Recent developments of fluorescence imaging technology in the second near-infrared window

Background:Fluorescence bio-imaging in the second near-infrared window(NIR-II FL,1000-1700nm)has great potential in clinical theranostics,which is of great importance providing precise locations of lesions and molecular dynamic actions simultaneously in a single nanoprobe.Methods:T here has been an upsurge of multidisciplinary research focusing on developing functional types of inorganic and organic nanoprobes that can be used for NIR-II FL with the high spatiotemporal resolution,deep tissue penetration,and negligible auto-fluorescence.Results:In this mini-review,we summarize recent progress in inorganic/organic NIR-II FL nanoprobes.We introduce the design and properties of inorganic and organic nanoprobes,in the order of single-walled carbon nanotubes,quantum dots,rare-earth-doped nanoparticles,metal nanoclusters and organic fluorophores,expect to realize precise diagnosis and efficient image-guided therapy.Conclusion:Meanwhile,to elucidate the problems and perspectives,we aim to offer diverse biological applications of inorganic/organic NIR-II FL nanoprobes and accelerate the clinical transformation progress.

Efficacy of multi-color near-infrared fluorescence with indocyanine green:A new imaging strategy and its early experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND Near-infrared fluorescence imaging via using intravenous indocyanine green(ICG)has a wide range of applications in multiple surgical scenarios.In lapa-roscopic cholecystectomy(LC),it facilitates intraoperative identification of the biliary system and reduces the risk of bile duct injury.However,the usual single color fluorescence imaging(SCFI)has limitations in manifesting the fluorescence signal of the target structure when its intensity is relatively low.Moreover,sur-geons often experience visual fatigue.We hypothesized that a novel imaging stra-tegy,named multi-color fluorescence imaging(MCFI),could potentially address these issues by decreasing hepatic and background fluorescence pollution and improving biliary visualization.AIM To investigate the novel imaging strategy MCFI in LC.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital,Beijing,China.Patients who underwent LC from June 2022 to March 2023 by the same surgical team were enrolled.Demographic features,clinical and surgical information were collected.The clarity,visual comfort,and effectiveness of different imaging strategies were subjectively evaluated by surgeons.RESULTS A total of 155 patients were included,60 patients were in the non-ICG group in which only bright light illuminance without ICG was applied,60 patients were in the SCFI group,and 35 patients were in the MCFI group.No statist-ically significant differences were found in demographics or clinical history.Post-surgical complications were minimal in all 3 groups with no significant differences observed.MCFI improved the clarity of imaging and visual comfort.Clarity of imaging and visual comfort were improved with MCFI.CONCLUSION MCFI improves biliary visualization and reduces liver fluorescence contamination,which supports its routine use in LC.MCFI may also be a better choice than SCFI in other clinical settings.

Pay attention to the application of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technology in laparoscopic liver cancer resection

Traditional laparoscopic liver cancer resection faces challenges,such as difficultiesin tumor localization and accurate marking of liver segments,as well as theinability to provide real-time intraoperative navigation.This approach falls shortof meeting the demands for precise and anatomical liver resection.The introductionof fluorescence imaging technology,particularly indocyanine green,hasdemonstrated significant advantages in visualizing bile ducts,tumor localization,segment staining,microscopic lesion display,margin examination,and lymphnode visualization.This technology addresses the inherent limitations oftraditional laparoscopy,which lacks direct tactile feedback,and is increasinglybecoming the standard in laparoscopic procedures.Guided by fluorescenceimaging technology,laparoscopic liver cancer resection is poised to become thepredominant technique for liver tumor removal,enhancing the accuracy,safetyand efficiency of the procedure.

The Application Progress of Skin Imaging Technology in Psoriasis

Skin imaging technologies such as dermoscopy, high-frequency ultrasound, reflective confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography are developing rapidly in clinical application. Skin imaging technology can improve clinical diagnosis rate, and its non-invasiveness and repeatability make it occupy an irreplaceable position in clinical diagnosis. With the “booming development” of medical technology, skin imaging technology can improve clinical diagnosis rate. Researchers have made significant advances in assisting clinical diagnosis, prediction, and treatment of disease. This article reviews the application and progress of skin imaging in the diagnosis of psoriasis.

A new horizon for neuroscience:terahertz biotechnology in brain research

Terahertz biotechnology has been increasingly applied in various biomedical fields and has especially shown great potential for application in brain sciences.In this article,we review the development of terahertz biotechnology and its applications in the field of neuropsychiatry.Available evidence indicates promising prospects for the use of terahertz spectroscopy and terahertz imaging techniques in the diagnosis of amyloid disease,cerebrovascular disease,glioma,psychiatric disease,traumatic brain injury,and myelin deficit.In vitro and animal experiments have also demonstrated the potential therapeutic value of terahertz technology in some neuropsychiatric diseases.Although the precise underlying mechanism of the interactions between terahertz electromagnetic waves and the biosystem is not yet fully understood,the research progress in this field shows great potential for biomedical noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic applications.However,the biosafety of terahertz radiation requires further exploration regarding its two-sided efficacy in practical applications.This review demonstrates that terahertz biotechnology has the potential to be a promising method in the field of neuropsychiatry based on its unique advantages.

Enhancing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure efficiency with digital subtraction angiography image overlay technology in esophagogastric variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is a pivotal intervention for managing esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with chronic hepatic schistosomiasis.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of digital subtraction angiography image overlay tech-nology(DIT)in guiding the TIPS procedure.METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TIPS at our hospital,comparing outcomes between an ultrasound-guided group and a DIT-guided group.Our analysis focused on the duration of the portosystemic shunt puncture,the number of punctures needed,the total surgical time,and various clinical indicators related to the surgery.RESULTS The study included 52 patients with esophagogastric varices due to chronic hepatic schistosomiasis.Results demonstrated that the DIT-guided group expe-rienced significantly shorter puncture times(P<0.001)and surgical durations(P=0.022)compared to the ultrasound-guided group.Additionally,postoperative assessments showed significant reductions in aspartate aminotransferase,B-type natriuretic peptide,and portal vein pressure in both groups.Notably,the DIT-guided group also showed significant reductions in total bilirubin(P=0.001)and alanine aminotransferase(P=0.023).CONCLUSION The use of DIT for guiding TIPS procedures highlights its potential to enhance procedural efficiency and reduce surgical times in the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with chronic hepatic schistoso-miasis.

Acute pancreatitis:A review of diagnosis,severity prediction and prognosis assessment from imaging technology,scoring system and artificial intelligence

Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a potentially life-threatening inflammatory disease of the pancreas,with clinical management determined by the severity of the disease.Diagnosis,severity prediction,and prognosis assessment of AP typically involve the use of imaging technologies,such as computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and ultrasound,and scoring systems,including Ranson,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II,and Bedside Index for Severity in AP scores.Computed tomography is considered the gold standard imaging modality for AP due to its high sensitivity and specificity,while magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound can provide additional information on biliary obstruction and vascular complications.Scoring systems utilize clinical and laboratory parameters to classify AP patients into mild,moderate,or severe categories,guiding treatment decisions,such as intensive care unit admission,early enteral feeding,and antibiotic use.Despite the central role of imaging technologies and scoring systems in AP management,these methods have limitations in terms of accuracy,reproducibility,practicality and economics.Recent advancements of artificial intelligence(AI)provide new opportunities to enhance their performance by analyzing vast amounts of clinical and imaging data.AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of clinical and imaging data,identify scoring system patterns,and predict the clinical course of disease.AI-based models have shown promising results in predicting the severity and mortality of AP,but further validation and standardization are required before widespread clinical application.In addition,understanding the correlation between these three technologies will aid in developing new methods that can accurately,sensitively,and specifically be used in the diagnosis,severity prediction,and prognosis assessment of AP through complementary advantages.

Evaluation of COC183B2 antibody targeting ovarian cancer by near-infrared fluorescence imaging

Objective: To evaluate the imaging potential of a novel near-infrared(NIR) probe conjugated to COC183 B2 monoclonal antibodies(MAb) in ovarian cancer(OC).Methods: The expression of OC183 B2 antigen in OC was determined by immunohistochemical(IHC) staining using tissue microarrays with the H-score system and immunofluorescence(IF) staining of tumor cell lines.Imaging probes with the NIR fluorescent dye cyanine 7(Cy7) conjugated to COC183 B2 Mab were chemically engineered. OC183 B2-positive human OC cells(SKOV3-Luc) were injected subcutaneously into BALB/c nude mice. Bioluminescent imaging(BLI) was performed to detect tumor location and growth. COC183 B2-Cy7 at 1.1,3.3, 10, or 30 μg were used for in vivo fluorescence imaging, and phosphate-buffered saline(PBS), free Cy7 dye and mouse isotype immunoglobulin G(IgG)-Cy7(delivered at the same doses as COC183 B2-Cy7) were used as controls.Results: The expression of OC183 B2 with a high H-score was more prevalent in OC tissue than fallopian tube(FT) tissue. Among 417 OC patients, the expression of OC183 B2 was significantly correlated with the histological subtype, histological grade, residual tumor size, relapse state and survival status. IF staining demonstrated that COC183 B2 specifically expressed in SKOV3 cells but not HeLa cells. In vivo NIR fluorescence imaging indicated that COC183 B2-Cy7 was mainly distributed in the xenograft and liver with optimal tumor-to-background(T/B)ratios in the xenograft at 30 μg dose. The highest fluorescent signals in the tumor were observed at 96 h postinjection(hpi). Ex vivo fluorescence imaging revealed the fluorescent signals mainly from the tumor and liver. IHC analysis confirmed that xenografts were OC183 B2 positive.Conclusions: COC183 B2 is a good candidate for NIR fluorescence imaging and imaging-guided surgery in OC.

Advances in surgical techniques for gastric cancer:Indocyanine green and near-infrared fluorescence imaging.Is it ready for prime time?

Surgery is still the primary curative treatment for gastric cancer,which includes resection of the tumor with adequate margins and extended lymphadenectomy.In order to improve the operative results and the quality of life of patients,several endeavors have been made toward precision medicine through image-guided surgery,allowing access to real-time intraoperative anatomy and accurate tumor staging.The goal of the surgeon is to achieve a more precise,individualized,and less invasive surgery without compromising oncological efficiency and safety.In this perspective,we have demonstrated the role of indocyanine green(ICG)and near-infrared(NIR)fluorescence imaging method in gastric cancer surgery.This technique may be used to improve localization of the tumor,detection of sentinel lymph nodes(SLN),real-time lymphatic mapping,and blood flow assessment(anastomosis perfusion).

Fracture evolution and localization effect of damage in rock based on wave velocity imaging technology

By utilizing wave velocity imaging technology,the uniaxial multi-stage loading test was conducted on siltstone to attain wave velocity imagings during rock fracture.Based on the time series parameters of acoustic emissions(AE),joint response characteristics of the velocity field and AE during rock fracture were analyzed.Moreover,the localization effect of damage during rock fracture was explored by applying wave velocity imagings.The experimental result showed that the wave velocity imagings enable three-dimensional(3-D)visualization of the extent and spatial position of damage to the rock.A damaged zone has a low wave velocity and a zone where the low wave velocity is concentrated tends to correspond to a severely damaged zone.AE parameters and wave velocity imagings depict the changes in activity of cracks during rock fracture from temporal and spatial perspectives,respectively:the activity of cracks is strengthened,and the rate of AE events increases during rock fracture;correspondingly,the low-velocity zones are gradually aggregated and their area gradually increases.From the wave velocity imagings,the damaged zones in rock were divided into an initially damaged zone,a progressively damaged zone,and a fractured zone.During rock fracture,the progressively damaged zone and the fractured zone both develop around the initially damaged zone,showing a typical localization effect of the damage.By capturing the spatial development trends of the progressively damaged zone and fractured zone in wave velocity imagings,the development of microfractures can be predicted,exerting practical significance for determining the position of the main fracture.

Anisotropic creep behavior of soft-hard interbedded rock masses based on 3D printing and digital imaging correlation technology

Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology is increasingly used in experimental research of geotechnical engineering.Compared to other materials,3D layer-by-layer printing specimens are extremely similar to the inherent properties of natural layered rock masses.In this paper,soft-hard interbedded rock masses with different dip angles were prepared based on 3D printing(3DP)sand core technology.Uniaxial compression creep tests were conducted to investigate its anisotropic creep behavior based on digital imaging correlation(DIC)technology.The results show that the anisotropic creep behavior of the 3DP soft-hard interbedded rock mass is mainly affected by the dip angles of the weak interlayer when the stress is at low levels.As the stress level increases,the effect of creep stress on its creep anisotropy increases significantly,and the dip angle is no longer the main factor.The minimum value of the long-term strength and creep failure strength always appears in the weak interlayer within 30°–60°,which explains why the failure of the layered rock mass is controlled by the weak interlayer and generally emerges at 45°.The tests results are verified by comparing with theoretical and other published studies.The feasibility of the 3DP soft-hard interbedded rock mass provides broad prospects and application values for 3DP technology in future experimental research.

Near-infrared fluorescent labeled CGRRAGGSC peptides for optical imaging of IL-11Rα in athymic mice bearing tumor xenografts

The interleukin-11(IL-11)and the IL-11 receptorα-subunit(IL-11Rα)have been demonstrated to regulate the invasion and proliferation of tumor cells.Our study intends to evaluate a noninvasive imaging of IL-11Rαexpression in breast tumors using near-infrared(NIR)fluorescent dye Cy7-labeled IL-11 mimic peptide CGRRAGGSC.This work evaluated the IL-11Rαexpression of breast tumor cells and the binding status of this peptide to IL-11Rαin vitro and in vivo by using Western blotting,immunofluorescence staining and near-infrared fluorescence imaging.Our biochemical study showed that IL-11Rαwas overexpressed in breast tumor cells(MCF-7).The cell-binding assay demonstrated specific binding of peptide CGRRAGGSC to MCF-7 cells in vitro.In vivo imaging results showed that NIR fluorescent signals of Cy7-CGRRAGGSC were selectively accumulated in tumor and metabolic organs.While in the blocking experiment,free CGRRAGGSC obviously blocked the concentration of the Cy7-CGRRAGGSC in the tumors.These results suggested that IL-11Rαmay be used as a potential target for noninvasive imaging in IL-11Rαoverexpressed tumors.Furthermore,the imaging agent of near-infrared fluorescent dye Cy7-labeled CGRRAGGSC is suitable for IL-11Rαexpression imaging study in vivo.

Photodissociation Dynamics of Dichlorodifluoromethane（CF2Cl2） around 235 nm using Time-Sliced Velocity Map Imaging Technology

Photodissociation dynamics of dichlorodifluoromethane (CF2Cl2) around 235 nm has been studied using the time-sliced velocity map imaging technology in combination with the resonance enhanced multi-photon ionization technology. By measuring the raw images of chlorine atoms which are formed via one-photon dissociation of CF2Cl2, the speed and angular distributions can be directly obtained. The speed distribution of excited-state chlorine atoms consists of high translation energy (ET) and low ET components, which are related to direct dissociation on 3Q0 state and predissociation on the ground state induced by internal conversion, respectively. The speed distribution of ground-state chlorine atoms also consists of high ET and low ET components which are related to predissociation between 3Q0 and 1Q1 states and predissociation on the ground state induced by internal conversion, respectively. Radical dissociation channel is confirmed, nevertheless, secondary dissociation and three-body dissociation channels are excluded.

An analysis of the uniformity of multi-fracture initiation based on downhole video imaging technology: A case study of Mahu tight conglomerate in Junggar Basin, NW China

To solve the problem that the production of Mahu conglomerate reservoir is not up to expectation after the multi-cluster plus temporary plugging fracturing technology is applied in horizontal wells, stages 2–6 in the test well MaHW6285 are selected to carry out erosion tests with different pumping parameters. The downhole video imaging technology is used to monitor the degree of perforations erosion, and then the fracture initiation and proppant distribution of each cluster are analyzed. The results showed that proppant entered 76.7% of the perforations. The proppant was mainly distributed in a few perforation clusters, and the amount of proppant entered in most of the clusters was limited. The proppant distribution in Stage 4 was relatively uniform, and the fracture initiation of each cluster in the stage is more uniform. The proppant distribution in stages 2, 3, 5, and 6 was significantly uneven, and the uniform degree of fracture initiation in each cluster is low. More than 70% of the proppant dose in the stage entered clusters near the heel end, so the addition of diverters did not promote the uniform initiation of hydraulic fractures. There was a positive correlation between the amount of proppant added and the degree of perforations erosion, and the degree of perforations erosion ranged from 15% to 352%, with an average value of 74.5%, which was far higher than the statistical results of shale reservoir tests in North America. The use of 180° phase perforation(horizontal direction) can reduce the “Phase Bias” of perforations erosion, promote uniform perforations erosion and fluid inflow. The research results provide the basis for optimizing the pumping procedure, reducing the perforation erosion and improving the success rate of diversion.

Application Advantages of Staring Area Imaging Technology(SAIT) for Microsatellites

The Staring Area Imaging Technology(SAIT) satellite continuously "images" the target over a certain time range, and can realize continuous imaging and multi-angle imaging of the area of interest. It has the characteristics of flexible imaging parameter setting and fast image preprocessing speed, enabling dynamic target detection and tracking, super-resolution, surface 3 D model construction, night-time imaging and many other application tasks. Based on the technical characteristics of the SAIT satellite, this paper analyzes the challenges in satellite development and data processing, focuses on the quasi-realtime application of SAIT satellite data, and looks at the development trend of the SAIT satellite.

Multimodal intravascular imaging technology for characterization of atherosclerosis

Early detection of vulnerable plaques is the critical step in the prevention of acute coronary events.Morphology,composition,and mechanical property of a coronary artery have been demonstrated to be the key characteristics for the identification of vulnerable plaques.Several intravascular multimodal imaging technologies providing co-registered simultaneous images have been developed and applied in clinical studies to improve the characterization of atherosclerosis.In this paper,the authors review the present system and probe designs of representative intra-vascular multimodal techniques.In addition,the scientific innovations,potential limitations,and future directions of these technologies are also discussed.

NEAR-INFRARED,BROAD-BAND SPECTRAL IMAGING OF THE HUMAN BREAST FOR QUANTITATIVE OXIMETRY:APPLICATIONS TO HEALTHY AND CANCEROUS BREASTS

We have examined ten human subjects with a previously developed instrument for near-infrared diffuse spectral imaging of the female breast.The instrument is based on a tandem,planar scan of two collinear optical fibers(one for illumination and one for collection)to image a gently compressed breast in a transmission geometry.The optical data collection features a spatial sampling of 25 points/cm2 over the whole breast,and a spectral sampling of 2 points/nm in the 650-900nm wavelength range.Of the ten human subjects examined,eight are healthy subjects and two are cancer patients with unilateral invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ,respectively.For each subject,we generate second-derivative images that identify a network of highly absorbing structures in the breast that we assign to blood vessels.A previously developed paired-wavelength spectral method assigns oxygenation values to the absorbing structures displayed in the second-derivative images.The resulting oxygenation images feature average values over the whole breast that are significantly lower in cancerous breasts(69±14%,n=2)than in healthy breasts(85±7%,n=18)(p<0.01).Furthermore,in the two patients with breast cancer,the average oxygenation values in the cancerous regions are also significantly lower than in the remainder of the breast(invasive ductal carcinoma:49±11%vs 61±16%,p<0.01;ductal carcinoma in situ:58±8%vs 77±11%,p<0.001).

Recent advances in applications of multimodal ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging technology

Photoacoustic imaging(PAI)is often performed simultaneously with ultrasound imaging and can provide functional and cellular information regarding the tissues in the anatomical markers of the imaging.This paper describes in detail the basic principles of photoacoustic/ultrasound(PA/US)imaging and its application in recent years.It includes near-infrared-region PA,photothermal,photodynamic,and multimode imaging techniques.Particular attention is given to the relationship between PAI and ultrasonic imaging;the latest high-frequency PA/US imaging of small animals,which involves not only B-mode,but also color Doppler mode,power Doppler mode,and nonlinear imaging mode;the ultrasonic model combined with PAI,including the formation of multimodal imaging;the preclinical imaging methods;and the most effective detection methods for clinical research for the future.

Evaluation of BSc Radiologic Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology Programmes in Sudanese Universities from Students’ Perspective

This study sets the objective to involve undergraduate students in the evaluation of radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes in Sudanese universities. Based on the analysis of survey results in which the participants (BSc students undertaking radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes at university level) are asked to answer both closed and open-ended questions, the study seeks to reveal the participants’ perceptions and introspections about the radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology programmes in Sudan. It also attempts to explore the participants’ suggestions and recommendations as to enhance the quality of these programmes with an eye to helping syllabus designers to improve these programmes, thereby bettering healthcare services for the larger good to the community. A brief cross-sectional survey is completed by a total of 105 radiologic sciences and medical imaging technology students, i.e. 39 (37.1%) third-year students and 66 (62.9%) fourth-year students. The majority of participants is satisfied with the programmes, indicating that they are up-to-date and ran abreast with the latest developments in the field. Very few suggest that the programmes should be reviewed for revision, implying that there is room for improvement. Some participants recommend that more training hours in modern imaging modalities (e.g. MRI, CT and U/S) should be introduced. Only one participant recommends the introduction of advanced training centres.

Novel imaging system for positioning of the indocyanine green (ICG) target;visible projection of the near-infrared fluorescence image

Background: Even though NIR fluorescence imaging has many advantages in SLN mapping and cancer detection, NIR fluorescence imaging shows a serious drawback that NIR cannot be detected by the naked eye without any detectors. This limitation further disturbs accurate SLN detection and adequate tumor resection resulting in the presence of cancerous cells near the boundaries of surgically removed tissues. Materials and methods: To overcome the drawback of the conventional NIR imaging method, we suggest a novel NIR imaging system which can make the NIR fluorescence image visible to the naked eye as NIR fluorescence image detected by a video camera is processed by a computer and then projected back onto the NIR fluorescence excitation position with a projector using conspicuous color light. Image processing techniques were used for projection onto the exact position of the NIR fluorescence image. Also, we implemented a phantom experiment to evaluate the performance of the developed NIR fluorescence projection system by use of the ICG. Results: The developed NIR fluorescence projection system was applied in normal mouse model to confirm the usefulness of the system in the clinical field. A BALB/c nude mouse was prepared to be applied in normal mouse model and 0.25 mg/ml stock solution of the ICG was injected through a tail vein of the mouse. From the application in normal mouse model, we could confirm that the injected ICG stayed in the liver of the mouse and verify that the projection system projected the ICG fluorescence image at the exact location of the ICG by performing laparotomy of the mouse. Conclusions: From the application in normal mouse model, we could verify that the ICG fluorescence image was precisely projected back on the site where ICG fluorescence generated. It can be demonstrated that the NIR fluorescence projection system can make it possible to visualize the invisible NIR fluorescence image and to realize that SLN mapping and cancer detection in clinical surgery.