Baseline Stability Research Articles

Free Electron Density Gradients Enhanced Biosensor for Ultrasensitive and Accurate Affinity Assessment of the Immunotherapy Drugs.

Accurate affinity assessments play an important role in drug discovery, screening, and efficacy evaluation. Label-free affinity biosensors are recognized as a dependable and standard technology for addressing this challenge. This study constructs a free electron density gradient-enhanced meta-surface plasmon resonance (FED-MSPR) biosensor through a finite-difference time-domain simulation model, the biosensor demonstrates superior detection performance in accurately determining affinity and kinetic rate constants. By controlling the dielectric properties of the metal on the surface of the nanocup arrays, the plasmon resonance effects are easily tuned without changing the nanostructure design. Compared with the single-layer gold chip, the triple-layer FED-MSPR chip demonstrated a four-fold improvement in resolution at the optimal resonance peak. Additionally, the sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) of the multi-layer chip increased by 3.5 and 7.99 times, respectively. Following modification with high- and low-staggered carboxylation, the noise-signal ratio and baseline stability of the real-time kinetic curves based on these chips are significantly enhanced. The developed carboxylation FED-MSPR platform is successfully used to perform affinity assays for Adalimumab and TNF-α protein, resulting in favorable dynamic curves. These findings validate the proposed FED-MSPR biosensor platform as cost-effective, rapid, sensitive, and label-free, facilitating real-time quality control in drug development.

Ultra-thin and sensitive pressure sensor based on MXene/PVDF-HFP composite fiber TENG for self-diagnosis of ligament injuries

Early screening of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries using wearable devices enables timely intervention and reduces the risk of chronic complications. However, the subtle biomechanical signals of the ACL pose challenges to the baseline stability, sensitivity and skin adherence of wearable devices. Here, we present a TENG based on MXene/PVDF-HFP composite fibers for ACL self-diagnosis, leveraging the inherent advantages of TENG in baseline stability. The fiber-network structure prepared by electrospinning ensures that the TENG is ultra-thin and flexible to wear. The addition of MXene significantly increases the relative permittivity of the electrode materials, and re-modulates the crystalline phase (α and β). Consequently, the peak-to-peak open circuit voltage of the TENG reaches 160 V under a pressure of 10 N. It can respond to pressures as low as 0.01 N, allowing it to distinguish subtle relative displacements between the tibia and the knee. Integrated with a mobile app, a self-diagnostic system capable of detecting varying degrees of ACL injury has been developed. We expect this approach to facilitate the early detection and timely treatment of ACL injuries.

H2S gas sensing behavior of 2-D V2O5 nanowire network structure

In this study, a nanowire network-based V2O5 nanostructure, designed as the active surface in H2S gas sensors, was produced using an environmentally friendly method known as hydrothermal synthesis. The morphological, structural, and electrical properties of the produced nanostructure were characterized using various measurement techniques. XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses confirmed that the nanostructure was in a pure monoclinic phase, had a two-dimensional (2-D) nanowire network morphology, and was deposited stoichiometrically. From UV–Vis analysis, the energy band gap value of the nanostructure was calculated to be 2.65 eV. In gas sensing measurements conducted between 27 °C and 102 °C, the optimal operating temperature of the fabricated sensor was determined to be 42 °C. At this temperature, which is close to room temperature, the sensor exhibited a high sensitivity of 21.16 % for 50 ppm H2S gas, along with good selectivity, stable repeatability, and baseline stability. Moreover, for 2 ppm H2S gas, the response and recovery times were 39 s and 58 s, respectively. A comprehensive electrical analysis of the sensor was carried out through impedance spectroscopy measurements over a wide temperature range. Our findings indicate that the 2-D V2O5 nanowire network structure (NNS) results in several notable effects, including low operating temperature, high selectivity, and stability for H2S gas, demonstrating considerable potential for industrial applications.

Chemical precursor-dependent dual effect of doping on the gas-sensing performance of metal oxide semiconducting materials

In this study, we report a chemical precursor-dependent dual effect of doping on the gas-sensing performance of metal oxide semiconducting materials. Our findings challenge the conventional notion that optimal doping consistently enhances gas-sensing properties. Acetate and nitrate salts were used as chemical precursors, lanthanum (La) was used as a dopant, and ZnO was used as a semiconducting material. All materials were synthesized under identical conditions by a two-step process involving dip coating and hydrothermal methods. Gas-sensing results demonstrated an improvement in the performance of the acetate-based doped film and a decline in that of the nitrate-based doped film compared to their respective pure counterparts. Among the produced sensors, 1 wt% La-doped ZnO sensor produced by the acetate precursor proved to be convenient for usages in real markets. It showed superior performance with a high response (62) at a relatively low operating temperature (150℃) towards 50 ppm of NH3 gas. The sensor also demonstrated exceptional baseline stability, high short-term and long-term consistency, good selectivity, and strong tolerance to humidity (up to 70 RH%) with slightly slow adsorption-desorption rates. The dual effect was discussed with respect to dopant- and precursor-induced variations in structural and surficial characteristics, revealed by XRD, Raman, FESEM, AFM, and XPS. The discussion delved deeper into the role of chemical precursors on nanostructure growth and, for the first time, illuminated a temperature-dependent complex gas-sensing principle governed by the detected p-n shift of the semiconductor type of the sensing elements, confirmed by Hall effect.

Surface-Immobilized Ionophore Electric-Double-Layer (EDL) Extended-Gate Field-Effect Transistors for High Sensitivity to Detection of Mercury and Lead Ions

In the field of sensors, particularly in FETs (Field-Effect Transistors), they have emerged as a promising solution for detecting heavy metal ions. These sensors offer high sensitivity, rapid response, compact and portable device sizes, and the potential for low cost. These advantages have led to their successful application in monitoring drinking water, environmental samples, and industrial wastewater, enabling rapid on-site detection of heavy metal ions.At the molecular level, certain organic molecules or coordination compounds can selectively bind to specific ions through specific chemical reactions or coordination interactions. Therefore, designing ionophores specifically for capturing or transporting particular types of ions is possible. Previous research has employed the mechanism of Ion Selective Membranes (ISM) for detecting heavy metals. However, ISMs are typically polymer coatings applied through spinning, resulting in a thick layer that leads to longer diffusion times, requiring 15 minutes or more to achieve baseline stability, with a detection limit of µM to nM .Many studies have also utilized aptamers for detecting metal ions, but aptamers are typically expensive and require controlled formation of specific structures to bind with ions. They are susceptible to interference signals from pH value or salt concentrations.In environmental or food samples, the presence of heavy metals often needs to be detected. Electric-Double-layer (EDL) sensors exhibit better stability, with a monolayer recognition layer providing shorter detection times and higher sensitivity. This study successfully developed FET (Field-Effect Transistor) metal ionophores based on a specially designed ionophore with a double-layer expanded gate, including mercury ionophore sensors and lead ionophore sensors. By defining a gate sensing area with dimensions of 500 μm x 500 μm, significant detection limits of nM to pM were achieved within minutes. The combination of FETs, EDL, and ionophores in this study's development has resulted in highly efficient, sensitive, selective, and portable detection instruments. Keywords: MOSFET, EDL, Aptamer, Ionophore, Heavy metal Figure 1

Mitigating Noise Current in 2D Perovskite Single Crystal Photodetectors for Imaging under Black‐Light Condition

AbstractWeak‐light imaging plays a pivotal role in various fields such as astronomical photography, military nighttime surveillance, and biomedical imaging. The capability of photodetectors (PDs) in detecting weak‐light relies heavily on minimizing their noise current. In this study, the weak‐light detection performances of PDs constructed from PEA2MAn‐1PbnI3n+1 (n = 1, 2, 3) 2D perovskite single crystals are presented. Among these, the n = 1 PD showcases incredibly low noise current that induces an ultra‐low detection limit of 14 pW cm−2 under 532 nm light illumination, and a high detectivity of 3.25 × 1015 Jones. The n = 1 PD also meets imaging requirements even under black‐level illumination conditions of 75 pW cm−2. The investigation reveals that decreasing n value corresponds to an increase in the PEA+ ratios of cations, resulting in reduced defects and enhanced ion migration activation energy and exciton binding energy. These reduce noise current of devices from electron/hole, ion, and exciton dynamic behaviors. Notably, inhibiting ion migration can significantly improve the stability of the noise current baseline and facilitate the stable detection of weak signals. This study underscores the potential of 2D perovskites for advancing weak‐light imaging technologies, offering valuable insights for future development in this field.

Application of fiber loop ringdown spectroscopy technique for a new approach to beta-amyloid monitoring for Alzheimer Disease’s early detection

A novel fiber optic biosensor was purposed for a new approach to monitor amyloid beta protein fragment 1–42 (Aβ42) for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) early detection. The sensor was fabricated by etching a part of fiber from single mode fiber loop in pure hydrofluoric acid solution and utilized as a Local Optical Refractometer (LOR) to monitor the change Aβ42 concentration in Artificial Cerebrospinal Fluid (ACSF). The Fiber Loop Ringdown Spectroscopy (FLRDS) technique is an ultra-sensitive measurement technique with low-cost, high sensitivity, real-time measurement, continuous measurement and portability features that was utilized with a fiber optic sensor for the first time for the detection of a biological signature in an ACSF environment. Here, the measurement is based on the total optical loss detection when specially fabricated sensor heads were immersed into ACSF solutions with and without different concentrations of Aβ42 biomarkers since the bulk refractive index change was performed. Baseline stability and the reference ring down times of the sensor head were measured in the air as 0.87% and 441.6 μs ± 3.9 μs, respectively. Afterward, the total optical loss of the system was measured when the sensor head was immersed in deionized water, ACSF solution, and ACSF solutions with Aβ42 in different concentrations. The lowest Aβ42 concentration of 2 ppm was detected by LOR. Results showed that LOR fabricated by single-mode fibers for FLRDS system design are promising candidates to be utilized as fiber optic biosensors after sensor head modification and have a high potential for early detection applications of not only AD but possibly also several fatal diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Fine-grained effect sizes.

To make transparent individuals' responses to intervention over time in the systematic review of single-case experimental designs, we developed a method of estimating and graphing fine-grained effect sizes. Fine-grained effect sizes are both case- and time-specific and thus provide more nuanced information than effect size estimates that average effects across time, across cases, or both. We demonstrate the method for estimating fine-grained effect sizes under three different baseline stability assumptions: outcome stability, level stability, and trend stability. We then use the method to graph individual effect trajectories from three single-case experimental design studies that examined the impact of self-management interventions on students identified with autism. We conclude by discussing limitations associated with estimating and graphing fine-grained effect sizes and directions for further development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Enhanced Gas Sensing Performance of CuO-ZnO Composite Nanostructures for Low-Concentration NO2 Detection

The detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is essential for safeguarding human health and addressing environmental sustainability. That is why, in the last decades, gas sensors have been developed to detect NO2 to overcome these hazards. This study explores the use of a novel CuO-ZnO composite synthesized through a polyol and sol–gel technique to enhance gas sensing performance. The CuO-ZnO composite offers the advantage of a synergic combination of its properties, leading to improved sensitivity, selectivity, and low detection limit. The innovative polyol technique employed in this research enables the controlled synthesis of hierarchical CuO and porous ZnO structures. The composite formation is achieved using the sol–gel method, resulting in CuO-ZnO composites with different ratios. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the materials have been characterized using FESEM, X-ray diffraction, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Gas sensing experiments demonstrate enhanced performance, particularly in sensitivity and selectivity for NO2, even at low concentrations. The composites also exhibit improved baseline stability compared to pristine CuO and ZnO. This study explains the influence of humidity on gas sensing properties by examining interactions between water molecules and sensor surfaces. Notably, the developed CuO-ZnO composite displays excellent selectivity towards NO2, attributed to favorable bonding characteristics and acid-base properties. Overall, this research contributes to advancing gas sensor technology, providing a promising potential for sensitive and selective NO2 detection, thereby addressing critical needs for human health and environmental protection.

Coating effects of a strain sensor on durability and sensitivity using the fiber loop ringdown spectroscopy technique

A sensor region in a single-mode optical fiber loop was created and utilized in order to study the coating effect on sensor durability and system sensitivity by the Fiber Loop Ringdown Spectroscopy (FLRDS) technique. The sensor system was simply designed without any additional optical components. The bending loss theory in the single-mode fiber (SMF) was taken into account in data calculation. After stretching was performed on 10.0 cm long coated and noncoated sensorheads from the mid-points, the strain detection limits were determined as 5.3345 με and 6.7497 με with bare and coated sensorheads, respectively. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of N,N-Diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (NDPD) coating of the sensorhead on the sensor durability and sensitivity. The baseline stability of the system was obtained as 1.18% by considering a hundred consecutive data. Regarding to obtained results, the difference between calculated total optical losses of FLRDS systems with noncoated and NDPD coated sensorheads shows that coating sensorhead enhanced the sensor durability and the system sensitivity. An FLRDS system with high sensitivity, simple design and easy setup offers real-time measurement with continuous monitoring and provides advantages on durability by modification the sensorhead such as NDPD coating. Due to its attractive features such as low cost, simplicity, easy setup, high sensitivity, increased durability and continuous monitoring, an FLRDS system has a wide range of application areas in structural health monitoring, transportation, early detection, biomedical, chemical trace elements, rail and asphalt applications for continuous monitoring in a real-time merit.

The Effects of Concussions on Static Postural Stability

Concussions among the athletic population are extremely common, which could lead to postural instabilities. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of concussions on postural stability in young healthy adults. The static postural stability of thirty volunteers (age 21.63 ± 2.50 years; height 1.70 ± 0.14 m; weight 75.00 ± 15.58 kg; 17 with a history of concussions) was assessed using a force platform during three tests: baseline stability test, clinical test of sensory interaction and balance test, and unilateral stability test. Postural sway variables during each test were statistically analyzed using an independent t-test between the concussion group (CONC) and no concussion (NO CONC) groups. Two secondary analyses were performed with the CONC group: individuals who had one concussion (ONCE) vs. who had multiple concussions (MULTIPLE) and individuals who had their last concussion in 2023–2018 (RECENT) and in 2017–2011 (OLD). The CONC, MULTIPLE, and RECENT groups demonstrated greater postural sway than the NO CONC, SINGLE, and OLD groups. Concussions cause postural decrements in young healthy adults compared to their counterparts with no history of concussions. The results of the study exhibit that concussions could lead to imbalances, which is decisive in athletes’ performance and injury risk during play.

Advanced NH3 Detection by 1D Nanostructured La:ZnO Sensors with Novel Intrinsic p-n Shifting and Ultrahigh Baseline Stability.

Due to its stability, transportability, and ability to be produced using renewable energy sources, NH3 has become an attractive option for hydrogen production and storage. Detecting NH3 is then essential, being a toxic and flammable gas that can pose dangers if not properly monitored. ZnO chemiresistive sensors have shown great potential in real NH3 monitoring applications; yet, research and development in this area are ongoing due to reported limitations, like baseline instabilities and sensitivity to environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and interferent gases. Herein, we suggest an approach to obtain sensors with competitive performance based on ZnO semiconducting metal oxides. For this purpose, one-dimensional nanostructured pure and La-doped ZnO films were synthesized hydrothermally. Incorporating large rare earth ions, like La, into the bulk lattice of ZnO is challenging and can lead to surface defects that are influential in gas-sensing reactions. The sensors experienced a temperature-induced p-n shifting at about 100 °C, verified by the Hall effect and AC impedance measurements. The doped sensor showed exceptional stepwise baseline stability and outstanding performance at a relatively low operating temperature (150 °C) with a sensing response of 91 at best (@ 50 ppm NH3) and recorded a tolerance to water vapor up to 70% RH. Alongside p-n shifting, the enhanced performance was discussed in correlation with La doping-triggered changes in the nanostructural and surfacial properties of the films. We validated the proposed technique by producing similar sensors and performing multiple replicates to ensure consistency and reproducibility. We also introduced the fill factor concept into the gas sensor field as a new trustworthy parameter that could improve sensor performance assessment and help rate sensors based on deviation from ideality.

Comparative study of the vibrating capillary nebulizer (VCN) and commercially available interfaces for on-line coupling of capillary electrophoresis with ICP-MS.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful and sensitive tool for speciation analysis when combined with inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry (ICP-MS); however, the performance of this technique can be limited by the nature of pneumatic nebulizers. This study compares two commercially available pneumatic nebulizers to a newly introduced vibrating capillary nebulizer (VCN) for on-line coupling of CE with ICP-MS. The VCN is a low-cost, non-pneumatic nebulizer that is based on the design of capillary vibrating sharp-edge spray ionization. As a piezoelectrically driven nebulization source, the VCN creates an aerosol independent of gas flows and does not produce a low-pressure region at the nebulizer orifice. To compare the systems, we performed replicate analyses of sulfate in river water with each nebulizer and the same CE and ICP-MS instruments and determined the figures of merit of each setup. With the CE-VCN-ICP-MS setup, we achieved around 2-4 times lower sensitivity compared to the commercial setups. However, the VCN-based setup provided lower noise levels and better linear correlation from the analysis of calibration standards, which resulted in indistinguishable LOD and LOQ values from the in-house-built VCN-based and commercial setups for CE-ICP-MS analysis. The VCN is found to have the highest baseline stability with a standard deviation of 3500 cts s-1, corresponding to an RSD of 2.7%. High reproducibility is found with the VCN with a peak area RSD of 4.1% between 3 replicate measurements.

Non-faradaic capacitive cation sensing under flow.

The ability to continually monitor target ion species in real-time is a highly sought-after endeavour in the field of host-guest chemistry, given its direct pertinence to medical and environmental applications. Developing methodologies which support sensitive and continuous ion sensing in aqueous media, however, remains a challenge. Herein, we present a versatile and facile, proof-of-concept electrochemical sensing methodology based on non-faradaic capacitance, which can be operated continuously with high temporal resolution (≈1.4 s), in conjunction with custom-designed integrated microfluidics. The potential of this method is demonstrated for cation sensing at a chemically simple benzo-15-crown-5-based molecular film (B15C5SAM) as a representative redox-inactive, receptive interface. Detection limits as low as 4 μM are obtained for Na+ by these entirely reagentless analyses, and are additionally characterised by exceptional baseline stabilities that are able to support continuous sensing over multiple days. The platform performs well in artificial sweat across physiologically relevant spans of sodium concentration, and provides meaningful dose-dependent responses in freshwater samples. Finally, the high assay temporal resolution affords an ability to resolve both the kinetics of binding (association/dissociation) and notably characteristic fingerprints for different alkali metals which may be diagnostic of different interfacial ion binding modes.

Loss compensated fiber loop ring-down system driven by random distributed multi-pulse laser

The sensing characteristics of loss compensated fiber loop ring-down (FLRD) system driven by random distributed multi-pulse have been analyzed. We used a random distributed multi-pulse laser to drive a fiber loop with loss compensation of erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and analyzed the distortion of exponential attenuation curves, sensitivity and baseline stability of the system. The performance is compared with those of loss compensated FLRD system driven by single pulse and chaotic laser. The loss compensated FLRD theoretical model is discussed by the transmission equation of EDFA and finite element analysis. The performance of loss compensated FLRD system driven by random distributed multi-pulse under different injection optical powers is analyzed under the influence of gain saturation effect of EDF and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). The results show that the random distributed multi-pulse system has higher R-square of exponential attenuation curves and better baseline stability than the single-pulse system. The increase of injection optical power has the least influence on the sensitivity reduction of random distributed multi-pulse system. The random distributed multi-pulse laser has better performance than single-pulse laser and chaotic laser in loss compensated FLRD system.

Daily rhythm in cortical chloride homeostasis underpins functional changes in visual cortex excitability

Cortical activity patterns are strongly modulated by fast synaptic inhibition mediated through ionotropic, chloride-conducting receptors. Consequently, chloride homeostasis is ideally placed to regulate activity. We therefore investigated the stability of baseline [Cl-]i in adult mouse neocortex, using in vivo two-photon imaging. We found a two-fold increase in baseline [Cl-]i in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons, from day to night, with marked effects upon both physiological cortical processing and seizure susceptibility. Importantly, the night-time activity can be converted to the day-time pattern by local inhibition of NKCC1, while inhibition of KCC2 converts day-time [Cl-]i towards night-time levels. Changes in the surface expression and phosphorylation of the cation-chloride cotransporters, NKCC1 and KCC2, matched these pharmacological effects. When we extended the dark period by 4 h, mice remained active, but [Cl-]i was modulated as for animals in normal light cycles. Our data thus demonstrate a daily [Cl-]i modulation with complex effects on cortical excitability.

Implantable Hydrogel-Protective DNA Aptamer-Based Sensor Supports Accurate, Continuous Electrochemical Analysis of Drugs at Multiple Sites in Living Rats.

The ability to track the levels of specific molecules, such as drugs, metabolites, and biomarkers, in the living body, in real time and for long durations, would improve our understanding of health and our ability to diagnose, treat, and monitor disease. To this end, we are developing electrochemical aptamer-based (EAB) biosensors, a general platform supporting high-frequency, real-time molecular measurements in the living body. Here we report that the use of an agarose hydrogel protective layer for EAB sensors significantly improves their signaling stability when deployed in the complex, highly time-varying environments found in vivo. The improved stability is sufficient that these hydrogel-protected sensors achieved good baseline stability and precision when deployed in situ in the veins, muscles, bladder, or tumors of living rats without the use of the drift correction approaches traditionally required in such placements. Finally, our implantable gel-protective EAB sensors achieved good biocompatibility when deployed in vivo in the living rats without causing any severe inflammation.

Posterolateral Rotatory Instability Develops Following the Modified Kocher Approach and Does Not Resolve Following Interval Repair.

The modified Kocher and extensor digitorum communis (EDC)-splitting intervals are commonly utilized to approach the lateral elbow. Iatrogenic injury to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament may result in posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI). in the present cadaveric study, we (1) evaluated lateral elbow stability following the use of these approaches and (2) assessed the accuracy of static lateral elbow radiographs as a diagnostic tool for PLRI. Ten matched-pair cadaveric upper-extremity specimens (n = 20) were randomly assigned to Kocher or EDC-splitting approaches. Specimens underwent evaluation pre-dissection, post-dissection, and following repair of the surgical interval. Clinical evaluation of lateral elbow stability was performed with the lateral pivot-shift maneuver. Radiographic radiocapitellar displacement was evaluated with the fully extended hanging arm test and on lateral elbow 30° flexion radiographs. Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Bonferroni correction were utilized to compare groups. All Kocher group specimens (10 of 10) developed PLRI on the pivot-shift maneuver following dissection. No EDC-splitting group specimens (0 of 10) developed instability with pivot-shift testing. The fully extended hanging arm test showed no difference in radiocapitellar displacement between groups (p > 0.008). Lateral elbow 30° flexion radiographs in the Kocher group showed an increased radiocapitellar displacement difference (mean, 8.46 mm) following dissection compared with the pre-dissection baseline (p < 0.008). Following repair of the Kocher interval, the radiocapitellar displacement (mean, 6.43 mm) remained greater than pre-dissection (mean, 2.26 mm; p < 0.008). In the EDC-splitting group, no differences were detected in radiocapitellar displacement on lateral elbow radiographs with either the fully extended hanging arm or lateral elbow 30° flexion positions. The Kocher approach produced PLRI that did not return to baseline conditions following repair of the surgical interval. The EDC-splitting approach did not cause elbow instability clinically or radiographically. The hanging arm test was not reliable for the detection of PLRI. The Kocher interval for lateral elbow exposure results in iatrogenic PLRI that is not detectable on the hanging arm test and that does not return to baseline stability following repair of the surgical interval.

Quantification of Cerebral Glucose Concentrations via Detection of the H1-α-Glucose Peak in 1 H MRS at 7 T.

Sensitive detection and quantification of cerebral glucose is desired. To quantify cerebral glucose by detecting the H1-α-glucose peak at 5.23 ppm in 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 7 T. Prospective. Twenty-eight non-fasted healthy subjects (aged 20-28 years). Short echo time stimulated echo acquisition mode (short-TE STEAM) and semi-localized by adiabatic selective refocusing (semi-LASER) at 7 T. Single voxel spectra were obtained from the posterior cingulate cortex (27-mL) using a 32-channel head coil. The H1-α-glucose peak in the spectrum with retrospective removal of the residual water peak was fitted using LCModel with a glucose basis set of only the H1-α-glucose peak. Conventional spectral analysis was performed with a glucose basis set of a full spectral pattern of glucose, also. Fitting precision was evaluated with Cramér-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs). The repeatability of glucose quantification via the semi-LASER sequence was tested. Paired or Welch's t-test were used for normally distributed values. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. The repeatability of measures was analyzed using coefficient of variation (CV). Removal of the residual water peak improved the flatness and stability of baselines around the H1-α-glucose peak and reduced CRLBs for fitting the H1-α-glucose peak. The semi-LASER sequence was superior to the short-TE STEAM in the higher signal-to-noise ratio of the H1-α-glucose peak (mean ± SD 7.9 ± 2.5, P < 0.001). The conventional analysis overfitted the H1-α-glucose peak. The individual CVs of glucose quantification by detecting the H1-α-glucose peak were smaller than the corresponding CRLBs. Cerebral glucose concentration is quantitated to be 1.07 mM by detecting the H1-α-glucose peak in the semi-LASER spectra. Despite requiring long scan times, detecting the H1-α-glucose peak allows true glucose quantification free from the influence of overlapping taurine and macromolecule signals. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 1.

Ocular nociception and neuropathic pain initiated by blue light stress in C57BL/6J mice.

Abstract To elucidate the physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms responsible for initiating and sustaining ocular neuropathic pain, we created a blue light exposure model in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were exposed to 12 hours of blue or white light followed by 12 hours of darkness. Before blue light exposure, baseline tear secretion, stability, and ocular hyperalgesia were assessed by measuring hyperosmotic or hypoosmotic solution-induced eye wiping, wind-induced eye closing, and cold-induced eye blinking. At 1 day after blue light exposure, alterations in hypotonic or hypertonic-induced eye wiping and tear film abnormalities were observed. Eye-wiping behaviors were abolished by topical anesthesia. The cold-stimulated eye blinking and wind-stimulated eye closing behaviors began after day 3 and their frequency further increased after day 9. Blue light exposure reduced the density of nerve endings and increased their tortuosity, the number of beadlike structures, and the branching of stromal nerve fibers, as assessed by whole-mount confocal microscopy. Blue light exposure also increased TRPV1, but not TRPV4 staining intensity of corneal-projecting neurons in the trigeminal ganglia, as detected by FluoroGold retrograde labeling and immunohistochemistry. TRPV1 and substance P expression was increased, whereas CGRP expression deceased at the mRNA level in isolated corneal projecting neurons. Hence, our blue light exposure B6 mouse model for assessing tearing and ocular hyperalgesia is useful for studying ocular pain and its underlying mechanisms. Blue light–induced alterations in tearing and ocular hyperalgesia may be related to the elevated expression of TRPV1, substance P, or the suppressed expression of CGRP at the ocular surface.