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, coagulopathy, esophageal varices, jaundice, and GI post-surgery. Also excluded were those who were pregnant, breastfeeding, were younger than 18 years old, or were unable to provide informed consent. All patients had all mucus and bile cleared from their stom-achs. They then received upper GI endoscopy. When a mucosal lesion is found during observation with whitelight imaging, the lesion is visualized using maximal magnification, employing gradual movement of the tip of the endoscope to bring the image into focus. Saved images are analyzed. Confocal images were evaluated by two endoscopists (Huang J and Li MY), who were familiar with CLE, blinded to the related information about the lesions, and asked to classify each lesion as either a low grade dysplasia (LGD) or high grade dysplasia (HGD) according to given criteria. The results were compared with the final histopathologic diagnosis. ME-NBI images were evaluated by two endoscopists (Lu ZS and Ling-Hu EQ) who were familiar with NBI, blinded to the related information about the lesions and CLE images, and were asked to classify each lesion as a LGD or HGD according to the "microvascular pattern and surface pattern" classification system. The results were compared with the final histopathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The study included 32 pathology-proven low grade gastric IN and 26 pathology-proven high grade gastric IN that were detected with any of the modalities. CLE and ME-NBI enabled clear visualization of the vascular microsurface patterns and microvascular structures of the gastric mucosa. The accuracy of the CLE and the ME-NBI diagnosis was 88% (95% CI:78%-98%) and 81% (95% CI: 69%-93%), respectively. The kappa coefficient of agreement between the histopathology and the in vivo CLE imaging was 0.755; between the histopathology and the in vivo CLE imaging was 0.615. McNemar's test (binomial distribution used) indicated that the agreement was significant (P < 0.05). When patients were diagnosed by MENBI with CLE, the overall accuracy of the diagnosis was 86.21% (95% CI:73%-96%), and the kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.713, according to McNemar's test (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Higher diagnostic accuracy, sensitivityand specificity of CLE over ME-NBI indicate the feasibility of these two techniques for the efficacious diagnostic classification of gastric IN.
基金Supported by Research Grant,No.239/2007,entitled OCTEUS,financed by the CNCSIS Romaniaby the Sectoral Operational Programme Human Resources Development (SOP HRD),financed from the European Social Fundby the RomanianGovernment under the contract number POSDRU/89/1.5/S/64109
文摘Gastrointestinal cancers represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality,with incomplete response to chemotherapy in the advanced stages and poor prognosis.Angiogenesis plays a crucial part in tumor growth and metastasis,with most gastrointestinal cancers depending strictly on the development of a new and devoted capillary network.Confocal laser endomicroscopy is a new technology which allows in vivo microscopic analysis of the gastrointestinal mucosa and its microvascularization during ongoing endoscopy by using topically or systemically administered contrast agents.Targeting markers of angiogenesis in association with confocal laser endomicroscopic examination(immunoendoscopy),as a future challenge,will add functional analysis to the morphological aspect of the neoplastic process.This review describes previous experience in endomicroscopic examination of the upper and lower digestive tract with emphasis on vascularization,resulting in a broad spectrum of potential clinical applications,and also preclinical research that could be translated to human studies.
基金Supported by ERC-like nr.7/2012 "Real-time Evaluation of Treatment Effects in Advanced Colorectal Carcinoma (REACT)",project ID PNII-CT-ERC-2012-1financed by the Executive Agency for Higher Education,Research,Development and Innovation Funding (CNCS-UEFISCDI)+2 种基金Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research,Ministry of National Education,ROMANIAEstablishment of confocal laser endomicroscopy in Copenhagen was possible due to the generous contributions of A.P.Moller and Chastine McKinney Mollers Foundation,Foundation Jochum,The Toyota Foundation and the Foundation of Aase and Ejnar DanielsenThe Foundation of Arvid Nilsson and The Lundbeck Foundation supported the activity of JGK and AS,respectively
文摘While flexible endoscopy is essential for macroscopic evaluation,confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)has recently emerged as an endoscopic method enabling visualization at a cellular level.Two systems are currently available,one based on miniprobes that can be inserted via a conventional endoscope or via a needle guided by endoscopic ultrasound.The second system has a confocal microscope integrated into the distal part of an endoscope.By adding molecular probes like fluorescein conjugated antibodies or fluorescent peptides to this procedure(either topically or systemically administered during on-going endoscopy),a novel world of molecular evaluation opens up.The method of molecular CLE could potentially be used for estimating the expression of important receptors in carcinomas,subsequently resulting in immediate individualization of treatment regimens,but also for improving the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic procedures by identifying otherwise invisible mucosal lesions.Furthermore,studies have shown that fluorescein labelled drugs can be used to estimate the affinity of the drug to a target organ,which probably can be correlated to the efficacy of the drug.However,several of the studies in this research field have been conducted in animal facilities or in vitro,while only a limited number of trials have actually been carried out in vivo.Therefore,safety issues still needs further evaluations.This review will present an overview of the implications and pitfalls,as well as future challenges of molecular CLE in gastrointestinal diseases.
文摘To evaluate the clinical impact of confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) in the diagnosis and management of patients with an uncertain diagnosis. METHODSA retrospective chart review was performed. Patients who underwent CLE between November 2013 and October 2015 and exhibited a poor correlation between endoscopic and histological findings were included. Baseline characteristics, indications, previous diagnostic studies, findings at the time of CLE, clinical management and histological results were analyzed. Interventions based on CLE findings were also analyzed. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of CLE and target biopsies of surgical specimens. RESULTSA total of 144 patients were included. Of these, 51% (74/144) were female. The mean age was 51 years old. In all, 41/144 (28.4%) lesions were neoplastic (13 bile duct, 10 gastric, 8 esophageal, 6 colonic, 1 duodenal, 1 rectal, 1 ampulloma and 1 pancreatic). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and observed agreement when CLE was used to detect N-lesions were 85.37%, 87.38%, 72.92%, 93.75% and 86.81%, respectively. Cohen’s Kappa was 69.20%, thus indicating good agreement. Changes in management were observed in 54% of the cases. CONCLUSIONCLE is a new diagnostic tool that has a significant clinical impact on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with uncertain diagnosis.
基金supported by the Instrument Developing Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.YZ200740)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.60978034 and 10974019)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Grant No.2009AA03Z318)
文摘A laser scanning confocal imaging-surface plasmon resonance (LSCI-SPR) instrument integrated with a wavelength-dependent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor and a laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) is built to detect the bonding process of human IgG and fluorescent-labeled affinity purified antibodies in real time. The shifts of resonant wavelength at different reaction time stages are obtained by SPR, corresponding well with the changes of the fluorescence intensity collected by using LSCM. The instrument shows the merits of the combination and complementation of the SPR and LSCM, with such advantages as quantificational analysis, high spatial resolution and real time monitor, which are of great importance for practical applications in biosensor and life science.
文摘Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, we have found that the in cells loaded with fluo-3/AM, highest intracellular Ca(2+) in the perinuclear region is associated with the Golgi apparatus. The spatiotemporal subcellu lar distribution of Ca(2+) in living human fibroblasts exposing to calcium-free medium in response to agonists has been investigated. PDGF, which releases Ca(2+) from intracellular stores by inositol(1, 4, 5)-trisphosphate pathway,produced a biphasic transient rise in intracellular calcium.The initial rise was resulted from a direct release of calcium from the Golgi apparatus. Calcium could be also released from and reaccumulated into the Golgi apparatus by the stimulation of thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the Ca(2+) transport ATPase of intracellular calcium store. Permeablizing the plasma membrane by 10 μM digitonin resulted in the calcium release from the Golgi apparatus and depletion of the internal calcium store. These results suggest that the Golgi apparatus plays a role in Ca(2+) regulation in signal transduction.
文摘BACKGROUND In the last decade, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) has emerged as a newendoscopic imaging modality for real-time in vivo histological examination at themicroscopic level. CLE has been shown to be useful for distinguishing benign andmalignant lesions and has been widely used in many digestive diseases. In ourstudy, we used CLE for the first time to examine the morphology of cholesterolpolyps as well as the different parts of normal gallbladder mucosa.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman was diagnosed by ultrasound with a polyp of 21 mm in thegallbladder wall. She consented to polyp removal by laparoscopic choledochoscopy.During laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with choledochoscopicpolyp resection, CLE was used to observe the morphology of the polyp surfacecells. The appearance of the mucosa and microvessels in various parts of thegallbladder were also observed under CLE. Through comparison betweenpostoperative pathology and intraoperative CLE diagnosis, the reliability ofintraoperative CLE diagnosis was confirmed. CLE is a reliable method to examineliving cell pathology during cholecystectomy. Based on our practice, CLE shouldbe prioritized in the diagnosis of gallbladder polyps.CONCLUSION Compared with traditional histological examination, CLE has several advantages.We believe that CLE has great potential in this field.
文摘Recently,the use of confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE) in the diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis(CUC) was reported.In this brief report we aimed to assess the application of probe-based CLE to characterize colonic mucosa and dysplasia in CUC.The study involved a patient presenting long-standing CUC.Confocal imaging of both the inflamed mucosa,a circumscribed lesion(dysplasiaassociated lesional mass),and adjacent colonic mucosa are demonstrated and the correlation between the CLE and histological images.Inflamed mucosa and dysplasia showed specific alteration of crypt architecture,cellular infiltration,and vessel architecture with an excellent correlation between CLE and standard histological examination.
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81271179)the Scientific Research Foundation for Returned Scholars,Ministry of Education of China(No.(2011)1568)the Science and Technology Program of Shanghai Pudong New Area Health Bureau(No.PW2010A-14)
文摘To investigate the bacterial colonization on zirconium oxide and titanium surfaces in vivo quantitatively using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Ten samples of zirconium oxide ceramic and commercially pure titanium were fabricated and polished using silicon carbide abrasive paper. One sample from each group was evaluated topographic pattern under a scanning electron microscope. One sample from each group was to evaluate roughness using a profilometer. Eight volunteers were selected. The samples were cemented at the buccal surfaces of upper first molars. All samples were removed after 48 hours, immersed in SYTO-9 and propidium iodide fluorescent to stain for adherent bacteria and obseIved with CLSM. Fewer bacteria were observed in zirconia group than titanium group. However, there was no statistical difference between two groups. The experimental results demonstrate that zirconium oxide may be considered as a promising material for dental implant abutments.
基金Supported by:the 211 Key Subject Construction Foundation of Tianjin,No. 05YFGD5F02500
文摘BACKGROUND: Alpha-tocopherol ( α-tocopherol) can effectively relieve neuronal damage induced by oxygen-centered free radicals. However, the effective dose remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of low-concentration α-tocopherol on neuronal membranes. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Contrast observation and in vitro study, performed at Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital between April and September 2006. MATERIALS: Fetal cortical neurons were derived from two 14-day pregnant SD rats, and α-tocopherol was provided by Sigma, USA. METHODS: The neurons were randomly assigned to six groups: (1) normal: neurons were cultured under normal conditions; (2) oxidative damage: oxidative free radicals was damaged using the Fenton reaction; (3) α-tocopherol: neurons were cultured in different concentrations of -tocopherol 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L for 2 hours, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neuronal membrane damage was observed using a confocal laser microscope, and malonaldehyde production was detected using the thiobarbituric acid method. RESULTS: At normal, biological concentrations (10 mg/L), α-tocopherol induced no change in the damaged neurons (P 〉 0.05). However, at a concentration of 80 mg/L, the number of damaged neurons was significantly reduced, compared with the damage group (P 〈 0.05). Malonaldehyde levels following 80 mg/L α-tocopherol treatment were less than the oxygen free radical damage group (P 〈 0.05), but greater than the control group (P 〈 0.01). CONCLUSION: A concentration of 80 mg/L α-tocopherol can effectively protect the neuronal cell membrane from oxidative damage
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.303711325)
文摘A new Quantum Dots(Qdots) nanocrystal composed of semiconductor core and zinc sulfide shell, and its feasibility as labels in immunofluorescence analysis for the imaging of tumor biomarkers by laser scanning confocal microscope(LSCM) was investigated. Qdots taged by mercaptoacetic acid were conjugated with second antibody, then imaging differences of Heat Shock Proteins 70(HSP70) in renal carcinoma tissure sections with immunofluorescence analysis method using Qdots bioconjugates and conventional organic dye FITC were observed by LSCM to assess the brightness and opticalstability of Qdots. The experimental results showed Qdots bioconjugates achieved the better results in demonstrating HSP70 with more brighter color and more clear picture than FITC labels. Moreover, the label signals of Qdots did not fade clearly after continued exposure to a 488 nm laser for 1 h. The Qdots bioconjugates have good feasibility in immunofluorescence analysis for the bioimaging by LSCM.
基金Supported by National Research Council(CNCS),Romania,entitled"Clinical and Biomathematical Modeling of Vascular Changes Following anti-angiogenic Therapy in advanced Color-ectal Carcinoma",contract number PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-3-0664the European Social Found,Human Resources Development Operational Programme 2007-2013,No.POSDRU/159/1.5/S/136893
文摘AIM: To evaluate neoangiogenesis in patients with colon cancer by two fluorescently labeled antibodies on fresh biopsy samples imaged with confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE).METHODS: CLE is an imaging technique for gastrointestinal endoscopy providing in vivo microscopy at subcellular resolution.An important question in validating tumor angiogenesis is what proportion of the tumor vascular network is represented by preexisting parent tissue vessels and newly formed vessels.CD105(endoglin) represents a proliferation-associated endothelial cell adhesion molecule.In contrast to panendothelial markers,such as CD31,CD105 is preferentially expressed in activated endothelial cells that participate in neovascularization.Thus,we evaluated CD105 and CD31 expression from samples of ten patients with primary rectal adenocarcinoma,using a dedicated endomicroscopy system.A imaging software was used to obtain the Z projection of the confocal serial images from each biopsy sample previously combined into stacks.Vascular density and vessel diameters were measured within two 50 μm x 475 μm rectangular regions of interest centered in the middle of each image in the horizontal and vertical direction.The results were averaged over all the patients and were expressed as the mean ± SE.RESULTS: The use of an anti-CD105 antibody was found to be suitable for the detection of blood vessels in colon cancer.Whereas anti-CD31 antibodies stained blood vessels in both normal and pathologic colon equally,CD105 expression was observed primarily in malignant lesions,with little or no expression in the vessels of the normal mucosa(244.21 ± 130.7 vessels/mm3 in only four patients).The average diameter of antiCD105 stained vessels was 10.97 ± 0.6 μm in tumor tissue,and the vessel density was 2787.40 ± 134.8 vessels/mm3.When using the anti-CD31 antibody,the average diameter of vessels in the normal colon tissue was 7.67 ± 0.5 μm and the vessel density was 3191.60 ± 387.8 vessels/mm3,while in the tumors we obtained an average diameter of 10.88 ± 0.8 μm and a vessel density of 4707.30 ± 448.85 vessels/mm3.Thus,there were more vessels stained with CD31 than CD105(P < 0.05).The average vessel diameter was similar for both CD31 and CD105 staining.A qualitative comparison between CLE vs immunohistochemistry lead to similar results.CONCLUSION: Specific imaging and quantification of tumor microvessels are feasible in human rectal cancer using CLE examination and CD105 immunostaining of fresh tissue samples.