Bioscience Laboratories Research Articles

Phytohormone and amino acid content in golden apple snail (Pomaceae canaliculata L.) extract which fermented at several effective microorganism 4 (EM4) concentrations

This study aims to determine the phytohormone and amino acid content of golden apple snail (GAS) extract fermented using several concentrations of EM 4 Active. GAS were taken from rice fields in Tegalgede Village, Jember. Analysis of phytohormone and amino acid content using LCMS at Bioscience laboratory, Politeknik Negeri Jember. EM4 was activated for 7 days using 5% sugar with distilled water as a solvent. The active EM4 results were taken in several concentrations: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% and fermented in GAS extract for 14 days. This research was designed using CRD non-factorial design, consisting of 6 Active EM4 concentrations and repeated 4 times. The results of the research showed that there was the phytohormone IAA (Indole Acetic Acid) with the highest concentration of 0.838% in GAS extract fermented using 25% active EM4, while fermentation without EM4 (0%) contained only 0.641% IAA. Other analysis results showed that 12 types of amino acids were detected, namely arginine, tyrosine, alanine, cysteine, glutamic acid, methionine, glycine, leucine-isoleucine, aspartic acid, proline, threonine and valine. The analysis results showed that the 0% (control) treatment had a higher average amino acid value than fermentation using EM4.

Molecular Characterization of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivars Using SSR Markers

Nowadays, molecular characterization is essential for studying the varietal diversity of species. In addition, SSR molecular markers are widely used to identify and distinguish the genetic relationship of mango cultivars. The study aim is to determine the variability structuring level of 18 mango cultivars in Burkina Faso. Thus, genomic DNA was extracted in 2022 from young leaves at the molecular biology unit of the Biosciences laboratory at Joseph KI-ZERBO University (Burkina Faso). Analysis of the results showed a polymorphic percentage average of 21.49% per marker. Genetic distance showed that the similarity coefficient range is 0.0002 to 1.09. The greatest genetic distance (1.09) was calculated for the pairs (VSB, Valencia) and (VSB, Miamilate). On the other hand, the lowest genetic distance (0.0002) was calculated between Alphonso and Francis, Keitt and Sensation, and Mangot vert and Glazier. Examination of the dendrogram shows that the cultivars can be classified into two major groups of nine cultivars each. The first group includes Miamilate, Valencia, Lippens, Zill, Keitt, Sensation, Kent, Brooks, and Bewerly cultivars. The second group includes the cultivars Mangot vert, Glazier, Amélie, Dixon, Springfield, Francis, Alphonso, VSB and Mangot sabre. These results showed that cultivars are genetically very diverse. Therefore, our findings could be used for genetic diversity analysis and the marker-assisted breeding of mango germplasm.

Transforming Static Barrier Tissue Models into Dynamic Microphysiological Systems.

Microphysiological systems are miniaturized cell culture platforms used to mimic the structure and function of human tissues in a laboratory setting. However, these platforms have not gained widespread adoption in bioscience laboratories where open-well, membrane-based approaches serve as the gold standard for mimicking tissue barriers, despite lacking fluid flow capabilities. This issue can be primarily attributed to the incompatibility of existing microphysiological systems with standard protocols and tools developed for open-well systems. Here, we present a protocol for creating a reconfigurable membrane-based platform with an open-well structure, flow enhancement capability, and compatibility with conventional protocols. This system utilizes a magnetic assembly approach that enables reversible switching between open-well and microfluidic modes. With this approach, users have the flexibility to begin an experiment in the open-well format using standard protocols and add or remove flow capabilities as needed. To demonstrate the practical usage of this system and its compatibility with standard techniques, an endothelial cell monolayer was established in an open-well format. The system was reconfigured to introduce fluid flow and then switched to the open-well format to conduct immunostaining and RNA extraction. Due to its compatibility with conventional open-well protocols and flow enhancement capability, this reconfigurable design is expected to be adopted by both engineering and bioscience laboratories.

Effect of natural attractant essential oil from Ocimum gratisimum from Timor Island against fruit flies

Ocimum gratisimum, well-adapted to arid regions in East Nusa Tenggara, has essential oil that attracts fruit flies, pest important affecting crops like mango and jackfruit. This study aims to assess the impact of O. gratisimum essential oil on the diversity of fruit flies on these plants. The essential oil, source from leaves of O. gratisimum, was obtained from the Bioscience Laboratory of the University Nusa Cendana, East Nusa Tenggara, Kupang, Indonesia. It was applied to mango and jackfruit plants in Baumata Village, Taebenu District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. For experiment, total of 0.2 µL of O. gratisimum essential oil was carefully placed on a cotton swab, which was subsequently positioned within traps constructed using 1.5-L mineral bottles. The results of this study indicated that the essential oil extracted from O. gratisimum leaves had the capacity to attract Bacrtocera umbrosa and Bactrocera dorsalis flies when applied on mango plants. In case of jackfruit plants, the traps successfully lured B. umbrosa, B. dorsalis, and Bactrocera musae. This attraction contains methyl eugenol in the oil derived from O. gratisimum.

Brazilian National Network of Alternative Methods (RENAMA) 10th Anniversary: Meeting of the Associated Laboratories, May 2022.

The Brazilian National Network of Alternative Methods (RENAMA), which is linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is currently comprised of 51 laboratories from CROs, academia, industry and government. RENAMA's aim is to develop and validate new approach methodologies (NAMs), as well as train researchers and disseminate information on their use - thus reducing Brazilian, and consequently Latin American, dependence on external technology. Moreover, it promotes the adoption of NAMs by educators and trained researchers, as well as the implementation of good laboratory practice (GLP) and the use of certified products. The RENAMA network started its activities in 2012, and was originally comprised of three central laboratories - the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO); the National Institute of Quality Control in Health (INCQS); and the National Brazilian Biosciences Laboratory (LNBio) - and ten associated laboratories. In 2022, RENAMA celebrated its 10th anniversary, a milestone commemorated by the organisation of a meeting attended by different stakeholders, including the RENAMA-associated laboratories, academia, non-governmental organisations and industry. Ninety-six participants attended the meeting, held on 26 May 2022 in Balneário Camboriú, SC, Brazil, as part of the programme of the XXIII Brazilian Congress of Toxicology 2022. Significant moments of the RENAMA were remembered, and new goals and discussion themes were established. The lectures highlighted recent innovations in the toxicological sciences that have translated into the assessment of consumer product safety through the use of human-relevant NAMs instead of the use of existing animal-based approaches. The challenges and opportunities in accepting such practices for regulatory purposes were also presented and discussed.

Growth and yield of maize applicated by Rizhobium spp. from legume and non-legume rhizosphere

Rhizobium spp can affect plant growth in non-legume crops directly by synthesis of phytostimulator and solubilization of inorganic phosphate. However, the ability of Rhizobium spp from legume and non-legume rhizosphere to trigger the growth of non-legume crops is different. This research aims to analyze the ability of Rhizobium spp isolates to produce IAA hormones and phosphate solvent and determine the response of maize with the application of Rhizobum spp from the legume and non-legume rhizosphere. This study was carried out in two stages, where the first stage at Bioscience Laboratory Politeknik Negeri Jember, while the second stage at Kaliurang field, Jember, Indonesia (altitude 146 m asl, temperature 21°C - 34°C, and soil type was incepstisol) from September 2022 to January 2023. The field experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design (crd) with the application of Rhizobium spp isolates from various rhizosphere as a treatment consisting of without Rhizobium spp (control), maize-rhizosphere isolate, rice-rhizosphere isolate, soybean-rhizosphere isolate, edamame-rhizosphere isolate, and peanut-rhizosphere isolate. Every treatment was replicated four times. The results showed that Rhizobium spp isolates from legume and non-legume rhizospheres can synthesize indole acetic acid and solubilize phosphate. This condition was indicated by the solubilized phosphate content in the planting medium, which was higher in the application of Rhizobium spp compared to the control. Inoculation of Rhizobium spp from several rhizospheres showed a significant effect on plant height, stem diameter, ear weight without husks, and ear dry weight compared to control. These bacteria are able to trigger the growth of maize through direct and indirect mechanisms. In addition, the plant height that was treated with maize-rhizosphere Rhizobium spp was better than rice. It is suspected that Rhizobium spp from the maize rhizosphere is more adaptable when applied to growing media for maize crops, so that it can increase plant height.

Pengaruh variasi konsentrasi tempe kedelai dan kulit pisang ambon (Musa paradisiaca) terhadap aktivitas antioksidan dan daya terima steak tempe

Background: Tempe contains bioactive compounds in the form of isoflavones, scientifically proven to have antioxidant abilities. In addition, banana peel antioxidants are quite high compared to the fruit flesh. Food products that are high in antioxidants have the potential to reduce various degenerative diseases. The combination of antioxidants from soybean tempeh and Ambon banana peel is expected to be one of the efforts to maintain health by minimizing the risk factors for chronic disease due to hypercholesterolemia.Objective: The study aimed to analyze the effect of varying soy tempeh and Ambon banana peel concentrations on tempeh steak's antioxidant activity and acceptability.Method: Research using design Quasi-Experiment, with one group posttest-only design. This research was conducted in January-March 2023. The research procedure began with making tempeh steak with the formulation of the comparison of soybean tempe: Ambon banana skin, namely F1 (30%: 70%), F2 (40%: 60%), F3 (50%: 50%), F4 (60%:40%). There were 4 experimental groups and 3 repetitions. Then, the antioxidant test was carried out using the DPPH method at the Jember State Polytechnic Bioscience Laboratory. The data was analyzed using this method by Kruskal Wallis. Acceptance test was carried out on 30 untrained panelists using the hedonic method at the Integrated Laboratory of FKM University of Jember and data analysis using the test Friedman, at a significance level of 95% CI.Results: The results of the antioxidant activity test showed no significant difference in the average antioxidant activity of tempeh steak (p= 0,951). The average results of antioxidant activity were F1 (70,61%), F2 (71.77%,) F3 (70,64%), F4 (71,44%). Acceptability test results showed significant differences in terms of aroma (p= 0,004), taste (p= 0,026), and overall (p= 0,004), but not significantly different in terms of color (p= 0,055) and texture (p= 0,157). The most preferred experimental group is F4[A2] (p= 0,004).Conclusion: The content of soy tempeh and Ambon banana skin contribute to each other in increasing the percentage of antioxidant inhibition so that it affects the increase in the antioxidant activity of tempeh steak. The higher the concentration of soy tempeh used, the higher the level of preference for the acceptance of tempeh steak. The product recommended in this study was the F4 sample with an average antioxidant activity yield of 71,44%, and the panelists preferred the F4 sample.

Senyawa Bioaktif Bioinsektisida Daun Sirsak (Annona mucirata) dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Keanekaragaman Artropoda pada Tanaman Padi (Oryza sativa L.)

The aim of the study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds in soursop leaf bioinsecticides and their effect on the diversity of arthropods in rice. This research began from July to October 2022 at the Plant Protection Laboratory and Bioscience Laboratory of the Jember State Polytechnic and Rice Cultivation Land in Balung Lor Village, Balung District, Jember Regency. Arthropod samples were observed visually using Sweep Net Trap, Yellow Pan Trap, Sticky Trap and Pitfall Trap. The GCMS test results detected 29 compounds in soursop leaves. The highest compounds as repellent and antifeedant detected were palmitic acid, oleic acid and acetic acid at 18.39%, 17.40%, 13.83%. The result of probit analysis of LC95 toxicity was 28.92%. The number of individuals in the bioinsecticide treatment was 2036 individuals, 32 species consisting of: 10 herbivores, 13 predators, 3 parasitoids, 4 pollinators, and 3 detrivores. Fipronil numbered 1198 individuals, 26 species consisting of: 10 herbivores, 10 predators, 2 parasitoids, 3 pollinators, and 1 detrivore. Diversity index (H`) shows moderate category in both treatments, dominance index (C`) does not show dominance in both treatments, species richness index (R) in both treatments is moderate, species evenness index (E) is evenly distributed in both treatments and Sorensen The Similarity Index (ISS) is classified as the same with a value of 89.66%. The yield of dry grain in the soursop leaf bioinsecticide treatment was higher (38.25 g per clump) than Fipronil 33.29 gr per clump.

The Role of Technology in Undergraduate Bioscience Laboratory Learning: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice

Integration of technology is widespread in laboratory teaching, whose purpose includes building theoretical understanding and practical skills. How second-year bioscience undergraduate students at a UK university use technology to construct their understanding of laboratory-based topics was investigated using a concurrent think-aloud protocol in the laboratory, followed by semi-structured interviews. Analysis of think-aloud data used socially shared metacognitive coding since students may co-construct their understanding in these collaborative spaces. This analysis demonstrated that participants used technology within the laboratory either as a tool to conduct their experiment or, as a source of information to help them understand, apply or perform their experimental task. Semi-structured interviews demonstrated that students integrated technology into all aspects of their laboratory learning. Eight out of the ten participants described using technology to help them make connections between theory and practice as part of post-laboratory activities such as analysing or conducting further research on the topic. A survey of UK bioscience undergraduate modules found that 22% of modules did not use post-laboratory activities, suggesting that more scaffolding of post-laboratory activities could provide bioscience students with greater integration of practical and theoretical understanding and consequently meaningful laboratory learning.

Developing Prerequisite Skills in a CURE through Competency-Based Assignments

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are increasingly popular, but less often implemented in core laboratory courses due to the strict learning objectives necessary for follow-on courses. A curricular core intermediate- level experimental biosciences laboratory course was implemented, which paired competency-based assignments with client-serving research projects to develop the prerequisite skills for upper-level courses in the context of authentic research. This CURE led to more favorable student outcomes and more positive perceptions than the previous course design. This approach was piloted at a private, research-intensive university in fall 2015 and scaled to full implementation the following year. Several considerations and the necessary resources for such a scaling are discussed.

Nutritional Quality of Sempol with Different Meat Variants

Aims: This study aimed to examine the effect of different types of meat on the chemical and organoleptic properties of sempol.
 Study Design and Methodology: It employed an experimental method with Fully Randomized Design (FRD) in three treatments, each of which was applied to DA (chicken), DS (beef), and DK (lamb), and repeated four times each. The observed variables were chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate content), organoleptic quality (taste, aroma, texture, and color), microstructure, and element composition of sempol.
 Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in March - April 2022 at West Waru, Pamekasan for sempol production, Nutrition Laboratory of UMM for testing the chemical content, Bioscience Laboratory of Universitas Brawijaya for SEM testing.
 Results: The study provided a significant effect (p<0.05) on the physicochemical composition except fat and protein (p>0.05), due to the physicochemical content of the meat used. The average physicochemical value of moisture was 58.22%, ash 3.06%, fat 23.76%, protein 10.81%, and carbohydrate 35.38%. The physicochemical content of sempol meets Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 2014 except for fat and carbohydrate. Based on sensory properties, panelists preferred sempol with chicken. The use of different types of meat in sempol did not provide a significant effect (p>0.05) on organoleptic taste, aroma, and texture, except color. Meanwhile, the microstructure of sempol beef has a better shape. The cavity surface tissue forms more uniformly and creates a fibrous three-dimensional metric compared to that of chicken and lamb. Some of the elements detected in sempol beef were carbon (C), oxygen (O), sodium (Na), silicon (Si), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), and zirconium (Zr). The most complete chemical elements was detected only in sempol lamb.
 Conclusion: The use of different types of meat affects moisture, ash, and carbohydrate content, yet it does not affect protein and fat content. The organoleptic qualities of texture, taste, color and aroma are accepted by the panelists.

Potensi Asap Cair Arang Sekam terhadap Spodoptera litura dan Pengaruhnya terhadap Keanekaragaman Artropoda pada Tanaman Kedelai Edamame

This study aimed to examine the potential of husk charcoal liquid smoke as a bioinsecticide in controlling S. litura and its effect on the diversity of arthropods in Edamame soybeans. The research was conducted from February 2021 to June 2021, at The Plant Protection Laboratory, Bioscience Laboratory Jember State Polytechnic and farmers' land in Balung Lor Village, Jember Regency. Laboratory research examines the bioactive components of 3rd grade husk charcoal liquid smoke, toxicity. The treatment of liquid smoke of husk charcoal, compared with Fipronil as a positive control, used the Mann Whitney test. Observations were: S. litura population, damage intensity, pod weight per plant and arthropod diversity. The results of the the research were: GCMS analysis showed that the liquid smoke of husk charcoal 3rd grade contains 35 components that were detected by a mass spectrometer. The bioactive compound as an antifeedant with the highest concentration was Acetic Acid, ws 37.03%. LC50 and LC95 were 9% and 28% respectively; The liquid smoke of husk charcoal was more effective in reducing the population of S. litura and the damage intensity; pods weight 48.92 grams per plant, Fipronil 23.92 grams per plant. Shannon Wiener Diversity Index of husk charcoal liquid smoke was 2.57 Fipronil was 1.85, Sorensen similarity index was 77% (different). The dominance index of Simpson bioinsecticide liquid smoke husk charcoal was 0.10 lower than Fipronil, which was 0.54.

The Modular µSiM Reconfigured: Integration of Microfluidic Capabilities to Study In Vitro Barrier Tissue Models under Flow.

Microfluidic tissue barrier models have emerged to address the lack of physiological fluid flow in conventional "open-well" Transwell-like devices. However, microfluidic techniques have not achieved widespread usage in bioscience laboratories because they are not fully compatible with traditional experimental protocols. To advance barrier tissue research, there is a need for a platform that combines the key advantages of both conventional open-well and microfluidic systems. Here, a plug-and-play flow module is developed to introduce on-demand microfluidic flow capabilities to an open-well device that features a nanoporous membrane and live-cell imaging capabilities. The magnetic latching assembly of this design enables bi-directional reconfiguration and allows users to conduct an experiment in an open-well format with established protocols and then add or remove microfluidic capabilities as desired. This work also provides an experimentally-validated flow model to select flow conditions based on the experimental needs. As a proof-of-concept, flow-induced alignment of endothelial cells and the expression of shear-sensitive gene targets are demonstrated, and the different phases of neutrophil transmigration across a chemically stimulated endothelial monolayer under flow conditions are visualized. With these experimental capabilities, it is anticipated that both engineering and bioscience laboratories will adopt this reconfigurable design due to the compatibility with standard open-well protocols.

Study of Molecular Diversity in Celosia argentea Cristata (L.) Mutants using RAPD Markers

Induced mutagenesis is a method of creating genetic variability in crops for its improvement. Mutant lines of Celosia argentea, irradiated with sodium azide and fast neutron were evaluated for genetic variability patterns. Mutant lines were collected from the Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna and analysed using five RAPD primers at the Biosciences Laboratory, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. Data generated were subjected to UPGMA clustering and principal component analysis. Five RAPD primers generated 21 amplification bands, with all the bands being 100% polymorphic. Allelic frequency per primer ranged from 0.40 in Primer (OPH05, OPB17 and OPB04) to 0.70 (OPT17) with an average frequency of 0.48 per primer. The highest polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.70 was generated by primer OPH05 with an average PIC of 0.55 per primer. The clustering of the mutants and their parent into five distinct genetic groups by UPGMA dendrogram and four groups by principal component analysis was not based on the mutagenic agent used confirming the high level of induced diversity among the treatments. Therefore, Sodium Azide and Fast Neutron Irradiation are effective mutagens for inducing useful variability in Celosia argentea.

Design and development of integrated TIRF and common-path quantitative phase microscopic health care system with high stability

We demonstrate a compact microscopy system that enables simultaneous cell imaging in both digital holographic and fluorescence mode thus providing valuable multi-modal information for biosciences applications. The digital holographic imaging system uses a speckle free illumination by employing a rotating diffuser. Further a compact shear plate based interferometer arrangement is used to significantly reduce the system size and increase its robustness when compared with Michelson or Mach-Zehnder interferometer configurations. The overall reduction in form factor of the system is achieved since we employ the shear plate configuration additionally as a beam-splitter for the fluorescence imaging part of the system. We have fabricated a compact total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) unit which is combined with the common path sheared interferometer for this purpose. Our experiments with this compact system show excellent temporal phase stability. The working of the system is illustrated with imaging of polystyrene beads and MG63 osteosarcoma cell line sample. The fluorescence image of MG63 cell shows high expression of vinculin protein around the nuclei when compared with the expression in the cell's filopodia. These proteins are among the major molecular markers for cell adhesion and play a vital role in sensing the mechanical stimulus of the microenvironment. Further the quantitative phase information about the cell also provides its optical thickness information that is spatially aligned with the fluorescence signal. The proposed system can find applications in bioscience laboratories as well as in diagnostics.

Co-Opting Regulation: Professional Control Through Discretionary Mobilization of Legal Prescriptions and Expert Knowledge

The governance of front-line professionals is a persistent organizational problem. Regulations designed to make professional work more legible and responsive to both organizational and public expectations depend on these professionals’ willing implementation. This paper examines the important question of how professional control shapes regulatory compliance. Drawing on a seventeen-month ethnographic study of a bioscience laboratory, we show how professionals deploy their discretionary judgment to assemble environmental, health, and safety regulations with their own expert practices, explaining frequently observed differential rates of regulatory compliance. We find that professional scientists selectively implement and blend formal regulations with expert practice to respond to risks the law acknowledges (to workers’ bodies and the environment) and to risks the law does not acknowledge but professionals recognize as critical (to work tasks and collegiality). Some regulations are followed absolutely, others are adapted on a case-by-case basis; in other instances, new practices are produced to control threats not addressed by regulations. Such selective compliance, adaptation and invention enact professional expertise: interpretations of hazard and risk. The discretionary enactment of regulations, at a distance from formal agents, becomes part of the technical, practical, and tacit assemblage of situated practices. Thus, paradoxically, professional expert control is maintained and sometimes enhanced as professionals blend externally imposed regulations with expert practices. In essence, regulation is co-opted in the service of professional control. This research contributes to studies of professional expertise, the legal governance of professionals in organizations, regulatory compliance, and safety cultures.

Safety assessment of subtilisin QK in rats

BackgroundSubtilisin QK is a serine protease in the subtilisin family, and is fermented by Bacillus subtilis QK02. The fibrinolytic activity of subtilisin QK was measured by detecting low molecular weight degradation products using a spectrophotometric method developed by Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co., Ltd. Subtilisin QK powder can maintain its fibrinolytic activity for more than 24 months when it is stored at room temperature and protected from light. Our previous results showed that subtlisin QK directly degraded cross-linked fibrins in the fibrin plate assay and effectively inhibited thrombosis in the mouse thrombus model. The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity, potential subchronic toxicity, and safety pharmacology of subtilisin QK in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats.MethodsIn the acute toxicity study, a single oral dose of 100,000 FU/kg was administered to 10 female and 10 male SD rats. In the 28-day subchronic toxicity, 60 female and 60 male SD rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (daily oral dose of 0, 2500, 7500 and 25,000 FU/kg). In the safety pharmacology study, 20 female and 20 male SD rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (single oral dose of 0, 500, 1500 and 5000 FU/kg).ResultsNo death occurred and no adverse effects were observed in the acute toxicity study at a dose of 100,000 FU/kg. In the 28-day subchronic toxicity study, several hematological and blood biochemical parameters showed increases or decreases; however, due to the lack of a dose–response relationship, these differences were considered unrelated to treatment. In the safety pharmacology study, no adverse effects were observed on the central nervous of SD rats post-administration up to a dose of 5000 FU/kg subtilisin QK.ConclusionThe results showed that oral consumption of subtilisin QK is of low toxicological concern. No adverse effects were observed at doses of 2500, 7500, and 25,000 FU/kg in the 28-day subchronic toxicity, and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of subtilisin QK was 25,000 FU/kg.

The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the urinary microbiome in interstitial cystitis.

The objective was to investigate the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy on the urinary microbiome of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. In this Institutional Review Board-approved prospective cohort study, patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome were recruited to attend an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction course involving yoga and meditation. Eligible participants were English-speaking women aged 18 or older with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. All participants had a negative urinalysis within 2months of enrollment and were currently undergoing first- or second-line treatment at the time of recruitment. The mindfulness-based stress reduction course met weekly for 1h. A straight-catheter urine sample was obtained prior to and following the mindfulness-based stress reduction series. DNA from urine samples underwent bacterial 16S ribosomal gene sequencing at Johns Hopkins University Laboratories followed by taxonomic abundance and diversity analysis by Resphera Biosciences Laboratory. Participants completed validated symptom questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. A total of 12 participants completed the 8-week course and were included in the analysis. The average age was 59 and the majority identified as white. Patient symptoms, measured by the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form and Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Pain Indices, improved significantly (all p < 0.05). Overall composition of the urinary microbiome changed significantly (p < 0.01) and demonstrated an increase in diversity following the intervention. Mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy improves patient symptoms and was associated with significant changes in the urinary microbiome in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

Quantum nanophotonic and nanoplasmonic sensing: towards quantum optical bioscience laboratories on chip

Abstract Quantum-enhanced sensing and metrology pave the way for promising routes to fulfil the present day fundamental and technological demands for integrated chips which surpass the classical functional and measurement limits. The most precise measurements of optical properties such as phase or intensity require quantum optical measurement schemes. These non-classical measurements exploit phenomena such as entanglement and squeezing of optical probe states. They are also subject to lower detection limits as compared to classical photodetection schemes. Biosensing with non-classical light sources of entangled photons or squeezed light holds the key for realizing quantum optical bioscience laboratories which could be integrated on chip. Single-molecule sensing with such non-classical sources of light would be a forerunner to attaining the smallest uncertainty and the highest information per photon number. This demands an integrated non-classical sensing approach which would combine the subtle non-deterministic measurement techniques of quantum optics with the device-level integration capabilities attained through nanophotonics as well as nanoplasmonics. In this back drop, we review the underlining principles in quantum sensing, the quantum optical probes and protocols as well as state-of-the-art building blocks in quantum optical sensing. We further explore the recent developments in quantum photonic/plasmonic sensing and imaging together with the potential of combining them with burgeoning field of coupled cavity integrated optoplasmonic biosensing platforms.

Unpacking the multimodal discourse demands of microscopy in a bioscience laboratory

ABSTRACT To become scientifically literate, students must learn to proficiently utilise and fluently integrate a suite of specialised and contextualised multimodal literacy practices. While the frequency of explicit reading and writing instruction in the sciences is increasing, the wider range of multimodal practices are often not adequately addressed. We explored the multimodal literacy demands and challenges in a first-year biology microscopy practical, using a teaching case-study approach which included a task analysis, evaluation of student reports, and direct observations of students during the practical. The task analysis indicating a substantive level of component and coordinative complexity which required student to use six different literacy practices, and integrate three different modes, necessitating 12 mode switches. Student observations highlighted challenges with identifying cells under the microscope, while analysis of reports provided evidence of students’ difficulties with making estimations, producing biological drawings, and appropriately integrating quantitative and qualitative information into their drawings. Underpinning these challenges was the requirement to integrate multiple modes simultaneously. These findings should inform critical reflection on the teaching of multimodal literacy practices and the need to make these practices explicit to students and provide sufficient opportunity for them to develop individual modal fluency, prior to the requirement for multimodal integration.