Quantitative analysis of three-dimensional morphology and membrane dynamics of red blood cells during temperature elevation.

The optimal functionality of red blood cells is closely associated with the surrounding environment. This study was undertaken to analyze the changes in membrane profile, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and cell membrane fluctuations (CMF) of healthy red blood cells (RBC) at varying temperatures. The temperature was elevated from 17 °C to 41 °C within a duration of less than one hour, and the holograms were recorded by an off-axis configuration.

Automated quantification study of human cardiomyocyte synchronization using holographic imaging.

This paper investigates the rhythm strip and parameters of synchronization of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) derived cardiomyocytes. The synchronization is evaluated from quantitative phase images of beating cardiomyocytes which are obtained using the time-lapse digital holographic imaging method. By quantitatively monitoring the dry mass redistribution, digital holography provides the physical contraction-relaxation signal caused by autonomous cardiac action potential.

High-frequency microwave ablation method for enhanced cancer treatment with minimized collateral damage.

To overcome the limits of conventional microwave ablation, a new frequency spectrum above 6 GHz has been explored for low-power and low collateral damage ablation procedure. A planar coaxial probe-based applicator, suitable for easy insertion into the human body, was developed for our study to cover a wideband frequency up to 30 GHz. Thermal ablations with small input power (1-3 W) at various microwave frequencies were performed on nude mice xenografted with human breast cancer.

Hypoxic induction of caspase-11/caspase-1/interleukin-1beta in brain microglia.

Caspase-11 is an inducible protease that plays an important role in both inflammation and apoptosis. Inflammatory stimuli induce and activate caspase-11, which is required for the activation of caspase-1 or interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) converting enzyme (ICE). Caspase-1 in turn mediates the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, which is one of the crucial mediators of neurodegeneration in the central nervous system.