Frontiers in Marine Science
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2025
·
IF 3
Mengjia Xue,Tianwu Xie,Qian Liu
Introduction: Anatomical information is crucial in marine biology research. Traditionally, destructive techniques, such as slice imaging of the sample, are used to image the inside of the sample, which are unsuitable for valuable or rare specimens. While energy-integrating detectors computed tomography (CT) can provide non-invasive anatomical information, it suffers from limitations such as low spatial resolution, high noise, and an inability to analyze material composition.Methods: Photon-counting (PC) micro-CT offers a promising alternative, enabling noninvasive imaging of both internal and external structures of marine organisms. Various species, including bivalves, conchs, and fish otoliths, were scanned using this advanced technology. The influence of different tube voltages on image quality is analyzed in this paper.Results: One of the key capabilities of PC micro-CT is the reconstruction of virtual monoenergetic images and material decomposition, which has been tested. To further enhance soft tissue visualization, iodixanol solution was employed for contrast imaging.Discussion: PC micro-CT provides high resolution both in non-contrast images and iodixanol-contrast images which digestive tracts and glands can be seen. Material decomposition of fish otoliths revealed the characteristic wheel-shaped distribution of calcium content. PC micro-CT has the potential ability for imaging marine organisms and promising future in broader utilization in marine biological research.
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DOI
高影响因子
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
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2024
·Vol. 29
·期 1
·1-14
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IF 2.8
Zhang Peng,Liu Jie,Chai Zijia,Fu Jinjin,Li Shuwen,Yang Zhe
Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the progression of osteoporosis; however, their impact on osteogenic differentiation has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we identified a novel circRNA known as circZfp644-205 and investigated its effect on osteogenic differentiation and apoptosis in osteoporosis. Methods CircZfp644-205, miR-445-3p, and SMAD2 levels were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). MC3T3-E1 cells were subjected to microgravity (MG) to establish a cell model. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed using qRT-PCR, Alizarin Red S staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, and western blot. The apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. The relationship between miR-445-3p and circZfp644-205 or SMAD2 was determined using bioinformatics, RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, a hindlimb unloading mouse model was generated to investigate the role of circZfp644-205 in vivo using Micro-CT. Results CircZfp644-205 expression was up-regulated significantly in HG-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. Further in vitro studies confirmed that circZfp644-205 knockdown inhibited the osteogenic differentiation and induced apoptosis of pre-osteoblasts. CircZfp644-205 acted as a sponge for miR-455-3p, which reversed the effects of circZfp644-205 on pre-osteoblasts. Moreover, miR-455-3p directly targeted SMAD2, thus inhibiting the expression of SMAD2 to regulate cellular behaviors. Moreover, circZfp644-205 alleviated the progression of osteoporosis in mice. Conclusions This study provides a novel circRNA that may serve as a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis and expands our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the progression of osteoporosis.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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骨质疏松症研究
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生物医学工程
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Nanomaterials
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2016
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IF 1.758
Xiaochao Qu,Xiaoxiao Li,Jingning Liang,Yanran Wang,Muhan Liu,Jimin Liang
Gold nanomaterials as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents at lower X-ray dosage to get a higher contrast have advantages of longer imaging time and lower toxic side effects compared to current contrast agents. As a receptor for Cyclo (Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys) (RGD) peptide, integrin is overexpressed on some tumor cells and tumor neovasculature. In this paper, we conjugated the RGD peptide on the surface of gold nanorods (AuNRs), designated as RGD-AuNRs, a promising candidate in applications such as tumor targeting and imaging capability for micro-CT imaging. Integrin -positive U87 cells and integrin -negative HT-29 cells were chosen to establish animal models relatedly and then texted the tumor targeting ability and imaging capability of RGD-AuNRs in vitro and in vivo. The MTT assay and stability measurement showed that RGD-conjugation eliminated their cytotoxicity and improved their biocompatibility and stability. Dark-field imaging of U87 cells and HT-29 cells testified the binding affinities and uptake abilities of RGD-AuNRs, and the results showed that RGD-AuNRs were more specifical to U87 cells. The enhanced micro-CT imaging contrast of intramuscular and subcutaneous injection illustrated the feasibility of RGD-AuNRs to be contrast agents. Furthermore, the micro-CT imaging of targeting U87 and HT-29 tumor models verified the targeting abilities of RGD-AuNRs.
研究领域:
医学影像学
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纳米生物学
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肿瘤学
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高影响因子
DENTOMAXILLOFACIAL RADIOLOGY
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2021
·Vol. 50
·期 7
·
IF 2.419
Hu ZiYang,Wang TieMei,Pan Xiao,Cao DanTong,Liang JiaHao,Gao AnTian,Xie Xin,Xu Shi,Miao LeiYing,Lin ZiTong
Objectives:To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy using sodium iodide (NaI) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as contrast agent in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning, and compare this with micro-CT.Methods:18 teeth were cracked artificially by soaking them cyclically in liquid nitrogen and hot water. After pre-treatment with artificial saliva, the teeth were scanned in four modes: CBCT routine scanning without contrast agent (RS); CBCT with meglumine diatrizoate (MD) as contrast agent (ES1); CBCT with NaI + DMSO as contrast agent (ES2); and micro-CT (mCT). The number of crack lines was evaluated in all four modes. Depth of crack lines and number of cracks presented from the occlusal surface to the pulp cavity (Np) in ES2 and micro-CT images were evaluated.Results:There were 63 crack lines in all 18 teeth. 45 crack lines were visible on ES2 images as against four on the RS and ES1 images (p<0.05) and 37 on micro-CT images (p>0.05). Further, 34 crack lines could be observed on both ES2 and micro-CT images, and the average depth presented on ES2 images was 4.56 ± 0.88 mm and 3.89 ± 1.08 mm on micro-CT images (p<0.05). More crack lines could be detected from the occlusal surface to the pulp cavity on ES2 images than on micro-CT images (22 vs 11).Conclusion:CBCT with NaI +DMSO as the contrast agent was equivalent to micro-CT for number of crack lines and better for depth of crack lines. NaI + DMSO could be a potential CBCT contrast agent to improve diagnostic accuracy for cracked tooth.
研究领域:
口腔医学
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影像学
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DOI
高影响因子
Nanomaterials
·
2021
·Vol. 11
·期 12
·3395
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IF 5.076
Wei Zhang,Yanli Lu,Yang Zang,Jinhui Han,Qingyun Xiong,Jinping Xiong
In this study, a new method for synthesizing Ag-NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@ SiO2nanocomposites was introduced. Using a hydrothermal method, the synthesized Yb3+- and Er3+-codoped NaYF4up-conversion luminescent materials and Ag nanoparticles were doped into up-conversion nanomaterials and coated with SiO2up-conversion nanomaterials. This material is known as Ag-UCNPs@SiO2, it improves both the luminous intensity because of the doped Ag nanoparticles and has low cytotoxicity because of the SiO2coating. The morphology of UCNPs was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mapping confirmed the successful doping of Ag nanoparticles. Successful coating of SiO2was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fluorescence spectra were used to compare changes in luminescence intensity before and after doping Ag nanoparticles. The reason for the increase in luminescence intensity after doping with Ag nanoparticles was simulated using first-principles calculations. The cytotoxicity of Ag-UCNPs@SiO2was tested via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method, and its imaging ability was characterized using the micro-CT method.Keywords:up-conversion;nanomaterials;CT imaging
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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纳米技术
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医学影像学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH
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2019
·Vol. 30
·期 10
·1038-1048
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IF 3.825
Ying-juan Yu,Wen-qing Zhu,Li-na Xu,Pan-pan Ming,Shui-yi Shao,Jing Qiu
Objective This study aims to investigate the influence of fluoride exposure on implant osseointegration. Methods A total of 24 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the control group and the fluoride exposure group. Rabbits in the control group were fed with tap water, while those in the fluoride exposure group were given 200 mg/L sodium fluoride solution. After 2-month feeding, implants were inserted into the extraction socket immediately after extraction of rabbit mandibular anterior teeth. Four rabbits in each group were sacrificed to collect the implants samples at 1, 2, and 3 months post-implantation, respectively. Radiographic and histomorphometry examinations were performed to evaluate the condition of implant osseointegration. Results Bone volume around the implants increased in a time-dependent manner in both groups. Micro-CT images illustrated that the bone mineral density (BMD) in the fluoride exposure group was significantly lower than that in the control group after implantation for 2 and 3 months. The bone–implant contact ratio (BIC) in the fluoride exposure group was much lower than that of the control group at 3 months post-implantation according to histomorphometry examination. Conclusions In rabbit animal model, high fluoride exposure affected the quality of bone surrounding the implant and significantly reduced bone integration of the implant, especially in the late stage of osseointegration.
研究领域:
口腔医学
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生物材料学
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DOI
高影响因子
Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging
·
2019
·Vol. 2019
·期 1
·5215923
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IF 1.984
Yapu Liu,Qi Liu,Zhou Yang,Junyu Lin,Xiuhua Wu,Zucheng Huang,Junhao Liu,Rong Li,Zhiping Huang,Xiaoliang Wu,Qingan Zhu
Purpose . Barium sulfate and lead oxide are commonly used for angiographic studies, but there is no report on the comparison of two contrast agents in angiography of cervical spinal cord. This study was aimed to compare the microvascular architecture of cervical spinal cord in rats after angiography with the barium sulfate agent to the lead oxide agent. Methods . Twelve adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the barium sulfate group ( n = 6) and the lead oxide group ( n = 6). Each rat was perfused under the same protocol using either two contrast agents. The angiography was evaluated with the vascular number at different ranks. The cervical spinal cord samples were scanned using micro-CT with low resolution and high resolution. The microvascular parameters, including ratio of vascular volume to tissue volume (VV/TV), vascular number (V.N), diameter (V.Dm), separation (V.Sp), connectivity density (Conn.D), structure model index (SMI), percentage, and volume of vessels at different diameters were measured. Results . The perfusion was better in the barium sulfate group, with more blood vessel trees of rank II and III visible compared to the lead oxide group. Low-resolution micro-CT analysis showed no difference in microvascular parameters except SMI between the two groups. High-resolution micro-CT analysis results showed that V.N and Conn.D of barium sulfate group were 60% and 290% more than those of the lead oxide group; however, V.Sp was 41% less than the lead oxide group. The percentage of vessels with diameter of 10 μ m and 20 μ m, and the volume of vessels with diameter of less than 100 μ m was higher in the barium sulfate group than in the lead oxide group. The SMI index in the barium sulfate group was higher than that in the lead oxide group at both low resolution and high resolution. Conclusions . Compared with lead oxide, barium sulfate is more suitable for perfusion of cervical spinal cord microvessels, and cheap and nontoxic with high resolution.
研究领域:
神经影像学
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血管生物学
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放射学
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临床前研究
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DOI
高影响因子
Diversity-Basel
·
2026
·Vol. 18
·期 7
·416
·
IF 2.3
Xuyuan Lin,Chengxin Wang,Zhichang Yuan,Qihai Wu,Hao Xu,Bin Huo,Yafan Zhu,Jieya Liu,Yong Song,Shengao Chen
The genusSchizothoraxcomprises an important group of freshwater fishes in Xinjiang (China); however, detailed information on their skeletal anatomy remains limited. In this study, we combined micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and traditional skeletal preparations to examine and compare the osteological characteristics of three representativeSchizothoraxspecies:Schizothorax biddulphi,Schizothorax eurystomus, andSchizothorax curvifrons. Distinct variations were observed in several skeletal structures, including the cranium, pharyngeal teeth, fin-supporting elements, and vertebrae. Among the three species,S. biddulphiandS. eurystomusshowed generally similar skeletal architectures, whereasS. curvifronsexhibited more pronounced osteological differences. These findings provide new comparative osteological data forSchizothoraxspecies and offer a morphological reference for future studies on the taxonomy, systematics, and conservation of these freshwater fishes.
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高影响因子
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
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2022
·
IF 5.395
He Zhang,Xiaoming Fu,Siqi Zhang,Qian Li,Yang Chen,Hao Liu,Wen Zhou,Shicheng Wei
The use of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to regenerate and repair bone tissue defects is a complex research field of bone tissue engineering; nevertheless, it is a hot topic. One of the biggest problems is the limited survival and osteogenic capacity of the transplanted cells within the host tissue. Even for hBMSCs with their low immunogenicity, the body will still cause a local immune-inflammatory response directed against the allogeneic cells and thereby reduce the activity of the transplanted cells. Even in the case of successful transplantation, the lack of vascularization at the transplantation site makes it difficult for the transplanted cells to exchange nutrients and metabolic wastes that ultimately affects bone regeneration. In this study, we covalently modified alginate with RGD and QK peptides that were injected subcutaneously into immunocompetent mice. Histological analysis, as well as ELISA techniques, proved that this method is able to provide bioactive stem cell transplant beds containing functionalized biomaterials and vascularized surrounding tissues. Inflammation-related factors, such as IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, around the cell graft beds decreased with time and were lowest at the second week. Then, the hBMSCs were injected into the cell transplantation beds intended to form vascularized bonelike tissues that were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (Micro CT), histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. The results showed that the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins RUNX2, COL1A1, and OPN, as well as the expression of angiogenic factor vWF and cartilage-related protein COL2A1 were significantly upregulated in the hBMSC-derived osteogenic tissue. These results suggest that the stem cell transplantation strategy by constructing bioactive cell transplant beds is effective to enhance the bone regeneration capacity of hBMSCs and holds great potential in bone tissue engineering.
研究领域:
组织工程
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干细胞生物学
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生物材料科学
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免疫学
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再生医学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
·
2024
·
IF 13.3
Maihemuti Yakufu,Qiyu Jia,Chuang Ma,Zongliang Wang,Chunbao Li,Peng Zhang,Muyashaer Abudushalamu,Sajida Akber,Li Shu,Li Yan,Xinghua Song
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is increasingly recognized as a promising biomaterial for orthopedic implants due to its mechanical properties that are very similar to those of human bones. However, its inherent bioinertness still poses a challenge to effective osseointegration, and surface modification of PEEK implants often faces limitations such as multi-step complexity. In this study, we innovatively developed a dopamine-triggered one-step polymerization of 3-[(3-acrylamidopropyl)dimethylammonio] propanoate (PCBAA), which in situ induced biomineralization and constructed a functional PEEK biointerfaces, directly and effectively enhancing osseointegration and antibacterial effects. The successful immobilization of PCBAA on the surface of PEEK significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells, as evidenced by the significant improvement in alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition. Moreover, the functional biointerfaces exhibited substantialantibacterial efficacy in vitro. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological evaluation of rat tibia implantation showed that compared to uncoated screws, the PCBAA-functionalized PEEK screws significantly enhanced new bone formation and possessed superior pull-out strength. The findings of this study suggest that the one-step polymerization of PCBAA coatings on PEEK substrates is facile and can efficiently overcome the limitations of current surface modification. The resultant PCBAA-coated PEEK biointerfaces have shown great promise in promoting osseointegration and mitigating postoperative infections for clinical outcomes of PEEK-based orthopedic implants.
研究领域:
生物材料
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骨科
·
表面化学
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生物医学工程
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组织工程
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高影响因子
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