Search Results (1,062)

Background: Keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs), including basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), are the most prevalent malignancies globally, particularly affecting sun-exposed facial areas. Achieving clear surgical margins in these regions is essential to ensure oncologic control while preserving cosmetic outcomes. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive imaging technique that enables real-time, high-resolution visualization of skin structures and may aid in margin assessment during KC surgery. This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of in vivo RCM in the surgical treatment of KCs. Methods: This review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, and EBSCO databases was conducted for studies published between January 1992 and December 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on clinical studies utilizing in vivo RCM for diagnostic or surgical applications in KC management. Results: Eighteen studies involving 1112 patients were included. RCM was used preoperatively in 5 studies and intraoperatively in another 5. Nine studies assessed margin delineation, while eight focused on diagnostic accuracy. RCM improved diagnostic confidence and allowed for more precise margin assessment, potentially reducing the extent of surgical excision in cosmetically sensitive areas. However, its broader clinical adoption is limited by operator dependency, procedural complexity, and lack of standardization. Conclusions: RCM shows promise as a supportive tool in KC surgery, particularly for preoperative planning. While its diagnostic utility is well established, its intraoperative role requires further validation. Larger, standardized, and cost-effective studies are needed to confirm its impact on surgical outcomes and patient quality of life. Full article

Mechanical and contractile forces in the vascular wall regulate smooth muscle cell migration. We previously demonstrated the presence of C3 complement products in atherosclerotic lesions of human aortas and showed that that C3-derived fragments promote key cellular processes, such as actin cytoskeleton organization and cell migration, in lipid-loaded human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs). In the present study, we aimed to investigate gene expression profiles related to cytoskeletal remodeling and cell adhesion in migrating hVSMCs with a particular focus on modulatory effect of the C3 complement pathway on these processes. We analyzed gene expression in migrating and non-migrating hVSMCs using real-time PCR and in silico network analysis. Additionally, we investigated cytoskeletal remodeling through Western blotting and confocal microscopy. PCR profiling revealed 30 genes with significantly altered expression in migrating hVSMCs compared to non-migrating control cells. In silico analysis identified six of these genes—PXN, AKT1, RHOA, VCL, CTNNB1, and FN1—as being associated with cytoskeletal remodeling and focal adhesion, with PXN occupying a central position in the interaction network. PXN expression was reduced at both the transcript and protein levels and showed altered subcellular localization in migrating lipid-loaded hVSMCs. Protein–protein interaction analysis using STRING predicted an association between PXN and the integrin complex αMβ2 (comprising ITGAM (CD11b) and ITGB2 (CD18)), which functions as receptors for the iC3b complement fragment. Confocal imaging of cell adhesion structures revealed that lipid-loaded hVSMCs stimulated with iC3b displayed a more diffuse PXN distribution and significantly increased PXN–F-actin colocalization in active cytoplasmic regions compared to lipid-loaded control cells. PXN–F-actin colocalization increased from 1.26% to 19.68%. Subcellular fractionation further confirmed enhanced PXN enrichment in the membrane fraction, with no significant changes observed in the cytosolic or cytoskeletal compartments. In conclusion, iC3b-mediated molecular signaling in lipid-loaded hVSMCs alters PXN distribution and enhances cytoskeletal remodeling, revealing novel molecular interactions in vascular remodeling and the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Full article

Addressing the inherent brittleness of cement to mitigate infrastructure failures stemming from cracking is imperative. To accomplish both early crack resistance and subsequent self-healing capabilities, a biomimetic microstructure composed of a sodium polyacrylate (CSPA) network interwoven with hydration products was developed. The calcium-enriched polymer network formed via in situ polymerization of sodium acrylate (ANa) can enhance the mechanical properties of cement and achieve efficient self-healing of cracks. The porous structure of sodium polyacrylate (PANa) formed in pore solution at room temperature to simulate cement hydration conditions was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Feature peaks found by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) suggested that ANa was polymerized successfully. Notably, CSPA samples demonstrated a remarkable 104% increase in flexural strength, attributed to the efficient transmission and dissipation of external forces along the polymer network embedded within the cement matrix. Additionally, after a 28-day hydration, CSPA specimens exhibited enhanced compressive strength compared to blank cement samples. This enhancement stems from the formation of a uniform polymer network, which effectively decreased the porosity and densified the microstructure of cement. Moreover, this organic–inorganic hybrid structure contributes to efficient crack healing, as the calcium-rich polymer network binds calcium ions and promotes the generation of healing products. The healing products consist of calcium hydroxide (CH), CaCO₃ (aragonite), C-S-H (calcium–silicate–hydrate), and PANa. Full article

Notoginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), a bioactive saponin from Panax notoginseng, exerts cardio-cerebrovascular protective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and glucose homeostasis-regulating effects. However, its oral bioavailability is limited by gastric degradation and poor intestinal permeability. This study presents a food-grade bigel system for encapsulating Rb1 to enhance its stability and controlled-release performance. Oleogels were structured using monoglycerides (8%, w/w) in soybean oil. Rb1-loaded binary hydrogels (gellan gum/xanthan gum, 12:1 w/w) were emulsified in 10% Tween-80 (w/w). Bigels were formulated at varying hydrogel-to-oleogel ratios, and a ratio of 4:6 was identified as optimal. Stress-sweep rheological analysis revealed a dense gel structure with a peak storage modulus (G′) of 290.64 Pa—the highest among all tested ratios—indicating superior structural integrity. Confocal microscopy confirmed homogeneous encapsulation of Rb1 within the continuous hydrogel phase, effectively preventing payload leakage. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis detected a distinct endothermic transition at 55 °C (ΔH = 6.25 J/g), signifying energy absorption that enables thermal buffering during food processing. The system achieved an encapsulation efficiency of 99.91% and retains both water and oil retention. Effective acid protection and colon-targeted delivery were observed in the digestion test. Effective acid protection and colon-targeted delivery were observed in the digestion test. Less than 5% of Rb1 was released in the gastric phase, and over 90% sustained intestinal release occurred at 4 h. The optimized bigel effectively protected Rb1 from gastric degradation and enabled sustained intestinal release. Its food-grade composition, thermal stability, and tunable rheology offer significant potential for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Full article

Dura mater plays a critical role in neurofluid homeostasis, yet comparative data on capillary network density and organization between cranial and spinal regions remain limited. This study addresses this gap by systematically analyzing capillary architecture and aquaporin (AQP) expression in porcine cranial (parietal, falx) and spinal dura mater. Immunofluorescence labeling and confocal microscopy were used to assess capillary density, spatial distribution, and AQP1/AQP4 expression patterns across over 1000 capillaries in these regions. Cranial dura exhibited a 3–4 times higher capillary density compared to spinal dura, with capillaries predominantly localized to meningeal–dural border cell interfaces in cranial regions and a more dispersed distribution in spinal dura. Both AQP1 and AQP4 were detected as discrete clusters within capillary walls, with higher expression in cranial compared to spinal dura. Lymphatic vessels (PDPN-positive) were also observed adjacent to capillaries, supporting a dual-system model for fluid and waste exchange. These findings highlight the dura’s region-specific vascular specialization, with cranial regions favoring dense, structured capillary networks suited for active fluid exchange. This work establishes a foundation for investigating capillary-driven fluid dynamics in pathological states like subdural hematomas or hydrocephalus. Full article

To enable multi-channel parallel spectral analysis in array-based devices such as micro-light-emitting diodes (Micro-LEDs) and line-scan spectral confocal systems, the development of compact array spectrometers has become increasingly important. In this work, a novel spectrometer architecture based on a microlens array grating (MLAG) is proposed, which addresses the major limitations of conventional spectrometers, including limited parallel detection capability, bulky structures, and insufficient spatial resolution. By integrating dispersion and focusing within a monolithic device, the system enables simultaneous acquisition across more than 2000 parallel channels within a 10 mm × 10 mm unit consisting of an f = 4 mm microlens and a 600 lines/mm blazed grating. Optimized microlens and aperture alignment allows for flexible control of the divergence angle of the incident light, and the system theoretically achieves nanometer-scale spectral resolution across a 380–780 nm wavelength range, with inter-channel measurement deviation below 1.25%. Experimental results demonstrate that this spectrometer system can theoretically support up to 2070 independently addressable subunits. At a wavelength of 638 nm, the coefficient of variation (CV) of spot spacing among array elements is as low as 1.11%, indicating high uniformity. The spectral repeatability precision is better than 1.0 nm, and after image enhancement, the standard deviation of the diffracted light shift is reduced to just 0.26 nm. The practical spectral resolution achieved is as fine as 3.0 nm. This platform supports wafer-level spectral screening of high-density Micro-LEDs, offering a practical hardware solution for high-precision industrial inline sorting, such as Micro-LED defect inspection. Full article

Although acetaminophen (APAP) overdose represents the predominant cause of drug-induced acute liver failure (ALF) worldwide and has been extensively studied, the modes of cell death remain debatable and the treatment approach for APAP-induced acute liver failure is still limited. This study investigated the mechanisms of APAP hepatotoxicity in primary mouse hepatocytes (PMHs) by using integrated methods (MTT assay, HPLC analysis for glutathione (GSH), Calcein-AM for labile iron pool detection, confocal microscopy for lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial superoxide measurements, electron microscopy observation, and Western blot analysis for ferritin), focusing on the role of iron dysregulation under oxidative stress. Our results showed that 20 mM APAP treatment induced characteristic features of ferroptosis, including GSH depletion, mitochondrial dysfunction, and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Further results showed significant ferritin degradation and subsequent iron releasing. Iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could alleviate APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, while autophagy inhibitors did not provide a protective effect. In vitro experiments confirmed that hydrogen peroxide directly damaged ferritin structure, leading to iron releasing, which may aggravate iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. These findings provide evidence that APAP hepatotoxicity involves a self-amplifying cycle of oxidative stress and iron-mediated oxidative damaging, with ferritin destruction playing a key role as a free iron source. This study offers new insights into APAP-induced liver injury beyond conventional cell death classifications, and highlights iron chelation as a potential therapeutic strategy alongside traditional antioxidative treatment with NAC. Full article

This study aimed to develop a functional powder using whey and milk matrices, leveraging the protective capacity of chia–alginate hydrogels and the advantages of electrohydrodynamic spraying (EHDA), a non-thermal technique suitable for encapsulating probiotic cells under stress conditions commonly encountered in food processing. A hydrogel matrix composed of chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate was used to form a biopolymeric network that protected probiotic cells during processing. The encapsulation efficiency reached 99.0 ± 0.01%, and bacterial viability remained above 9.9 log₁₀ CFU/mL after lyophilization, demonstrating the excellent protective capacity of the hydrogel matrix. Microstructural analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed well-retained cell morphology and homogeneous distribution within the hydrogel matrix while, in contrast, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed spherical, porous microcapsules with distinct surface characteristics influenced by the encapsulation method. Encapsulates were incorporated into beverages flavored with red fruits and pear and subsequently freeze-dried. The resulting powders were analyzed for moisture, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, and color determinations. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and response surface methodology, highlighting the impact of ingredient ratios on nutritional composition. Raman spectroscopy identified molecular features associated with casein, lactose, pectins, anthocyanins, and other functional compounds, confirming the contribution of both matrix and encapsulants maintaining the structural characteristics of the product. The presence of antioxidant bands supported the functional potential of the powder formulations. Chia–alginate hydrogels effectively encapsulated L. reuteri, maintaining cell viability and enabling their incorporation into freeze-dried beverage powders. This approach offers a promising strategy for the development of next-generation functional food gels with enhanced probiotic stability, nutritional properties, and potential application in health-promoting dairy systems. Full article

Titanium–aluminum–vanadium (Ti6Al4V) is a material chosen for spine, orthopedic, and dental implants due to its combination of desirable mechanical and biological properties. Lasers have been used to modify metal surfaces, enabling the generation of a surface on Ti6Al4V with distinct micro- and nano-scale structures. Studies indicate that topography with micro/nano features of osteoclast resorption pits causes bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and osteoprogenitor cells to favor differentiation into an osteoblastic phenotype. This study examined whether the biological response of human MSCs to Ti6Al4V surfaces is sensitive to laser treatment-controlled micro/nano-topography. First, 15 mm diameter Ti6Al4V discs (Spine Wave Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) were either machined (M) or additively manufactured (AM). Surface treatments included no laser treatment (NT), nanosecond laser (Ns), femtosecond laser (Fs), or nanosecond followed by femtosecond laser (Ns+Fs). Surface wettability, roughness, and surface chemistry were determined using sessile drop contact angle, laser confocal microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human MSCs were cultured in growth media on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) or test surfaces. On day 7, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF) in the conditioned media were measured. M NT, Fs, and Ns+Fs surfaces were hydrophilic; Ns was hydrophobic. AM NT and Fs surfaces were hydrophilic; AM Ns and Ns+Fs were hydrophobic. Roughness (Sa and Sz) increased after Ns and Ns+Fs treatment for both M and AM disks. All surfaces primarily consisted of oxygen, titanium, and carbon; Fs had increased levels of aluminum for both M and AM. SEM images showed that M NT discs had a smooth surface, whereas AM surfaces appeared rough at a higher magnification. Fs surfaces had a similar morphology to their respective NT disc at low magnification, but higher magnification revealed nano-scale bumps not seen on NT surfaces. AM Fs surfaces also had regular interval ridges that were not seen on non-femto laser-ablated surfaces. Surface roughness was increased on M and AM Ns and Ns+Fs disks compared to NT and Fs disks. OCN was enhanced, and DNA was reduced on Ns and Ns+Fs, with no difference between them. OPN, OPG, and VEGF levels for laser-treated M surfaces were unchanged compared to NT, apart from an increase in OPG on Fs. MSCs grown on AM Ns and Ns+Fs surfaces had increased levels of OCN per DNA. These results indicate that MSCs cultured on AM Ns and AM Ns+Fs surfaces, which exhibited unique roughness at the microscale and nanoscale, had enhanced differentiation to an osteoblastic phenotype. The laser treatments of the surface mediated this enhancement of MSC differentiation and warrant further clinical investigation. Full article

Biofilms cause a variety of problems, such as food spoilage, food poisoning, infection, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and metal corrosion, so knowledge on biofilm prevention and removal is important. A detailed observation of the three-dimensional structure of biofilms on the nanoscale is expected to provide insight into this. In this study, we report on the successful in situ nanoscale observations of a marine bacterial biofilm on glass in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) using both scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) over the same area. By observing the same area by SICM and CLSM, we were able to clarify the three-dimensional morphology of the biofilm, the arrangement of bacteria within the biofilm, and the difference in local ion conductivity within the biofilm simultaneously, which could not be achieved by observation using a microscope alone. Full article

Water science has always been a central part of modern scientific research. In this study, the viscosity and hydrogen bond structures of methanol aqueous solutions with different molar ratios were investigated via confocal microscopic Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra of methanol in the CH and CO stretching regions were measured in order to investigate the structure of water/methanol molecules. The points of transition were identified by observing changes in viscosity following changes in concentration, and the bands were assigned to the C-H bond vibration shifts where the molar ratios of methanol and water were 1:3 and 3:1. Furthermore, the large band shift of 19 cm⁻¹ between the methanol solutions with the lowest and highest concentrations contained three hydrogen bond network modes, affecting the viscosity of the solution. This study provides an explanation for the relationship between the microstructures and macroscopic properties of aqueous solutions. Full article

This study presents the structural and compositional characterisation of a newly developed Ti55Al27Mo13 alloy synthesised via aluminothermic reaction. The alloy was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional processing routes for high–melting–point elements such as Ti and Mo, enabling the formation of a complex, multi–phase microstructure in a single high–temperature step. The aim was to develop and characterise a material with microstructural features expected to enhance wear resistance, oxidation behaviour, and thermal stability in future applications. The alloy is intended as a precursor for composite nanopowders and surface coatings applied to aluminium–, magnesium–, and iron–based substrates subjected to mechanical and thermal loading. Elemental analysis (XRF, EDS) confirmed the presence of Ti, Al, Mo, and minor elements such as Si, Fe, and C. Microstructural investigations using laser confocal and scanning electron microscopy revealed a heterogeneous structure comprising solid solutions, eutectic regions, and dispersed oxide and carbide phases. Notably, the alloy exhibits high hardness values, reaching >2400 HV in Al₂O₃ regions and ~1300 HV in Mo– and Si–enriched solid solutions. These results suggest the material’s substantial potential for protective surface engineering. Further tribological, thermal, and corrosion testing, conducted with meticulous attention to detail, will follow to validate its functional performance in target applications. Full article

Although corn germ meal is a rich source of dietary fiber, it contains a relatively low proportion of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and is frequently contaminated with high levels of zearalenone (ZEN). Solid-state fermentation has the dual effects of modifying dietary fiber (DF) and degrading mycotoxins. This study optimized the solid-state fermentation process of corn germ meal using Bacillus subtilis K6 through response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance SDF yield while efficiently degrading ZEN. Results indicated that fermentation solid-to-liquid ratio and time had greater impacts on SDF yield and ZEN degradation rate than fermentation temperature. The optimal conditions were determined as temperature 36.5 °C, time 65 h, and solid-to-liquid ratio 1:0.82 (w/v). Under these conditions, the ZEN degradation rate reached 96.27 ± 0.53%, while the SDF yield increased from 9.47 ± 0.68% to 20.11 ± 1.87% (optimizing the SDF/DF ratio from 1:7 to 1:3). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) revealed the structural transformation of dietary fiber from smooth to loose and porous forms. This structural modification resulted in a significant improvement in the physicochemical properties of dietary fiber, with water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), and water-swelling capacity (WSC) increasing by 34.8%, 16.4%, and 15.2%, respectively. Additionally, the protein and total phenolic contents increased by 23.0% and 82.61%, respectively. This research has achieved efficient detoxification and dietary fiber modification of corn germ meal, significantly enhancing the resource utilization rate of corn by-products and providing technical and theoretical support for industrial production applications. Full article

The application of cellular spheroids in bone tissue engineering research has gained significant interest in the last decade. Compared to monolayer cell cultures, the 3D architecture allows for more physiological cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions that make cellular spheroids a suitable model system to investigate the bone ECM in vitro. The use of 3D model systems requires fine-tuning of the experimental methods used to study cell morphology, ECM deposition and mineralization, and cell–ECM interactions. In this study, we use a construct made of MC3T3-E1 cellular spheroids encapsulated in an alginate hydrogel to study and characterize the deposited ECM. Spheroid shape and structure were evaluated using confocal microscopy. The deposited collagenous ECM was characterized using Second Harmonic Imaging Microscopy (SHIM), quantitative hydroxyproline (HYP) assay, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The use of hydrogel constructs enabled easy handling and imaging of the samples, while also helping to preserve the spheroid’s stability by preventing cells from adhering to the culture dish surface. We used a non-modified alginate hydrogel that did not facilitate cell attachment and therefore functioned as an inert encapsulating scaffold. Constructs were cultured for up to 4 weeks. SHIM, HYP assay, and TEM confirmed the deposition of a collagenous matrix. We demonstrated that alginate-encapsulated bone spheroids are a convenient and promising model for studying the bone ECM in vitro. Full article

Coatings that are tolerant of poor surface preparation are often used for rapid, real-time maintenance of aging steel surfaces. In this study, a modified epoxy (EP) anti-rust coating was proposed, utilizing methyl gallate (MG) as a rust conversion agent, graphene oxide (GO) as an active functional material, and epoxy resin as the film-forming material. The anti-rust mechanism was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and the scanning vibration electrode technique (SVET). The results demonstrated that over a period of 21 days, the impedance of the coating increases while the corrosion current density decreases with prolonged soaking time. The coating exhibited a maximum impedance of 2259 kΩ, and a lower corrosion current density of 8.316 × 10⁻³ A/m², which demonstrated a three-order magnitude reduction compared to the corrosion current density observed in mild steel without coating. LSCM demonstrated that MG can not only penetrate the tiny gap between the rust particles, but also effectively convert harmful rust into a complex. SVET showed a much more uniform current density distribution in the micro-zones of mild steel with the anti-rust coating compared to uncoated mild steel, indicating that the presence of GO not only enhanced the electrical conductivity of the coating, but also improved the structure of the coating, which contributed to the high performance of the modified epoxy anti-rust coating. This work highlights the potential application of anti-rust coating in the protection of metal structures in coastal engineering. Full article