MIA: An Open Source Standalone Deep Learning Application for Microscopic Image Analysis

In recent years the amount of data generated by imaging techniques has grown rapidly along with increasing computational power and the development of deep learning algorithms. To address the need for powerful automated image analysis tools for a broad range of applications in the biomedical sciences, we present the Microscopic Image Analyzer (MIA). MIA combines a graphical user interface that obviates the need for programming skills with state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms for segmentation, object detection, and classification. It runs as a standalone, platform-independent application and is compatible with commonly used open source software packages. The software provides a unified interface for easy image labeling, model training and inference. Furthermore the software was evaluated in a public competition and performed among the top three for all tested data sets. The source code is available on https://github.com/MIAnalyzer/MIA.

Label-free sensing of cells with fluorescence lifetime imaging: the quest for metabolic heterogeneity

Molecular, morphological and physiological heterogeneity is the inherent property of cells, which governs differences in their response to external influence. The tumor cells metabolic heterogeneity is of a special interest due to its clinical relevance to the tumor progression and therapeutic outcomes. Rapid, sensitive and non-invasive assessment of metabolic heterogeneity of cells is of a great demand for biomedical sciences. Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), which is an all-optical technique is an emerging tool for sensing and quantifying cellular metabolism by measuring fluorescence decay parameters (FDPs) of endogenous fluorophores, such as NAD(P)H. To achieve the accurate discrimination between metabolically diverse cellular subpopulations, appropriate approaches to FLIM data collection and analysis are needed. In this report, the unique capability of FLIM to attain the overarching goal of discriminating metabolic heterogeneity has been demonstrated. This has been achieved using a novel approach to data analysis based on the non-parametric analysis, which revealed a much better sensitivity to the presence of metabolically distinct subpopulations as compare more traditional approaches of FLIM measurements and analysis. The new approach was further validated for imaging cultured cancer cells treated with chemotherapy. Those results pave the way for an accurate detection and quantification of cellular metabolic heterogeneity using FLIM, which will be valuable for assessing therapeutic vulnerabilities and predicting clinical outcomes.

Oil Red O based method for Exosome Labelling and Detection

With the realization of the role of exosomes in diseases especially cancer, exosome research is gaining popularity in biomedical sciences. To understand exosome biology, their labelling and tracking studies are important. New and improved methods of exosome labelling for detection and tracking of exosomes need to be developed to harness their therapeutic and diagnostic potential. In this paper, we report a novel, simple and effective method of labelling and detecting exosomes using Oil red O (ORO) which is a dye commonly used for lipid staining. Using ORO is a cost effective and easy approach with intense red colouration of stained exosomes. Further, the issues faced with commonly used lipophilic dyes for exosomes labelling such as long term persistence of dyes, aggregation and micelle formation of dyes, difficulty to distinguish dye particles from labelled exosomes and detection of large aggregates of dye or dye-exosome are not seen with ORO dye. This method shows good labelling efficiency of exosomes with very sensitive detection and real-time tracking of the cellular uptake of exosomes.

Recent applications of quantitative analytical FTIR spectroscopy in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and clinical fields: A brief review

Qualitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has long been established and implemented in a wide variety of fields including pharmaceutical, biomedical, and clinical fields. While the quantitative applications are yet to reach their full potential, this technique is flourishing. It is tempting to shed light on modern engaging and the applicability of analytical quantitative FTIR spectroscopy in the aforementioned fields. More importantly, the credibility, validity, and generality of the application will be thoroughly demonstrated by reviewing the latest published work in the scientific literature. Utilizing FTIR spectroscopy in a quantitative approach in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and interdisciplinary fields has many undeniable advantages over traditional procedures. An insightful account will be undertaken in this regard. The technique will be introduced as an appealing alternative to common methods such as high performance liquid chromatography. It is anticipated that the review will offer researchers an update of the current status and prospect on the subject among the pharmacy and biomedical sciences both in academic and industrial fields.

Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles with Monosaccharide Mannose

Gold nanoparticles have found a wide range of application in biomedical sciences. Unique properties of these metal nanoparticles include surface plasmon resonance and size dependent colour change. Various molecules have been functionalized on the gold nanoparticles surface but carbohydrates have garnered attention due to their properties and their role in living systems. However certain challenges make carbohydrate-gold nanoparticles association difficult to obtain and stabilize. This study was carried out to chemically remodel gold nanoparticles by adding a monosaccharide mannose to its surface. A modified phase transfer method was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles. The surface of the nanoparticles was fixed with cyanuric chloride to serve as a linker. Mannose was then linked to the linker molecule. All three stages of the process, gold nanoparticles, and gold nanoparticles with linker and gold nanoparticles with the carbohydrate were analyzed for size and stability. Zeta potential and UV-vis data exhibited stable gold nanoparticles dispersion, successful binding of linker molecule as well as the carbohydrate. This study shows a simple, cost-effective and robust method of glycomodification of gold nanoparticles surface which can further find use in wide ranging applications.

Online Teaching and Learning in Biomedical Sciences: Students’ and Staff’ Attitudes and Experiences on the New Educational Environment Imposed by the COVID 19 Outbreak

The aim of this pilot study is a preliminary evaluation of previous models / modalities of online teaching at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Serbia and to examine the attitudes of students and academic staff about education during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their previous experiences. The research was designed as an observational qualitative epidemiological study which was conducted on a population of students and academics staff at the Faculty of biomedical sciences, University of Kragujevac during the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Serbia. The first phase is a pilot study which included 332 participants performed between December 2020 and January 2021. The pilot study questionnaire is formed for the purposes of the research and consists of 17 closed-ended questions with graduated answers. Students and academic staff completed the questionnaire through an online learning platform in all environments and from all electronic devices. The importance of this study is reflected in the fact that it provides detailed and valid data that can serve the purpose of improving the efficiency of online teaching at the faculties of medical sciences in Serbia In general, the results of our study indicate that in addition to great inexperience, both students and academic staff cope well during online education and the changed environment and learning conditions despite all the difficulties.

Ex-Vivo evaluation of Nano-MgO in the elimination of Endodontic pathogen- E. faecalis

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles due to their antimicrobial properties and ability to survive under harsh conditions have become an area of interest in the field of biomedical sciences. The aim of the study was to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of Nano-MgO in the elimination of endodontic pathogen . Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Nano-MgO and sodium hypochlorite against was calculated using broth dilution method. The antibacterial efficacy of Nano-MgO in elimination of the pathogens was seen using an ex-vivo model of decoronated teeth which were experimentally infected. The antibiofilm activity of the tested antimicrobial agents on biofilms was determined quantitatively by counting the colonies on Mueller-Hinton agar plates and by evaluation under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data analysis was done using one way ANOVA and the intergroup comparison by student –t test. MIC concentration of Nano-MgO was observed at 10mg/ml for . Mean values of colony forming unit (CFU) count was maximum for normal saline, followed by Nano-MgO and sodium hypochlorite with a significant difference between all the three groups. The results of the study reveal that Nano-MgO has the potential to be used as an alternative irrigating solution in endodontic therapy.

High-Efficiency Biocidal Solution Based on Radiochemically Synthesized Cu-Au Alloy Nanoparticles

The use of nanotechnologies in the applied biomedical sciences can offer a new way to treat infections and disinfect surfaces, materials, and products contaminated with various types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The Cu-Au nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by an eco-friendly method that allowed the obtaining in a one-step process of size controlled, well dispersed, fully reduced, highly stable NPs at very mild conditions, using high energy ionizing radiations. The gamma irradiation was performed in an aqueous system of Cu2+/Au3+/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)/Ethylene Glycol. After irradiation, the change of color to ruby-red was the first indicator for the formation of NPs. Moreover, the UV-Vis spectra showed a maximum absorption peak between 524 and 540 nm, depending on the copper amount. The Cu-Au NPs presented nearly spherical shapes, sizes between 20 and 90 nm, and a zeta potential of about −44 mV indicating a good electrostatic stability. The biocidal properties performed according to various standards applied in the medical area, in dirty conditions, showed a 5 lg reduction for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae, a 5 lg reduction for both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses such as Adenovirus type 5, Murine Norovirus, and human Coronavirus 229E, and a 4 lg reduction for Candida albicans, respectively. Thus, the radiochemically synthesized Cu-Au alloy NPs proved to have high biocide efficiency against the tested bacteria, fungi, and viruses (both encapsulated and non-encapsulated). Therefore, these nanoparticle solutions are suitable to be used as disinfectants in the decontamination of hospital surfaces or public areas characterized by high levels of microbiological contamination.