1
|
Pattni K, Wood A, Cassels N, Margrain T. Visual pigment concentration and photoreceptor outer segment length in the human retina. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2024. [PMID: 38572814 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Beer-Lambert law suggests that visual pigment optical density (OD) should be linearly related to the length of photoreceptor outer segments (POSs). Mammalian studies indicate that visual pigment concentration increases with POS length, but the nature of this relationship may vary due to factors such as visual pigment packing density or retinal eccentricity, and may not necessarily be linearly related. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between OD and POS length in humans. METHODS Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to image POS, and imaging retinal densitometry (IRD) was used to measure OD at corresponding locations in 19 healthy participants (age range 25-82 years). POS length and OD measurements were extracted from OCT and IRD images at 23 discrete locations spanning the central 9° of the retina. The averaged data from all participants were fitted with models based on the Beer-Lambert law to establish the relationship between OD and POS length. RESULTS Visual pigment OD increased monotonically with POS length, but the relationship was non-linear, and a straight-line fit, based on a simple interpretation of the Beer-Lambert law, provided a poor description. A model allowing for different rod and cone visual pigment concentrations provided a superior fit. Specifically, the data were well described by a model where the molar concentration of visual pigment in cones and rods were 3.8 × 10-3 mol/L and 1.8 × 10-3mol/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In accordance with the Beer-Lambert law, the results indicate that OD increases monotonically with POS length in humans, but the precise relationship is dependent on photoreceptor type. These results suggest that visual pigment concentration in rods is only about 48% of that found in cones. This may be due to the ubiquitous nature of artificial light that works to reduce the concentration of rhodopsin in rod photoreceptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Pattni
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ashley Wood
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nicola Cassels
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Tom Margrain
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
De Wannemaeker L, Mey F, Bervoets I, Ver Cruysse M, Baldwin GS, De Mey M. Standardization of Fluorescent Reporter Assays in Synthetic Biology across the Visible Light Spectrum. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3591-3607. [PMID: 37981737 PMCID: PMC10729763 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
In synthetic biology, Fluorescent reporters are frequently used to characterize the expression levels obtained from both genetic parts such as promoters and ribosome binding sites as well as from complex genetic circuits. To this end, plate readers offer an easy and high-throughput way of characterizing both the growth and fluorescence expression levels of cell cultures. However, despite the similar mode of action used in different devices, their output is not comparable due to intrinsic differences in their setup. Additionally, the generated output is expressed using arbitrary units, limiting reliable comparison of results to measurements taken within one single experiment using one specific plate reader, hampering the transferability of data across different plate readers and laboratories. This article presents an easy and accessible calibration method for transforming the device-specific output into a standardized output expressing the amount of fluorescence per well as a known equivalent fluorophore concentration per cell for fluorescent reporters spanning the visible light spectrum. This calibration method follows a 2-fold approach determining both the estimated number of cells and the equivalent chemical fluorophore concentration per well. It will contribute to the comparison of plate reader experiments between different laboratories across the world and will therefore greatly improve the reliability and exchange of both results and genetic parts between research groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lien De Wannemaeker
- Centre
for Synthetic Biology, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Friederike Mey
- Centre
for Synthetic Biology, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Indra Bervoets
- Vrije
Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michiel Ver Cruysse
- Centre
for Synthetic Biology, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geoff S. Baldwin
- Imperial
College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Marjan De Mey
- Centre
for Synthetic Biology, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Otin S, Ávila FJ, Mallen V, Garcia-Martin E. Detecting Structural Changes in the Choroidal Layer of the Eye in Neurodegenerative Disease Patients through Optical Coherence Tomography Image Processing. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2986. [PMID: 38001986 PMCID: PMC10669633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate alterations of the choroid in patients with a neurodegenerative disease versus healthy controls, a custom algorithm based on superpixel segmentation was used. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted on data obtained in a previous cohort study. SUBJECTS Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scan images obtained using a Triton (Topcon, Japan) device were compiled according to current OSCAR IB and APOSTEL OCT image quality criteria. Images were included from three cohorts: multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, Parkinson disease (PD) patients, and healthy subjects. Only patients with early-stage MS and PD were included. METHODS In total, 104 OCT B-scan images were processed using a custom superpixel segmentation (SpS) algorithm to detect boundary limits in the choroidal layer and the optical properties of the image. The algorithm groups pixels with similar structural properties to generate clusters with similar meaningful properties. MAIN OUTCOMES SpS selects and groups the superpixels in a segmented choroidal area, computing the choroidal optical image density (COID), measured as the standard mean gray level, and the total choroidal area (CA), measured as px2. RESULTS The CA and choroidal density (CD) were significantly reduced in the two neurodegenerative disease groups (higher in PD than in MS) versus the healthy subjects (p < 0.001); choroidal area was also significantly reduced in the MS group versus the healthy subjects. The COID increased significantly in the PD patients versus the MS patients and in the MS patients versus the healthy controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The SpS algorithm detected choroidal tissue boundary limits and differences optical density in MS and PD patients versus healthy controls. The application of the SpS algorithm to OCT images potentially acts as a non-invasive biomarker for the early diagnosis of MS and PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Otin
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Francisco J. Ávila
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Victor Mallen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (V.M.); (E.G.-M.)
- Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Martin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (V.M.); (E.G.-M.)
- Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bodie AR, Rothrock MJ, Ricke SC. Comparison of optical density-based growth kinetics for pure culture Campylobacter jejuni, coli and lari grown in blood-free Bolton broth. J Environ Sci Health B 2023; 58:671-678. [PMID: 37784245 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2023.2264742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter growth kinetic parameters can be used to refine the sensitivity and efficiency of microbial growth-based methods. Therefore, the aim of this study was to construct growth curves for C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari in pure culture and calculate growth kinetics for each Campylobacter species in the same environmental conditions. Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. lari were grown over 48 h and inoculated into 15 mL Hungate tubes (N = 3 trials per species; 5 biological replicates per trial; 3 species; 1 strain per species). Absorbance measurements were taken in 45 min intervals over 24 h. Optical density readings were plotted versus time to calculate growth kinetic parameters. C. jejuni exhibited the longest lag phase (p < 0.001) at 15 h 20 min ± 30 min, versus C. coli at 11 h 15 min ± 17 min, and C. lari at 9 h 27 min ± 15 min. The exponential phase duration was no longer than 5 h for all species, and doubling times were all less than 1h 30 min. The variation in growth kinetics for the three species of Campylobacter illustrates the importance of determining individual Campylobacter spp. growth responses for optimizing detection based on low bacterial levels. This study provides kinetics and estimates to define enrichment times necessary for low concentration Campylobacter detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron R Bodie
- Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Program, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael J Rothrock
- Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit, USDA-ARS U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Steven C Ricke
- Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Program, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Makambi WK, Ikonomova SP, Karlsson AJ. Quantifying the Antifungal Activity of Peptides Against Candida albicans. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64416. [PMID: 36715417 PMCID: PMC10115183 DOI: 10.3791/64416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional methods for performing antifungal susceptibility testing for Candida albicans are time-consuming and lack quantitative results. For example, a common approach relies on plating cells treated with different concentrations of antifungal molecules on agar plates and then counting the colonies to determine the relationship between molecule concentration and growth inhibition. This method requires many plates and substantial time to count the colonies. Another common approach eliminates the plates and counting of colonies by visually inspecting cultures treated with antifungal agents to identify the minimum concentration required to inhibit growth; however, visual inspection produces only qualitative results, and information on growth at subinhibitory concentrations is lost. This protocol describes a method for measuring the susceptibility of C. albicans to antifungal peptides. By relying on optical density measurements of cultures, the method reduces the time and materials needed to obtain quantitative results on culture growth at different peptide concentrations. The incubation of the fungus with peptides is performed in a 96-well plate using an appropriate buffer, with controls representing no growth inhibition and complete growth inhibition. Following the incubation with the peptide, the resulting cell suspensions are diluted to reduce peptide activity and then grown overnight. After overnight growth, the optical density of each well is measured and compared to the positive and negative controls to calculate the resulting growth inhibition at each peptide concentration. The results using this assay are comparable to the results using the traditional method of plating the cultures on agar plates, but this protocol reduces plastic waste and the time spent on counting colonies. Although the applications of this protocol have focused on antifungal peptides, the method will also be applicable to testing other molecules with known or suspected antifungal activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wright K Makambi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland
| | | | - Amy J Karlsson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Baybekov O, Stanishevskiy Y, Sachivkina N, Bobunova A, Zhabo N, Avdonina M. Isolation of Clinical Microbial Isolates during Orthodontic Aligner Therapy and Their Ability to Form Biofilm. Dent J (Basel) 2023; 11:dj11010013. [PMID: 36661550 PMCID: PMC9858208 DOI: 10.3390/dj11010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to calculate microbiological composition of aligners after a day of wearing them. To date, the dental market for orthodontists offers many ways to correct bites. Aligners are transparent and almost invisible from the teeth. They are used for everyday wear to correct the incorrect position of the teeth, which was once considered the prerogative of braces. Scientists worldwide have repeatedly considered questions regarding the interaction between aligners and the oral cavity's microflora; however, the emphasis has mainly shifted toward species composition and antibiotic resistance. The various properties of these microorganisms, including biofilm formation, adhesion to various cells, and the ability to phagocytize, have not been studied so widely. In addition, these characteristics, as well as the microorganisms themselves, have properties that change over time, location, and in certain conditions. In this regard, the problem of biofilm formation in dental practice is always relevant. It requires constant monitoring since high contamination of orthodontic materials can reduce the effectiveness of local anti-inflammatory therapy and cause relapses in caries and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity. Adhesive properties, one of the key factors in forming the architectonics of biofilms, provide the virulence factors of microorganisms and are characterized by an increase in optical density, determining the duration and retrospectivity of diagnostic studies. This paper focuses on the isolation of clinical microbial isolates during aligner therapy and their ability to form biofilms. In the future, we plan to use the obtained strains of microorganisms to create an effective and safe biofilm-destroying agent. We aimed to study morphometric and densitometric indicators of biofilms of microorganisms persisting on aligners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Baybekov
- Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yaroslav Stanishevskiy
- Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology, Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Sachivkina
- Department of Microbiology V.S. Kiktenko, Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Bobunova
- Department of Foreign Languages, Institute of Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natallia Zhabo
- Department of Foreign Languages, Institute of Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Avdonina
- Department of Linguistics and Intercultural Communication, Moscow State Linguistic University, 119034 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Karjalainen K, Tanska P, Sibole SC, Mikkonen S, Herzog W, Korhonen R, Moo EK. Effect of cells on spatial quantification of proteoglycans in articular cartilage of small animals. Connect Tissue Res 2022; 63:603-614. [PMID: 35322732 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2022.2048827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Histochemical characterization of proteoglycan content in articular cartilage is important for the understanding of osteoarthritis pathogenesis. However, cartilage cells may interfere with the measurement of matrix proteoglycan content in small animal models (e.g. mice and rats) due to the high cell volume fraction (38%) in mice compared to human tissue (~1%). We investigated whether excluding the cells from image analysis affects the histochemically measured proteoglycan content of rat knee joint cartilage and assessed the effectiveness of a deep learning algorithm-based tool named U-Net in cell segmentation. DESIGN Histological sections were stained with Safranin-O, after which optical densities were measured using digital densitometry to estimate proteoglycan content. U-Net was trained with 600 annotated Safranin-O cartilage images for exclusion of cells from the cartilage extracellular matrix. Optical densities of the ECM with and without cells were compared as a function of normalized tissue depth. RESULTS U-Net cell segmentation was accurate, with the measured cell area fraction following largely that of ground-truth images (average difference: 4.3%). Cell area fraction varied as a function of tissue depth and took up 8-21% of the tissue area. The exclusion of cells from the analysis led to an increase in the analyzed depth-dependent optical density of cartilage by approximately 0.6-1.8% (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Although the effect of cells on the analyzed proteoglycan content is small, it should be considered for improved sensitivity, especially at the onset of the disease during which cells may proliferate in small animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalle Karjalainen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Tanska
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Scott C Sibole
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Santtu Mikkonen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Walter Herzog
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Rami Korhonen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eng Kuan Moo
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Christie JR, Kong I, Mawdsley L, Milkovich S, Doornekamp A, Baek J, Fraser GM, Ellis CG, Sové RJ. Optical method to determine in vivo capillary hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and 3-D network geometry in skeletal muscle. Microcirculation 2022; 29:e12751. [PMID: 35146836 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a tool to visualize and quantify hemodynamic information, such as hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit, within microvascular networks recorded in vivo using intravital video microscopy. Additionally, we aimed to facilitate the 3-D reconstruction of the microvascular networks. METHODS Digital images taken from an intravital video microscopy preparation of the extensor digitorum longus muscle in rats for 25 capillary segments were used. The developed algorithm was used to delineate capillaries of interest, calculate the optical density for each pixel in the image, and reconstruct the 3-D capillary geometry using the calculated light path-lengths. Subsequently, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit for these capillaries were calculated. We evaluated the hematocrit values determined by our methodology by comparing them to those obtained using a previously published method. RESULTS The hematocrit values from the proposed optical method were strongly correlated with those calculated using published methods r2 (25) = .92, p < .001, and demonstrated excellent agreement with a mean difference of 1.3% and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 11%. The average MCHC, hemoglobin concentration, and light path-lengths were 23.83 g/dl, 8.06 g/dl, and 3.92 µm, respectively. CONCLUSION The proposed methodology can quantify hemodynamic measurements and produce functional images for visualization of the microcirculation in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaryd R Christie
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isaac Kong
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Mawdsley
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Milkovich
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ande Doornekamp
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Baek
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graham M Fraser
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Christopher G Ellis
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard J Sové
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
El Oumari FE, Bousta D, Imtara H, Lahrichi A, Elhabbani R, El Mouhri G, Al Kamaly O, Saleh A, Parvez MK, Grafov A, Sqalli Houssaini T. Chemical Composition and Anti-Urolithiatic Activity of Extracts from Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels Press-Cake and Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. Molecules 2022; 27. [PMID: 35807240 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27133973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethnobotanical studies have reported the traditional medicinal uses of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. and Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels against kidney stone formation and other chronic kidney diseases. The present work is undertaken to study the litholytic activity and the inhibiting activity of calcium oxalate crystallization by bioactive compounds identified in Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels press-cake (residue of Argan oil) and in Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. The litholytic activity was studied in vitro on cystine and uric acid stones using a porous bag and an Erlenmeyer glass. The study of the inhibiting activity of calcium oxalate crystallization, was based on temporal measurements of the optical density, registered at a 620 nm wavelength for 30 min using an ultraviolet−visible spectrophotometer. The silylation method was performed to identify phytochemicals, followed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrophotometry (GC/MS) analysis. The results show significant litholytic activity of Argania Spinosa press-cake hydro-ethanolic extract on uric acid and cystine stones, respectively, with dissolution rates (DR) of 86.38% and 60.42% versus 3.23% and 9.48% for the hydro-ethanolic extract of Acacia senegal exudate. Furthermore, the percentages of nucleation inhibition are 83.78% and 43.77% (p ˂ 0.05) for Argania spinosa and Acacia senegal, respectively. The results point to the detection of 17 phytochemicals in Argania spinosa press-cake extract, the majority of which are phenolic acids and have potent anti-urolithiatic action.
Collapse
|
10
|
Miyazawa K, Umeyama T, Hoshino Y, Abe K, Miyazaki Y. Quantitative Monitoring of Mycelial Growth of Aspergillus fumigatus in Liquid Culture by Optical Density. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0006321. [PMID: 34985327 PMCID: PMC8729762 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00063-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi form multicellular hyphae, which generally form pellets in liquid shake cultures, during the vegetative growth stage. Because of these characteristics, growth-monitoring methods commonly used in bacteria and yeast have not been applied to filamentous fungi. We have recently revealed that the cell wall polysaccharide α-1,3-glucan and extracellular polysaccharide galactosaminogalactan (GAG) contribute to hyphal aggregation in Aspergillus oryzae. Here, we tested whether Aspergillus fumigatus shows dispersed growth in liquid media that can be quantitatively monitored, similar to that of yeasts. We constructed a double disruptant mutant of both the primary α-1,3-glucan synthase gene ags1 and the putative GAG synthase gene gtb3 in A. fumigatus AfS35 and found that the hyphae of this mutant were fully dispersed. Although the mutant lost α-1,3-glucan and GAG, its growth and susceptibility to antifungal agents were not different from those of the parental strain. Mycelial weight of the mutant in shake-flask cultures was proportional to optical density for at least 18 h. We were also able to quantify the dose response of hyphal growth to antifungal agents by measuring optical density. Overall, we established a convenient strategy to monitor A. fumigatus hyphal growth. Our method can be directly used for screening for novel antifungals against Aspergillus species. IMPORTANCE Filamentous fungi generally form hyphal pellets in liquid culture. This property prevents filamentous fungi so that we may apply the methods used for unicellular organisms such as yeast and bacteria. In the present study, by using the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus strain with modified hyphal surface polysaccharides, we succeeded in monitoring the hyphal growth quantitatively by optical density. The principle of this easy measurement by optical density could lead to a novel standard of hyphal quantification such as those that have been used for yeasts and bacteria. Dose response of hyphal growth by antifungal agents could also be monitored. This method could be useful for screening for novel antifungal reagents against Aspergillus species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Miyazawa
- Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Umeyama
- Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Hoshino
- Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keietsu Abe
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Miyazaki
- Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Palchikova IG, Latyshov IV, Smirnov ES, Vasiliev VA, Kondakov AV, Budaeva IA. Computer Vision in Analyzing the Propagation of a Gas-Gunpowder Jet. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 22:6. [PMID: 35009548 PMCID: PMC8747569 DOI: 10.3390/s22010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A method of mathematically processing the digital images of targets is developed. The theoretical and mathematical justification and the experimental validation of the possibility of estimating the amount of gunshot residue (GSR) and determining the GSR distribution over the target on the basis of its digital image is provided. The analysis of the optical density in selected concentric rings in the images reveals the radial dependence of soot distribution in the cross section of a gas-gunpowder jet. The analysis of the optical density in selected sectors of the circle reveals the angular dependence of the soot distribution in the gas-gunpowder jet cross section. It is shown that the integral optical density averaged over a selected area in the target image characterizes the mass of GSP deposited on it. It is possible to quantify the differences in the radial and angular distributions of the thickness of the GSR layer on various targets obtained both with the help of weapons of different types at the same distances and with the help of weapons of the same type at different distances, by calculating the distribution of optical density on their digital images.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina G. Palchikova
- Technological Design Institute of Scientific Instrument Engineering of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, 630058 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.S.S.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Igor V. Latyshov
- Saint Petersburg University of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia, 198206 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Evgenii S. Smirnov
- Technological Design Institute of Scientific Instrument Engineering of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, 630058 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.S.S.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Vasilii A. Vasiliev
- Volgograd Academy of the Ministry of Interior of Russia, 400089 Volgograd, Russia;
| | - Alexander V. Kondakov
- Federal State Institution of Higher Education, Saint Petersburg Academy of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, 190068 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Irina A. Budaeva
- Technological Design Institute of Scientific Instrument Engineering of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, 630058 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.S.S.); (I.A.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ávila FJ, Marcellán MC, Remón L. On the Relationship between Corneal Biomechanics, Macrostructure, and Optical Properties. J Imaging 2021; 7:280. [PMID: 34940747 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging7120280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical properties of the cornea are responsible for correct vision; the ultrastructure allows optical transparency, and the biomechanical properties govern the shape, elasticity, or stiffness of the cornea, affecting ocular integrity and intraocular pressure. Therefore, the optical aberrations, corneal transparency, structure, and biomechanics play a fundamental role in the optical quality of human vision, ocular health, and refractive surgery outcomes. However, the inter-relationships of those properties are not yet reported at a macroscopic scale within the hierarchical structure of the cornea. This work explores the relationships between the biomechanics, structure, and optical properties (corneal aberrations and optical density) at a macro-structural level of the cornea through dual Placido–Scheimpflug imaging and air-puff tonometry systems in a healthy young adult population. Results showed correlation between optical transparency, corneal macrostructure, and biomechanics, whereas corneal aberrations and in particular spherical terms remained independent. A compensation mechanism for the spherical aberration is proposed through corneal shape and biomechanics.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ju H. Kramers-Kronig Relation for Attenuated Total Reflection from a Metal-Dielectric Interface Where Surface Plasmon Polaritons Are Excited. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:nano11113063. [PMID: 34835827 PMCID: PMC8622283 DOI: 10.3390/nano11113063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The applicability of the Kramers–Kronig relation for attenuated total reflection (ATR) from a metal–dielectric interface that can excite surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) is theoretically investigated. The plasmon-induced attenuation of reflected light can be taken as the resonant absorption of light through a virtual absorptive medium. The optical phase shift of light reflected from the SPP-generating interface is calculated using the KK relation, for which the spectral dependence of ATR is used at around the plasmonic resonance. The KK relation-calculated phase shift shows good agreement with that directly obtained from the reflection coefficient, calculated by a field transfer matrix formula at around the resonance. This indicates that physical causality also produces the spectral dependence of the phase of the leakage field radiated by surface plasmons that would interfere with the reflected part of light incident to the interface. This is analogous with optical dispersion in an absorptive medium where the phase of the secondary field induced by a medium polarization, which interferes with a polarization-stimulating incident field, has a spectral dependence that stems from physical causality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heongkyu Ju
- Department of Physics, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schlechter RO, Kear EJ, Remus DM, Remus-Emsermann MNP. Fluorescent Protein Expression as a Proxy for Bacterial Fitness in a High-Throughput Assay. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0098221. [PMID: 34260309 PMCID: PMC8388834 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00982-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial growth is classically assessed by measuring the increases in optical density of pure cultures in shaken liquid media. Measuring growth using optical density has severe limitations when studying multistrain interactions, as it is not possible to measure the growth of individual strains within mixed cultures. Here, we demonstrated that constitutively expressed fluorescent proteins can be used to track the growth of individual strains in different liquid media. Fluorescence measurements were highly correlated with optical density measurements and cell counts. This allowed us to assess bacterial growth not only in pure cultures but also in mixed bacterial cultures and determine the impact of a competitor on a focal strain, thereby assessing relative fitness. Furthermore, we were able to track the growth of two different strains simultaneously by using fluorescent proteins with differential excitation and emission wavelengths. Bacterial densities measured by fluorescence yielded more consistent data between technical replicates than optical density measurements. Our setup employs fluorescence microplate readers that allow high throughput and replication. IMPORTANCE We expand on an important limitation of the concept of measuring bacterial growth, which is classically limited to one strain at a time. By adopting our approach, it is possible to measure the growth of several bacterial strains simultaneously with high temporal resolution and in a high-throughput manner. This is important to investigate bacterial interactions, such as competition and facilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf O. Schlechter
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Bioprotection Research Core, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Evan J. Kear
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Daniela M. Remus
- Protein Science and Engineering, Callaghan Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Mitja N. P. Remus-Emsermann
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Bioprotection Research Core, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sachivkina N, Podoprigora I, Bokov D. Morphological characteristics of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida glabrata biofilms, and response to farnesol. Vet World 2021; 14:1608-1614. [PMID: 34316210 PMCID: PMC8304438 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1608-1614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Different Candida species isolated in humans and animals have different types of parasite activity. The most pathogenic species is Candida albicans followed by Candida tropicalis. However, the effects of the morphology of Candida krusei, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida glabrata biofilms on the pathogenicity of these species have not been fully characterized. To the best of our knowledge, there is no literature on the effect of farnesol on rare Candida species. This study aimed to check the effect of different farnesol concentrations on the species C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, and C. glabrata compared with the strain C. albicans ATCC 10231, which has been widely studied, and is a strong producer of biofilms. Materials and Methods: We studied the morphological and densitometric parameters of biofilms produced by Candida species under the influence of the drug farnesol (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO). We used a heart brain broth with the addition of 2% bovine blood serum in 96-well plates. To each well, we added 100 mL of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, or C. glabrata culture, and 0.2-400 mM farnesol. The microliter plates were cultured with the lid closed at 37°C for 48 h. Then, the liquid was removed, and the wells were washed 3 times with 200 mL phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.3). Biofilm fixation was performed using 150 mL of 96% ethanol for 15 min. Then, the microliter plates were dried for 20 min at 37°C, a 0.5% solution of crystalline violet was added, and the plates were placed in an incubator at 37°C. After 5 min, the contents of the wells were removed, washed 3 times with 200 mL of phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.2), and dried. The dye was extracted by washing with 200 mL of 96% ethanol for 30 min. The results were obtained using a photometric analyzer of enzyme immunoassay reactions at an optical density (OD) wavelength of 450 nm. Results: All of Candida spp. strains tested were susceptible to farnesol at concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 400 mM for C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. guilliermondii, and 12.5 to 400 mM for C. glabrata. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the use of farnesol against biofilms produced by Candida species, but further studies in vivo are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the reduction of OD. To the best of our knowledge, the antimicrobial activity of farnesol against C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, and C. glabrata has not been reported previously, although studies have confirmed the inhibitory effect of farnesol on the growth of different microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda Sachivkina
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Podoprigora
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Bokov
- Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Grutters LA, Smith EC, Casteleijn CW, van Dongen EP, Ruven HJ, van der Vis JJ, Veltkamp M. Increased Efficacy of Whole Lung Lavage Treatment in Alveolar Proteinosis Using a New Modified Lavage Technique. J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol 2021; 28:215-220. [PMID: 34151899 PMCID: PMC8219085 DOI: 10.1097/lbr.0000000000000741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is an ultra-rare pulmonary disease. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is considered the gold standard therapy. We report a protocol for a new modified lavage technique (nMLT) in which controlled repetitive manual hyperinflation (MH) and intermittent chest percussion are used to enhance WLL efficacy. METHODS We included all subjects with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis treated with nMLT between 2013 and 2018. nMLT consisted of repetitive MH with intermittent chest percussion every third wash. We reported: instilled volume, protein concentration, and optical density using spectrophotometry. Pulmonary function (FVC %predicted and DLCO %predicted) at start of nMLT was recorded. Data are displayed as mean (±SD), median [interquartile range], or number (%). Comparisons within individuals were made using Students t test. RESULTS We included 11 subjects (64% male) in whom a total of 67 nMLTs were performed. One nMLT consisted of 15 [12-18] washes. Protein removal was 9.80 [7.52-12.66] g per nMLT. After the first, second, and third cycle of 3 washes, 56% [49% to 61%], 81% [77% to 84%], and 91% [88% to 94%] of the final protein yield was removed, respectively. Optical density was measured 116 times and increased from 1.13 (±0.52) to 1.31 (±0.52) after MH (P<0.001). CONCLUSION Efficacy of WLL seems to be enhanced by applying MH every 3 washes. Our technique of WLL with nMLT could be used to increase the amount of protein recruited while instilling the lung with the smallest volume of fluid as possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Henk J. Ruven
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein
| | - Joanne J. van der Vis
- ILD Center of Excellence, Departments of Pulmonary Diseases
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein
| | - Marcel Veltkamp
- ILD Center of Excellence, Departments of Pulmonary Diseases
- Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kunceviciene E, Budiene B, Smalinskiene A, Vilkeviciute A, Liutkeviciene R. Association of hsa-mir-328-3p Expression in Whole Blood With Optical Density of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. In Vivo 2021; 35:827-831. [PMID: 33622875 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the association of the pair box 6 gene (PAX6) and hsa-miR-328-3p with optical density of macular pigment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated 112 individuals (34 with moderate myopia, eight with high-degree myopia, and 70 healthy individuals). The optical density of macular pigment was measured using single-wavelength reflectometry. DNA and RNA were extracted from whole blood samples. Expression of hsa-miR-328-3p and genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphism of PAX6 (rs662702) were performed using Applied Biosystems 7900HT real-time polymerase chain reaction system. Optical density of retinal pigment epithelial cells was evaluated using Fundus plus camera. RESULTS In the group with myopia, with increasing ∆Ct hsa-miR-328-3p, the median optical density of the retinal pigment epithelium decreased statistically significantly (p<0.032). No statistically significant association was found between SNP rs662702 genotype variant of the PAX6 gene and the optical density of the retinal pigment epithelium. CONCLUSION The increased expression of hsa-miR-328-3p in the blood indicates a decrease in the optical density of the retinal pigment epithelium in those with myopia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edita Kunceviciene
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetics Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Brigita Budiene
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medicine Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alina Smalinskiene
- Institute of Biology Systems and Genetics Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alvita Vilkeviciute
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medicine Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Liutkeviciene
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medicine Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medicine Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Casanova-Carvajal O, Zeinoun M, Urbano-Bojorge AL, Bacha F, Solera Livi J, Agudo E, Vargas G, Ramos M, Martínez-Murillo R, Serrano-Olmedo JJ. The Use of Silica Microparticles to Improve the Efficiency of Optical Hyperthermia (OH). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5091. [PMID: 34065020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although optical hyperthermia could be a promising anticancer therapy, the need for high concentrations of light-absorbing metal nanoparticles and high-intensity lasers, or large exposure times, could discourage its use due to the toxicity that they could imply. In this article, we explore a possible role of silica microparticles that have high biocompatibility and that scatter light, when used in combination with conventional nanoparticles, to reduce those high concentrations of particles and/or those intense laser beams, in order to improve the biocompatibility of the overall procedure. Our underlying hypothesis is that the scattering of light caused by the microparticles would increase the optical density of the irradiated volume due to the production of multiple reflections of the incident light: the nanoparticles present in the same volume would absorb more energy from the laser than without the presence of silica particles, resulting either in higher heat production or in the need for less laser power or absorbing particles for the same required temperature rise. Testing this new optical hyperthermia procedure, based on the use of a mixture of silica and metallic particles, we have measured cell mortality in vitro experiments with murine glioma (CT-2A) and mouse osteoblastic (MC3T3-E1) cell lines. We have used gold nanorods (GNRs) that absorb light with a wavelength of 808 nm, which are conventional in optical hyperthermia, and silica microparticles spheres (hereinafter referred to as SMSs) with a diameter size to scatter the light of this wavelength. The obtained results confirm our initial hypothesis, because a high mortality rate is achieved with reduced concentrations of GNR. We found a difference in mortality between CT2A cancer cells and cells considered non-cancer MC3T3, maintaining the same conditions, which gives indications that this technique possibly improves the efficiency in the cell survival. This might be related with differences in the proliferation rate. Since the experiments were carried out in the 2D dimensions of the Petri dishes, due to sedimentation of the silica particles at the bottom, whilst light scattering is a 3D phenomenon, a large amount of the energy provided by the laser escapes outside the medium. Therefore, better results might be expected when applying this methodology in tissues, which are 3D structures, where the multiple reflections of light we believe will produce higher optical density in comparison to the conventional case of no using scattering particles. Accordingly, further studies deserve to be carried out in this line of work in order to improve the optical hyperthermia technique.
Collapse
|
19
|
Douwenga S, Janssen P, Teusink B, Bachmann H. A centrifugation-based clearing method allows high-throughput acidification and growth-rate measurements in milk. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:8530-8540. [PMID: 33934870 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-20108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The turbidity of milk prohibits the use of optical density measurements for strain characterizations. This often limits research to laboratory media. Here, we cleared milk through centrifugation to remove insoluble milk solids. This resulted in a clear liquid phase, termed milk serum, in which optical density measurements can be used to track microbial growth until a pH of 5.2 is reached. At pH 5.2 coagulation of the soluble protein occurs, making the medium opaque again. We found that behavior in milk serum was predictive of that in milk for 39 Lactococcus lactis (R2 = 0.81) and to a lesser extent for 42 Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formerly Lactobacillus plantarum; R2 = 0.49) strains. Hence, milk serum can be used as an optically clear alternative to milk for comparison of microbial growth and metabolic characteristics. Characterization of the growth rate, specific acidification rate for optical density at a wavelength of 600 nm, and the amount of acid produced per unit of biomass for all these strains in milk serum, showed that almost all strains could grow in milk, with higher specific acidification and growth rates of Lc. lactis strains compared with Lb. plantarum strains. Nondairy Lc. lactis isolates had a lower growth and specific acidification rate than dairy isolates. The amount of acid produced per unit biomass was relatively high and similar for Lc. lactis dairy and nondairy isolates, as opposed to Lb. plantarum isolates. Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis showed slightly lower growth and acidification rates when compared with ssp. cremoris. For Lc. lactis strains a doubling of the specific acidification rate occurred with a doubling of the maximum growth rate. This relation was not found for Lb. plantarum strains, where the acidification rate remained relatively constant across 39 strains with growth rates ranging from 0.2 h-1 to 0.3 h-1. We conclude that milk serum is a valuable alternative to milk for high-throughput strain characterization during milk fermentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sieze Douwenga
- TI Food and Nutrition, 6709 PA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Systems Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick Janssen
- TI Food and Nutrition, 6709 PA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Health Department, NIZO Food Research, 6718 ZB, Ede, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Teusink
- TI Food and Nutrition, 6709 PA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Systems Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Herwig Bachmann
- TI Food and Nutrition, 6709 PA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Systems Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Health Department, NIZO Food Research, 6718 ZB, Ede, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Saira F, Saleemi S, Razzaq H, Qureshi R. Spectrophotometric analysis of stability of gold nanoparticles during catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol. Turk J Chem 2021; 45:82-91. [PMID: 33679155 PMCID: PMC7925321 DOI: 10.3906/kim-2004-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spectrophotometric monitoring of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as a catalyst has been extensively studied, but the stability of GNPs in terms of change in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at different temperatures has not been explored. In the present investigation, our aim was to evaluate the SPR stability of GNPs as a catalyst during the reduction of 4-NP at different elevated temperatures (i.e. 30–60 °C) and sodium borohydride concentrations. Sensitivity of this degradation process toward concentration of GNPs at a range of temperatures is also evaluated. The spectrophotometric results reveal that up to 45 °C, 12 ± 1.5 nm catalyst has a consistent optical density (OD) during the entire 4-NP reduction process, which is related to the surface integrity of catalyst atoms. As the temperature approached 50 °C, the OD gradually decreased and showed a blue shift as the reaction proceeded, which could be related to a decrease in particle size or surface dissolution of gold atoms. The present study may find application in the design of catalysts for the reduction of organic pollutants in industrial wastewater at a range of temperatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farhat Saira
- Nanoscience and Technical Division, National Centre for Physics (NCP), Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Samia Saleemi
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Humaira Razzaq
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wah, Rawalpindi Pakistan
| | - Rumana Qureshi
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Deyno S, Mtewa AG, Hope D, Bazira J, Makonnen E, Alele PE. Antibacterial Activities of Echinops kebericho Mesfin Tuber Extracts and Isolation of the Most Active Compound, Dehydrocostus Lactone. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:608672. [PMID: 33597879 PMCID: PMC7883827 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.608672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinops kebericho Mesfin is traditionally used for the treatment of various infectious diseases. This study investigated antibacterial activity of the essential oil (EO) and the different fractions of ethanol extract. The most active component was isolated and identified. Isolation and purification was accomplished using chromatographic techniques while identification was done by spectroscopic method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth micro-dilution method. In bioactive-guided isolation, percent inhibition was determined using optical density (OD) measurement. The MICs of the essential oil ranged from 78.125 μg/ml to 625 μg/ml, and its activity was observed against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, NCTC 12493). Ethyl acetate fraction showed high activity against MRSA (NCTC 12493), MIC = 39.075 μg/ml followed by Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 49532), MIC = 78.125 μg/ml and was least active against Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700603), MIC = 1,250 μg/ml. MIC of hexane fraction ranged from 156.2 µg/ml to Escherichia coli (ATCC 49532) to 1,250 μg/ml to E. coli (NCTC 11954). The MICs of chloroform fraction ranged from 312.5 to 2500 μg/ml; while butanol fraction could be considered pharmacologically inactive as its MIC value was 2,500 μg/ml for all and no activity against E. coli (NCTC 11954). Dehydrocostus lactone was successfully isolated and identified whose MIC was 19.53 μg/ml against MRSA. Dehydrocostus lactone isolated from E. kebericho M. showed noteworthy antibacterial activity which lends support to ethnopharmacological use of the plant. Further optimization should be done to improve its antibacterial activities and pharmacokinetic profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serawit Deyno
- Department of Pharmacology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia.,Pharmbiotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center of Excellence (PHARMBIOTRAC), Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Andrew G Mtewa
- Chemistry Section, Department of Applied Sciences, Malawi Institute of Technology, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe, Malawi
| | - Derick Hope
- MSF Mbarara Research Base, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joel Bazira
- Department of Microbiology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Paul E Alele
- Department of Pharmacology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Niedbała G, Niazian M, Sabbatini P. Modeling Agrobacterium-Mediated Gene Transformation of Tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum)-A Model Plant for Gene Transformation Studies. Front Plant Sci 2021; 12:695110. [PMID: 34413865 PMCID: PMC8370025 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.695110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The multilayer perceptron (MLP) topology of an artificial neural network (ANN) was applied to create two predictor models in Agrobacterium-mediated gene transformation of tobacco. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation parameters, including Agrobacterium strain, Agrobacterium cell density, acetosyringone concentration, and inoculation duration, were assigned as inputs for ANN-MLP, and their effects on the percentage of putative and PCR-verified transgenic plants were investigated. The best ANN models for predicting the percentage of putative and PCR-verified transgenic plants were selected based on basic network quality statistics. Ex-post error calculations of the relative approximation error (RAE), the mean absolute error (MAE), the root mean square error (RMS), and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) demonstrated the prediction quality of the developed models when compared to stepwise multiple regression. Moreover, significant correlations between the ANN-predicted and the actual values of the percentage of putative transgenes (R 2 = 0.956) and the percentage of PCR-verified transgenic plants (R 2 = 0.671) indicate the superiority of the established ANN models over the classical stepwise multiple regression in predicting the percentage of putative (R 2 = 0.313) and PCR-verified (R 2= 0.213) transgenic plants. The best combination of the multiple inputs analyzed in this investigation, to achieve maximum actual and predicted transgenic plants, was at OD 600 = 0.8 for the LB4404 strain of Agrobacterium × 300 μmol/L acetosyringone × 20 min immersion time. According to the sensitivity analysis of ANN models, the Agrobacterium strain was the most important influential parameter in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of tobacco. The prediction efficiency of the developed model was confirmed by the data series of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of an important medicinal plant with low transformation efficiency. The results of this study are pivotal to model and predict the transformation of other important Agrobacterium-recalcitrant plant genotypes and to increase the transformation efficiency by identifying critical parameters. This approach can substantially reduce the time and cost required to optimize multi-factorial Agrobacterium-mediated transformation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gniewko Niedbała
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- *Correspondence: Gniewko Niedbała
| | - Mohsen Niazian
- Field and Horticultural Crops Research Department, Kurdistan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Sanandaj, Iran
- Mohsen Niazian
| | - Paolo Sabbatini
- Department of Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dalouji V, Goudarzi S, Solaymani S. The optical density and topography characterizations of MWCNTs on Ni-Cu/ a-C:H substrates with different copper percentage. Microsc Res Tech 2020; 84:1205-1211. [PMID: 33350550 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In this article, the Ni-Cu nanoparticles (NPs) in the amorphous carbon hydrogenated thin films with different copper percentage by co-deposition of RF-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition were prepared using acetylene gas and Ni and Cu targets. The films deposited with 5% Cu have minimum value of the average diameter of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes, MWCNTs, in about of 100 nm. It can be seen that the lateral size values of the nanoparticles for films with 5% Cu have minimum value of 5.34 nm. Films deposited with 75% Cu have maximum value of optical density specially in high energy. The spectral density power of all films indicated the presence of fractal components in prominent topographies. Films deposited without Cu NPs have minimum value of fractal dimension in about of 2.96. The diagram of the bearing area versus the nanoparticles height has shown the percentage of cavities and single-layers. The single-layer contents of all films were about 95%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vali Dalouji
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
| | - Samira Goudarzi
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
| | - Shahram Solaymani
- Department of physics, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Heitmar R, Cubbidge RP. Retinal Vessel Oxygen Saturation Measurement Protocols and Their Agreement. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:17. [PMID: 32821514 PMCID: PMC7409221 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.6.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess agreement between different image sizes and analysis protocols for determination of retinal vessel oxygen saturation in the peripapillary retina of healthy individuals. Methods Retinal oximetry measurements were acquired from 87 healthy volunteers using the IMEDOS Systems oxygen module. The peripapillary retinal vessels were assessed in a concentric annulus around the optic nerve head. Single and average vessel comparisons were made at different image field sizes of 30° and 50°. Comparisons between images obtained at 30° and 50° were made in a subset of 47 of the 87 individuals. Results All subjects were normotensive and had normal intraocular pressures (9–16 mm Hg). Analyses of agreement between single vessel, averaged vessel, and between different size images were sought by Bland-Altman analyses, of which all yielded a low bias (<1% oxygen saturation). However, agreement between single vessels of consecutive images showed increased limits of agreement compared with saturation values calculated by averaging all or just the four major arcades of one image. Agreement between 30° and 50° images showed a similar bias as when comparing data obtained with the same camera angle setting but exhibited larger confidence intervals (arteries: bias = 0.21% [9.04/–8.62]%; veins: bias = 0.71% [14.82/–13.40]%). Conclusions Averaging methods yielded the best agreement; there was little difference in average arterial and venous oxygen saturation between protocols, which analyze all vessels versus the four largest vessels. The least agreement was found for single vessel measurements and comparisons between different camera angles. Translational Relevance Standardization of image capture protocols (same image size and undertaking a vessel averaging approach for oxygenation analysis) will enhance the detection of smaller physiological changes in eye disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Heitmar
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Robert P Cubbidge
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Savchenko E, Kolokolnikov I, Velichko E, Osovskikh V, Kiseleva L, Musakulova Z. Design of Liver Functional Reserve Estimation Technique Based on Optical Densitometry. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10080599. [PMID: 32824396 PMCID: PMC7460397 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This work is aimed at creating a modified invasive technique for assessing the liver's functional reserves. A study of the degree of hepatodepression is carried out by measuring the plasma elimination of indocyanine green using the method of optical densitometry. This paper presents test results for an aqueous solution and an albumin solution, as well as the results of measurements of plasma elimination of indocyanine green for patients with liver disease. Perfecting the proposed method will make an important scientific contribution to modern diagnostic medicine. Diagnosing the stages in the progression of the disease and its developing complications can make it possible to rapidly correct the patient's treatment algorithm, achieving positive outcomes in medical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Savchenko
- Institute of Physics, Nanotechnology and Telecommunications, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.K.); (E.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-999-245-77-86
| | - Ilya Kolokolnikov
- Institute of Physics, Nanotechnology and Telecommunications, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Elena Velichko
- Institute of Physics, Nanotechnology and Telecommunications, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Victor Osovskikh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, 197758 St. Petersburg, Russia; (V.O.); (L.K.)
| | - Lyubov Kiseleva
- Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, 197758 St. Petersburg, Russia; (V.O.); (L.K.)
| | - Zhyldyz Musakulova
- Computer Information Systems, International University of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek 720007, Kyrgyzstan;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Granados-Rojas L, Jerónimo-Cruz K, Juárez-Zepeda TE, Tapia-Rodríguez M, Tovar AR, Rodríguez-Jurado R, Carmona-Aparicio L, Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Coballase-Urrutia E, Ruíz-García M, Durán P. Ketogenic Diet Provided During Three Months Increases KCC2 Expression but Not NKCC1 in the Rat Dentate Gyrus. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:673. [PMID: 32733191 PMCID: PMC7358437 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketogenic diet, a high fat and low carbohydrate diet, has been used as a non-pharmacological treatment in refractory epilepsy since 1920. In recent years, it has demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of numerous neurological and non-neurological diseases. Some neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders are known to be caused by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated neurotransmission dysfunction. The strength and polarity of GABA-mediated neurotransmission are determined by the intracellular chloride concentration, which in turn is regulated by cation-chloride cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2. Currently, it is unknown if the effect of ketogenic diet is due to the modulation of these cotransporters. Thus, we analyzed the effect of a ketogenic diet on the cation-chloride cotransporters expression in the dentate gyrus. We estimated the total number of NKCC1 immunoreactive (NKCC1-IR) neuronal and glial cells by stereology and determined KCC2 labeling intensity by densitometry in the molecular and granule layers as well as in the hilus of dentate gyrus of rats fed with normal or ketogenic diet for 3 months. The results indicated that ketogenic diet provided during 3 months increased KCC2 expression, but not NKCC1 in the dentate gyrus of the rat. The significant increase of KCC2 expression could explain, at least in part, the beneficial effect of ketogenic diet in the diseases where the GABAergic system is altered by increasing its inhibitory efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina Jerónimo-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Miguel Tapia-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Microscopía, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Armando R Tovar
- Departamento de Fisiología de la Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Matilde Ruíz-García
- Servicio de Neurología, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pilar Durán
- Laboratorio de Biología Animal Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wertheimer CM, Elhardt C, Wartak A, Luft N, Kassumeh S, Dirisamer M, Siedlecki J, Vounotrypidis E, Priglinger SG, Mayer WJ. Corneal optical density in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy determined by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Eur J Ophthalmol 2020; 31:1771-1778. [PMID: 32700559 DOI: 10.1177/1120672120944796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we propose a method to grade corneal stromal opacity using optical density measurements by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and validate the approach in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). METHODS A retrospective analysis of human corneal OCT scans was performed on 48 eyes of 32 patients with FECD and 33 control eyes of 21 patients using the Carl Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT 5000. In addition, corneal edema in fresh rabbit cadaver eyes was artificially induced by distilled water and imaged with the Thorlabs TELESTO-II spectral domain OCT at different time points during saturation. The increase of opacity due to corneal edema was proposed to directly correlate with enhanced reflectivity sites in the OCT images, corresponding to higher optical density. The increase was determined as the image area above a statistically established gray-scale value using ImageJ and correlated with other disease characteristics. RESULTS Optical densities in human corneas showed significant differences between FECD patients and the control group (p = 0.002). The increased optical densities determined in FECD corneas correlated well with other disease characteristics such as corneal pachymetry or visual acuity. Likewise, rabbit corneas showed a time dependent increase in thickness and in corneal optical density during soaking in distilled water. CONCLUSION This study presents corneal optical density by AS-OCT as an objective value for corneal changes in FECD. Complementing other diagnostic tools in FECD the assessment of corneal optical density may identify progression of FECD, gauge novel therapeutic strategies and support risk and benefit analyses for corneal surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolin Elhardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Wartak
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nikolaus Luft
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Kassumeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Dirisamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jakob Siedlecki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Wolfgang J Mayer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Darafsheh A, Hao Y, Maraghechi B, Cammin J, Reynoso FJ, Khan R. Influence of 0.35 T magnetic field on the response of EBT3 and EBT-XD radiochromic films. Med Phys 2020; 47:4543-4552. [PMID: 32502280 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the inconsistency of recent literature on the effect of magnetic field on the response of radiochromic films, we studied the influence of 0.35 T magnetic field on dosimetric response of EBT3 and EBT-XD GafchromicTM films. METHODS Two different models of radiochromic films, EBT3 and EBT-XD, were investigated. Pieces of films samples from two different batches for each model were irradiated at different dose levels ranging from 1 to 20 Gy using 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) x-rays generated by a clinical MR-guided radiotherapy system (B = 0.35 T). Film samples from the same batch were irradiated at corresponding dose levels using 6 MV FFF beam from a conventional linac (B = 0) for comparison. The net optical density was measured 48 h postirradiation using a flatbed scanner. The absorbance spectra were also measured over 500-700 nm wavelength range using a fiber-coupled spectrometer with 2.5 nm resolution. To study the effect of fractionated dose delivery to EBT3 (/EBT-XD) films, 8 (/16) Gy dose was delivered in four 2 (/4) Gy fractions with 24 h interval between fractions. RESULTS No significant difference was found in the net optical density and net absorbance of the films irradiated with or without the presence of magnetic field. No dependency on the orientation of the film during irradiation with respect to the magnetic field was observed. The fractionated dose delivery resulted in the same optical density as delivering the whole dose in a single fraction. CONCLUSIONS The 0.35 T magnetic field employed in the ViewRay® MR-guided radiotherapy system did not show any significant influence on the response of EBT3 and EBT-XD GafchromicTM films.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Darafsheh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Yao Hao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Borna Maraghechi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jochen Cammin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Francisco J Reynoso
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Rao Khan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sachivkina N, Lenchenko E, Blumenkrants D, Ibragimova A, Bazarkina O. Effects of farnesol and lyticase on the formation of Candida albicans biofilm. Vet World 2020; 13:1030-1036. [PMID: 32801551 PMCID: PMC7396346 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1030-1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that has both yeast and filamentous forms. It is part of the normal flora in the oral and genital areas of mammals. One factor for the pathogenicity of C. albicans is its ability to switch from yeast to hyphae. The hyphal form adheres and penetrates tissues more readily than the yeast form and produces biofilms that are associated with chronic infection. Biofilms are protective niches that enable microorganisms to be more resistant to antibiotic treatment, thus allowing for persistent infection. The first stage in the transition from yeast to hyphae involves the formation of a germ tube, and this transition is triggered by interactions with host cells. Germ tube formation is dependent on serum, pH, temperature, and quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs). Farnesol, which is a QSM in C. albicans, can prevent yeast to hyphae conversion and inhibits the growth of fungal biofilm. Lyticase is a synergistic enzyme complex that catalyzes yeast cell lysis by b-1,3-glucanase and is a highly specific alkaline protease that produces protoplasts or spheroplasts. This study investigated the effect of farnesol and lyticase on the formation of C. albicans biofilms. Materials and Methods: C. albicans ATCC 2091 was cultivated on liquid and solid Sabouraud media. The presence of C. albicans was confirmed using HiCrome Candida Agar chromogenic medium. Enzyme activities were assayed using a HiCandida Identification Kit. The morphology and densitometry parameters of C. albicans biofilms were considered in the presence of farnesol (Sigma-Aldrich, Germany), lyticase (from Arthrobacter luteus; Sigma-Aldrich, Germany), and farnesol–lyticase. Results: This study shows that both farnesol and lyticase possess antifungal activity against C. albicans biofilms. A significant difference among treatment groups (p<0.05) was observed from strong biofilm production to medium and weak. Conclusion: Many studies have been devoted to the antimicrobial action of farnesol. Bacterial enzyme lyticase is also used to degrade fungal cell walls. Both molecules show substantial antifungal properties that are similar to the properties of modern antimycotics. The current study demonstrates that farnesol and lyticase can disrupt biofilm formation in C. albicans ATCC 2091, which is an effective biofilm producer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda Sachivkina
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, RUDN University, Miklukho Maklaya Street, 6, Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Lenchenko
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Moscow State University of Food Production, Volokolamskoe Highway, 11, Moscow 125080, Russia
| | - Dmitri Blumenkrants
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Moscow State University of Food Production, Volokolamskoe Highway, 11, Moscow 125080, Russia
| | - Alfia Ibragimova
- Department of Foreign Languages, Agrarian Technological Institute, RUDN University, Miklukho Maklaya Street, 6, Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Olga Bazarkina
- Department of Management and Economy in Pharmacy, Medical Institute, RUDN University, Miklukho Maklaya Street, 6, Moscow 117198, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hatiboruah D, Devi DY, Namsa ND, Nath P. Turbidimetric analysis of growth kinetics of bacteria in the laboratory environment using smartphone. J Biophotonics 2020; 13:e201960159. [PMID: 31908121 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201960159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
For different microbiological and pathological studies, it is often required to monitor the growth of bacteria in a cultured medium in the laboratory environment. UV-VIS spectrophotometer is commonly used to estimate the growth of bacterial cell population by measuring the absorbance at 600 nm over a period of time. Colony-forming unit (CFU) is another approach, which has been routinely performed to estimate the live bacterial cells on semisolid agar plates. Herein, we demonstrate an alternative yet highly reliable sensing platform on a smartphone using which growth kinetics of different bacteria can be reliably monitored. The performance of the proposed smartphone sensor has been compared with the data obtained from OD600 and CFU analysis. A good correlation of bacterial growth rates enumerated based on the proposed smartphone sensor, bench-top spectrophotometer and CFU analysis have been observed under the experimental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diganta Hatiboruah
- Applied Photonics and Nanophotonics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Damayanti Y Devi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Nima D Namsa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Pabitra Nath
- Applied Photonics and Nanophotonics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chlipala E, Bendzinski CM, Chu K, Johnson JI, Brous M, Copeland K, Bolon B. Optical density-based image analysis method for the evaluation of hematoxylin and eosin staining precision. J Histotechnol 2020; 43:29-37. [PMID: 31969082 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2019.1708611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Staining quality and reproducibility are essential factors to monitor laboratory quality assurance. In the last decade, there has been an increase in the use of digital pathology and image analysis. While the adoption of these tools provides a potential means to track staining precision by optical density (OD), it also presents challenges. Results from image analysis are more sensitive to variations in staining than microscopic evaluation by a pathologist. There are two goals with this study. The first was to track the precision of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, in both nuclear and cytoplasmic components by OD. The second was to determine the impact of different pre-analytical and analytical variables on the OD results. Specifically, the endpoints investigated were quality parameters including impacts of section thickness, protocol manipulation, expired hematoxylin on staining precision and reproducibility of staining over time. Our results show that image analysis of H&E-stained tissue sections is a viable tool for assessing and verifying staining quality. We also show that OD analysis results for H&E-stained sections are affected by changing pre-analytical and/or reagent variables. These authors chose a graphical rather than fully statistical analysis of the results to highlight the utility of visual aids in demonstrating H&E staining reproducibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin Chu
- Premier Laboratory, LLC, Longmont, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lenchenko E, Blumenkrants D, Sachivkina N, Shadrova N, Ibragimova A. Morphological and adhesive properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms. Vet World 2020; 13:197-200. [PMID: 32158172 PMCID: PMC7020135 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.197-200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The study of biofilm-forming ability of Gram-negative microflora has great practical importance for assessing the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy and finding new ways to diagnose and inhibit the growth of biofilms. This is because poor penetration of antibacterial drugs into the biofilm can lead to the selection of resistant strains and has a consequence evident by the occurrence of relapse of infection in animals. This study aimed to evaluate morphological and densitometric indicators of biofilm formation as well as adhesive properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae. MATERIALS AND METHODS K. pneumoniae was cultured at 37°C for 2-144 h in vitro. The specimens for optical microscopy were prepared by fixation with a 1:1 alcohol-ether mixture for 10 min and stained with a 0.5% solution of gentian violet for 2 min, and the optical density index was evaluated at a wavelength of 490 nm. Further, the adhesive properties of the microorganisms were determined at a concentration of 1 billion/ml and a suspension of ram erythrocytes at a concentration of 100 million/ml when cultured at 37°C for 24 h. Blood smears were prepared and stained with 0.5% gentian violet. RESULTS K. pneumonia cultured at 37°C after 24 h on the meat peptone agar formed large, convex, mucous, and white colonies (d=3.0-6.0 mm). With the growth in the meat and peptone broth, uniform turbidity of the medium was observed. Analyzing the optical density indices (density, D), it was found that K. pneumoniae were good producers of biofilms (D=0.528±0.31). Data for indicators of adhesive properties of K. pneumoniae were as follows: Average adhesion index, 4.56±0.14; adhesion coefficient, 1.07±0.52; and adhesion index, 4.26±0.07. The studied bacteria had high adhesive activity. A direct correlation dependence (R=0.94) of the optical density of biofilms (D≥0.514-0.551) and AAI (4.15±0.28-4.76±0.75) was established. CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated that K. pneumoniae had high adhesive activity, was strong producer of biofilms, and the optical density of the sample exceeded the optical density of the control by more than 4 times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Lenchenko
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Moscow State University of Food Production, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Blumenkrants
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Moscow State University of Food Production, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Sachivkina
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Shadrova
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Agrarian Technological Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alfia Ibragimova
- Department of Foreign Languages, Agrarian Technological Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Aijaz A, Trawinski D, McKirgan S, Parekkadan B. Non-invasive cell counting of adherent, suspended and encapsulated mammalian cells using optical density. Biotechniques 2019; 68:35-40. [PMID: 31870165 PMCID: PMC7031820 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2019-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In situ measurement to determine mammalian cell number in a non-invasive, non-destructive and reagent-free manner is needed to enable continuous cell manufacturing. An analytical method is presented for non-invasive cell counting by conducting multiwavelength spectral analysis of mammalian cells achieving a minimal detectable cell count of 62,500 at 295 nm. Light absorbance was insensitive to culture volume, giving an absolute cell count rather than a concentration. The activation state of cells was also considered. The study was extended to quantification within polymeric microcapsules as an advanced substrate for mammalian cell growth in bioreactor formats and resulted in an offset directly correlating with the absorbance maxima of the polymer. These studies provide feasibility for optical density as a simple end point to indirectly quantify mammalian cell number for continuous monitoring of cell cultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Aijaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Dylan Trawinski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Scott McKirgan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gładkowski W, Siepka M, Janeczko T, Kostrzewa-Susłow E, Popłoński J, Mazur M, Żarowska B, Łaba W, Maciejewska G, Wawrzeńczyk C. Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Methoxy- Substituted γ-Oxa-ε-lactones Derived from Flavanones. Molecules 2019; 24:E4151. [PMID: 31744042 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24224151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Six γ-oxa-ε-lactones, 4-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodioxepin-2-one (5a) and its five derivatives with methoxy groups in different positions of A and B rings (5b–f), were synthesized from corresponding flavanones. Three of the obtained lactones (5b,c,f) have not been previously described in the literature. Structures of all synthesized compounds were confirmed by complete spectroscopic analysis with the assignments of signals on 1H and 13C-NMR spectra to the corresponding atoms. In most cases, lactones 5a–f exerted an inhibitory effect on the growth of selected pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus), filamentous fungi (Fusarium graminearum, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria sp.), and yeast (Candida albicans). The broadest spectrum of activity was observed for unsubstituted lactone 5a, which was particularly active against filamentous fungi and yeast. Lactones with methoxy groups in the 3′ (5c) and 4′ (5d) position of B ring were more active towards bacteria whereas lactone substituted in the 7 position of the A ring (5e) exhibited higher antifungal activity. In most cases, the introduction of lactone function increased the activity of the compound compared to its flavonoid precursors, chalcones 3a–e, and flavanones 4a–f.
Collapse
|
35
|
Avdić M, Džuzić N, Hasanić O, Spahić A, Smajlović Skenderagić L, Badnjević A, Hukić M. Development of a novel biofilm classification tool and comparative analysis of result interpretation methodologies for the evaluation of biofilm forming capacity of bacteria using tissue culture plate method. Med Glas (Zenica) 2019; 16:13-21. [PMID: 30680979 DOI: 10.17392/997-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Aim To develop an online biofilm calculation tool (Biofilm Classifier), which calculates the optical density cut off value and accordingly determines the biofilm forming categories for the tested isolates by standardized formulas, as well as to compare the results obtained by Biofilm Classifier to manual calculations and the use of predefined values. Methods The biofilm forming capacity of tested strains was evaluated using tissue culture plate method in 96 well plates, and optical density (OD) value of the formed biofilm was measured on an ELISA Microplate reader at 595 nm on a total of 551 bacterial isolates from clinical specimen. Results Comparative analysis indicated that the manual calculation was 100% in accordance with results obtained by the designed software as opposed to the results obtained by use of predefined values for biofilm categorization. When using predefined values compared to manual biofilm categorization for the determination of biofilm positive and biofilm negative strains the specificity was 100%, sensitivity 97.81%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 96.04% and accuracy 98.57%. Conclusion Considering obtained results, the use of the designed online calculator would simplify the interpretation of biofilm forming capacity of bacteria using tissue culture plate method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monia Avdić
- International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nermin Džuzić
- International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Osman Hasanić
- International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amel Spahić
- Mistral Technologies, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Almir Badnjević
- International Burch University; Verlab Ltd, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mirsada Hukić
- Institute for Biomedical Diagnostics and Research NALAZ; Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Huang H, Guan C, Ng DSC, Liu X, Chen H. Macular Pigment Optical Density Measured by a Single Wavelength Reflection Photometry with and without Mydriasis. Curr Eye Res 2018; 44:324-328. [PMID: 30376638 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2018.1542735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE 1. To evaluate the repeatability of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) measurements in non-mydriatic and mydriatic conditions with a single wavelength reflection photometry. 2. To compare the non-mydriatic measurement with the mydriatic measurement of MPOD values. METHODS Fifty-one healthy young subjects were recruited in this prospective study. MPOD parameters including maximum optical intensity (OD), mean OD, volume and area, were measured using a single 460-nm wavelength reflection method (Visucam 200, Carl Zeiss Meditec) twice both before and after pupil dilation. Paired t test, Pearson's correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement and correlation of MPOD parameters before and after mydriasis. RESULTS The differences of maximum OD, mean OD and volume between the two measurements without mydriasis was statistically significant for all parameters, but not significant between the two measurements with mydriasis or between non-mydriatic and mydriatic measures. The ICCs were higher for the two measurements with mydriasis (range: 0.687-0.840) than those without mydriasis (range: 0.448-0.695) or non-mydriatic and mydriatic measures (range: 0.473-0.769). The 95% limit of agreement (LOA) of measurements between the two measurements after mydriasis was the smallest among all the other comparisons. The coefficient of repeatability was lower for the measurements with mydriasis than those without mydriasis. CONCLUSIONS MPOD measurement by Visucam 200 with mydriasis has higher repeatability than the measurement without mydriasis. The non-mydriatic and mydriatic measures had less agreement compared to the two measure after mydriasis. Therefore, mydriasis is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haifan Huang
- a Joint Shantou International Eye Center , Shantou University & the Chinese University of Hong Kong , Guangdong , PR China
| | - Chaoqiang Guan
- a Joint Shantou International Eye Center , Shantou University & the Chinese University of Hong Kong , Guangdong , PR China
| | - Danny Shiu-Chun Ng
- b Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences , The Chinese University of Hong Kong , Guangdong , PR China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- a Joint Shantou International Eye Center , Shantou University & the Chinese University of Hong Kong , Guangdong , PR China
| | - Haoyu Chen
- a Joint Shantou International Eye Center , Shantou University & the Chinese University of Hong Kong , Guangdong , PR China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Asokanathan C, Tierney S, Ball CR, Buckle G, Day A, Tanley S, Bristow A, Markey K, Xing D, Yuen CT. An ELISA method to estimate the mono ADP-ribosyltransferase activities: e.g in pertussis toxin and vaccines. Anal Biochem 2018; 540-541:15-9. [PMID: 29108883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
ADP-ribosyltransferase activities have been observed in many prokaryotic and eukaryotic species and viruses and are involved in many cellular processes, including cell signalling, DNA repair, gene regulation and apoptosis. In a number of bacterial toxins, mono ADP-ribosyltransferase is the main cause of host cell cytotoxicity. Several approaches have been used to analyse this biological system from measuring its enzyme products to its functions. By using a mono ADP-ribose binding protein we have now developed an ELISA method to estimate native pertussis toxin mono ADP-ribosyltransferase activity and its residual activities in pertussis vaccines as an example. This new approach is easy to perform and adaptable in most laboratories. In theory, this assay system is also very versatile and could measure the enzyme activity in other bacteria such as Cholera, Clostridium, E. coli, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Staphylococcus by just switching to their respective peptide substrates. Furthermore, this mono ADP-ribose binding protein could also be used for staining mono ADP-ribosyl products resolved on gels or membranes.
Collapse
|
38
|
Stromberg CJ, Hadler JA, Alberding BG, Heilweil EJ. Femtosecond Laser Eyewear Protection: Measurements and Precautions. J Laser Appl 2017; 29:042003. [PMID: 29353984 PMCID: PMC5772908 DOI: 10.2351/1.5004090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ultrafast laser systems are becoming more widespread throughout the research and industrial communities yet eye protection for these high power, bright pulsed sources still require scrupulous characterization and testing before use. Femtosecond lasers, with pulses naturally possessing broad-bandwidth and high average power with variable repetition rate, can exhibit spectral side-bands and subtly changing center wavelengths, which may unknowingly affect eyewear safety protection. Pulse spectral characterization and power diagnostics are presented for a 80 MHz, Ti+3:Sapphire, ≈ 800 nm, ≈40 femtosecond oscillator system. Power and spectral transmission for 22 test samples are measured to determine whether they fall within manufacturer specifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Stromberg
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, MD 20701 USA
| | - Joshua A Hadler
- Applied Physics Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, NIST Boulder, CO 80305 USA
| | - Brian G Alberding
- Radiation Physics Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, NIST Gaithersburg, MD 20899 USA
| | - Edwin J Heilweil
- Radiation Physics Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, NIST Gaithersburg, MD 20899 USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
The abundance of bacteria in liquid culture is commonly inferred by measuring optical density at 600 nm. Red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) can strongly absorb light at 600 nm. Increasing RFP expression can falsely inflate apparent cell density and lead to underestimations of mean per-cell fluorescence by up to 10%. Measuring optical density at 700 nm would allow estimation of cell abundance unaffected by the presence of nearly all fluorescent proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Hecht
- Joint Initiative for Metrology in Biology, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Genome-Scale Measurements Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Drew Endy
- Joint Initiative for Metrology in Biology, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Marc Salit
- Joint Initiative for Metrology in Biology, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Genome-Scale Measurements Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Matthew S Munson
- Joint Initiative for Metrology in Biology, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Genome-Scale Measurements Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Maia MRG, Marques S, Cabrita ARJ, Wallace RJ, Thompson G, Fonseca AJM, Oliveira HM. Simple and Versatile Turbidimetric Monitoring of Bacterial Growth in Liquid Cultures Using a Customized 3D Printed Culture Tube Holder and a Miniaturized Spectrophotometer: Application to Facultative and Strictly Anaerobic Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1381. [PMID: 27630632 PMCID: PMC5006086 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we introduce a novel strategy for turbidimetric monitoring of bacterial growth in liquid culture. The instrumentation comprises a light source, a customized 3D printed culture tube holder and a miniaturized spectrophotometer, connected through optical cables. Due to its small footprint and the possibility to operate with external light, bacterial growth was directly monitored from culture tubes in a simple and versatile fashion. This new portable measurement technique was used to monitor the growth of facultative (Escherichia coli ATCC/25922, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC/29213) and strictly (Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens JW11, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus P18, and Propionibacterium acnes DSMZ 1897) anaerobic bacteria. For E. coli and S. aureus, the growth rates calculated from normalized optical density values were compared with those ones obtained using a benchtop spectrophotometer without significant differences (P = 0.256). For the strictly anaerobic species, a high precision (relative standard deviation < 3.5%) was observed between replicates up to 48 h. Regarding its potential for customization, this manifold could accommodate further developments for customized turbidimetric monitoring, such as the use of light-emitting diodes as a light source or flow cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida R G Maia
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; REQUIMTE, LAQV, DGAOT, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal
| | - Sara Marques
- CIBIO, InBIO-Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do PortoVairão, Portugal; Departamento Clinicas Veterinárias - ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal
| | - Ana R J Cabrita
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto Porto, Portugal
| | - R John Wallace
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gertrude Thompson
- CIBIO, InBIO-Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do PortoVairão, Portugal; Departamento Clinicas Veterinárias - ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal
| | - António J M Fonseca
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo M Oliveira
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
The performance of recently developed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based optical system was tested for measuring optical density of microbial culture. The data showed that PDMS-based spectrometer is superior to "one drop" spectrometers in the accuracy, and has an advantage over conventional spectrometers in measuring dense culture without dilution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Takahashi
- a Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology , Toyama Prefectural University , Imizu , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Purpose To assess the impact of human crystalline lens opacification and yellowing, similar to that observed in patients with cataracts, on retinal vessel blood oxygen saturation measurements using custom manufactured soft contact lenses. Methods Ten healthy, non‐smoking individuals were enrolled for this study. All subjects underwent digital blood pressure measurements, assessment of non‐contact intra‐ocular pressure, pupil dilation and retinal vessel oximetry using dual‐wavelength photography (Oximetry Module, Imedos Systems). To simulate lens changes, three different contact lenses were inserted, one to simulate opacities followed by two more lenses to simulate different levels of lens yellowing (Cantor & Nissel). Results The measurements obtained showed an opposite change in arterial and venous oxygen saturation and optical density ratio across conditions, resulting in a statistically significant difference in arterial minus venous oxygen saturation value (p = 0.003). However, this difference was only significant for the ‘opacity’ condition but not for the ‘yellowing’ conditions. Conclusion Lenticular changes such as cataracts can impact on spectrophotometric analysis in particular dual‐wavelength retinal vessel oximetry. Hence, lenticular assessment and cataract grading should be considered when assessing elderly individuals and patient groups developing cataract earlier in life such as those suffering from diabetes mellitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Heitmar
- School of Life and Health Sciences; Aston University; Birmingham UK
| | - Andrew Attardo
- School of Life and Health Sciences; Aston University; Birmingham UK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to evaluate changes in the optical density of dentin in primary molars with deep caries three to six months after they were subjected to partial carious dentin removal. STUDY DESIGN This was a blind controlled, clinical therapy study. Standardized digitalized bitewing radiographs of 42 teeth were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop(®) to quantitatively determine the gray scale of the affected dentin beneath the restoration, in comparison with healthy dentin. A mixed-effects model was used for statistical analysis. The gray tone level was considered a dependent variable; the tooth region and the time, in addition to the interaction between them, were the independent variables. Values of p < 0.05 were significant. RESULTS During the interval between time zero and three months, the gray tone levels of affected dentin varied from 80.99 ± 3.17 to 98.57 ± 3.17; i.e., an estimated increase of 18 (p < 0.0001). The values for healthy dentin ranged from 118.22 ± 3.17 to 122.02 ± 3.17; i.e., a mean increase of four in the gray tone levels (p = 0.0003). During the interval between three and six months, both healthy and affected dentin showed similar behavior (98.57 ± 3.17 to 103.32 ± 3.20 and 122.02 ± 3.7 to 126.56 ± 3.20, respectively) (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Significant increments were observed in the optical density of the affected dentin after three months compared to that of healthy dentin in primary molars treated using the partial carious dentin removal technique.
Collapse
|
44
|
Kuznetsova EE, Gorokhova VG, Tchashkova EY, Korotaeva NS, Bogorodskaya SL. [The mode of evaluation of functional condition of kidneys under autoimmune diseases.]. Klin Lab Diagn 2016; 61:286-288. [PMID: 31529907 DOI: 10.18821/0869-2084-2016-61-5-286-288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The kidneys are one of main homeostatic organs participating in regulation of concentration of osmotic active substances, ionic composition and acid-base balance, in maintenance of volume of fluid of internal medium of organism fulfilling excretory function. The analysis of urine is largely applied in laboratory practice for detecting different pathological conditions. The actual study was organized to develop simple, accessible and economic mode of evaluation of functional condition of kidneys in patients with somatic diseases, detection of their early dysfunction and timely implementation of adjustment. The study was carried out on sampling of 78 patients: 58 persons with inflammatory diseases of intestine (ulcerous colitis, Crohn's disease) and 20 healthy persons (volunteers). The proposed technique is based on detection of total pool of metabolites in day urine of patients. The spectrophotometer is applied to detect main groups of metabolites of urine within range of wavelength 210-300 nm. The excess amount of pathologic components, toxically effecting and affecting homeostasis of internal medium of organism, is detected under establishment of total optical density. Its value is ≥30 standard unit and also sum of optical density within range 210-230 and 270-290 nm, equal 10 and 7 standard units correspondingly testify presence of glomerular and tubular apparatus of kidneys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E E Kuznetsova
- The Irkutskii research center of surgery and traumatology, 664003, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - V G Gorokhova
- The Irkutskii research center of surgery and traumatology, 664003, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - E Yu Tchashkova
- The Irkutskii research center of surgery and traumatology, 664003, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - N S Korotaeva
- The Irkutskii research center of surgery and traumatology, 664003, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - S L Bogorodskaya
- The Irkutskii research center of surgery and traumatology, 664003, Irkutsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Krzych-Fałta E, Sybilski A, Wojas O, Samoliński B. Optical rhinometry in nasal provocation testing. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2015; 32:449-54. [PMID: 26755909 DOI: 10.5114/pdia.2015.56099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Optical rhinometry (ORM) is a technique that allows for direct continuous measurement of changes in blood flow (optical density) in nasal vessels, at the same time analyzing changes per unit of time in the evaluated variable: intravascular blood flow and oxygen saturation. Aim To assess the extent to which ORM can be used as an objective measure of nasal mucosal edema following a nasal allergen provocation test in a group of patients with allergic rhinitis versus healthy controls. Material and methods The study group included 60 subjects: 30 patients diagnosed with an allergy to common environmental allergens (dust mites/grasses) and 30 healthy controls. The method used in the study was a nasal provocation test with an allergen, with a standard dose of a control solution and an allergen (5,000 SBU/ml) administered using a calibrated atomizer into both nostrils in room temperature. Results The mean delay to the onset of nasal mucosal response as measured by ORM was 3.15 min and the level of light extinction returned to baseline after 28.15 min (change in optical density 0.431). These objective changes in optical density strongly correlated with subjective perception measured via a visual analog scale. Conclusions Optical rhinometry is a valuable tool for nasal allergen provocation testing.
Collapse
|
46
|
Jia F, Kacira M, Ogden KL. Multi-Wavelength Based Optical Density Sensor for Autonomous Monitoring of Microalgae. Sensors (Basel) 2015; 15:22234-48. [PMID: 26364640 DOI: 10.3390/s150922234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A multi-wavelength based optical density sensor unit was designed, developed, and evaluated to monitor microalgae growth in real time. The system consisted of five main components including: (1) laser diode modules as light sources; (2) photodiodes as detectors; (3) driver circuit; (4) flow cell; and (5) sensor housing temperature controller. The sensor unit was designed to be integrated into any microalgae culture system for both real time and non-real time optical density measurements and algae growth monitoring applications. It was shown that the sensor unit was capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of the microalgae culture in real-time. Algae biomass concentration was accurately estimated with optical density measurements at 650, 685 and 780 nm wavelengths used by the sensor unit. The sensor unit was able to monitor cell concentration as high as 1.05 g·L−1 (1.51 × 108 cells·mL−1) during the culture growth without any sample preparation for the measurements. Since high cell concentrations do not need to be diluted using the sensor unit, the system has the potential to be used in industrial microalgae cultivation systems for real time monitoring and control applications that can lead to improved resource use efficiency.
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Red, green, and blue dye molecules were linked covalently to polyphosphazenes to generate soluble, film-forming materials appropriate for the formation of patterned tricolor filters for possible use in liquid crystalline and other display devices or in camera sensors. The monofunctional dyes (a red 1-[(E)-(4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl]-2-naphthol, a green tetraphenylporphyrin [5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin], and a toluidine blue dye) were employed as representative chromophores. The cosubstituents employed included 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy with and without aryloxy groups or cyclopentanoxy groups. The optical densities were varied by adopting several dye-to-cosubstituent side group ratios. These dyes are models for a wide range of different chromophores that can be linked to polyphosphazene chains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjing Li
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Harry R Allcock
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lobete MM, Fernandez EN, Van Impe JFM. Recent trends in non-invasive in situ techniques to monitor bacterial colonies in solid (model) food. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:148. [PMID: 25798133 PMCID: PMC4351626 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Planktonic cells typically found in liquid systems, are routinely used for building predictive models or assessing the efficacy of food preserving technologies. However, freely suspended cells often show different susceptibility to environmental hurdles than colony cells in solid matrices. Limited oxygen, water and nutrient availability, metabolite accumulation and physical constraints due to cell immobilization in the matrix, are main factors affecting cell growth. Moreover, intra- and inter-colony interactions, as a consequence of the initial microbial load in solid systems, may affect microbial physiology. Predictive food microbiology approaches are moving toward a more realistic resemblance to food products, performing studies in structured solid systems instead of liquids. Since structured systems promote microbial cells to become immobilized and grow as colonies, it is essential to study the colony behavior, not only for food safety assurance systems, but also for understanding cell physiology and optimizing food production processes in solid matrices. Traditionally, microbial dynamics in solid systems have been assessed with a macroscopic approach by applying invasive analytical techniques; for instance, viable plate counting, which yield information about overall population. In the last years, this approach is being substituted by more mechanistically inspired ones at mesoscopic (colony) and microscopic (cell) levels. Therefore, non-invasive and in situ monitoring is mandatory for a deeper insight into bacterial colony dynamics. Several methodologies that enable high-throughput data collection have been developed, such as microscopy-based techniques coupled with image analysis and OD-based measurements in microplate readers. This research paper provides an overview of non-invasive in situ techniques to monitor bacterial colonies in solid (model) food and emphasizes their advantages and inconveniences in terms of accuracy, performance and output information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María M. Lobete
- Flemish Cluster Predictive Microbiology in Foods, Leuven, Belgium
- Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Estefania Noriega Fernandez
- Flemish Cluster Predictive Microbiology in Foods, Leuven, Belgium
- Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan F. M. Van Impe
- Flemish Cluster Predictive Microbiology in Foods, Leuven, Belgium
- Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control, Department of Chemical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mytilinaios I, Bernigaud I, Belot V, Lambert RJW. Microbial growth parameters obtained from the analysis of time to detection data using a novel rearrangement of the Baranyi-Roberts model. J Appl Microbiol 2014; 118:161-74. [PMID: 25393511 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the predictions of a novel rearrangement of the Baranyi-Roberts model (BRM) with time to detection data obtained from optical density data of microbial growth. METHODS AND RESULTS Growth of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium under mild conditions of temperature (25-37°C), salt (0·086, 0·51 and 1·03 mol l(-1)) and pH (6·85-4·5) was examined using optical density. Time to detection (TTD) data were fitted to a model based on a rearrangement of the BRM. Observations showed compatibility with standard viable count studies and produced highly accurate specific growth rates and lag phase durations. At high salt and low pH, however, there was a substantial dependency on the initial inoculum for the observation of visible growth. At 30 and 37°C, with 1·03 mol l(-1) salt, and at pH <5·75, no visible growth was recorded for E. coli at initial inoculum levels below 10(7) CFU ml(-1). CONCLUSIONS The rearranged BRM can be used directly with TTD data obtained from optical density measurements. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY A distinct advantage of the rearranged model is that it allows for a very simple interpretation of easily obtainable data using standard nonlinear regression. The rearranged model gives to TTD data the same modelling capability that the BRM gives to plate count data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Mytilinaios
- Applied Microbiology, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ude C, Schmidt-Hager J, Findeis M, John GT, Scheper T, Beutel S. Application of an online-biomass sensor in an optical multisensory platform prototype for growth monitoring of biotechnical relevant microorganism and cell lines in single-use shake flasks. Sensors (Basel) 2014; 14:17390-405. [PMID: 25232914 PMCID: PMC4208230 DOI: 10.3390/s140917390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the context of this work we evaluated a multisensory, noninvasive prototype platform for shake flask cultivations by monitoring three basic parameters (pH, pO2 and biomass). The focus lies on the evaluation of the biomass sensor based on backward light scattering. The application spectrum was expanded to four new organisms in addition to E. coli K12 and S. cerevisiae [1]. It could be shown that the sensor is appropriate for a wide range of standard microorganisms, e.g., L. zeae, K. pastoris, A. niger and CHO-K1. The biomass sensor signal could successfully be correlated and calibrated with well-known measurement methods like OD600, cell dry weight (CDW) and cell concentration. Logarithmic and Bleasdale-Nelder derived functions were adequate for data fitting. Measurements at low cell concentrations proved to be critical in terms of a high signal to noise ratio, but the integration of a custom made light shade in the shake flask improved these measurements significantly. This sensor based measurement method has a high potential to initiate a new generation of online bioprocess monitoring. Metabolic studies will particularly benefit from the multisensory data acquisition. The sensor is already used in labscale experiments for shake flask cultivations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ude
- Leibniz University of Hanover, Institute of Technical Chemistry, Callinstr. 5, 30167 Hannover, Germany; E-Mails: (C.U.); (J.S.-H.), (T.S.)
| | - Jörg Schmidt-Hager
- Leibniz University of Hanover, Institute of Technical Chemistry, Callinstr. 5, 30167 Hannover, Germany; E-Mails: (C.U.); (J.S.-H.), (T.S.)
| | - Michael Findeis
- PreSens Precision Sensing GmbH, Josef-Engert-Str. 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; E-Mails: (M.F.); (G.T.J.)
| | - Gernot Thomas John
- PreSens Precision Sensing GmbH, Josef-Engert-Str. 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; E-Mails: (M.F.); (G.T.J.)
| | - Thomas Scheper
- Leibniz University of Hanover, Institute of Technical Chemistry, Callinstr. 5, 30167 Hannover, Germany; E-Mails: (C.U.); (J.S.-H.), (T.S.)
| | - Sascha Beutel
- Leibniz University of Hanover, Institute of Technical Chemistry, Callinstr. 5, 30167 Hannover, Germany; E-Mails: (C.U.); (J.S.-H.), (T.S.)
| |
Collapse
|