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.

A stage-scanning laser confocal microscope and protocol for DNA methylation sequencing

Recent understanding of the role of epigenetic regulation in health and disease has necessitated the development of newer and efficient methods to map the methylation pattern of target gene. In this article we report construction of a stage-scanning laser confocal microscope (SLCM) and associated protocol that determines the methylation status of target gene. We have adapted restricted Sanger’s sequencing where fluorescine labeled primers and dideoxy guanine fraction alone are used for target amplification and termination at cytosine positions. Amplified ssDNA bands are separated in 6% denaturing PAGE and scanned using SLCM to sequence the positions of methylated cytosines. We demonstrate that our me- thodology can detect < 100 femtomoles of DNA, and resolve the position of cytosine within ± 2 nucleotide. In a calibration run using a designer DNA of 99 bases, our methodology had resolved all the 11 cytosine positions of the DNA. We have further demonstrated the utility of apparatus by mapping methylation status in the Exon-1 region of a gene, E-Cadherin, in the plasma DNA sample of a healthy subject. We believe our approach constitute a low cost alternative to conventional DNA sequencers and can help develop methylation based DNA biomarkers for the diagnosis of disease and in therapeutics.

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.

Concanavalin A-induced changes in lysosomal morphology of macrophages under confocal microscope

Changes in lysosomal morphology of cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages after stimu1ation by Concanavalin A (Con A) were observed with a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). A series of images were obtained including phase-contrast images, optical sectioning images, 3-dimensional reconstruction images. The changes of lysosomal fluorescence intensity and pH were measured. It was found that macrophage lysosomes were Cllstributed mainly at the periphery of the cells in resting conditions, the lysosomal area containing fluorescence probe became markedly enlarged after stimulation by Con A for 30 min, and the fluorescence intensity in the medium increased about 15 min after suggesting that Con A could induce outflow of the fluorescence probe within the macrophage lysosomes. The lysosomal pH rose from 4. 6 to 5. 7 in 7 min after Con A was added, and maintained at that level hereafter.

Axial intensity in a fiber-optic confocal microscope

A fiber-optic confocal microscope has been analyzed by Fourier optics.It is found that the detected light intensity has three parts,each of which is depennted on the coupled lens,the detective lens,and the part comprised of the fiber and the microprobe.The simulated results show that the less the value of the parameter A is,which is dependent on the fiber and microprobe,the higher the axial resolution of the system is. For the case,as A→∞, the axial resolution is zero,which is corresponding to the conventional microscope.as A≤1,the axial resolution changes slightly,and is close to the optimal value,which is corresponding to the perfect confocal microscope.when the reflective loss takes place at the end of fiber,the contrast of axial intensity will decrease.All that will help the design of endoscope with confocal microscope at cellular level.

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.

Qualitative analysis of re mineralized carious lesions subjected to fluoride supplement through confocal laser scanning microscope

Aim: 1] Comparative evaluation of the linear depth of induced remineralized lesions after subjecting to fluoride supplements and 2] To assess the average fluorescence at both the demineralized and the remi-neralized zones in all the three study groups under confocal laser scanning microscope. Method: Forty five sound human premolars extracted for orthodon-tic reasons were decoronated 1 mm below the ce-mento-enamel junction and coated with nail varnish except for a 3 × 3 mm window on the buccal surface. The samples were placed in 50 ml of de mineralizing solution at pH 4.6 for 96 hours. Following deminera-lization, the lower half of the 3 × 3 mm window in all the samples were covered with nail varnish to serve as control. The samples were randomly divided into three groups of fifteen teeth each (n = 15) and speci-mens in group A[Nfd] were remineralized using non-fluoridated dentifrice [control], those in groups B [Fd5] and group C [Fd10] using 500 ppm and 1000 ppm of fluoride containing dentifrice, respectively. The specimens were subjected to a 20 day reminera-lization treatment regimen and were sectioned into 100 μm thick sections and two images were captured on the buccal surface from either side of the midpoint of occluso-cervical length using confocal laser scan-ning microscope [CLSM]. Results: were tabulated and statistically analyzed by Anova. Study concluded that 1000 ppm fluoridated dentifrice showed a greater degree of remineralization than other groups and confocal laser scanning microscopes gives promising results in the diagnosis of early enamel lesions over the conventional methods.

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.

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

大鼠运动皮层投射神经元与Parvalbumin免疫阳性神经纤维终末的关系──免疫荧光、Confocal显微镜观察

Parvalburnin是细胞内一种钙结合蛋白。同时又可作为中枢神经系统内与GABA共存的神经元亚群的特异标记物，主要标记篮状及苔烛细胞。用PAP方谈染色可见大鼠Parvalbumin免疫阳性神经终末在运动皮层锥体神经元胞体周围形成包篮现象，但因该方法的局限性．较难明确二者的关系。为进一步了解Parvalbumin阳性终未在锥体神经元脑体、树突与轴突整体上的分布状况以及运幼皮层内不同传出神经元是否均接受同样的支配，本实验利用FastBlue送行标记、固定脑片细胞内注入LueiferYellow结合免疫荧光、Confocal显微镜观察，研究运动皮层内皮质丘脑（束旁核）、皮质效状体及皮质脊髓三种投射神经元与Parvalbumin阳性终末的关系。通过1．μ连续扫描图像的分析及立体对观察，Parvalbumin阳性终末清晰可见，与LuciferYellow标记的锥体细胞的关系也容易辨别．在三种投射神经元胞体上均可见Parvalbumin阳性终末包绕，形成明显包篮现象，但三种神经元上的终末数未见明显区别·阳性终未还分布于近端树突上，距胞体越远越稀疏：但在距脑体50μm以上的顶树突、30μm以上的基树突及其二、三级分枝的远端树突上仍偶有终末分布．此外，三种神经元轴突起始段上也有少量终末接触，但未形成明显的cartridge现象．这一结果揭示。

Non-invasive imaging of pathological scars using a portable handheld two-photon microscope

Background:Pathological scars are a disorder that can lead to various cosmetic,psychological,and functional problems,and no effective assessment methods are currently available.Assessment and treatment of pathological scars are based on cutaneous manifestations.A two-photon microscope(TPM)with the potential for real-time non-invasive assessment may help determine the under-surface pathophysiological conditions in vivo.This study used a portable handheld TPM to image epidermal cells and dermal collagen structures in pathological scars and normal skin in vivo to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in scar patients.Methods:Fifteen patients with pathological scars and three healthy controls were recruited.Imaging was performed using a portable handheld TPM.Five indexes were extracted from two dimensional(2D)and three dimensional(3D)perspectives,including collagen depth,dermo-epidermal junction(DEJ)contour ratio,thickness,orientation,and occupation(proportion of collagen fibers in the field of view)of collagen.Two depth-dependent indexes were computed through the 3D second harmonic generation image and three morphology-related indexes from the 2D images.We assessed index differences between scar and normal skin and changes before and after treatment.Results:Pathological scars and normal skin differed markedly regarding the epidermal morphological structure and the spectral characteristics of collagen fibers.Five indexes were employed to distinguish between normal skin and scar tissue.Statistically significant differences were found in average depth(t=9.917,P<0.001),thickness(t=4.037,P<0.001),occupation(t=2.169,P<0.050),orientation of collagen(t=3.669,P<0.001),and the DEJ contour ratio(t=5.105,P<0.001).Conclusions:Use of portable handheld TPM can distinguish collagen from skin tissues;thus,it is more suitable for scar imaging than reflectance confocal microscopy.Thus,a TPM may be an auxiliary tool for scar treatment selection and assessing treatment efficacy.

Simultaneous multi-parameter observation of Harring-tonine-treating HL-60 cells with both two-photon and confocal laser scanning microscopy

Harringtonine (HT), a kind of anticancer drug isolated from Chinese herb-Cephalotaxus hainanensis Li, can induce apoptosis in promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. With both two-photon laser scanning microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy in combination with the fluores-cent probe Hoechst 33342, tetramethyrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE) and Fluo 3-AM, we simulta-neously observed HT-induced changes in nuclear morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in HL-60 cells, and developed a real-time, sensitive and invasive method for simultaneous multi-parameter observation of drug- treating living cells at the level of single cell.

Imaging theory and resolution improvement of two-photon confocal microscopy

The nonlinear effect of two-photon excitation on the imaging property of two-photonconfocal microscopy has been analyzed by the two-photon fluorescence intensity transfer functionderived in this paper. The two-photon fluorescence intensity transfer function in a confocal micros-copy is given. Furthermore the three-dimensional point spread function (3D-PSF) and thethree-dimensional optical transfer function (3D-OTF) of two-photon confocal microscopy are de-rived based on the nonlinear effect of two-photon excitation. The imaging property of two-photonconfocal microscopy is discussed in detail based on 3D-OTF. Finally the spatial resolution limit oftwo-photon confocal microscopy is discussed according to the uncertainty principle.

Using laser confocal scanning microscope to study ischemia-hypoxia injury in rat brain slice

The level of lipid peroxidation and cellular necrosis in rat living brain slices during brain ischemia-hypoxia injury have been observed using a laser confocal scanning microscope (LCSM) with double labeling of fluorescent probes D-399 (2, 7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate) and propidium iodide (Pl). The hypoxia and/or reoxygenation injury in rat brain slices is markedly decreased by pretreatment with L-NG-nitro-arginine (L-NNA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), showing that the nitric oxide (NO) and other free radicals play an important role in brain ischemia-hypoxia injury.

皮肤影像技术在肉芽肿性皮肤病的诊断应用

目的观察肉芽肿性皮肤病的反射式共聚焦显微镜(Reflectance Confocal Microscopy,RCM)及皮肤镜图像特征,探讨RCM及皮肤镜在诊断此类皮肤病中的应用价值。方法回顾性分析经组织病理确诊的14例肉芽肿性皮肤病的RCM及皮肤镜图像特征;与组织病理改变进行对照分析。结果1.RCM下特征性组织样细胞脂质化或吞噬异物后,一致表现为胞质呈中高折光均质样结构;不同表现是根据体积大小、分布数量及形态的差异而不同;2.皮肤镜下均质的黄红色背景与真皮内上皮样细胞肉芽肿相对应。结论肉芽肿性皮肤病的RCM及皮肤镜图像特征与组织病理有很好的对应关系,并且RCM图像下各种组织细胞具有特异性,联合应用为疾病诊断或鉴别诊断提供重要线索,互为补充,具有较好的临床应用价值。

枯草芽孢杆菌无细胞上清液抑制单增李斯特菌生物被膜形成的研究

单增李斯特菌(Listeria monocytogenes)是一种常见的食源性致病菌,其生物被膜是导致食品污染和疾病传播的重要原因。该研究选用枯草芽孢杆菌(Bacillus subtilis)无细胞上清液(cell free supernatant,CFS)作为抑制剂,探究B.subtilis CFS在抑制L.monocytogenes野生菌株118(以下简称No.118)生物被膜方面的作用和潜力。首先测定了B.subtilis CFS的最小抑菌浓度(minimum inhibitory concentration,MIC),接着采用结晶紫染色法测定了不同亚最小抑菌浓度下B.subtilis CFS对No.118的生物被膜抑制率,发现不同亚抑菌浓度下的CFS对No.118生物被膜均具有显著的抑制作用,且在1/64 MIC时生物被膜抑制率仍可达到47%;同时B.subtilis CFS对No.118生物被膜代谢活性、自聚集率、表面疏水性、群集泳动能力和膜外聚合物分泌也均有显著抑制作用;最后,通过激光共聚焦显微镜观察了在CFS作用下,No.118生物被膜结构和细胞分布的变化规律,经CFS处理后,No.118生物被膜结构松散,细菌数量明显减少。综上,B.subtilis CFS可通过影响No.118生物被膜细胞的代谢活性、自聚集能力和群集泳动能力以及膜外聚合物的分泌来抑制其生物被膜形成,对探究益生菌代谢产物作为生物被膜抑制剂方面的应用具有重要的参考价值。

共聚焦显微成像系统P9000图像质量评价临床研究

目的评价共聚焦显微成像系统P9000检测人体消化道相关组织的有效性和安全性。方法选取2021年8月至2022年6月在北京中医药大学东方医院和山东大学齐鲁医院行内镜检查的96例患者为研究对象。94例受试者纳入全分析集(Full Analysis Set,FAS),90例患者纳入符合方案集(Per Protocol Set,PPS)。通过多中心、随机、自身对照研究,统计共聚焦显微成像系统P9000与国际公认的Cellvizio®系统检测人体消化道相关组织的图像质量评分一致性和95%CI,以及两组的操作时间和不良反应发生情况。结果FAS和PPS两款器械图像质量评分一致性和95%CI分别为92.55%(87.25%~97.86%)和92.22%(86.69%~97.76%),两者95%CI下限均大于目标值84.6%;两组器械操作时间相当,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组均无设备导致的不良反应发生。结论共聚焦显微成像系统P9000的临床使用有效性和安全性达到了设计要求,值得临床推广应用。

分散染料在超临界CO_(2)流体染色聚酯纤维中的扩散行为

为深入研究分散染料的扩散性能在超临界CO_(2)染色过程中影响染色条件及染色质量的理论机制,使用共聚焦拉曼显微镜研究了超临界CO_(2)流体染色在不同工况条件(100~140℃、21~27 MPa、5~90 min)下分散染料(分散红167、分散橙30、分散蓝79)在涤纶中的扩散行为。通过拉曼深度成像图获得了染料在纤维径向分布的数据,计算扩散系数。结果显示:分散染料在染色初期(5 min内)已在纤维内分布均匀,且随染色时间、染色压力的增加,染料在纤维内部均匀上染。对比染色后纤维径向的拉曼光谱数据与纱线上染量数据,验证了拉曼光谱数据的有效性。经计算分散染料中分散橙30的扩散系数最高(9.744×10^(-15) m^(2)/s)。表明拉曼技术用于分析单纤维内染料扩散有着巨大的优势,反应快速,制样简单,同时可在无损纤维的前提下对涤纶内部的染料分布进行测量。

基于光谱共焦探针的Wolter-Ⅰ型X射线显微镜芯轴高精度检测

Wolter型X射线显微镜具有高分辨率和集光区域,在先进光源和高能激光器中有重要的应用价值。基于镍电镀成形的复制法是制备Wolter型X射线显微镜的有效方法之一,其中,芯轴的表面精度和质量会直接影响X射线成像的性能。高精度检测技术是芯轴制备的基础,而传统检测装置难以测量具有圆周回旋对称特征的Wolter型表面轮廓。为了解决Wolter型芯轴检测难和测量精度低的问题,搭建了基于光谱共焦探针的离线检测装置实现芯轴表面中低频轮廓的高精度测量,分析了该装置的各类系统误差和随机误差,并采用双探针与标准镜来校准测试过程,将测试中的温湿度漂移和随机误差的PV值降低至23 nm。最后,开展了该检测装置和CGH干涉检测法的检测对比实验。通过Wolter芯轴表面测试结果比较,两种测试方法的偏差PV值约为60 nm,证明了该检测装置的合理性和检测方法的准确性。