Scanning Laser Tomography Research Articles

Prediction Model and Knowledge Discovery for Roof Stress in Mined-Out Areas Integrating 3D Scanning Image Features

The accurate prediction of roof stress in mined-out areas is crucial for ensuring mine safety. However, existing study methods often overlook the increasingly available image data and fail to balance the model predictive capability with interpretability. To address these issues, this study innovatively integrates 3D laser scanning image features into the prediction of roof stress in mined-out areas. Image features are extracted using pre-trained deep-learning models and combined with traditional geological parameters to construct multiple machine-learning models for prediction. The experimental results demonstrate that models incorporating image features significantly outperform traditional models that rely solely on geological parameters in terms of prediction accuracy, interpretability, and complexity, revealing the critical role of image features in stress prediction. Furthermore, the use of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to interpret the random forest model uncovers new domain knowledge, such as the relationship between spatial patterns and stress concentration. This study theoretically validates the effectiveness of image data and effectively balances the predictive capability and interpretability of the model, facilitating knowledge discovery in the field. On a practical level, it also provides guidance for mine safety management.

Doubly self-assembled dermatan sulfate/chitosan nanoparticles for targeted siRNA delivery in cancer therapy

RNA interference, a naturally occurring regulatory mechanism in which small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules are responsible for the sequence-specific suppression of gene expression, emerged as one of the most promising gene therapies in cancer. In this work, we investigate a microfluidics double self-assembly method based on micellization and polyelectrolyte complex formation for the encapsulation of siRNA targeting the BIRC5 gene, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family, that codes for survivin a protein of theinhibitorof apoptosis protein family that is involved in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) proliferation and metastasis within nanoparticles of an amphiphilic chitosan-graft-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer and low-molecular weight dermatan sulfate, a polysaccharide targeting the CD44 receptor overexpressed in this tumor. Nanoparticles are spherical and display a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼ 200 nm, as measured by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, these colloidal systems exhibit a strongly negative zeta-potential that confers them excellent physical stability for at least four months owing to electrostatic repulsion and evidences the exposure of the polyanionic dermatan sulfate on the surface. The key role of dermatan sulfate in the active targeting and intracellular delivery of the cargo in the murine breast cancer cell line 4T1, a model of TNBC, is confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and imaging flow cytometry. Finally, the silencing efficiency is demonstrated in 4T1 cell viability, migration, proliferation and spheroid formation assays in vitro. Overall results highlight the promise of this simple, reproducible and scalable method for the nanoencapsulation of siRNA and other therapeutic nucleic acids.

Posterior lenticule laser scan influence the ultra-early postoperative visual acuity and quality of SMILE

This is a prospective case-control study investigated the factors influencing ultra-early visual acuity and quality after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) surgery, with a specific focus on the morphology and distribution of “black clefts” observed in posterior lenticule laser scanning images. A total of 174 patients who underwent SMILE surgery were included, and their preoperative ocular clinical parameters, visual quality indicators, and posterior lenticule laser scanning images were analyzed. The morphological features of black clefts were calculated using image processing techniques. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to identify factors impacting ultra-early visual acuity recovery, while correlation analysis was used to explore the association between black cleft morphology and postoperative visual quality. The results showed that although patients experienced significant visual acuity improvement one day after surgery, 26% had poor early recovery. Postoperative visual quality parameters were significantly lower, while the Object Scatter Index (OSI) was higher compared to preoperative values. Patients with poor visual recovery had a higher number of irregular black clefts in their laser scanning images. Logistic regression analysis revealed that intraoperative morphological parameters of black clefts were independent factors influencing early postoperative visual acuity recovery. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between black cleft morphology and postoperative visual quality parameters, and a positive correlation with OSI. In conclusion, the morphology and distribution of black clefts during SMILE surgery significantly affect ultra-early postoperative visual acuity and quality, with increased variability in black cleft area leading to higher OSI, thereby impacting visual quality recovery.

Collateral susceptibility-guided alternation of ceftolozane/tazobactam with imipenem prevents resistance development in XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

ObjectivesNew combinations of β-lactams and β-lactamase inhibitors, such as ceftolozane/tazobactam could be useful to combat biofilm-driven chronic infections by extensively resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa but resistance development by mutations in the Ω-loop of AmpC has been described. However, these mutations confer collateral susceptibility to carbapenems. Thus we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and the prevention of resistance development of regimen alternating ceftolozane/tazobactam and imipenem. MethodsA carbapenem-resistant XDR P. aeruginosa clinical strain (ST175, 104-B7) and its isogenic imipenem-susceptible ceftolozane/tazobactam-resistant mutant derivative (AmpC T96I, 104-I9) were used. Experiments of single strains and mixed (104-B7 and 104-I9, 1:0.01 ratio) biofilms were performed. 48h biofilms (flow cell system) were treated for 6 days with either ceftolozane/tazobactam, 4/4 mg/L or the alternation of ceftolozane/tazobactam (2 days)-imipenem 4 mg/L (2 days) - ceftolozane/tazobactam (2 days). After treatment, biofilms were collected and plated on Mueller-Hinton agar± ceftolozane/tazobactam 4/4 mg/L. Structural dynamics were monitored using confocal laser scanning microscopy and images were processed with IMARIS software. At least, three independent triplicate experiments per condition were performed. Emerging resistant mutants were characterized through whole genome sequencing (Illumina). ResultsCeftolozane/tazobactam monotherapy failed to reduce the biofilms of the 104-B7 XDR strain and led to the selection of resistant mutants that showed AmpC Ω-loop mutations (T96I, L244R or aa236Δ7). On the contrary, alternation with imipenem enhanced activity (3 Logs reduction at day 6) and prevented the emergence of ceftolozane/tazobactam-resistant mutants. Likewise, treatment with ceftolozane/tazobactam dramatically amplified the resistant strain 104-I9 in mixed biofilms (>90 % of the population), while the alternation regimen counterselected it. ConclusionsCollateral susceptibility-guided alternation of ceftolozane/tazobactam with imipenem effectively prevented the selection of resistant mutants and thus could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of P. aeruginosa XDR chronic infections.

Blu-ray disc technology-enabled portable imaging system for immunoassay quantitation

In this work, we have developed a portable laser scanning imaging system derived from Blu-ray disc technology for high-throughput biochip and sensor array characterization. This portable imaging system was constructed by adapting a standard Blu-ray drive to perform the scanning or imaging of an entire disc or interested regions. In addition, we have compiled a complete operating software program to process the raw data, generate the assay image, and perform quantitative analysis. Furthermore, the developed BD-LSI system was successfully applied to the quantitative detection of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which is an important biomarker of reproductive potential, in standard physiological buffers and serum samples. The achieved detection limit is as low as 18 pg/mL with a dynamic range of up to 25 ng/mL, which meets the needs of clinical diagnosis. As validated by comparing with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) data on the same set of samples, the consistent results confirm that this BD-LSI system holds promise for multiplex on-site quantitative analysis at community clinics and even at home settings for self-monitoring of individual health.

Advantages of internal reference in holographic shaping ps supercontinuum pulses through multimode optical fibers.

The use of wavefront shaping has found extensive application to develop ultra-thin endoscopic techniques based on multimode optical fibers (MMF), leveraging on the ability to control modal interference at the fiber's distal end. Although several techniques have been developed to achieve MMF-based laser-scanning imaging, the use of short laser pulses is still a challenging application. This is due to the intrinsic delay and temporal broadening introduced by the fiber itself, which requires additional compensation optics on the reference beam during the calibration procedure. Here we combine the use of a supercontinuum laser and an internal reference-based wavefront shaping system to produce focused spot scanning in multiple planes at the output of a step-index multimode fiber, without the requirement of a delay line or pulse pre-compensation. We benchmarked the performances of internal vs external reference during calibration, finding that the use of an internal reference grants better focusing efficiency. The system was characterized at different wavelengths, showcasing the wavelength resiliency of the different parameters. Lastly, the scanning of focal planes beyond the fiber facet was achieved by exploiting the chromato-axial memory effect.

COMPARATION OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING METHODS FOR EROSION MONITORING IN THE AREA OF DEVIL’S TOWN: PROJECT “DEMONITOR”

<p>Project "Devils’ town Erosion MONITORing - DEMONITOR" involves the monitoring of accessible earth pillars in the area of Devil’s town, by using a combination of several non‐invasive methods. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and photogrammetric imaging with unmanned aircraft (UAV) as a platform showed as great solutions for 3D modeling of this site and erosion monitoring. In this work it is shown that using manual free flight mode for imaging with UAV gave much better results than the missions performed with predefined flight plans. The desired long‐term effect from this research should have a significant part in the overall socioeconomic development of the municipality of Kuršumlija, and the entire Toplica district.</p>

Double-clad optical fiber as a single-point sensor of imaging quality for scanning laser system

We have developed a single-point optical sensor of imaging quality based on a double-clad optical fiber for laser beam scanning imaging systems. The optimal imaging quality, primarily affected by the accurate focusing, is determined by maximizing the ratio of the optical power coupled to the single-mode core and the inner multi-mode cladding of the double-clad fiber collecting the light scattered from the sample. We present simulations of the sensor’s performance at different levels of defocus and validate it experimentally by optimizing focus when imaging a scattering phantom and a living human eye with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope. In contrast to the existing image-based optimization procedures, our sensor provides feedback independent of illumination intensity or sample reflectivity that can be obtained for each image point, thus exceeding the imaging framerate. Importantly, our sensor can seamlessly be integrated with most laser scanning imaging systems, providing online feedback for correction optics.

Первый опыт применения субпорогового наносекундного лазерного воздействия при промежуточной форме возрастной макулярной дегенерации

Purpose. To present a clinical case of the first experience of subthreshold nanosecond laser treatment for an intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods. A 70-year-old patient T. diagnosed with intermediate AMD, underwent subthreshold nanosecond laser exposure using a 2RT device (Ellex, Australia). The patient underwent multimodal diagnostics, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, fundus ophthalmoscopy, short-wave and infrared autofluorescence, infrared light imaging, multispectral laser scanning and optical coherence tomography at the baseline, 1- and 3-month follow-up. Results. No significant changes were observed at 1-month follow-up. 3 months after 2RT, the patient noted a subjective improvement in the contrast and quality of vision, while BCVA increased from 0.7 to 0.8. When performing OCT scans in followup mode, the disappearance of a number of large confluent drusen in the area nasal to the fovea was noted. A decrease in retinal thickness was also observed in this area due to the resorption of large confluent drusen. The infrared imaging and autofluorescence showed no changes in retinal pigment epithelium and no appearance hypoautofluorescence of atrophic zones. Conclusion. The first experience of subthreshold nanosecond laser treatment of intermediate AMD revealed a potential positive functional and structural outcome in case of the presence of large confluent drusen. Further studies with a larger number of patients are needed. Key words: subthreshold nanosecond laser exposure, age-related macular degeneration, confluent drusen

Mapping large European aspen (Populus tremula L.) in Finland using airborne lidar and image data

European aspen is a keystone species in boreal forests, which support numerous ecologically important and endangered species. As detection of those species by remote sensing is impossible, we instead investigated the detection of large aspen trees using airborne laser scanning and aerial image data. However, this is a challenge due to their low quantity and scattered occurrence. The performance was assessed with representative and unrepresentative (where aspens were over-represented) samples of the population. First, we detected individual trees and then the random forest (RF) classifier was used to identify large aspens. The RF classification was implemented with and without synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) to balance the training data due to the rarity of large aspens. At the tree-level, the best F1-score (0.44) was obtained when the unrepresentative plot data were used with SMOTE. However, the F1-score decreased to 0.21 when the representative data were used. The best plot-level (plots with at least one aspen tree) F1-score with the representative plot data was 0.41. We conclude that although data augmentation may improve the result, it is difficult to detect large aspen trees in genuine populations.

A Study on Refraction Error Compensation Method for Underwater Spinning Laser Scanning Three-Dimensional Imaging.

Laser scanning 3D imaging technology, because it can obtain accurate three-dimensional surface data, has been widely used in the search for wrecks and rescue operations, underwater resource development, and other fields. At present, the conventional underwater spinning laser scanning imaging system maintains a relatively fixed light window. However, in low-light situations underwater, the rotation of the scanning device causes some degree of water fluctuation, which warps the light strip data that the system sensor receives about the object's surface. To solve this problem, this research studies an underwater 3D scanning and imaging system that makes use of a fixed light window and a spinning laser (FWLS). A refraction error compensation algorithm is investigated that is based on the fundamentals of linear laser scanning imaging, and a dynamic refraction mathematical model is established based on the motion of the imaging device. The results of the experiment on error analysis in an optimal underwater environment indicate that the error in reconstructing the radius is decreased by 60% (from 2.5 mm to around 1 mm) when compensating for the measurement data of a standard sphere with a radius of 20 mm. Moreover, the compensated point cloud data exhibit a higher degree of correspondence with the model of the standard spherical point cloud. Furthermore, we examine the impact of physical noise, measurement distance, and partial occlusion of the object on the imaging system inside an authentic underwater setting. This study is a good starting point for looking at the refractive error of an underwater laser scanning imaging system. It also provides to us some ideas for future research on the refractive error of other scanning imaging methods.

3D BIOPRINTING TISSUE-ENGINEERED MENISCAL CONSTRUCTS

Meniscal injuries affect over 1.5 million people across Europe and the USA annually. Injury greatly reduces knee joint mobility and quality of life and frequently leads to the development of osteoarthritis. Tissue engineered strategies have emerged in response to a lack of viable treatments for meniscal pathologies. However, to date, constructs mimicking the structural and functional organisation of native tissue, whilst promoting deposition of new extracellular matrix, remains a bottleneck in meniscal repair. 3D bioprinting allows for deposition and patterning of biological materials with high spatial resolution. This project aims to develop a biomimetic 3D bioprinted meniscal substitute.Meniscal tissue was characterised to effectively inform the design of biomaterials for bioprinting constructs with appropriate structural and functional properties. Histology, gene expression and mass spectrometry were performed on native tissue to investigate tissue architecture, matrix components, cell populations and protein expression regionally across the meniscus. 3D laser scanning and magnetic resonance imaging were employed to acquire the external geometrical information prior to fabrication of a 3D printed meniscus. Bioink suitability was investigated through regional meniscal cell encapsulation in blended hydrogels, with the incorporation of growth factors and assessed for their suitability through rheology, scanning electron microscopy, histology and gene expression analysis.Meniscal tissue characterisation revealed regional variations in matrix compositions, cellular populations and protein expression. The process of imaging through to 3D printing highlighted the capability of producing a construct that accurately replicated meniscal geometries. Regional meniscal cell encapsulation into hydrogels revealed a recovery in cell phenotype, with the incorporation of growth factors into the bioink's stimulating cellular re-differentiation and improved zonal functionality.Meniscus biofabrication highlights the potential to print patient specific, customisable meniscal implants. Achieving zonally distinct variations in cell and matrix deposition highlights the ability to fabricate a highly complex tissue engineered construct.Acknowledgements: This work was undertaken as part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded CDT in Advanced Biomedical Materials.

Biofilm formation of the food spoiler Brochothrix thermosphacta on different industrial surface materials using a biofilm reactor

Brochothrix thermosphacta is considered as a major food spoiler bacteria. This study evaluates biofilm formation by B. thermosphacta CD337(2) – a strong biofilm producer strain – on three food industry materials (polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), and stainless steel (SS)). Biofilms were continuously grown under flow at 25 °C in BHI broth in a modified CDC biofilm reactor. Bacterial cells were enumerated by plate counting, and biofilm spatial organization was deciphered by combining confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis. The biofilms had the same growth kinetics on all three materials and reach 8log CFU/cm2 as maximal concentration. Highly structured biofilms were observed on PC and PS, but less structured ones on SS. This difference was confirmed by structural quantification analysis using the image analysis software tool BiofilmQ. Biofilm on SS show less roughness, density, thickness and volume. The biofilm 3D structure seemed to be related to the coupon topography and roughness.The materials used in this study do not affect biofilm growth. However, their roughness and topography affect the biofilm architecture, which could influence biofilm behaviour.

Structure-function correlation of retinal photoreceptors in PRPH2-associated central areolar choroidal dystrophy patients assessed by high-resolution scanning laser imaging and microperimetry.

High Magnification Module (HMM™, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) imaging is a novel technique, designed to visualize the retina at a cellular level. To assess the potential of HMM™-based metrics as endpoints for future trials, we evaluated correlations between structural HMM™ cone metrics, spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and retinal sensitivity on microperimetry (MP, MAIA, CenterVue, Padova, Italy) in healthy subjects and p.(Arg142Trp) PRPH2-associated Central Areolar Choroidal Dystrophy (CACD) patients. We projected a default 10° MP grid on composite HMM™ images and performed automated cone density (CD), intercell distance (ICD) and nearest neighbour distance (NND) analysis at stimuli located at 3° and 5° retinal eccentricity. We manually measured intrasubject outer retinal thickness on SD-OCT in absolute and relative scotomas, located outside of focal atrophy. We included 15 CACD patients and five healthy subjects. We found moderate-to-strong correlations of HMM™ metrics and MP sensitivity at 3° eccentricity from the fovea. We found the outer retina at the locations of absolute scotomas to be statistically significant thinner (p = 0.000003, one-sample t-test), as the outer retinal thickness at locations of relative scotomas. Interestingly, HMM™ metrics of these areas did not differ significantly. We found significant correlations between structural photoreceptors metrics on HMM™ imaging and retinal sensitivity on MP in healthy subjects and CACD patients. A multimodal approach, combining SD-OCT, MP and HMM™ imaging, allows for detailed mapping of retinal photoreceptor integrity and restitution potential, important data that could serve as biomarkers in future clinical trials.

OPTIMIZING WOUNDED ARTICULAR CARTILAGE FOR IMPROVED CARTILAGE INTEGRATION: EVALUATING CHONDROPROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR MINIMIZING IN SITU CHONDROCYTE DEATH

AbstractObjectiveThe preparation of host degenerate cartilage for repair typically requires cutting and/or scraping to remove the damaged tissue. This can lead to mechanical injury and cartilage cell (chondrocytes) death, potentially limiting the integration of repair material. This study evaluated cell death at the site of cutting injury and determined whether raising the osmotic pressure (hyper-osmolarity) prior to injury could be chondroprotective.MethodsEx vivo human femoral head cartilage was obtained from 13 patients (5 males and 8 females: 71.8 years old) with Ethical Permission and Patient consent. Cartilage wells were created using 3 or 5mm biopsy punches. Cell death at the wounded edge of the host cartilage and the edge of the extracted explants were assessed by quantifying the percentage of cell death (PCD) and measuring the width of the cell death zone at identified regions of interest (ROI) using the confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis software. To assess the chondroprotective effect of hyper-osmolarity, cartilage specimens were incubated in 340 or 600mOsm media, five minutes prior to injury to allow the chondrocytes to respond to the altered osmolarity. Wounded cartilage explants and cartilage wells were then cultured for a further 150 minutes following injury.ResultsIn 340mOsm media, the PCD around the 3mm cartilage wells was significantly less compared to the corresponding explants (20.05±10.24% vs 35.25±4.86%; P=0.0003). When using the 5mm biopsy punch, the PCD at the wound edges was significantly lower when compared to the 3mm cartilage wells (13.33±7.80% vs 20.05±10.24%; P=0.0121) at the same osmolarity. The width of the cell death zone for the well edges for both 3 and 5mm punches was significantly narrower when compared to their corresponding harvested cartilage explants in 340mOsm media (P<0.0001; P=0.0218, respectively). Exposing cartilage to raised osmolarity (600mOsm) prior to injury significantly reduced the PCD for cartilage wells produced by the 3mm biopsy punches (from 20.05±10.24% to 12.24±6.00%; P=0.0025). In addition, the zone of cell death was marginally reduced at the edges of the 5mm cartilage wells (19.25±15.78mm to 12.72±9.09mm; P=0.0499).ConclusionsThe choice of biopsy punch and the osmolarity of the incubation medium prior to cartilage injury markedly affected the extent of chondrocyte death both at the edges of the cartilage wells and the explants. The smaller biopsy punch caused more chondrocyte death in the native cartilage wells compared to the larger punch, but this could be compensated for by the chondroprotective effect of raising the osmotic pressure. In general, there was less cell death at the wounded edges of the cartilage wells, compared to the explants. These results suggest that there is scope for further optimising the cutting implements used to create the cartilage wells and protecting chondrocytes by hyper-osmolarity in order to minimize cell death at cut edges and potentially enhance integration between cartilage repair material and host cartilage.Declaration of Interest(b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

METHOD OF SIMULTANEOUS LOCALIZATION AND MAPPING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 2.5D MAPS OF THE ENVIRONMENT USING ROS

SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) is a relevant topic of research and development in the field of robotics and computer vision. SLAM finds wide applications in various areas such as autonomous navigation of intelligent robots, solving problems in augmented and virtual reality, UAVs, and other systems. In recent years, SLAM has made significant progress due to the gradual development of its algorithms, the use of advanced sensors, and improvements in computational power of computers. The subject of this study is modern methods of real-time simultaneous localization and mapping. The goal of the research is to model the developed algorithm for constructing maps of the surrounding environment and determining the position and orientation of the intelligent robot in space in real-time using ROS packages. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the results of combining SLAM methods and developing new approaches to solve simultaneous localization and mapping problems. In order to achieve the set objectives, a collaboration of laser scanning (2D LRF) and depth image reconstruction (RGB-D) methods was utilized for simultaneous localization and mapping of the intelligent robot and construction of a 2.5D environment map. The obtained results are promising and demonstrate the potential of the integrated SLAM methods, which collaborate to ensure accurate execution of simultaneous localization and mapping for intelligent robots in real-time mode. The proposed method allows for considering obstacle heights in constructing the map of the surrounding environment while requiring less computational power. In conclusion, this approach expands technologies without replacing existing working propositions and enables the use of modern methods for comprehensive detection and recognition of the surrounding environment through an efficient localization and mapping approach, providing more accurate results with fewer resources utilized.

Two-Photon Calcium Imaging of Forebrain Activity in Behaving Adult Zebrafish.

Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exhibit a rich repertoire of behaviors for studying cognitive functions. They also have a miniature brain that can be used for measuring activities across brain regions through optical imaging methods. However, reports on the recording of brain activity in behaving adult zebrafish have been scarce. The present study describes procedures to perform two-photon calcium imaging in the dorsal forebrain of adult zebrafish. We focus on steps to restrain adult zebrafish from moving their heads, which provides stability that enables laser scanning imaging of the brain activity. The head-restrained animals can freely move their body parts and breathe without aids. The procedure aims to shorten the time of head restraint surgery, minimize brain motion, and maximize the number of neurons recorded. A setup for presenting an immersive visual environment during calcium imaging is also described here, which can be used to study neural correlates underlying visually triggered behaviors.

Quantification of lipid droplets in hatchery reared veliger larvae of the green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus

Domestication efforts and selective breeding in bivalve aquaculture would greatly benefit from reliable screening biomarkers in the early life stages of development (e.g., larvae). In this study the lipids remaining at the completion of embryo development in selectively-bred/hatchery reared green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus, were targeted and quantified using two approaches: confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis (CLSM/IA) on Oil Red-O stained larva (i.e., lipid droplet number and volume distribution), and Iatroscan thin layer chromatography/flame ionization detection (TLC/FID) (i.e., energetic and structural lipid classes content). Four groups of newly formed pre-feeding veliger larvae, produced from two genetically distinct families (FA, FB) that completed embryo development at either low (L, 17 °C) or high (H, 21 °C) temperatures, were evaluated. The FB produced offspring better equipped to deal with higher temperatures during embryonic development, with greater survival, higher normal development, and larger larvae than FA when developing at 21 °C. In terms of lipids content, CLSM/IA showed that each individual larva had overall between 83 and 157 lipid droplets (ranging in volume from 2.5 to 294 μm3). The TLC/FID estimation of mean total lipid content ranged from 4.1 to 6.9 ƞg larva−1 (29–39% structural lipid and 62–69% energetic lipid). Both lipid quantification methods were successful in detecting differences among larval groups with different genetic backgrounds, as well as providing insight into the ability to cope with changes in the growing environment when relying on maternal energy sources (triacylglycerol-TAG identified as the main source of energy for early development). Stronger differences between the two families were identified using CLSM/IA than with TLC/FID (i.e., with FA having overall more and larger lipid droplets). However, TLC/FID was able to distinguish FA larvae reared at high temperatures from the other groups (due to lower levels of TAG, 46% of total lipids, versus 52–56% in the other groups), therefore being more sensitive to the pooled population response compared to the individual lipid droplet quantification in CLSM/IA. The application of these tools, when fully developed, could be extended to controlled commercial operations to diagnose and predict larval performance, enabling more directed early screening and informing production and breeding decisions.

ANALYSIS OF TWO-OPTION INTEGRATION OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING DATA FOR HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE INVENTORY

The 3D reconstruction of historical and cultural heritage monuments is a procedure recommended by the UNESCO World Heritage Institution since 1985. It is crucial when conserving monuments and creating digital twins. Current 3D reconstruction techniques using digital images and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data are considered as cost-effective and efficient methods for the production of high-quality digital 3D models. In the presented study, laser scanning and close-range photogrammetry techniques and images taken by a low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were applied to quickly and completely acquire the point cloud and texture of a historic church in Poland. The aim of this study was to evaluate two options for integrating TLS and UAV data, using ground control points (GCP) measured by two independent techniques: tachymetry and laser scanning. The study shows that the 3D model created based on ground control points acquired by the laser scanning technique has a mean square error RMSEXYZ = 2.5 cm on the check points. The result obtained is not much larger than the second variant of data integration, for which RMSEXYZ = 1.7 cm. Thus, the TLS method was positively evaluated as a GCP measurement technique for the integration of UAV and TLS data and the creation of cartometric 3D models of religious buildings.

Ganoderenic acid D-loaded functionalized graphene oxide-based carrier for active targeting therapy of cervical carcinoma

Ganoderenic acid D (GAD), extracted from the Chinese herb Ganoderma lucidum, was loaded onto a graphene oxide-polyethylene glycol-anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (GO-PEG-EGFR) carrier to develop a targeting antitumor nanocomposite (GO-PEG@GAD). The carrier was fabricated from PEG and anti-EGFR aptamer modified GO. Targeting was mediated by the grafted anti-EGFR aptamer, which targets the membrane of HeLa cells. Physicochemical properties were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. High loading content (77.3 % ± 1.08 %) and encapsulation efficiency (89.1 % ± 2.11 %) were achieved. Drug release continued for approximately 100 h. The targeting effect both in vitro and in vivo was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and imaging analysis system. The mass of the subcutaneous implanted tumor was significantly decreased by 27.27 ± 1.23 % after treatment with GO-PEG@GAD compared with the negative control group. Moreover, the in vivo anti-cervical carcinoma activity of this medicine was due to activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway.