Comparison of normal hindlimb lymphatic systems in rats with detours present after lymphatic flow blockage

In the present study, we aimed to identify the normal hindlimb lymphatic systems in rats and compare them with the detours after lymphatic flow blockage. The lymphatic systems of the hindlimbs of normal rats were investigated via lymphography using a near-infrared fluorescence imaging system. The lymphatic vessels were stained using Evans Blue. The lymphatic flow was blocked through lymphatic vessel ligation combined with inguinal and popliteal lymph node dissection. Detours that appeared after 30 days were visualized using lymphography and immunostaining with anti-podoplanin antibodies. Three main results were obtained in the present study. First, the deep medial system, the superficial medial system, a connection between the superficial and deep medial lymphatic systems, and the superficial lateral system, were elucidated. Second, three types of detours, namely the detour of the lateral abdomen, the detour to the lymphatic vessel near the midline of the abdomen, and the detour to the contralateral inguinal lymph node, were identified after lymphatic flow blockage. Lastly, detours were located in the fatty layer above the panniculus carnosus muscle and their lumina were wide. The histology suggested that the detour was a pre-collecting lymphatic vessel. Lymphatic routes in the rat hindlimbs after lymphatic flow blockage were different from those of the normal rat lymphatic system. It was suggested that the detour is a pre-collecting lymphatic vessel and that encouraging its development may be a new method of simple lymphatic drainage.

Double-Clad Optical Fiber-Based Multi-Contrast Noncontact Photoacoustic and Fluorescence Imaging System

A noncontact photoacoustic and fluorescence dual-modality imaging system is proposed, which integrates a fiber-based fluorescence imaging system with noncontact photoacoustic imaging using a specially fabricated double-cladding fiber (DCF) coupler and a DCF lens. The performance of the DCF coupler and lens was evaluated, and the feasibility of this new imaging system was demonstrated using simple tubing phantoms with black ink and fluorophore. Our imaging results demonstrated that the multimodal imaging technique can simultaneously acquire photoacoustic and fluorescence images without coming into contact with the sample. Consequently, the developed method is the first noncontact scheme among multimodal imaging systems that is integrated with a photoacoustic imaging system, which can provide varied and complementary information about the sample.

Handheld Multispectral Fluorescence Imaging System to Detect and Disinfect Surface Contamination

Contamination inspection is an ongoing concern for food distributors, restaurant owners, caterers, and others who handle food. Food contamination must be prevented, and zero tolerance legal requirements and damage to the reputation of institutions or restaurants can be very costly. This paper introduces a new handheld fluorescence-based imaging system that can rapidly detect, disinfect, and document invisible organic residues and biofilms which may host pathogens. The contamination, sanitization inspection, and disinfection (CSI-D) system uses light at two fluorescence excitation wavelengths, ultraviolet C (UVC) at 275 nm and violet at 405 nm, for the detection of organic residues, including saliva and respiratory droplets. The 275 nm light is also utilized to disinfect pathogens commonly found within the contaminated residues. Efficacy testing of the neutralizing effects of the ultraviolet light was conducted for Aspergillus fumigatus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the influenza A virus (a fungus, a bacterium, and a virus, respectively, each commonly found in saliva and respiratory droplets). After the exposure to UVC light from the CSI-D, all three pathogens experienced deactivation (> 99.99%) in under ten seconds. Up to five-log reductions have also been shown within 10 s of UVC irradiation from the CSI-D system.

Custom Fluorescence Imaging System Exploiting Hyperspectral Camera to Characterize and Diagnose RNA Breast Cancer

Early diagnosis of breast malignancy is a challenging task to permit this cancer. RNA offers incredible potential as a biomarker for malignant growth because of its noteworthy blood dependability and characteristic articulation in various diseases. We explored the total RNA to select the optimum spectral signature concerning entire blood that could segregate between liver cancer (HCC), early breast cancer growth, and normal persons. A custom Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) system comprises a hyperspectral camera that works in wavelength (380~1050 nm) with ultraviolet (UV) source light (20 mW, 395 nm). It is associated with the custom software system to measure the total RNA signature of (n=50) subjects (n= 10 HCC patients, n= 15 breast cancer, and n=25 normal persons as a control). The experimental result shows that the scattering absorption of all the investigated samples is high at 395 nm based on (size, shape, medical state). Breast cancer RNA demonstrates fluorescence emission at 431 nm and 493 nm and Phosphorescence at 768 nm compared to the normal and HCC patients. Verifying the experimental results with the RNA cuvette spectral images shows that we could discriminate the HCC from the normal total RNA at 431 nm and the breast cancer from both normal and HCC at 768 nm. This prospective investigation shows that the mutation of the total RNA regarding certain diseases affecting its spectral signature exhibits potential detection of breast tumor and HCC in tissues using extracted RNA from Blood in advance and subsequently surgery in subjects with initial-stage breast cancer. A wavelength of 431 nm was optimum for discrimination between the HCC and the normal total RNA, and a wavelength of 768 nm was ideal for breast cancer discrimination.

Democratising “Microscopi”: a 3D printed automated XYZT fluorescence imaging system for teaching, outreach and fieldwork

Commercial fluorescence microscope stands and fully automated XYZt fluorescence imaging systems are generally beyond the limited budgets available for teaching and outreach. We have addressed this problem by developing “Microscopi”, an accessible, affordable, DIY automated imaging system that is built from 3D printed and commodity off-the-shelf hardware, including electro-mechanical, computer and optical components. Our design features automated sample navigation and image capture with a simple web-based graphical user interface, accessible with a tablet or other mobile device. The light path can easily be switched between different imaging modalities. The open source Python-based control software allows the hardware to be driven as an integrated imaging system. Furthermore, the microscope is fully customisable, which also enhances its value as a learning tool. Here, we describe the basic design and demonstrate imaging performance for a range of easily sourced specimens.