1.Resolution Assessment in Super-resolution Optical Microscopy: Adaptive Methods and Recent Advances
San-Hua FANG ; Jing-Yao CHEN ; Dan YANG ; Li LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):805-825
Optical microscopy is essential for exploring biological and material structures, with resolution determining the level of observable detail. The advent of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has broken the diffraction limit, achieving nanoscale resolution. However, traditional assessment methods, such as the Rayleigh criterion and point spread function (PSF) width measurement, rely on empirical judgments and diffraction-limited models, rendering them inadequate for modern super-resolution imaging. This review systematically traces the evolution of resolution assessment methodologies, from classical criteria to advanced strategies tailored for various super-resolution modalities. We first discuss Fourier-based quantitative methods. Fourier ring correlation (FRC) and its 3D counterpart, Fourier shell correlation (FSC), objectively determine resolution by evaluating the statistical correlation of two independent image reconstructions in frequency space. These methods offer robustness against noise and provide a global resolution metric, but they require data independence and are computationally intensive. They have become the prevailing standards in electron and super-resolution microscopy. Subsequently, we examine adaptations for specific super-resolution techniques. For single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) techniques such as PALM and STORM, the Fourier image resolution (FIRE) method extends FRC by incorporating a physical model that accounts for localization precision and labeling density. For stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and other nonlinear techniques, assessment strategies differ. While PSF shrinkage measurements using fluorescent beads are useful for system calibration, evaluating the effective resolution directly on biological samples is more practical. This is typically performed via linewidth analysis of known structures (e.g., microtubules) or edge-spread function measurements, capturing the effects of photobleaching and sample-induced aberrations. A major paradigm shift is parameter-free resolution estimation based on decorrelation analysis. This method analyzes the autocorrelation decay of a single image’s Fourier spectrum to identify the cutoff spatial frequency without requiring dual datasets or user-defined thresholds. Its high efficiency and broad applicability have been validated across widefield, confocal, STED, SIM, and SMLM modalities. Optimized rendering strategies for SMLM data further enhance its accuracy, and it is emerging as a tool for real-time optimization of experimental parameters. The review also addresses the “gold standard” of resolution validation using well-defined nanostructures, such as DNA origami and nuclear pore complexes, which provide ground truth for verifying resolution claims and detecting artifacts. In the era of artificial intelligence, deep learning plays a dual role: it powerfully enhances image resolution but also introduces challenges, as models may generate “hallucinations” or false details. This underscores the need for new validation metrics to verify the physical fidelity of AI-generated content. Finally, we outline future directions: developing unified cross-modality standards, enabling real-time dynamic resolution monitoring for live-cell imaging, creating techniques for generating local resolution maps to capture sample heterogeneity, and integrating intelligent error correction to ensure data veracity. By providing a comprehensive overview of resolution assessment progress and challenges, this review aims to equip researchers with the knowledge to select appropriate tools, thereby fostering rigorous quantitative imaging in the life and material sciences.
2.SLC7A11-Mediated Disulfidptosis and SPP1+ Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Ovarian Cancer Microenvironment Remodeling
Shuwei LI ; Yao XIONG ; Yuanzhen ZHANG ; Hua WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(10):782-792
Objective To investigate the role of SLC7A11-mediated disulfidptosis in regulating the functional heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and remodeling the immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer (OC). Methods Utilizing an integrative multi-omics framework, we synchronized transcriptomic data from TCGA and GEO with high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics. We employed CellChat interactome algorithms to map disulfidptosis-related gene expression profiles across various cellular hierarchies. The mechanistic link between SLC7A11 and SPP1 was further examined via qPCR assays under glucose-deprived, disulfidptosis-inducing conditions. Results SLC7A11 was identified as a crucial regulator of disulfidptosis, exhibiting significant overexpression in OC tissues. Elevated SLC7A11 levels were positively correlated with advanced FIGO stages, increased tumor burden, and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. scRNA-seq profiling identified a distinct CAF lineage (CAF1/CAF5) characterized by a robust disulfidptosis signature. This subpopulation was associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and an immunosuppressive niche via the SPP1-CD44 signaling axis. In situ spatial mapping suggested the localized amplification of SPP1-mediated signaling at the CAF-tumor cell interface, forming high-intensity interactomes with ITGAV, ITGB1, and CD44. Metabolic stress induced by glucose starvation significantly altered the transcriptional profiles of SLC7A11 and SPP1. Notably, the glucose starvation-induced upregulation of NRF2 mRNA in fibroblasts was effectively mitigated by NRF2 knockdown or treatment with the disulfidptosis inhibitor 2-mercaptoethanol. Conclusion SLC7A11-mediated disulfidptosis may activates a subset of CAFs, which may contribute to remodeling the tumor microenvironment and suppressing anti-tumor immunity through the secretion of SPP1.
3.Effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides on improving mouse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via regulation of Akt/mTOR/SREBP-1c signaling pathway
Shi-yao HUANG ; Liang KONG ; Jia-hua WANG ; Li-yan WANG ; Chao-wei SUN ; Xin-cheng LIU ; Yu-he DONG ; Li-yan GU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):58-65
AIM To investigate the improvement effects of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCPs)on mouse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS Forty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,the simvastatin group(4 mg/kg)and the high,medium and low dose PCPs groups(200,100 and 50 mg/kg),with 8 mice in each group.The NAFLD model was reproduced by 16 weeks feeding of high-fat and high-cholesterol diet,followed by 8 weeks administration of corresponding drug by gavage.The mice had their body mass and liver coefficient assessed;their levels of hepatic free fatty acid(FFA),and serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),γ-glutamyltransferase(γ-GT)and malondialdehyde(MDA)detected;their hepatic pathological changes and lipid deposition observed using HE staining,NAFLD activity score(NAS)and oil red O staining;and their hepatic protein expressions of Akt,mTOR,p-Akt,p-mTOR and SREBP-1c detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group demonstrated all increased body weight,liver coefficient,hepatic FFA level,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT,γ-GT,MDA,IL-1β and TNF-α.levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased HDL-C level and activities of SOD and GSH-Px(P<0.05,P<0.01);more obvious hepatic pathological damage as revealed by increased NAS score(P<0.01)and increased lipid deposition area(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with high or medium dose PCPs,or simvastatin displayed decreased body weight,liver coefficient,hepatic FFA level,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT,γ-GT,MDA,IL-1β and TNF-α levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased HDL-C level and SOD,GSH-Px activities(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased hepatic pathological damage as revealed by the decreased NAS score and lipid deposition area(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased hepatic protein expressions of p-Akt,p-mTOR and SREBP-1c protein(P<0.05)as well.CONCLUSION PCPs can improve mouse NAFLD,and its mechanism may lie in their function in reversing abnormal lipid metabolism via Akt/mTOR/SREBP-1c signaling pathway.
4.Efficacy of endoscopic sclerotherapy for internal hemorrhoids and its effects on patients' bowel function
Huiyan LI ; Jing DU ; Jing LI ; Chao ZHANG ; Hua WANG ; Yueying LI ; Hongjiao YAO ; Hao XU ; Qi YANG
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(10):1513-1518
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic sclerotherapy for internal hemorrhoids and its effects on patients' bowel function.Methods:A total of 111 patients who received endoscopic sclerotherapy at Xi'an No. 3 Hospital from September 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively included in this study. Clinical efficacy, postoperative complications, perianal discomfort, and abnormal defecation were compared among patients with grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids at 1, 4, 8, 12 weeks, and 6 months after surgery.Results:After 6 months of follow-up, the overall response rate was 77.48% (86/111), and the cure rate was 77.17% (79/111). The response rate and cure rate for rectal bleeding were 83.75% (67/80) and 80.00% (64/80), respectively. The response rate and cure rate for prolapse were 82.46% (47/57) and 75.44% (43/57), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the response rates and cure rates for rectal bleeding and prolapse symptoms among patients with grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids at each follow-up time point (all P>0.05). Among the 111 patients, 27.93% (31/111) experienced perianal discomfort, and 40.54% (45/111) reported abnormal defecation. The incidences of perianal discomfort and abnormal defecation were not statistically significant among patients with grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids (both P>0.05). In patients with gradeⅠ and Ⅱ internal hemorrhoids, perianal discomfort symptoms began to improve 4 weeks after surgery, while symptoms of abnormal defecation started to improve 1 week after surgery. Conclusions:Endoscopic sclerotherapy has a good clinical efficacy for rectal bleeding and prolapse symptoms in patients with grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids. Additionally, it improves perianal discomfort and abnormal defecation by identifying the anal canal transition zone in patients with internal hemorrhoids.
5.Potential profiling analysis and influencing factors of apathy among stroke patients
Hua LI ; Jing ZHOU ; Baifa ZU ; Fuchen WU ; Ensheng YAO
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(13):1595-1602
Objective To identify the potential categories and influencing factors of apathy in stroke patients,providing a basis for precise typing and individualized interventions by healthcare professionals.Methods Using the convenience sampling method,stroke patients from 2 tertiary hospitals in Xinjiang Uggur Automous Region were selected from November 2023 to August 2024,and were surveyed using the General Information Questionnaire,Apathy Evaluation Scale-Informant,Perceived Autonomy Scale,and Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire.The latent profile analysis was used to identify potential categories of apathy,and logistic regression analysis was used to explore the differences in the characteristics of patients in different categories.Results The apathy symptoms of 521 stroke patients could be divided into 3 potential categories:mild apathy group(23.6%),moderate apathy-low interest-low behavioral group(46.5%),and heavy apathy-low interest-low cognitive group(29.9%).Logistic regression showed that age 45~<60 years,duration of the disease<6 months,and high rehabilitation self-efficacy were the common protective factors of the moderate apathy-low interest-low behavioral group and the heavy apathy-low interest-low cognitive group.The dependence on activities of daily living was a risk factor for the moderate apathy-low interest-low behavioral group,and high perception of autonomy was a protective factor for the heavy apathy-low interest-low cognitive group.Conclusion Apathy symptoms in stroke patients are characterized by distinct categories,which are influenced by age,stroke duration,ADL,rehabilitation self-efficacy,and perception of autonomy.Healthcare professionals should adopt effective strategies to precisely intervene based on different potential categories of protective factors and risk factors to alleviate their apathy.
6.Under expanded stent of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with coronary thrombosis using intravascular lithotripsy:report of one case
Dong-biao YU ; Li-kun MA ; Hao HU ; Xiang-yong KONG ; Jin-sheng HUA ; Jian-yuan PAN ; Guang-yao YANG ; Hong-wu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(1):54-57
Coronary artery calcification often appears a variety of complex lesions,increasing coronary intervention of the difficulty of treatment,especially the severe calcification lesions,usually cannot be fully dilated,resulting in a reduced success rate of surgery,an increased rate of acute stent thrombosis and restenosis,and even a serious impact on the prognosis of patients.Intravascular lithotripsy(IVL)is increasingly used in calcified lesions.There is more and more evidence of using in stable angina pectoris and unstable angina pectoris,but its use in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is limited,and only a few cases have been reported abroad.Moreover,the consensus of Chinese experts in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery calcification in 2021 edition lists thrombotic lesions as contraindications of shock wave balloon.This case is the first time in China to report the use of shock wave balloon in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated with thrombus.In this case,the patient with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated with thrombus was severely under expanded stent after stent implantation,and obtain good curative effect using shockwave balloon at selected time in hospital after intensive anticoagulant therapy.
7.Effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in a rat model of preneoplastic breast cancer of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern via DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway
Hua YANG ; Jun-yao LONG ; Jie GONG ; Bing-bing LU ; Xi ZOU ; Yu-rong WU ; Li-fang LIU ; Hui LIU ; Qi-hua CHEN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(3):774-781
AIM To investigate the effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in cancer tissues of rats with preneoplastic breast cancer(PBC).METHODS 60 female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group of 10 rats and a model group of 50 rats for the establishment of the PBC models of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern with 9 weeks of oral administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene(DMBA)and cervical ligation.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into the model group,the tamoxifen group(3.2 mg/kg),the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(128 mg/kg),the 3,5-difluorobenzoyl group(DAPT,5 mg/kg),and the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets(128 mg/kg via gavage)+DAPT(5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection)group,for 1 month corresponding drug administration,with 10 rats in each group.Then the rats had their cancer progression and syndrome scores observed;their angiogenesis evaluated by assessment of microvascular density(MVD);their vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression assessed by immunohistochemistry;and their mRNA and protein expressions of proteins related to the DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway measured using RT-qPCR,immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS During carcinogenesis of rats induced by DMBA,there was gradual disappearance of E-cadherin expression and consistency of HE staining result with the PBC progression confirming the success of the modeling.Compared with the blank group,the model group showed increased MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group exhibited reduced MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P<0.05,P<0.01).The Rutong Ruanjian Tablets+DAPT group showed reduced mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1 compared to the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Rutong Ruanjian Tablets can inhibit angiogenesis and attenuate cancer progression in PBC rats of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern,and the mechanism may lie in the downregulation of DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway related proteins.
8.Nontarget Screening and Identification of Novel Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Cosmetics Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Xin-Ling LI ; Tao YANG ; Wen-Yao LIANG ; Jian-Hua TAN ; Xian-Zhi PENG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):640-651,中插23-中插28
Cosmetics may be an important source of human exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs),posing risks to human health.In this study,a nontarget screening method for PFASs in cosmetics was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS)based on the Kendrick mass defect(KMD).The sample was extracted by ultrasonic assisted extraction prior to being analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS.Acquisition of HRMS data was achieved in both full scan and data-dependent(Full MS/dd MS2)mode.The data collected by HRMS were imported into an in-lab built R script for processing.Samples retained the mass spectra peaks with KMD values in the range of 0.85-1 or 0-0.15 for in-and out-of-library matching;when KMD deviation(δKMD)<0.001 and CF 2 mass error(δMS)<15 ppm,it was considered as a potential PFASs homologues.According to matches of parent ions(MS),fragment ions(MS2)and retention time(RT)with the in-house built PFASs database,the screened and identified potential PFASs were categorized to 5 confidence levels(CL1-CL5).A total of 15 kinds of PFASs homologues with confidence level of CL3 and above were screened from 13 cosmetics products and 8 cosmetic raw materials,including perfluoroalkyl alcohol,hydroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,chloroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,etc.with concentrations ranging from 1.9 ng/g to 98.1 ng/g.The nontarget screening method could be used to screen and identify PFASs homologues feasibly and therefore provided data basis for management and control of PFASs addition in cosmetics.
9.Analysis of Nitrofuran Metabolites in Meat by Solid-Phase Extraction of Porous Organic Polymer Combined with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Yao CHEN ; Ying-Jiao DONG ; Jia-Yi LI ; Rui-Jie WANG ; Zhi-Kai HONG ; Guan-Hua WANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):804-813
In this work,with tris(4-aminophenyl)amine(TAPA)and 1,3,5-tris(4-formylphenyl)benzene(TFPB)as monomers,an imine-type porous organic polymer,TAPA-TFPB,was synthesized using a simple method under the catalysis of acetic acid.The material TAPA-TFPB was used as solid-phase extraction adsorbent and combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QTOF-MS)to establish a detection method for four kinds of nitrofuran metabolites(NFMs)residues in meat samples.The parameters of the adsorbent dosage,the pH value and volume of sample,and the type and volume of washing and eluent solvents were optimized,respectively.Under the optimal extraction conditions,low detection limits(0.11-1.60 μg/kg)were achieved for four kinds of NFMs.At three different spiked levels,the intra-day and inter-day precisions(Relative standard deviations)were 2.8% -10.9% and 4.3% -16.2%,respectively,and the spiked recoveries were 72.0% -107.2%.The results showed that the method chould be used for efficient extraction and analysis of trace NFMs residues in meat samples,indicating that TAPA-TFPB was a kind of promising SPE adsorbent.
10.Construction and Application of"On-Off-On"Fluorescence Sensor for Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Based on Near Infrared Carbon Quantum Dots
Yu LIN ; Feng TAN ; Yu-Hua SHEN ; Li-Qin ZHU ; Pei-Yao YAN ; Jin-Tao PAN ; Kai-Shun LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):934-943
In this work,near infrared carbon quantum dots(NIR-CDs)were synthesized by hydrothermal method using biomass material Clausena lansium leaves.The synthesized NIR-CDs emitted maximum fluorescence signal at 677 nm,which was independent of excitation wavelength.The characterization results showed that there were abundant groups on the surface of NIR-CDs.Pd2+could form non-fluorescent compounds with the surface groups of NIR-CDs,resulting in fluorescence quenching(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F0).Because chlorpromazine hydrochloride(CPZ)parent nucleus contained unoxidized S atom,CPZ could form stable colored complex with Pd2+under acidic conditions.In the presence of CPZ,Pd2+dissociated from the surface of NIR-CDs and bonded with CPZ,so that the fluorescence signal could be restored(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F).An"on-off-on"fluorescence sensor was thus constructed.The fluorescence signal recovery value of NIR-CDs(△F=F-F0)showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of CPZ in the range of 5.68-28.43 μg/mL,and the detection limit(3σ)was 0.078 μg/mL.The sensor was applied to determination of CPZ in pharmaceutical preparations,and the recoveries were 94%-106%.The developed fluorescence sensor was expected to be used in quality control of actual pharmaceutical preparations.

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