Development of a portable reflectance confocal microscope and its application in the noninvasive in vivo evaluation of mesenchymal stem cell-promoted cutaneous wound healing

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.

Quantum Dots as Fluorescent Labels for Detection of Heat Shock Protein in Tumor Tissue Using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope

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.

Solidification process of conventional superalloy by confocal scanning laser microscope

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.

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Evaluation of Early Bacterial Colonization on Zirconium Oxide and Titanium Surfaces:An in vivo Study

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.

In situ observation of the dissolution kinetics of Al_(2)O_(3) particles in CaO–Al_(2)O_(3)–SiO_(2) slags using laser confocal scanning microscopy

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.

Comment on in vivo corneal confocal microscopic analysis in patients with keratoconus

Dear Editor,The article by Bitirgen et al;published in the journal presents an interesting analysis of keratoconus patients and controls by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy.However,addressing the following observations regarding the study design used by the authors may help add another dimension to the discussion.The age range of the patient group has been stated as 18-41y and for controls as 18-37y.Although the mean age is similar

Highly specific characterization and discrimination of monosodium urate crystals in gouty arthritis based on aggregation-induced emission luminogens

Existing technologies used to detect monosodium urate(MSU)crystals for gout diagnosis are not ideal due to their low sensitivity and complexity of operation.The purpose of this study was to explore whether aggregation-induced emission luminogens(AIEgens)can be used for highly specific imaging of MSU crystals to assist in the diagnosis of gout.First,we developed a series of luminogens(i.e.,tetraphenyl ethylene(TPE)-NH_(2),TPE-2NH_(2),TPE-4NH_(2),TPE-COOH,TPE-2COOH,TPE-4COOH,and TPE-Ketoalkyne),each of which was then evenly mixed with MSU crystals.Next,optimal fluorescence imaging of each of the luminogens was characterized by a confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM).This approach was used for imaging standard samples of MSU,hydroxyapatite(HAP)crystals,and mixed samples with 1:1 mass ratio of MSU/HAP.We also imaged samples from mouse models of acute gouty arthritis,HAP deposition disease,and comorbidities of interest.Subsequently,CLSM imaging results were compared with those of compensated polarized light microscopy,and we assessed the biosafety of TPE-Ketoalkyne in the RAW264.7 cell line.Finally,CLSM time series and three-dimensional imaging were performed on MSU crystal samples from human gouty synovial fluid and tophi.As a promising candidate for MSU crystal labeling,TPE-Ketoalkyne was found to detect MSU crystals accurately and rapidly in standard samples,animal samples,and human samples,and could precisely distinguish gout from HAP deposition disease.This work demonstrates that TPE-Ketoalkyne is suitable for highly specific and timely imaging of MSU crystals in gouty arthritis and may facilitate future research on MSU crystal-related diseases.

Corneal collagen cross-linking and liposomal amphotericin B combination therapy for fungal keratitis in rabbits

AIM： To observe the therapeutic effect of corneal collagen cross-linking（CXL） in combination with liposomal amphotericin B in fungal corneal ulcers.METHODS： New Zealand rabbits were induced fungal corneal ulcers by scratching and randomly divided into 3groups, i.e. control, treated with CXL, and combined therapy of CXL with 0.25% liposomal amphotericin B（n =5 each）. The corneal lesions were documented with slit-lamp and confocal microscopy on 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after treatment. The corneas were examined with transmission electron microscopy（TEM） at 4wk.RESULTS： A rabbit corneal ulcer model of Fusarium was successfully established. The corneal epithelium defect areas in the two treatment groups were smaller than that in the control group on 3, 7, 14 and 21d（P 〈0.05）. The corneal epithelium defect areas of the combined group was smaller than that of the CXL group（P 〈0.05） on 7 and 14 d, but there were no statistical differences on 3, 21 and 28 d. The corneal epithelium defects of the two treatment groups have been healed by day 21. The corneal epithelium defects of the control group were healed on 28 d. The diameters of the corneal collagen fiber bundles（42.960 ±7.383 nm in the CXL group and 37.040±4.160 nm in the combined group） were thicker than that of the control group（24.900±1.868 nm）,but there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Some corneal collagen fiber bundles were distorted and with irregular arrangement, a large number of fibroblasts could be seen among them but no inflammatory cells in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION： CXL combined with liposomal amphotericin B have beneficial effects on fungal corneal ulcers. The combined therapy could alleviate corneal inflammattions, accelerate corneal repair, and shorten the course of disease.

Effect of Cholic Acid on Fetal Cardiac Myocytes in Intrahepatic Choliestasis of Pregnancy

This study examined the effect of cholic acid （CA） on cultured cardiac myoeytes （CMs） from neonatal rats with an attempt to explore the possible mechanism of sudden fetal death in intra- hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy （ICP）. Inverted microscopy was performed to detect the impact of CA on the beating rates of rat CMs. MTT method was used to study the effect of CA on the viability of CMs. CMs cultured in vitro were incubated with 10 ~maol/L Ca2＋-sensitive fluorescence indicator fluo-3/AM. The fluorescence signals of free calcium induced by CA were measured under a laser scanning confocal microscope. The results showed that CA decreased the beating rates of the CMs in a dose-dependent manner. CA could suppress the activities of CMs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. CA increased the concentration of intracellular free calcium in a dose-dependent manner. Our study suggested that CA could inhibit the activity of CMs by causing calcium overload, thereby leading to the sudden fetal death in ICP.

Overexpression of Myocardin-related transcription factor-A attenuated middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion-induced apoptosis via the Mcl-1/Cyt C/cleaved caspase 3 pathway

To investigate the effect of Myocardin related transcription factor A(MRTF-A)on apoptosis induced by ischemic/reperfusion(I/R),middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)in rats were applied to mimic I/R.The neurological deficit score,cerebral infarct size,cortical neuron apoptosis and cleaved caspase 3 level were evaluated to determine the effect and the level of apoptosis by TTC straining,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)straining,Western blot and immunofuorescence staining.The myeloid cell leukemia-1(Mcl-1)expression,release of cytochrome C(Cyt C)and its colocalization with apoptotic pro-tease activating factor-1(Apaf-1)were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR),Western blot,and immunofuorescence staining.The results showed that MRTF-A over-expression could decrease the neurological deficit score and reduce cerebral infarct size(P<0.01 versus Sham).In the MRTF-A-I/R group,TUNEL-positive cells and apoptosis ratio(%)(51.61±6.17%)were significantly decreased compared to the Neg-I/R group(76.45±8.77%)at 24 h reperfusion.Meanwhile,the cleaved caspase 3 expression revealed a similar trend while the expression of Mcl-1 was the opposite.Moreover,MRTF-A overexpression significantly enhanced Mcl-1 fAuorescence intensity,which up-regulated the mRNA and protein level(P<0.05or P<0.01 versus Neg-I/R).Furthermore,MRTF-A overexpression markedly inhibited the release of Cyt C,and decreased the colocalization with Apaf-1 in the cytoplasm(P<0.05 or P<0.01.versus Neg-I/R).All the data indicated that MRTF-A overexpression could improve the neu-rological function against cerebral I/R-induced apoptosis since underlying mechanism might be involved in the Mc-1/Cyt C/cleaved caspase 3 signaling pathway.

The Expression of the IGF Family During Mouse Mammary Gland Development

This study was to determine the patterns and levels of IGF family members＇ expression during postnatal mammary gland development. The authors investigated the protein expression profile of the major components of the IGF axis in murine mammary glands. All the proteins examined, IGF- Ⅰ, IGF- Ⅱ, and IGF- Ⅰ receptor （IGF-Ⅰ R） were expressed at greatly different levels and displayed unique expression profiles. IGF- Ⅱ and IGF- ⅠR were always expressed at significantly higher levels than IGF- Ⅰ. IGF- Ⅰwas localized in adipocytes as well as the epithelial and stromal compartments, but just distinctly expressed where mammary cells aggregated to form ducts, in virgins. The IGF- Ⅱ was localized only on the basal layer epithelial cell membranes of ducts and alveoli, with a peak level on the initiation of lactation. The higher level of IGF- ⅠR compared with IGF- Ⅰ was also found in adipocytes as well as in the epithelial and stromal compartments, especially during pregnancy and late lactation. The IGF- Ⅰ R pathway was obviously significant for the development of the mammary parenchyma and stroma. Overall, the comparison of the expression profiles of these different proteins would strongly suggest that they were likely to have different functions throughout the mammary gland development, and it also highlighted the potential interactions and coregulation of the members of this axis. It seems that IGF- Ⅱ was the major local modulator rather than IGF- Ⅰ by an IGF- Ⅰ R-independent pathway, especially for initiation of lactation. This study has demonstrated the importance and complexity of the IGF axis during mammary gland development and provides a valuable resource for future research in this area.

THE COCHlEAR RIBBON SYNAPTIC RESPONSE TO AMINOGIYCOSIDE OTOTOXICITY IN C57BL/6J MICE

Objective To investigate the early change of cochlear ribbon synapses on inner hair cells in response to aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Methods C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal injection of gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day), and the apical coil organ of Corti was examined on the 4th, 7th and 10th day (n=10). Litter-mates without gentamicin treatment served as controls (n=10). RIBEYE on the presynaptic membrane and AMPA receptors on the postsynaptic membrane were labeled with CtBP2 or GluR2/3 respectively. Three di-mension reconstruction was conducted using the 3DS MAX 8.0 software. Results There were no disruptions of outer or inner hair cells in all groups. However, the number of ribbon synapses on cochlear inner hair cells increased significantly within 7 days after gentamicin exposure (P<0.01), followed by a significant de-crease after 7 days.Conclusion During the early stage of aminoglycoside ototoxicity, increased population of cochlear ribbon synapses may indicate a significant down-regulation of synaptic function.

Optimizing signal collection efficiency of the VIPA-based Brillouin spectrometer

Brillouin spectroscopy is an emerging tool for microscopic optical imaging as it allows for non-invasive and direct assessment of the viscoelastic properties of materials.Recent advances of background-free confocal Brillouin spectrometer allows investigators to acquire the Brillouin spectra for turbid samples as well as transparent ones.However,due to strong signal loss induced by the imperfect optical setup,the Brillouin photons are usually immersed in background noise.In this report,we proposed and experimentally demonstrated multiple approaches to enhance the signal collction eficiency.A signal enhancement by>4 times can be observed,enabling ob-servation of ultra-weak signals.

Thermo-Calc calculations and studies of the heating process of Fe_(83)Si_4B_(13) alloy

The microstructural changes of Fe83Si4B13 amorphous mother alloy during the heating process were investigated by Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy （LSCM） ,and the phase transformation was determined by the Thermo-Calc calculations. The differences in the melting points measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry （DSC） and LSCM, and those obtained by Thermo-Calc calculations were also discussed. It is found that the melting points measured by DSC and LSCM are relatively similar, whereas the onset and end of the melting temperatures calculated by Thermo-Calc software are higher than those measured by DSC and observed by LSCM.

Effects of Arecoline on Calcium Channel Currents and Caffeine-induced Calcium Release in Isolated Single Ventricular

The effects of Arecoline (Are) on calcium m obilization were investigated. In isolated single ventricular m yocyte of guinea pig,patch clamp whole cell recording techniques were used to record the current of L - type calcium channel and cytosolic Ca2 + level ([Ca2 + ]i) labeled with fluo- rescence probe Fluo- 3/ AM was m easured under a laser scanning confocal microscope.Results re- vealed that Are(3- 10 0 μm ol/ L) could inhibit L- type calcium current in a concentration- depen- dent manner and the value of IC50 was33.73μm ol/ L (n=5 ) .In the absence of extracellular calci- um,the resting levels of[Ca2 + ]i was not affected by Are(n=6 ,P>0 .0 5 ) ,but pretreatment with Are(30 μmol/ L) could significantly inhibit the[Ca2 + ]i elevation induced by caffeine(10 m mol/ L,n=6 ,P<0 .0 1) .It was concluded that Are could inhibit not only calcium influx through L- type calcium channel but also calcium release from sarcoplasm ic reticulum.

The Expression of Cyclins in Neurons of Rats after Focal Cerebral Ischemia

The change of the expression of Cyclins in neurons of rats after focal cerebral ischemia was investigated. Ischemia was induced by temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. The experimental rats induced by MCAO were sacrificed on 7th and 14th day after reperfusion. The brain was taken out at 7th and 14th day after injury, and the expression of Cyclin D1, E, A and B1 in neurons of cerebral cortex or hippocampal CA1 region was detected by immunofluorescence and confocal microscope. The results showed that after MCAO, in the ipsilateral CA1 subfield of hippocampus the expression of Cyclin D1, E, A and B1 in neurons was significantly gradually up-regulated at 7th and 14th day after reperfusion （P〈0.05） as compared with that in control group. In the ipsilateral cerebral cortex the expression of Cyclin D1 and B1 in neurons was notably gradually down-regulated at 7th and 14th day, and that of Cyclin E and A was significantly up-regulated at 14th day after reperfusion as compared with that in control group （all P〈0.05）. It was concluded that there was a differential sensitivity among neurons from different brain regions to ischemic injury. But all of them re-enter into cell cycle after MCAO.

Austenite formation during intercritical annealing in C-Mn cold-rolled dual phase steel

Two different kinds of experimental techniques were used to in-situ study the austenite formation during intercritical annealing in C-Mn dual phase steel. The microstructure evolution was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope, and the austenite isothermal and non-isothermal transformation kinetics were studied by dilatometry. The results indicate that banded structure is produced for the reason of composition segregation and the competition between recrystallization and phase transformation. Austenite prefers to nucleate not only at ferrite/ferrite grain boundaries, but also inside the grains of ferrite.Furthermore, the austenitizing process is accomplished mainly via migration of the existing austenite/ferrite interface rather than nucleation of new grains. The incubation process can be divided into two stages which are controlled by carbon and manganese diffusion, respectively. During the incubation process, the nucleation rate of austenite decreases, and austenite growth changes from two-dimensional to one-dimensional. The partitioning coefficient, defined as the ratio of manganese content in the austenite to that in the adjacent ferrite, increases with increasing soaking time.

A Confocal Technique Applicable to Studies of Cellular pH-related Signaling in Plants

pH may act as a crucial signal in both animal and plant cells. It is very difficult to monitor pH signals and this has largely hindered progress in the investigation of pH signaling, particulady systematic pH signaling. Here, we report the development of a confocal technique to monitor leaf apoplastic pH in intact plants, which is particularly suitable for the studies on root to shoot signaling. A variety of different pH indicators and plant species were tested. It was found that different pH indicators, for example, 2＇,7＇-Bis-（2-carboxyethyl）-5-（and-6）-carboxyfluoresce （BCECF）, SNARF-4F 5-（and-6）- carboxylic acid （SNARF） and DM-NERF （NERF）, were of different properties, and to successfully monitor pH at a sub-cellular level, the comparability between the pH indicator and plant species must be involved according to their suitable pH range and loading characteristics. The loading characteristics of different pH indicators differ with different plant species, cell types and their developing stages. No matter what methods were adopted, BCECF and SNARF could not be loaded specifically in the leaf apoplast in sunflower, tomato, and Comelina communis L. In contrast, regardless of the methods adopted, NERF could be loaded efficiently and specifically in the leaf apoplast in C. communis, but not in other plants. In C. communis, the determination coefficient for in vitro and in situ calibration of NERF was very high, which was respectively 0.9951 and 0.991 6, and therefore, the adoption of NERF together with C. communis could construct an ideal experimental system that is suitable for the investigation of pH systematic signaling. Ratio image analysis demonstrated that the leaf apoplastic pH was about 5.5 in non-stressed conditions, and water deficit could trigger an increase in pH by about half a pH unit, which is the first evidence to directly indicate that pH is able to act as a systematic signal under water deficit conditions.

A Protocol for Fractal Studies on Porosity of Porous Media: High Quality Soil Porosity Images

A protocol for obtaining digital images from natural porous media with a wide range of pore sizes, intended for fractal studies of the porosity, is proposed. Soil porosity is used as para- digm of complex natural porous media in this study. The use of several imaging devices and fluores- cent compounds to enhance the contrast between the solid and the pore phase is tested. Finally a protocol is reached using a photo camera and a confocal microscope. It is the first time that confocal microscopy is used for this purpose. Artificial porous images are created through random Sierpinski carpet fractals and the statistical information of real soil images. These ground truth images are used in an objective comparison of automatic segmentation algorithms for the obtained images. A statistical classification on the performance of several automatic segmentation algorithms for this tv^e of images is reached.

Effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor on the calcium transients and calcium handling proteins in ventricular myocytes from rats with heart failure

Background Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with calcium transients and calcium handling proteins. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor has been demonstrated to have beneficial effect on CHF. Yet studies addressed to the relationship between ACE inhibitor and calcium transients in CHF are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ACE inhibitor (perindopril) on the contractility and calcium transients and calcium handling proteins in ventricular myocytes from rats with experimental heart failure.Methods Male Wistar rats were randomized to heart failure group treated with perindopril (CHF-T, 3 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ), heart failure group without treatment (CHF-C) and sham-operated group (PS). Heart failure was induced by abdominal aortic constriction. All groups were further followed up for 12 weeks. Left ventricular myocytes were then isolated. Single cell shortening fraction and [Ca 2+ ]_i were simultaneously measured by laser scanning confocal microscope under the field stimulation (1.0 Hz). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to evaluate the changes of mRNA and protein of Na +-Ca 2+ exchanger (NCX_1), sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA_2) and phospholamban (PLB).Results The fraction of cell shortening (FS%) and [Ca 2+ ]_ imax (nmol/L) were significantly reduced in group CHF-C compared with group PS (FS%: 7.51±1.15 vs 13.21±1.49;[Ca 2+ ]_ imax :330.85±50.05 vs 498.16±14.07; both P <0.01), and restored at least partially in CHF-T group. In CHF-C group, the left ventricular mRNA of NCX_1 and PLB were significantly upregulated in comparing with PS group (R_ NCX1/β-Actin : 0.51±0.12 vs 0.19±0.06, P <0.01; R_ PLB/β-Actin : 0.26±0.12 vs 0.20±0.08, P <0.05), while SERCA_2 mRNA was downregulated (0.48±0.10 vs 0.80±0.11, P <0.01). The mRNA levels of NCX_1 and SERCA_2 in CHF-T group were between the CHF-C and PS group, and the differences of the latter two groups were significant (all P <0.05). In CHF-C and CHF-T groups, the protein expression of NCX_1 were 1.141±0.047 and 1.074±0.081 times of that in PS group respectively (both P <0.05), and SERCA_2 protein levels were 0.803±0.100 and 0.893±0.084 times of that in PS group respectively (both P <0.05). The protein expression of NCX_1 and SERCA_2 in the CHF-C and CHF-T groups is significantly different (both P <0.05).ConclusionACE inhibitor could improve cardiac function of failing heart through directly enhancing the contractility of single cardiomyocyte, and these effects are probably mediated by its roles in preventing the deleterious changes of calcium transients and calcium handling proteins in CHF.