Search Results (26,893)

Background: Fluorescence-guided surgery based on near-infrared imaging, most often using indocyanine green (ICG), is increasingly used in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. This narrative review integrates current evidence across four clinically relevant domains-anastomotic perfusion, lymphatic mapping, tumor localization, and metastasis detection and emphasizes the technical and translational factors that will determine broader implementation. Methods: We performed a structured narrative review of clinical and translational studies identified through PubMed and citation tracking, with emphasis on ICG-based workflows and emerging targeted tracers. Because the literature spans heterogeneous interventions, imaging platforms, and endpoints, no de novo meta-analysis or formal risk-of-bias assessment was undertaken. Results: ICG fluorescence angiography is the most mature application and can refine transection-line selection, although its effect on anastomotic leak appears protocol dependent. In lymphatic mapping, ICG improves visualization of drainage pathways and nodal basins but does not reliably distinguish benign from metastatic nodes. For tumor localization, ICG supports lesion marking and dynamic tissue characterization, while targeted probes and contrast-free adjuncts may improve oncologic specificity. For metastatic disease, ICG is most useful for liver margin guidance and for excluding residual disease, whereas CEA-targeted and multimodal approaches appear particularly promising for peritoneal metastases. Conclusions: The added value of this review lies in linking current clinical maturity to the translational steps still required for routine adoption. In CRC surgery, fluorescence imaging is already useful in selected settings, but broader implementation will depend on standardized protocols, objective real-time quantification, and multicenter validation of targeted tracers against clinically meaningful outcomes. Full article

Background: Triptolide (TPL) is an epoxytriptolide diterpenoid lactone isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii and exhibits broad pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. Its water-soluble prodrug, minnelide, is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate cellular fate by inducing oxidative damage and activating autophagy, which can promote cell survival under moderate stress but contribute to cell death when excessively or persistently activated. Although TPL has been reported to induce ROS accumulation, its mechanistic role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to systematically investigate the role of ROS-mediated autophagy in TPL-induced cytotoxicity and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of combining TPL with autophagy inhibition in NSCLC. Methods: A series of in vitro experiments was performed to characterize TPL-mediated changes in NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and ROS production. Autophagy- and apoptosis-related molecular alterations were analyzed using Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy with fluorescent reporter constructs. An H1299 xenograft mouse model was established to assess the antitumor efficacy of TPL in vivo and its combination effects with an autophagy inhibitor. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that TPL induces NSCLC cell death primarily through increased ROS levels. Mechanistic analyses further revealed that ROS accumulation simultaneously activates a protective autophagic response. Notably, in vivo experiments showed that co-administration of TPL with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine resulted in significantly stronger tumor growth suppression than either treatment alone. Conclusions: Autophagy acts as a resistance mechanism against TPL-induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC, and pharmacological autophagy inhibition potentiates the antitumor activity of TPL. These findings clarify the ROS–autophagy interplay underlying TPL-mediated cell death and provide a preclinical rationale for combining TPL with autophagy inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. Full article

Most of the existing carbon dot (CD)-based afterglow materials are limited to a single emission mode of either room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) or delayed fluorescence (DF), which makes it difficult to meet the application requirements of advanced anti-counterfeiting and multi-level information encryption. Therefore, the development of CD-based composite materials with multi-mode afterglow emission, long lifetime and high stability holds significant research significance and application value. In this study, long-afterglow manganese/nitrogen co-doped CDs@boric acid (BA) composites (Mn, N-CDs @BA) are successfully prepared, and their optical properties and emission mechanism are clarified. The results demonstrate that the Mn, N-CDs @BA composites exhibit wavelength-dependent dual-afterglow emission characteristics of RTP and DF. Under 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, they exhibit DF emission with an average lifetime of 903.36 ms. Under 365 nm UV light excitation, RTP emission with an average lifetime of 354.43 ms is observed. Moreover, the afterglow color exhibits time dependence. Based on the triple emission modes (fluorescence, RTP and DF) of the Mn, N-CDs @BA composites, optical patterns were designed and fabricated, and counterfeit-resistant and unclonable anti-counterfeiting and high concealment information encryption were successfully achieved. This work develops a potentially feasible approach for next-generation advanced optical anti-counterfeiting and information encryption systems. Full article

Monitoring the concentration of doxorubicin (DOX) was critical for tumor treatment, but existing methods failed to cross cell membrane. Here, an electrochemical platform for intracellular DOX detection in MCF-7 cells based on membrane-permeation strategy was developed. A modified gold electrode was prepared via electrodepositing AuNPs and assembling SH-DNA. Concurrently, the silica nanosphere/gold nanocluster-circular transmembrane peptide (SiO₂/AuNCs-iRGD) composite nanoparticles with membrane permeability, tumor targeting, and imaging capability were synthesized. After co-incubation of SiO₂/AuNCs-iRGD with MCF-7 cells and DOX, followed by co-incubation with the DNA-modified electrode, intracellular DOX intercalated into the DNA backbone, and redox-generated electrons were transferred to the electrode to produce a concentration-correlated electrochemical signal. The modification of the electrode, the morphology of the composite nanoparticles and the detection process were characterized by means of SEM, TEM, CV, EIS, DPV, fluorescence spectroscopy and laser confocal imaging. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method exhibited a wide detection range of 0.05–300 μmol/L, with a detection limit of 0.01 μmol/L. Moreover, the modified electrode demonstrated satisfactory regenerability, and the proposed method showed excellent reproducibility and stability. The development platform could offer a new strategy for real-time assessment of drug concentration within cultured breast cancer cells in vitro. Full article

The maxillary sinus is frequently implicated in facial pain syndromes arising from infection, neoplasia, dental procedures, and, importantly, migraine, which can mimic “sinus headache” and contribute to misdiagnosis and inappropriate antibiotic use. Despite the clinical burden of chronic maxillary sinus pain, the sensory neuron subtypes that convey nociceptive and mechanosensory signals from the sinus mucosa remain incompletely defined. In this study, trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the maxillary sinus (maxillary sinus TG neurons) were retrogradely labeled with the fluorescent dye DiD in mice and characterized using ex vivo patch-clamp electrophysiology and single-cell RT-PCR. Maxillary sinus TG neurons were found to be predominantly small-diameter, C-afferent nociceptors with electrophysiologic features including high thresholds, repetitive firing, and broad action potentials. Notably, maxillary sinus TG neurons formed a distinct molecular and functional subgroup: they expressed Nav1.9, while showing minimal Nav1.8 expression and limited overlap with Nav1.8-positive nociceptor populations. A majority of maxillary sinus TG neurons were mechanically responsive, generating mechanically activated currents with heterogeneous adaptation profiles, and a subset expressed the mechanoreceptor Piezo2. Collectively, these findings identify maxillary sinus TG neurons as a specialized population of Nav1.9-enriched C-afferent nociceptors with mechanosensitive properties, providing a mechanistic framework for pressure-evoked sinus pain. This work advances the neurobiological basis of sinus-related pain and suggests that Nav1.9 and mechanoreceptor pathways may be potential therapeutic targets for conditions in which sinus symptoms overlap with migraine and other craniofacial pain disorders. Full article

The development of beekeeping in Ecuador has generated the need to strengthen the bee health program. Research on the main pathogens responsible for diseases like nosemosis, which can severely impact bee health, is of special interest. This study aims to identify the Nosema apis and/or Nosema ceranae species infecting honey bee colonies located in the northern Andean region of Ecuador using multiplex PCR targeting the RNA polymerase II gene (RPB1), and the phylogenetic analysis of N. ceranae based on the 16 S rRNA gene sequences. Among the 164 honey bee samples collected from colonies in the provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, and Pichincha, the prevalence of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae was 14.63% and 21.34%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that N. ceranae from Ecuador is closely related to the sequences from Argentina and Brazil. These findings provide the first molecular confirmation of N. ceranae in Ecuador and support the need for molecular monitoring of honey bee pathogens in the region. Full article

Phosphatic bioclastic laminae distributed along bedding planes have been recently discovered within the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation shale in the eastern Sichuan Basin. However, their characteristics and potential as shale oil and gas reservoirs remain unclear. To reveal their microscopic pore structure characteristics and development model, this study focuses on samples of phosphatic bioclastic laminae obtained from drilling cores in the Fuxing area of eastern Sichuan. A multi-scale analytical approach was employed, integrating micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-XRF), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), nitrogen adsorption, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and geochemical analyses. The results indicate that the phosphatic bioclastic laminae are primarily composed of apatite and calcite and formed in a low-energy, anoxic, semi-deep to deep lacustrine environment. They exhibit an average total porosity of 4.84% and an average TOC of 1.99 mg/g. It is 14.7% and 17.8% higher than the clay laminae, and 255.9% and 109.57% higher than the calcareous bioclastic laminae. The pore system is dominated by mesopores and macropores, encompassing multiple pore types including dissolution pores, interparticle pores, interlayer pores, organic matter-hosted pores, and micro-fractures. Notably, a well-connected nanometer-scale pore network developed within fish bone fragments contributes substantially to the storage space. These intervals integrate high organic matter richness with superior reservoir properties, demonstrating typical “source-reservoir integration” characteristics. Their pore structure is synergistically regulated by sedimentary–diagenetic processes, with a core mechanism of primary biogenic pore foundation–late diagenetic dissolution enhancement–micro-fracture connectivity. This study systematically elucidates, for the first time, the reservoir formation mechanism of the phosphatic bioclast-rich laminae in the Lianggaoshan Formation. It confirms their potential as “geological-engineering” dual sweet spots for shale oil and gas exploration, providing a new basis for sweet spot prediction and exploration deployment targeting similar phosphatic bioclastic laminae in the Sichuan Basin and analogous regions. Full article

Due to climate change, seedling damage caused by drought stress is expected to increase in both afforestation sites and nurseries. Therefore, to ensure stable seedling production under high-temperature conditions and to cultivate seedlings with enhanced drought tolerance through hardening treatments, the development of an effective irrigation system is required. Conventional physiological methods for non-destructive drought detection, such as chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf temperature measurements, require expensive and manual operation, thereby limiting their real-time applicability in forest nurseries. This study evaluated the applicability of using image-based leaf angle measurements for drought stress detection in Quercus acutissima Carruth. seedlings. One-year-old seedlings were grown under two water regimes—well-watered (CT: control) and unwatered (DT: drought)—through Day 8. Statistical analyses (RMANOVA) revealed that changes in the leaf angle parameter PMD–MD (the difference between the previous and current measurement days) showed treatment effects similar to those of the physiological responses ΦNO (quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation) and qL (fraction of open PSII reaction centers) to drought on Day 6. Leaf angle reflected drought stress but did not precede physiological changes, indicating its role as a complementary rather than an early indicator. Multiple regression models identified AT (air temperature), SM (soil moisture), Fm′ (maximum fluorescence in the light-adapted state), and VPD (vapor pressure deficit) as the main factors influencing leaf angle variation. Although leaf angle was affected by combined environmental stresses such as high temperature, it was less sensitive to heat stress than physiological responses based on RMANOVA results. These results indicate the potential of image-based leaf angle measurements for drought stress detection. To establish plant-based smart irrigation systems, future studies should validate and refine this approach using larger datasets. Full article

Coumarin-based compounds are recognized for their chemical versatility and diverse biological activities, yet clinical applications remain largely confined to 4-hydroxycoumarin anticoagulants. To bridge this translational gap, coumarin scaffolds have been increasingly employed in prodrug design to enable controlled activation, targeted delivery, and theranostic functionality. This review critically evaluates whether coumarin-based prodrugs fulfill their therapeutic promise or remain primarily preclinical tools across oncology, inflammation, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. Strategies including enzymatic-, pH-, redox-, and light-triggered activation, as well as subcellular targeting and multifunctional hybrids, are discussed. Preclinical studies demonstrate improved bioavailability, reduced off-target toxicity, and real-time fluorescence monitoring, yet most compounds remain at the in vitro or small-animal model stage. Despite their mechanistic and conceptual potential, clinical translation is constrained by molecular complexity, pharmacokinetics, safety, and regulatory challenges. Overall, coumarins constitute a versatile multifunctional platform whose therapeutic impact relies on rigorous in vivo validation and strategic optimization. Full article

Background and Objectives: Bile duct injury is a relatively rare, but critical complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and is most commonly attributed to misinterpretation of biliary anatomy. Intraoperative biliary imaging may enhance anatomical recognition and reduce operative uncertainty, yet the optimal imaging modality remains debated. This study aimed to compare conventional intraoperative X-ray cholangiography with two fluorescence-based techniques—intravenous and intracholecystic indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography—with respect to biliary visualization, perioperative outcomes, and surgeon satisfaction during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial included 240 adult patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy between June 2021 and December 2022. Participants were randomized equally to standard intraoperative cholangiography, intravenous indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography, or intracholecystic indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography. The primary outcome was successful visualization of predefined extrahepatic biliary landmarks, including the critical junction. Secondary outcomes included cholangiography duration, perioperative complications, postoperative inflammatory markers, and surgeon satisfaction assessed using a five-point Likert scale. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04908826). Results: Visualization rates of the critical junction and major extrahepatic bile ducts were comparable among three groups, with no statistically significant differences observed. Both fluorescence-based techniques achieved a 100% technical success rate, whereas standard cholangiography failed in a small proportion of cases. Cholangiography duration was significantly shorter in the fluorescence groups compared with standard cholangiography (p < 0.001). Surgeon satisfaction scores were significantly higher for both fluorescence approaches, with a slight preference for intravenous administration. Perioperative complication rates and postoperative inflammatory markers were com-parable among groups. Conclusions: Intravenous and intracholecystic indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography are non-inferior to conventional intraoperative cholangiography for biliary anatomy visualization and offer advantages in procedural efficiency and surgeon satisfaction. Fluorescence-based imaging represents a safe and effective alternative for intraoperative biliary mapping during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Full article

Background: In cancer surgery, resection of the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes (LNs) is critical. Adequate LN examination is essential to detect metastasis, which determines the cancer stage. Fluorescence emission allows for visual differentiation and rapid monitoring of LNs. Methods: Cancer tissue is stained with a fluorescent dye (indocyanine green, ICG) to identify LNs. Fluorescence is induced from the stained LNs using LED light, and a photosensor coupled with a speaker detects the fluorescence signal and triggers an audible alarm. Filters are applied to prevent false alarms. Results: Upon LN detection, an alarm is emitted from the speaker, and the results are recorded using the LED and a digital multimeter (DMM). In clinical trials, ICG is injected to induce LN fluorescence staining, followed by LED irradiation to induce the fluorescent wavelength and verify LN imaging. Discussion: In clinical trials, ICG stains both LNs and blood vessels, which may lead to false positives. To address this limitation, artificial intelligence algorithms can be trained to specifically identify LNs. Conclusions: Detection of fluorescence wavelengths via photosensors allows for rapid identification of LNs, confirmed through an audible alarm, thereby reducing surgical time. This method shows potential for broad application in cancer surgery. Full article

This study investigates the application of artificial intelligence for predicting the compressive strength of a high-performance, eco-efficient engineered cementitious composite (ECC), designated mix S8-1, A. The composite incorporates supplementary cementitious materials and alternative aggregates derived from recycled glass waste. The binder system combines waste glass powder and silica fume, while the aggregate fraction includes recycled cobalt glass. An extensive experimental program involving 14 mixtures tested at 7, 28, 56, 90, and 120 days was performed to establish the reference mechanical and rheological properties. Mix S8-1, A achieved strength class C60/75 and workability corresponding to consistency class S4. To substantiate long-term performance, microstructural and chemical analyses were conducted on specimens preserved since 2011, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results confirmed a stable, densified microstructure, evidencing the long-term durability of the patented ECC formulation. For predictive modeling, a shallow feedforward artificial neural network with three hidden layers was developed and trained on 70 dataset entries representing mixture proportions and curing ages. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation, achieving a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.968, a mean absolute error of 1.96 MPa, and a root mean square error of 2.52 MPa. The results demonstrate that AI-based approaches can accurately predict the compressive strength of high-performance, environmentally sustainable ECCs incorporating recycled glass constituents, supporting both performance optimization and resource-efficient material design. Full article

Background/Objective: Coffee is the most highly consumed beverage worldwide, and coffee drinkers exhibit decreased mortality and protection from aging-related diseases. This study investigates the role of orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) in mediating the effects of brewed coffee and the major polyphenolic and polyhydroxy compounds in brewed coffee and also in determining their binding to NR4A1. Methods: The interactions of brewed coffee and several of the major individual compounds in brewed coffee with the ligand-binding domain of NR4A1 were determined using a fluorescent binding assay. For specific compounds, binding was also carried out by surface plasmon resonance, and molecular docking studies were also performed. NR4A1-responsive Rh30 cancer cells were used as models to determine NR4A1-dependent transactivation, cell growth inhibition and inhibition of specific gene products, and in some studies, knockdown of NR4A1 by RNA interference was also determined. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced IkBα by key polyphenolics was also investigated in RAW264.7 macrophages. Results: Brewed coffee and several polyphenolics, including caffeic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, several cinnamic acid derivatives, kahweol, and cafestrol, bound NR4A1 in binding assays, and most Kd values were <10 µM. Brewed coffee and the major polyphenolics inhibited growth of NR4A1-responsive Rh30 cells, and this was attenuated in NR4A1-deficient Rh30 cells. These same compounds also exhibited NR4A1-dependent effects on transactivation and gene product responses in Rh30 and RAW264.7 macrophages and exhibited inverse NR4A1 agonist activity. In contrast, the NR4A1-dependent activity of caffeine and quinic acid was highly variable, suggesting that they are selective NR4A1 ligands. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that brewed coffee and its major polyphenolics and polyhydroxy constituents are NR4A1 ligands and that NR4A1 may play an important role in the health-protective effects of coffee. These results, coupled with recent studies, indicate that NR4A1 and its ligands may play an important role in diet and health. Full article

Antimony (Sb) is a key element used in flame retardants, lead–acid batteries, and polymer catalysis, and it is classified as a critical raw material. Its quantity for the worldwide economy is limited due to restricted natural resources and partial recycling of by-products. This is why recovering Sb from secondary sources is becoming increasingly important in terms of technological and economic aspects for ensuring its sustainable and safety supply. In this paper, we review the possibilities for extraction of antimony from various waste sources, such as ore processing and metal recovery residues, electronic and plastic waste, lead-antimony-containing waste, spent catalysts, fluorescent lamps, incinerated municipal waste, and the applied methods of waste processing (pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, solvometallurgy) used to achieve recovery in high yield and purity. The methods for antimony quantification and speciation are also discussed and described in terms of principle of the technique, linear concentration range, limit of detection, and coupling with other techniques. As the concentration of Sb in environmental and biological samples is usually very low and requires good selectivity and sensitivity of the analytical method, suitable techniques for sample preparation and subsequent instrumental measurement are also included. Full article

As precision polishing and post-processing advance, surface-layer absorptive defects in fused silica optics increasingly show random distribution, low quantity, and ultra-low concentration—making efficient, non-destructive inspection of large-aperture components challenging. In this study, fused silica samples made by conventional ring polishing and acid cleaning were analyzed using photothermal weak absorption (PTWA), micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF), micro-X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD), and ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy spectroscopy. Results show that process-related contaminants emit strong spontaneous fluorescence between 500 and 620 nm under 375 nm ultraviolet (UV) excitation. Using this optical signature, a high-throughput detection system was developed that combines rapid fluorescence imaging for screening with PTWA for verification. Full-area scanning of a 100 mm × 100 mm sample successfully identified absorptive defects with significantly improved efficiency over conventional methods. This work provides a practical quality control solution for large-aperture fused silica optics and supports process optimization to reduce laser damage risks in high-performance systems. Full article