scholarly journals Recent Development of Optofluidics for Imaging and Sensing Applications

Chemosensors ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Jiukai Tang ◽  
Guangyu Qiu ◽  
Jing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Analysis ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Substantial Growth ◽  
Sensing Applications ◽  
Control Units ◽  
Transduction Mechanisms ◽  
Fluidic Control ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
New Applications

Optofluidics represents the interaction of light and fluids on a chip that integrates microfluidics and optics, which provides a promising optical platform for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. Recent years have witnessed a substantial growth in optofluidic devices, including the integration of optical and fluidic control units, the incorporation of diverse photonic nanostructures, and new applications. All these advancements have enabled the implementation of optofluidics with improved performance. In this review, the recent advances of fabrication techniques and cutting-edge applications of optofluidic devices are presented, with a special focus on the developments of imaging and sensing. Specifically, the optofluidic based imaging techniques and applications are summarized, including the high-throughput cytometry, biochemical analysis, and optofluidic nanoparticle manipulation. The optofluidic sensing section is categorized according to the modulation approaches and the transduction mechanisms, represented by absorption, reflection/refraction, scattering, and plasmonics. Perspectives on future developments and promising avenues in the fields of optofluidics are also provided.

scholarly journals The Insect Type 1 Tyramine Receptors: From Structure to Behavior

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 315
Author(s):  
Luca Finetti ◽  
Thomas Roeder ◽  
Girolamo Calò ◽  
Giovanni Bernacchia
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Basic Structure ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Behavioral Traits ◽  
Physiological Relevance ◽  
Transduction Mechanisms ◽  
Octopamine Receptor ◽  
Available Information ◽  
First Time

Tyramine is a neuroactive compound that acts as neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and neurohormone in insects. Three G protein-coupled receptors, TAR1-3, are responsible for mediating the intracellular pathway in the complex tyraminergic network. TAR1, the prominent player in this system, was initially classified as an octopamine receptor which can also be activated by tyramine, while it later appeared to be a true tyramine receptor. Even though TAR1 is currently considered as a well-defined tyramine receptor and several insect TAR1s have been characterized, a defined nomenclature is still inconsistent. In the last years, our knowledge on the structural, biochemical, and functional properties of TAR1 has substantially increased. This review summarizes the available information on TAR1 from different insect species in terms of basic structure, its regulation and signal transduction mechanisms, and its distribution and functions in the brain and the periphery. A special focus is given to the TAR1-mediated intracellular signaling pathways as well as to their physiological role in regulating behavioral traits. Therefore, this work aims to correlate, for the first time, the physiological relevance of TAR1 functions with the tyraminergic system in insects. In addition, pharmacological studies have shed light on compounds with insecticidal properties having TAR1 as a target and on the emerging trend in the development of novel strategies for pest control.

scholarly journals “Seeing Is Believing”—In-Depth Analysis by Co-Imaging of Periodically-Poled X-Cut Lithium Niobate Thin Films

Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 288
Author(s):  
Sven Reitzig ◽  
Michael Rüsing ◽  
Jie Zhao ◽  
Benjamin Kirbus ◽  
Shayan Mookherjea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lithium Niobate ◽  
Second Harmonic ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Piezoresponse Force Microscopy ◽  
Periodically Poled ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Domain Structures ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Improved Performance ◽  
Quantum Optical

Nonlinear and quantum optical devices based on periodically-poled thin film lithium niobate (PP-TFLN) have gained considerable interest lately, due to their significantly improved performance as compared to their bulk counterparts. Nevertheless, performance parameters such as conversion efficiency, minimum pump power, and spectral bandwidth strongly depend on the quality of the domain structure in these PP-TFLN samples, e.g., their homogeneity and duty cycle, as well as on the overlap and penetration depth of domains with the waveguide mode. Hence, in order to propose improved fabrication protocols, a profound quality control of domain structures is needed that allows quantifying and thoroughly analyzing these parameters. In this paper, we propose to combine a set of nanometer-to-micrometer-scale imaging techniques, i.e., piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), second-harmonic generation (SHG), and Raman spectroscopy (RS), to access the relevant and crucial sample properties through cross-correlating these methods. Based on our findings, we designate SHG to be the best-suited standard imaging technique for this purpose, in particular when investigating the domain poling process in x-cut TFLNs. While PFM is excellently recommended for near-surface high-resolution imaging, RS provides thorough insights into stress and/or defect distributions, as associated with these domain structures. In this context, our work here indicates unexpectedly large signs for internal fields occurring in x-cut PP-TFLNs that are substantially larger as compared to previous observations in bulk LN.

scholarly journals In Vivo Imaging of Biodegradable Implants and Related Tissue Biomarkers

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 2348
Author(s):  
Leon Riehakainen ◽  
Chiara Cavallini ◽  
Paolo Armanetti ◽  
Daniele Panetta ◽  
Davide Caramella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Biodegradable Implant ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Longitudinal Imaging

Non-invasive longitudinal imaging of osseointegration of bone implants is essential to ensure a comprehensive, physical and biochemical understanding of the processes related to a successful implant integration and its long-term clinical outcome. This study critically reviews the present imaging techniques that may play a role to assess the initial stability, bone quality and quantity, associated tissue remodelling dependent on implanted material, implantation site (surrounding tissues and placement depth), and biomarkers that may be targeted. An updated list of biodegradable implant materials that have been reported in the literature, from metal, polymer and ceramic categories, is provided with reference to the use of specific imaging modalities (computed tomography, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging) suitable for longitudinal and non-invasive imaging in humans. The advantages and disadvantages of the single imaging modality are discussed with a special focus on preclinical imaging for biodegradable implant research. Indeed, the investigation of a new implant commonly requires histological examination, which is invasive and does not allow longitudinal studies, thus requiring a large number of animals for preclinical testing. For this reason, an update of the multimodal and multi-parametric imaging capabilities will be here presented with a specific focus on modern biomaterial research.

scholarly journals Comparison of Amino Acid PET to Advanced and Emerging MRI Techniques for Neurooncology Imaging: A Systematic Review of the Recent Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Brittany M. Stopa ◽  
Csaba Juhász ◽  
Sandeep Mittal
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Brain Tumors ◽  
Tumor Imaging ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Potential ◽  
Cest Imaging ◽  
Pubmed Search ◽  
Amino Acid Pet ◽  
Improved Performance

Introduction. Standard neuroimaging protocols for brain tumors have well-known limitations. The clinical use of additional modalities including amino acid PET (aaPET) and advanced MRI (aMRI) techniques (including DWI, PWI, and MRS) is emerging in response to the need for more accurate detection of brain tumors. In this systematic review of the past 2 years of the literature, we discuss the most recent studies that directly compare or combine aaPET and aMRI for brain tumor imaging. Methods. A PubMed search was conducted for human studies incorporating both aaPET and aMRI and published between July 2018 and August 2020. Results. A total of 22 studies were found in the study period. Recent studies of aaPET with DWI showed a superiority of MET, FET, FDOPA, and AMT PET for detecting tumor, predicting recurrence, diagnosing progression, and predicting survival. Combining modalities further improved performance. Comparisons of aaPET with PWI showed mixed results about spatial correlation. However, both modalities were able to detect high-grade tumors, identify tumor recurrence, differentiate recurrence from treatment effects, and predict survival. aaPET performed better on these measures than PWI, but when combined, they had the strongest results. Studies of aaPET with MRS demonstrated that both modalities have diagnostic potential but MET PET and FDOPA PET performed better than MRS. MRS suffered from some data quality issues that limited analysis in two studies, and, in one study that combined modalities, overall performance actually decreased. Four recent studies compared aaPET with emerging MRI approaches (such as CEST imaging, MR fingerprinting, and SISTINA), but the initial results remain inconclusive. Conclusions. aaPET outperformed the aMRI imaging techniques in most recent studies. DWI and PWI added meaningful complementary data, and the combination of aaPET with aMRI yielded the best results in most studies.

scholarly journals Significance of 5-S-Cysteinyldopa as a Marker for Melanoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazumasa Wakamatsu ◽  
Satoshi Fukushima ◽  
Akane Minagawa ◽  
Toshikazu Omodaka ◽  
Tokimasa Hida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Detection ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Primary Melanoma ◽  
Urinary Biomarkers ◽  
Prognostic Indicators ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
New Applications

Melanoma is one of the most lethal and malignant cancers and its incidence is increasing worldwide, and Japan is not an exception. Although there are numerous therapeutic options for melanoma, the prognosis is still poor once it has metastasized. The main concern after removal of a primary melanoma is whether it has metastasized, and early detection of metastatic melanoma would be effective in improving the prognosis of patients. Thus, it is very important to identify reliable methods to detect metastases as early as possible. Although many prognostic biomarkers (mainly for metastases) of melanoma have been reported, there are very few effective for an early diagnosis. Serum and urinary biomarkers for melanoma diagnosis have especially received great interest because of the relative ease of sample collection and handling. Several serum and urinary biomarkers appear to have significant potential both as prognostic indicators and as targets for future therapeutic methods, but still there are no efficient serum and urinary biomarkers for early detection, accurate diagnosis and prognosis, efficient monitoring of the disease and reliable prediction of survival and recurrence. Levels of 5-S-cysteinyldopa (5SCD) in the serum or urine as biomarkers of melanoma have been found to be significantly elevated earlier and to reflect melanoma progression better than physical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging techniques, such as scintigraphy and echography. With recent developments in the treatment of melanoma, studies reporting combinations of 5SCD levels and new applications for the treatment of melanoma are gradually increasing. This review summarizes the usefulness of 5SCD, the most widely used and well-known melanoma marker in the serum and urine, compares 5SCD and other useful markers, and finally its application to other fields.

scholarly journals Hierarchical Structure of the Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Endocarp: Functional Morphology and its Influence on Fracture Toughness

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Schmier ◽  
Naoe Hosoda ◽  
Thomas Speck
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Toughness ◽  
Functional Morphology ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Hierarchical Level ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Toughening Mechanisms ◽  
Hierarchical Levels ◽  
Organ Level

In recent years, the biomimetic potential of lignified or partially lignified fruit pericarps has moved into focus. For the transfer of functional principles into biomimetic applications, a profound understanding of the structural composition of the role models is important. The aim of this study was to qualitatively analyze and visualize the functional morphology of the coconut endocarp on several hierarchical levels, and to use these findings for a more precise evaluation of the toughening mechanisms in the endocarp. Eight hierarchical levels of the ripe coconut fruit were identified using different imaging techniques, including light and scanning electron microscopy as well as micro-computer-tomography. These range from the organ level of the fruit (H0) to the molecular composition (H7) of the endocarp components. A special focus was laid on the hierarchical levels of the endocarp (H3–H6). This investigation confirmed that all hierarchical levels influence the crack development in different ways and thus contribute to the pronounced fracture toughness of the coconut endocarp. By providing relevant morphological parameters at each hierarchical level with the associated toughening mechanisms, this lays the basis for transferring those properties into biomimetic technical applications.

scholarly journals Osteochondritis Dissecans: Etiology, Pathology, and Imaging with a Special Focus on the Knee Joint

Cartilage ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 346-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juergen Bruns ◽  
Mathias Werner ◽  
Christian Habermann
Keyword(s):  
Osteochondritis Dissecans ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Aseptic Necrosis ◽  
Growth Plates ◽  
Open Growth Plates ◽  
Number Of Publications

This article is a review of the current understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, and how to diagnose and treat knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) followed by an analysis of and outcomes of the treatments available. OCD is seen in children and adolescents with open growth plates (juvenile OCD) and adults with closed growth plates (adult OCD). The etiology of OCD lesions remains unclear and is characterized by an aseptic necrosis in the subchondral bone area. Mechanical factors seem to play an important role. Clinical symptoms are unspecific. Thus, imaging techniques are most important. Regarding treatment, a tremendous number of publications exist. Spontaneous healing is expected unless there is an unstable fragment, and treatment involves rest and different degrees of immobilization until healing. Patients with open physes and low-grade lesions have good results with conservative therapy. When surgery is necessary, the procedure depends on the stage and on the state of the cartilage. With intact cartilage, retrograde procedures are favorable. When the cartilage is damaged, several techniques can be used. While techniques such as drilling and microfracturing produce reparative cartilage, other techniques reconstruct the defect with additional osteochondral grafts or cell-based procedures such as chondrocyte transplantation. There is a tendency toward better results when using procedures that reconstruct the bone and the cartilage and there is also a trend toward better long-term results when comorbidities are treated. Severe grades of osteoarthrosis are rare.

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