Quantitative phase imaging for characterization of single cell growth dynamics.

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) has emerged as an indispensable tool in the field of biomedicine, offering the ability to obtain quantitative maps of phase changes due to optical path length delays without the need for contrast agents. These maps provide valuable information about cellular morphology and dynamics, unperturbed by the introduction of exogenous substances. In this review, a summary of recent studies that have focused on elucidating the growth dynamics of individual cells using QPI is presented. Specifically, investigations into cellular changes occurring during mitosis, the differentiation of cellular organelles, the assessment of distinct cell death processes (i.e., apoptosis, necrosis, and oncosis) and the precise measurement of live cell temperature are explored. Furthermore, the captivating applications of QPI in theragnostics, where its potential for transformative impact is prominently showcased, are highlighted. Finally, the challenges that need to be overcome for its wider adoption and successful integration into biomedical research are outlined.

Characterization of radiofrequency ablated myocardium with optical coherence tomography.

Certain types of cardiac arrhythmias are best treated with radiofrequency (RF) ablation, in which an electrode is inserted into the targeted area of the myocardium and then RF electrical current is applied to heat and destroy surrounding tissue. The resulting ablation lesion usually consists of a coagulative necrotic core surrounded by a rim region of mixed viable and non-viable cells. The characterization of the RF ablated lesion is of potential clinical importance. Here we aim to elaborate optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging for the characterization of RF-ablated myocardial tissue. In particular, the underlying principles of OCT and its polarization-sensitive counterpart (PS-OCT) are presented, followed by the knowledge needed to interpret their optical images. Studies focused on real-time monitoring of RF lesion formation in the myocardium using OCT systems are summarized. The design and development of various hybrid probes incorporating both OCT guidance and RF ablation catheters are also discussed. Finally, the challenges related to the transmission of OCT imaging systems to cardiac clinics for real-time monitoring of RF lesions are outlined.

Estimation of aerosol optical depth in relation to meteorological parameters over eastern and western routes of China Pakistan economic corridor.

This study finds out seasonal and monthly variations in Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) over eastern and western routes of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the relationship between AOD and meteorological parameters (i.e., temperature, rainfall and wind speed). The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) data was used from the terra satellite for the period of 2000-2016. This study aims to overtake the conventional view of the purpose of using the satellite datasets. This study takes on to the concept that validated satellite data sets rather should be used for the analysis instead of just validation specifically for our study region. Hence, after comparing MODIS AOD with MISR AOD, only MISR AOD dataset is used for further analysis. The results show a decreasing trend of AOD in summer season, a positive relationship between temperature and AOD during winter and spring seasons whereas a positive relationship between wind speed and AOD in winter and spring seasons over eastern and western routes. Periodic analysis of MODIS AOD and MISR AOD depicts May-Aug as the peak period of aerosol concentration over central Pakistan. The inter-annual analysis shows the aerosol trend remained higher during summer season however rainfall shows the washout effect. Eastern route has higher standard deviation and larger values for aerosol prevalence as compared to western route. The trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model suggests the bias of air mass trajectory caused deviation in the aerosol trend in the year 2014.