scholarly journals Microalgae Monitoring in Microscale Photobioreactors via Multivariate Image Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Christopher Castaldello ◽  
Alessio Gubert ◽  
Eleonora Sforza ◽  
Pierantonio Facco ◽  
Fabrizio Bezzo
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll Fluorescence ◽  
Biomass Concentration ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Microalgae Culture ◽  
Fluorescence Measurements ◽  
Biomass Characterization ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Multivariate Image

Microscale photobioreactors for microalgae growth represent an interesting technology for fast data production and biomass characterization; however, the small scale poses severe monitoring challenges, as traditional methods cannot be used. Non-invasive techniques are therefore needed to quantify biomass concentration and other culture properties, for example, pigment composition. To this purpose, a soft sensing approach based on multivariate image regression is proposed to exploit RGB images and/or PAM-imaging chlorophyll fluorescence. Different PLS (Partial Least Squares) regression models are used to estimate: (a) biomass concentration from the features extracted by RGB indices and/or PAM-imaging chlorophyll fluorescence measurements; and (b) Chlorophyll a content per cell from the features extracted by RGB indices and biomass concentration measurements. Every single model is aimed at characterizing the microalgae culture at different light intensities during batch growth. Results show that the proposed monitoring approach is as accurate as traditional measurement approaches and may represent a promising methodology for fast and inexpensive monitoring of microscale photobioreactors.

Quantification of small-scale heterogeneity in aquatic aminopeptidase activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 84 ◽  
pp. 127-140
Author(s):  
BM Gaas ◽  
JW Ammerman
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll Fluorescence ◽  
Leucine Aminopeptidase ◽  
Hudson River ◽  
Aminopeptidase Activity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Analysis Instrument ◽  
Sequential Samples ◽  
Degree Of Confidence ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

Leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) is one of the enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of peptides, and is sometimes used to indicate potential nitrogen limitation in microbes. Small-scale variability has the potential to confound interpretation of underlying patterns in LAP activity in time or space. An automated flow-injection analysis instrument was used to address the small-scale variability of LAP activity within contiguous regions of the Hudson River plume (New Jersey, USA). LAP activity had a coefficient of variation (CV) of ca. 0.5 with occasional values above 1.0. The mean CVs for other biological parameters—chlorophyll fluorescence and nitrate concentration—were similar, and were much lower for salinity. LAP activity changed by an average of 35 nmol l-1 h-1 at different salinities, and variations in LAP activity were higher crossing region boundaries than within a region. Differences in LAP activity were ±100 nmol l-1 h-1 between sequential samples spaced <10 m apart. Variogram analysis indicated an inherent spatial variability of 52 nmol l-1 h-1 throughout the study area. Large changes in LAP activity were often associated with small changes in salinity and chlorophyll fluorescence, and were sensitive to the sampling frequency. This study concludes that LAP measurements in a sample could realistically be expected to range from zero to twice the average, and changes between areas or times should be at least 2-fold to have some degree of confidence that apparent patterns (or lack thereof) in activity are real.

Diagnostic Value of Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening of β-thalassemia by Cell Free Fetal DNA and Fetal NRBC

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-111
Author(s):  
Nadia Shafei ◽  
Mohammad Saeed Hakhamaneshi ◽  
Massoud Houshmand ◽  
Siavash Gerayeshnejad ◽  
Fardin Fathi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Multiple Displacement Amplification ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Beta Thalassemia ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Fetal Dna ◽  
Prenatal Diagnostic ◽  
Cell Free Fetal Dna ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Background: Beta thalassemia is a common disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. The most prenatal diagnostic methods are the invasive techniques that have the risk of miscarriage. Now the non-invasive methods will be gradually alternative for these invasive techniques. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the diagnostic value of two non-invasive diagnostic methods for fetal thalassemia using cell free fetal DNA (cff-DNA) and nucleated RBC (NRBC) in one sampling community. Methods: 10 ml of blood was taken in two k3EDTA tube from 32 pregnant women (mean of gestational age = 11 weeks), who themselves and their husbands had minor thalassemia. One tube was used to enrich NRBC and other was used for cff-DNA extraction. NRBCs were isolated by MACS method and immunohistochemistry; the genome of stained cells was amplified by multiple displacement amplification (MDA) procedure. These products were used as template in b-globin segments PCR. cff-DNA was extracted by THP method and 300 bp areas were recovered from the agarose gel as fetus DNA. These DNA were used as template in touch down PCR to amplify b-globin gen. The amplified b-globin segments were sequenced and the results compared with CVS resul. Results: The data showed that sensitivity and specificity of thalassemia diagnosis by NRBC were 100% and 92% respectively and sensitivity and specificity of thalassemia diagnosis by cff-DNA were 100% and 84% respectively. Conclusion: These methods with high sensitivity can be used as screening test but due to their lower specificity than CVS, they cannot be used as diagnostic test.

Responses to External Emotions or their Transitions at Central to Peripheral Nervous System Levels: A Methodological Contribution to Mental Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-152
Author(s):  
Bingren Zhang ◽  
Chu Wang ◽  
Chanchan Shen ◽  
Wei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Event Related Potentials ◽  
Emotional Stimuli ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Psychiatric Problems ◽  
Different Levels

Background: Responses to external emotional-stimuli or their transitions might help to elucidate the scientific background and assist the clinical management of psychiatric problems, but pure emotional-materials and their utilization at different levels of neurophysiological processing are few. Objective: We aimed to describe the responses at central and peripheral levels in healthy volunteers and psychiatric patients when facing external emotions and their transitions. Methods: Using pictures and sounds with pure emotions of Disgust, Erotica, Fear, Happiness, Neutral, and Sadness or their transitions as stimuli, we have developed a series of non-invasive techniques, i.e., the event-related potentials, functional magnetic resonance imaging, excitatory and inhibitory brainstem reflexes, and polygraph, to assess different levels of neurophysiological responses in different populations. Results: Sample outcomes on various conditions were specific and distinguishable at cortical to peripheral levels in bipolar I and II disorder patients compared to healthy volunteers. Conclusions: Methodologically, designs with these pure emotions and their transitions are applicable, and results per se are specifically interpretable in patients with emotion-related problems.

scholarly journals When SEM becomes a deceptive tool of analysis: the unexpected discovery of epidermal glands with stalked ducts on the ultimate legs of geophilomorph centipedes

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Sombke ◽  
Carsten H. G. Müller
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Function ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Defensive Role ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Sensory Structures ◽  
Taxonomic Studies ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Epidermal Glands ◽  
Intrinsic Musculature

Abstract Background The jointed appendage is a key novelty in arthropod evolution and arthropod legs are known to vary enormously in relation to function. Among centipedes, the ultimate legs always are distinctly different from locomotory legs, and different centipede taxa evolved different structural and functional modifications. In Geophilomorpha (soil centipedes), ultimate legs do not participate in locomotion and were interpret to serve a sensory function. They can be sexually dimorphic and in some species, male ultimate legs notably appear “hairy”. It can be assumed that the high abundance of sensilla indicates a pronounced sensory function. This study seeks for assessing the sensory diversity, however, documents the surprising and unique case of an extensive glandular epithelium in the ultimate legs of three phylogenetically distant species. Results The tightly aggregated epidermal glands with stalked ducts – mistakenly thought to be sensilla – were scrutinized using a multimodal microscopic approach comprising histology as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy in Haplophilus subterraneus. Hence, this is the first detailed account on centipede ultimate legs demonstrating an evolutionary transformation into a “secretory leg”. Additionally, we investigated sensory structures as well as anatomical features using microCT analysis. Contrary to its nomination as a tarsus, tarsus 1 possesses intrinsic musculature, which is an indication that this podomere might be a derivate of the tibia. Discussion The presence and identity of ultimate leg associated epidermal glands with stalked ducts is a new discovery for myriapods. A pronounced secretory as well as moderate sensory function in Haplophilus subterraneus can be concluded. The set of characters will improve future taxonomic studies, to test the hypotheses whether the presence of these specialized glands is a common feature in Geophilomorpha, and that tarsus 1 may be a derivate of the tibia. As the number of epidermal glands with stalked ducts is sexually dimorphic, their function might be connected to reproduction or a sex-specific defensive role. Our results, in particular the unexpected discovery of ‘glandular hairs’, may account for a striking example for how deceptive morphological descriptions of epidermal organs may be, if based on non-invasive techniques alone.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Technical Investigation of English Portrait Miniatures Attributed to Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1165-1181
Author(s):  
Flavia Fiorillo ◽  
Lucia Burgio ◽  
Christine Slottved Kimbriel ◽  
Paola Ricciardi
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Spectroscopy ◽  
Scientific Methodology ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Artistic Practice ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Miniature Painting ◽  
Entire Career ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Victoria And Albert Museum

This study presents the results of the technical investigation carried out on several English portrait miniatures painted in the 16th and 17th century by Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver, two of the most famous limners working at the Tudor and Stuart courts. The 23 objects chosen for the analysis, spanning almost the entire career of the two artists, belong to the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge). A non-invasive scientific methodology, comprising of stereo and optical microscopies, Raman microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, was required for the investigation of these small-scale and fragile objects. The palettes and working techniques of the two artists were characterised, focusing in particular on the examination of flesh tones, mouths, and eyes. These findings were also compared to the information written in the treatises on miniature painting circulating during the artists’ lifetime. By identifying the materials and techniques most widely employed by the two artists, this study provides information about similarities and differences in their working methods, which can help to understand their artistic practice as well as contribute to matters of attribution.

scholarly journals Continuous Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring via Contact Lenses: Current Approaches and Future Perspectives

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
David Bamgboje ◽  
Iasonas Christoulakis ◽  
Ioannis Smanis ◽  
Gaurav Chavan ◽  
Rinkal Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embedded System ◽  
Contact Lenses ◽  
Glucose Monitoring ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Biofuel Cell ◽  
Glucose Measurement ◽  
Rf Power ◽  
Lacrimal Fluid ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that must be carefully managed to prevent serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a crucial tool for managing diabetes and, at present, all relevant procedures are invasive while they only provide periodic measurements. The pain and measurement intermittency associated with invasive techniques resulted in the exploration of painless, continuous, and non-invasive techniques of glucose measurement that would facilitate intensive management. The focus of this review paper is the existing solutions for continuous non-invasive glucose monitoring via contact lenses (CLs) and to carry out a detailed, qualitative, and comparative analysis to inform prospective researchers on viable pathways. Direct glucose monitoring via CLs is contingent on the detection of biomarkers present in the lacrimal fluid. In this review, emphasis is given on two types of sensors: a graphene-AgNW hybrid sensor and an amperometric sensor. Both sensors can detect the presence of glucose in the lacrimal fluid by using the enzyme, glucose oxidase. Additionally, this review covers fabrication procedures for CL biosensors. Ever since Google published the first glucose monitoring embedded system on a CL, CL biosensors have been considered state-of-the-art in the medical device research and development industry. The CL not only has to have a sensory system, it must also have an embedded integrated circuit (IC) for readout and wireless communication. Moreover, to retain mobility and ease of use of the CLs used for continuous glucose monitoring, the power supply to the solid-state IC on such CLs must be wireless. Currently, there are four methods of powering CLs: utilizing solar energy, via a biofuel cell, or by inductive or radiofrequency (RF) power. Although, there are many limitations associated with each method, the limitations common to all, are safety restrictions and CL size limitations. Bearing this in mind, RF power has received most of the attention in reported literature, whereas solar power has received the least attention in the literature. CLs seem a very promising target for cutting edge biotechnological applications of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic relevance.

scholarly journals Material characterisation of a painted beehive panel by advanced spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques in combination with hyperspectral imaging

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Klara Retko ◽  
Maša Kavčič ◽  
Lea Legan ◽  
Polonca Ropret ◽  
Bojana Rogelj Škafar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Hyperspectral Imaging ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Extreme Temperature ◽  
Transformation Products ◽  
Paint Layer ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Painting Technique ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Conservation Interventions

AbstractIn this study, a painted beehive panel from the collection of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum was examined with respect to its material composition with the aim to reveal the painting technique. Due to the state of degradation due to outdoor weathering (UV irradiation, rainfall, extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations), as well as past conservation interventions, the object represented a complex analytical challenge. We aimed for non-invasive techniques (FTIR in reflection mode, Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging in the range of 400–2500 nm); however, in order to explore paint layers, cross-sections were also analysed using Raman spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy in transmission mode and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry were also used on sample fragments. Various original materials were identified such as pigments and binders. The surface coating applied during conservation interventions was also characterised. Additionally, organic compounds were found (oxalate, carboxylate), representing transformation products. The potential use of Prussian blue as a background paint layer is discussed.

scholarly journals Oxygen administration for patients with ARDS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinichiro Ohshimo
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Lung Injury ◽  
Positive Pressure ◽  
Respiratory Drive ◽  
Severe Hypoxemia ◽  
Airway Occlusion ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Oxygen Administration ◽  
Essential Interventions ◽  
Invasive Techniques

AbstractAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a fatal condition with insufficiently clarified etiology. Supportive care for severe hypoxemia remains the mainstay of essential interventions for ARDS. In recent years, adequate ventilation to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI) as well as lung-protective mechanical ventilation has an increasing attention in ARDS.Ventilation-perfusion mismatch may augment severe hypoxemia and inspiratory drive and consequently induce P-SILI. Respiratory drive and effort must also be carefully monitored to prevent P-SILI. Airway occlusion pressure (P0.1) and airway pressure deflection during an end-expiratory airway occlusion (Pocc) could be easy indicators to evaluate the respiratory drive and effort. Patient-ventilator dyssynchrony is a time mismatching between patient’s effort and ventilator drive. Although it is frequently unrecognized, dyssynchrony can be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Dyssynchrony includes trigger asynchrony, cycling asynchrony, and flow delivery mismatch. Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) is a form of iatrogenic injury from inadequate use of mechanical ventilation. Excessive spontaneous breathing can lead to P-SILI, while excessive rest can lead to VIDD. Optimal balance between these two manifestations is probably associated with the etiology and severity of the underlying pulmonary disease.High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) are non-invasive techniques for supporting hypoxemia. While they are beneficial as respiratory supports in mild ARDS, there can be a risk of delaying needed intubation. Mechanical ventilation and ECMO are applied for more severe ARDS. However, as with HFNC/NPPV, inappropriate assessment of breathing workload potentially has a risk of delaying the timing of shifting from ventilator to ECMO. Various methods of oxygen administration in ARDS are important. However, it is also important to evaluate whether they adequately reduce the breathing workload and help to improve ARDS.

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