ImageJ Program Research Articles

The investigation of foot structure within children who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a case-controlled study.

The impairments in motor performance could be related to the foot structure in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while considering the close relationship between foot structure and lower extremity alignment. This study aimed to investigate the foot structure and its relationships between disease severity, physical activity and psychiatric traits in children with ADHD. Children with ADHD (n = 50; mean age: 12.02 ± 1.83 years) and typically developing peers (n = 30; mean age: 12.86 ± 2.56 years) were included. The static footprint analysis was collected by using digital images. The ImageJ program was used to calculate Clarke's angle, Staheli arch index (SAI) and Chippaux-Smirak index (CSI). The Turgay DSM-IV disruptive behavior disorders rating scale (T-DSM-IV-S), physical activity questionnaire for older children (PQ-C), children's depression inventory and state-trait anxiety inventory for children were all used to assess symptoms of ADHD, physical activity, depression, stress and anxiety, respectively. Approximately 52-53% of children with ADHD had mild to severe flatfoot, while only 8-13% of typically developing peers had flatfoot based on SAI and CSI (P = 0.01). Significant correlation was found between Clarke's angle and PQ-C (r = 0.21, P = 0.04). Besides, T-DSM-IV-S was significantly correlated with SAI (r = 0.24, P = 0.01) and CSI (r = 0.25, P = 0.01) in children with ADHD. Children with ADHD had a significantly greater tendency of flatfoot compared to typically developing peers. Besides, the deterioration of the foot structure of children with ADHD was associated with disease severity.

Behavior in the electric current curve by changing the anodizing area

In this work, we studied the change in the electric current and the length of the nanotubes depending on the area and the exposure time in the anodizing process. Over time the anodizing area was changed with a rate of 0.5 cm2 to 2.5 cm2 using a total anodizing time of 60 min, using a chemical solution (2ml /3 ml /0.30g ) and maintaining a constant anodizing voltage equal to 20 V. The behavior in the nanostructures was recorded by the evolution of the current density as a function of the anodizing time. The morphology of the nanostructures was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). With the use of the Imagej program. The size, length and diameter of the titanium nanostructures are obtained. The sample that presented the best behavior was that of an anodizing area of ​​1.5 cm2 and an anodizing time of 36 min. This presents a surface where open nanotubes are observed in the upper part with a vertical length of 0.23 μm and a pattern thereof organized in a circular arrangement with a diameter of 0.035 μm. It was observed that increasing the area under these anodizing conditions decreased the length of the nanotubes. The mobility of the loads was always greater with the area of ​​exposure, which is observed in the increase of the current

Fractal dimension and lacunarity analysis of mandibular bone on digital panoramic radiographs of tobacco users.

Background. This study aimed to evaluate and compare changes in the mandibular trabecular bone pattern using the fractal dimension (FD) and lacunarity analysis in tobacco users with healthy controls. Methods. This study was carried out on digital panoramic radiographs of 225 subjects divided into three groups: smokeless tobacco users (SLTs), smokers, and control (n=75). ImageJ program with FracLac plugin was used to assess the FD and lacunarity of mandibular trabecular bone on the digital panoramic radiographs. Results. The differences in the mean FD values of the study and control groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Mean FD was lower in the case groups than the control group, with SLTs having the least FD value. A significant difference in lacunarity was noted between SLTs and controls (P < 0.001). On the contrary, there was no significant difference in lacunarity between smokers and controls. Conclusions. FD values were lower in tobacco users, suggesting that tobacco users have a less complex trabecular bone pattern than healthy controls. Higher lacunarity values in SLTs indicated a more heterogeneous bone pattern. These findings signify that FD and lacunarity analysis on digital panoramic radiographs can serve as promising predictive tools to assess bone quality for osteoporotic changes in tobacco users, thereby facilitating prompt referral for further management.

Reaction to damage of connective tissue in immunoprivileged organ (testis)

Microenvironment of sperm and its precursors includes various immune cell populations. This indicates not only their importance for immune privileged state within testes, but it concerns a regulatory role of these structures in performance of the most important physiological functions. Despite sufficient knowledge on the immune privileged state in the organ, the regulatory function are scarcely studied, and existing literature virtually does not cover the issues of local spermatogenesis regulation by various components of testicular microenvironment in the course of their regeneration. Purpose of the present study was to define the reactions of connective tissue in rat testis following traumatic lesion. Materials and methods: the study was carried out in mature male Wistar rats. Experimental animals were divided into 2 groups: intact animals and animals with blunt trauma to the left testicle. The animals were removed from the experiment on the 7th and 30th days. Blunt trauma was simulated by squeezing the organ with forceps with a force of 15 N for 3 seconds. For histological examination, the testes were excised, preparations were made by the standard scheme, stained with hematoxylin/ eosin, toluidine blue (to identify mast cells), and according to Van Gieson (to detect collagen fibers). Distinct components of connective tissue and spermatogenesis were evaluated in testicular preparations. Quantitative indexes were calculated using the ImageJ program. Total testosterone levels in the blood were determined by chemiluminescence technique. Statistical evaluation was performed with Statistica 8.0 software. Comparison of groups was performed using Mann-Whitney test. We have found that restoration of spermatogenesis in the damaged testis did not occur within 30 days after the injury. While the reaction of connective tissue was noted in the both testes, it was more pronounced in the damaged organ, and manifests as changes in testicular microvasculature, stimulation of fibroblastic response, multidirectional effects of mast cells and Leydig cells, depending on the duration of exposure. Changes in various components of microenvironment in the damaged testis led to similar changes in the intact organ. The mechanism of this change is usually associated with effect of antisperm antibodies and development of autoimmune processes, but another possible mechanism for impairment of spermatogenesis in the second paired intact organ may include effects of connective tissue microenvironment upon the spermatogenic epithelial cells.

Optimal concentration of potassium iodide to reduce the black staining of silver diamine fluoride

Background/purposePotassium iodide (KI) is used for reducing the degree of black staining occurred after silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application. However, the optimal KI concentration remains unknown. This study aimed to identify the optimal concentration of KI that effectively reduces black staining after SDF application. Materials and methodsTwenty-four extracted teeth with similar pattern of carious lesions were assigned into 6 groups as follows: 1) SDF only, 2) SDF+7.5%KI, 3) SDF+10%KI, 4) SDF+15%KI, 5) SDF+20%KI, and 6) SDF+saturated KI. The KI solution was applied immediately after SDF application. Tooth images were obtained for color measurement at different time points as followed; before SDF application, immediately after SDF application, immediately after KI application, 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after SDF+KI application. The photographs were analyzed for mean gray value using the ImageJ program. ResultsThe KI groups demonstrated a dose-dependent significant immediate reduction in black staining after KI application, except the saturated KI group. The teeth in the 20% KI group had the highest Δ mean gray value compared with other groups immediately after KI application, whereas a reduction in black staining in the saturated KI group appeared 1 day after KI application. The Δ mean gray value in all groups decreased over time. After 7 and 14 days, the reduction in black staining was not clearly different between KI groups. ConclusionKI application was able to reduce the degree of black staining in a dose-dependent manner, but the subsequent color change was minimal over the period of 14 days.

Inhibitory effect of short-term ketogenic diet on cytokine expression during orthodontic movement in a rat model

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the change of IL-1β and TNF-α expression during orthodontic tooth movement in rats, which were under regular diet and ketogenic diet (KD). Materials and Methods: The maxillary right first molars of 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to mesial movement by 50 g of force for 14 days under ketogenic diet. A control group was also established in which rats were subjected to the same tooth movement conditions but under a regular diet. The distance of tooth movement was measured by using precision electronic calipers. After 14 days, the rats were sacrificed and the mesial surface of the palatal root of the right first molar was analysed to determine the expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α through immunohistochemical staining. The images obtained were then quantified using ImageJ program. Results: After 14 days of orthodontic tooth movement, the amount of tooth movement in the ketogenic group was lesser by approximately half the distance compared to that of the control group. Moreover, the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was also lower. Conclusions: Consuming ketogenic diet reduces the expected amount of tooth movement which was evidently shown by a significant lower cytokine expression of IL-1β and TNF-α than the group under regular diet. This suggests that ketogenic diet is a contributing factor in delaying the tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.

Analysis of Fractal Dimension and Radiomorphometric Indices of Mandible on Panoramic Radiographs in End-Stage Renal Disease at a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is associated with endocrinal and metabolic alterations that negatively affect the skeletal system, and can result in renal osteodystrophy (ROD) and secondary osteoporosis. These changes can affect the mandibular density and thus can be reflected in mandible on panoramic radiographs (PR), which are frequently assessed by oral physicians. This study attempted to evaluate these mandibular skeletal alterations using radiomorphometric indices (RI) and fractal dimension (FD) analysis, in patients with ESRD, thereby aiding in their appropriate management for the dental treatment. Material and Methods: Retrospective data (including digital PRs) of 30 patients with CKD (ESRD) who were above 18 years of age were retrieved and 30 age and sex-matched healthy individuals having met the selection criteria were selected. Digital PR were used to assess the mandibular cortical index (MCI), mental index (MI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), and FD by using ImageJ program. Results: No statistically significant difference was noted among the study groups and controls for the mean values of PMI, FD, and distribution of MCI category (P &gt; 0.05). However, the mean value of MI was significantly reduced among the kidney patients as compared to the controls (P &lt; 0.05). No significant correlation was noted between duration of diseases, RI (MCI, MI, PMI) and FD. Conclusion: MI values of patients with ESRD were found to be lower than those in control subjects. This finding suggests that MI analysis might be a promising, simple, and cost-effective tool for evaluating cortical bone structure in this high-risk population and any signs of osteoporosis could be withheld at the earliest stage with a prompt referral.

Morphological differences in the pancreas of normo- and hypertensive rats after joint exposure of intermittent hypoxia and melatonin

The morphological changes in the pancreas of normo- and hypertensive rats after combined exposure to intermittent normobaric hypoxia and melatonin were studied. The study was conducted in the autumn on 24 normotensive (Wistar line) and 24 spontaneously hypertensive (SHR line) male rats. Experimental rats were daily exposed to hypoxic gas mixture in special sealed chamber. Hypoxic gas mixture (12 % oxygen in nitrogen) was supplied into this chamber from the membrane gas separator element in the intermittent mode: 15 min deoxygenation/ 15 min reoxygenation for 2 h. Exogenous melatonin was orally administered to experimental animals at 10 h in the morning at a dose of 5 mg / kg once a day. The total duration of the experiment was 28 d. Histological preparations of pancreatic tissue were prepared according to the standard methods. The morphometry of the preparations digital images was performed using the computer program ImageJ. The nature and severity of morphological changes in the pancreas of the experimental spontaneously hypertensive rats (hyperplasia of the nucleolus in the nucleus of exocrinocytes, a decrease in the amount of connective tissue) suggests that the combined effect of intermittent normobaric hypoxia and melatonin increases the activity of the exocrine part of the pancreas. At the same time, the activity of the endocrine part of the pancreas decreases, as evidenced by a decrease in the linear dimensions and area of the Langerhans islets, as well as the number of endocrinocytes contained in them. In Wistar rats, the combined effect of intermittent hypoxia and melatonin leads to the appearance of morphological signs of increased activity of both exocrine and endocrine pancreas functions. Thus, after prolonged combined exposure to intermittent normobaric hypoxia and melatonin, morphological signs of increased exocrine pancreas activity appear in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. At the same time, the activity of the endocrine function of the pancreas in experimental Wistar rats increases, while in SHR rats, on the contrary, decreases.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ УЛЬТРАЗВУКУ В ПРОЦЕСІ ВИГОТОВЛЕННЯ ЕЛЕКТРОПРОВІДНИХ ПОКРИТТІВ НА ОСНОВІ ВУГЛЕЦЕВИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ

Development of the basics of technology for obtaining electrically conductive coatings using ultrasonic dispersion of carbon materials. Methods. The following methods were used in the work: ultrasonic dispersion of materials, optical microscopy, four-electrode method of measuring the electrical conductivity of coatings. The shielding effectiveness of materials was performed following ASTM D4935. The research results were processed using computer programs Microsoft office Excel and ImageJ. Results. The ultrasound treatment of carbon materials with a high specific surface area was performed. The influence of ultrasonic treatment on the efficiency of dispersion of carbon black in ethanol was established. The parameters of the process of destruction of natural graphite particles under the action of ultrasonic treatment are determined. The mechanism of structure formation into the composite material after ultrasonic treatment was proposed. The process of forming a spatial electrically conductive grid in a suspension by dispersed carbon black was established. It was shown that the use of ultrasonic treatment in the production of electromagnetic shielding materials allows to obtain oriented particles of the carbon component in the polymer matrix of the carrier and to get samples with high surface conductivity and shielding efficiency. Scientific novelty. The influence of ultrasonic treatment of carbon materials on the fabrication process, structure, and properties of shielding materials was established. Practical significance. The basics of the technology of the manufacturing process of shielding materials based on carbon materials pre-dispersed using ultrasonic treatment were developed. The optimal parameters of ultrasonic treatment of carbon materials for manufacturing shielding materials were substantiated.

Intrastromal versus subconjunctival anti-VEGF agents for treatment of corneal neovascularization: a rabbit study.

To determine whether subconjunctival or intrastromal administration of anti-VEGF agents is more effective on suture-induced corneal neovascularization (CoNV) in rabbits. CoNV was induced in 48 eyes of 24 New Zealand white rabbits by using an 8/0 silk suture. On the 7th day after suturing, the rabbits were divided into four treatment groups as follows: six rabbits received subconjunctival bevacizumab (group 1), six rabbits received subconjunctival aflibercept (group 2), six rabbits received intrastromal bevacizumab (group 3) and six rabbits received intrastromal aflibercept (group 4). On the 7th and 14th days after suturing, the CoNV area was calculated by standardised analysis of photographs using the Image-J program. On the 14th day after suturing, all rabbits were sacrificed and then corneal tissue was harvested for the analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-B and placental growth factor (PIGF) levels. On the 7th day after suturing, CoNV areas were 17.10 ± 2.98, 18.88 ± 3.78, 17.36 ± 4.52, 18.57 ± 4.16 and 17.31 ± 2.81 mm2 in the groups 1-4 and control group, respectively. On the 7th day after intervention and removal of suture, CoNV areas were 4.85 ± 1.99, 6.66 ± 1.73, 2.83 ± 1.08, 2.63 ± 1.16 and 11.93 ± 2.64 mm2 in the group 1-4 and control group, respectively. CoNV area was reduced by 88.1% and 82.5% in eyes receiving intrastromal aflibercept and bevacizumab, respectively (both p < 0.001), and by 64.5% and 69.9% in eyes receiving subconjunctival aflibercept and bevacizumab, respectively (both p = 0.001). Intrastromal anti-VEGF therapy regressed CoNV more effectively than subconjunctival therapy regardless of the type of anti-VEGF agent.

Characteristics of Lymphedema in Patients Treated with Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors.

Purpose: To investigate the characteristics of lymphedema in patients treated with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and delineate complex decongestive therapy (CDT) outcomes. Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed 24 patients with mTOR inhibitor-induced lymphedema and 7 lymphedema patients (control) not treated with mTOR inhibitors, who visited the lymphedema clinic of the department of rehabilitation medicine from March 2016 to December 2019. We comprehensively reviewed clinical features, medication history, associated diseases, lymphoscintigraphy, lower extremity computed tomography venography (LE CTV), and the effect of CDT. By using ImageJ program, we measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle and subcutaneous fat of mid-thigh image in LE CTV and compared them to a control group not treated with mTOR inhibitors. Seventeen patients on sirolimus and seven patients on everolimus were included, with an approximately equal distribution of stages 2 and 3 lymphedema, and most with pitting edema. Ten patients had breast or gynecological cancer and underwent lymph node dissection. Lymphedema developed after mTOR inhibitor initiation, not postoperatively. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed decreased lymph node uptake and dermal backflow. LE CTV revealed subcutaneous honeycomb-shaped trabecular areas in the affected limbs of seven patients. Patients treated with mTOR inhibitors had a larger mean subcutaneous fat CSA and a smaller mean muscular CSA than controls. Lymphedema improved or remained unchanged after initial CDT. Daily CDT adequately controlled 11 cases, but exacerbation occurred in 5 of 7 poorly compliant patients, and cellulitis occurred in 6 patients. Conclusion: Physicians should identify mTOR inhibitor-related lymphedema early and discuss medication alternatives and CDT with patients.

Prostate and testicular growth analysis in human fetuses during the second gestational trimester.

The second gestational trimester is a very important period for male genital development. We analyzed the testicular and prostatic volume growth and compared them to the biometric parameters in human fetuses. We studied 64 testes and 32 prostates from 32 fetuses, aged 10-22 weeks postconception. Fetuses were evaluated regarding total length, crown-rump length, and bodyweight. The same observer performed all the measurements. After testicular and prostatic dissection, the prostate and testicular length, width and thickness were recorded with the aid of computer programs (Image Pro and ImageJ software, version 1.46r). Testicular volume (TV) and prostatic volume (PV) were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Statistical analysis was performed with the GraphPad Prism program (version 6.01). The fetuses presented PV between 6.1 and 297.18 mm2 (mean = 77.98 mm3 ). Linear regression analysis indicated that the PV in these fetuses increased significantly and positively with fetal age (r2 = .3120; p < .0001). We did not observe significant differences between the TV (right testis: 0.39-63.94 mm3 ; mean = 19.84 mm3 ; left testis: ​​​​​​0.52-55.37 mm3 , mean = 17.25 mm3 ). Linear regression analysis also indicated that the right and left TV (right: r2 = .6649; p < .0001 and left: r2 = .6792; p < .001) increased significantly and positively with fetal age. The prostatic growth was slower during the second gestational trimester, with significant correlations with fetal biometric parameters. The testicular growth was moderate and showed a significant correlation with fetal parameters during the studied period in human fetuses.

Употребление сладкой пищи как фактор риска нарушения обменных процессов в эмали зуба у детей и возможность улучшения стоматологического здоровья

Objective. To determine the specificity of sweet food intake by adolescents of the city of Voronezh in accordance with the European Global Oral Health Indicators Development (EGOHID 2005), taking into consideration their morphobiochemical studies of dental plaque and dental enamel. Patients and methods. Dental examination of 200 schoolchildren of Voronezh aged 12–15 years without concomitant somatic pathologies was performed, and in most of them pigmented fissures were visualised on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, which corresponded to enamel or dentinal caries. Also, an anonymous survey was conducted using the WHO questionnaires (2013). The EGOHID 2005 system was used to assess the objective and subjective criteria of the dental health of children and adolescents. For verification of the morphological structures of the enamel of 15 teeth extracted due to orthodontical indications we used x-ray spectroscopy with microchemical analysis. Biopolymers and hyaluronic acid were determined by light microscopy. Quantitative assessment of stained microscopic specimens of tooth slices was based on the ImageJ program. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in smears of dental plaque were detected using a clinical microscopic method with ferric chloride. We assessed the cariogenic potential of dental plaque immediately and 1 hour after intake of one candy using a colorimetric assay with assessment of a change in methylene red stain on the teeth according to a 3-point scale. Results. During a sample survey conducted among children and adolescents, the prevalence of tooth caries was 84%, sweets were often consumed by 79% of children, sweet beverages by 58%, as a rule, between main meals. The cariogenic potential of dental plaque in children who consumed sweets during meals increases to 3 on the 3-point scale, the content of SCFAs in this plaque corresponds to 0.10 ± 0.05 OD units. After one hour, the cariogenic potential of dental plaque decreased to 1 point, the SCFAs content increased to 0.32 ± 0.01. Conclusion. Frequent consumption of fast-absorbing carbohydrates promoted formation of a cariogenic condition in the mouth, therefore, intake of sweets can be recommended only during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The main principle of correcting the eating behaviour for prevention of enamel caries consists in replacement of sugar-containing foods and beverages that are consumed during intervals between main meals by such with no added sugar. Key words: dental bacterial plaque, dental canaliculus, biopolymers and hyaluronic acid of enamel, fast-absorbing carbohydrates, dental plaque, biofilm

Effects of the lower energy and pulse stacking in carbon dioxide laser skin treatment: an objective analysis using second harmonic generation

ABSTRACTPurposeTo evaluate the effect of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment using lower power associated with pulse stacking within collagen fibers, using second harmonic generation microscopy and computerized image analysis.MethodsTwenty male Wistar rats aging eight weeks were used. Each treatment area received a single-pass CO2 fractional laser with different parameters. The 20 animals were divided into two groups and euthanized after 30 and 60 days. Second harmonic generation images were obtained and program ImageJ was utilized to evaluate the collagen organization within all areas. Collagen anisotropy, entropy and optical density were quantified.ResultsIncreased anisotropy over time was observed in all four areas, but only reached statistical significance (p = 0.0305) when the mildest parameters were used (area four). Entropy decreased over time in all areas, but without significance(p = 0.1779) in area four. Density showed an overtime increase only in area four, but no statistical significance was reached (p = 0.6534).ConclusionsWhen combined, the results obtained in this study regarding anisotropy, entropy and density tend to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve collagen remodeling with the use of lower power levels associated with stacked pulses.

Acellular dermal matrix in skin wound healing in rabbits - histological and histomorphometric analyses

OBJECTIVES:To analyze the histology and histomorphometry of healing associated with acellular dermal matrix in skin wounds in rabbits.METHODS:Twelve male rabbits were divided into two groups: the control group (CG) and the matrix group (MG). Three skin wounds with a total area of 20 × 20 mm were created on the dorsal region of each animal. Photographic records of the lesions taken over a 21-day period and use of the ImageJ program allowed calculation of the wound contraction rate. The lesions were biopsied on days 3, 14 and 21 for histomorphometric analysis to define the thicknesses of the dermis and epidermis (hematoxylin-eosin) and calculate the densities of type I and type III collagen (picrosirius).RESULTS:No significant difference in the healing rate was found between the groups (p>0.05). The MG presented greater epidermal thickness on day 3 (p<0.05) and on days 14 and 21 (p<0.001). The MG presented greater dermal thickness throughout the study period (p<0.05). The type I collagen density was higher in the MG throughout the study period (p<0.05), and the type III collagen density was higher in the MG on days 3 and 14 (p<0.05) and on day 21 (p<0.001).CONCLUSION:The use of acellular dermal matrix increased the thickness of the dermal and epidermal layers and the amount of type I and III collagen during skin wound healing and did not alter the rate of wound contraction.

Microscopy-Assisted Digital Photography as an Economical Analytical Tool for Assessment of Food Particles and Their Distribution Through The use of the ImageJ Program

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland (Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM) Grant Number R17360)

Using Computer Microscopy Methods to Control the Microstructure of Malleable Cast Iron Product with Spherical Graphite

The method of identification of objects on images of the microstructure of cast iron with spherical graphite of the correct shape with uniform distribution is presented. Morphological analysis techniques were used to identify shrinkage pores and graphite inclusions in microstructure images. Geometric features of the shape of graphite inclusions were used as methods for identifying graphite, in particular, particle size analysis, which is widely used to identify various objects in computer microscopy. The computer analysis of the image was performed with the program ImageJ. To determine the pores against the background of graphite inclusions, two characteristics were used - the shape and size of the objects themselves. The pores, presented on the image, differ from graphite inclusions by a complex, fractal border and comparatively large areas. For the visualization of the research results, the combination of the graphite part with the calculation and analytical part was used. Such presentation of the results is the most significant and allows to perform the most correct evaluation of the graphitized cast iron microstructure in accordance with GOST 3443-87.

Digital postprocessing and image segmentation for objective analysis of colorimetric reactions.

Recently, there has been an explosion of scientific literature describing the use of colorimetry for monitoring the progression or the endpoint result of colorimetric reactions. The availability of inexpensive imaging technology (e.g., scanners, Raspberry Pi, smartphones and other sub-$50 digital cameras) has lowered the barrier to accessing cost-efficient, objective detection methodologies. However, to exploit these imaging devices as low-cost colorimetric detectors, it is paramount that they interface with flexible software that is capable of image segmentation and probing a variety of color spaces (RGB, HSB, Y'UV, L*a*b*, etc.). Development of tailor-made software (e.g., smartphone applications) for advanced image analysis requires complex, custom-written processing algorithms, advanced computer programming knowledge and/or expertise in physics, mathematics, pattern recognition and computer vision and learning. Freeware programs, such as ImageJ, offer an alternative, affordable path to robust image analysis. Here we describe a protocol that uses the ImageJ program to process images of colorimetric experiments. In practice, this protocol consists of three distinct workflow options. This protocol is accessible to uninitiated users with little experience in image processing or color science and does not require fluorescence signals, expensive imaging equipment or custom-written algorithms. We anticipate that total analysis time per region of interest is ~6 min for new users and <3 min for experienced users, although initial color threshold determination might take longer.

PAPER STRAWS: AN INVESTIGATION INTO SURFACE MODIFICATION AND HYDROPHOBIZATION OF CELLULOSE

In order to improve the quality of paper straws, experiments involving the hydrophobization of paper, in a silylation reaction with chloro(dimethyl)octadecylsilane using various solvents, were conducted. The ImageJ program was used to quantify hydrophobicity by calculating the contact angle between a water droplet and a small piece of paper, which were compared between treatment groups as well as with untreated paper and plastic straws. Samples were exposed to a variety of liquids in one-hour periods for a total of six hours. After each hour, contact angle measurements were taken. Results suggested that hydrophobicity declines with time due to leaching of silanol from the treated paper. Contact angles between water droplets and the treated paper remained larger than that of untreated paper straws throughout testing, indicating higher hydrophobicity. Furthermore, samples that were silylated using dioxane as a solvent were better able to maintain hydrophobicity than samples silylated using toluene as a solvent.

74 President Oral Presentation Pick: Phenotypic plasticity of heat tolerance in beef cattle

Abstract Bos taurus indicus cattle have superior ability for regulation of body temperature during heat stress due to a number of physiological and cellular level adaptive traits. The objectives of this study were to quantify the change in body temperature in heifers with various proportions of Brahman genes per unit increase in heat stress as measured by THI and to assess the impact of skin properties on the phenotypic plasticity. A total of 299 two-year old heifers from six breed groups ranging from 100% Angus to 100% Brahman were evaluated under hot and humid conditions during 2017 and 2018 summer days. The plasticity in body temperature of breed groups in response to environmental challenges was estimated using a random regression mixed model. Six mm skin biopsies were collected from the right side of sixth thoracic bone of each heifer. Cross-sections of biopsy samples with a thickness of 7 µm were stained with Hematoxilin–Eosin technique. The number and area of sweat and sebaceous glands and the thickness of dermis and epidermis were determined using the ImageJ program. The 100% Brahman group had the lowest intercept and slope (38.66 and 0.18) representing the body temperature under the low THI conditions and the increase in body temperature for 2 units of THI, respectively. Except for the 100% Angus group, which had a slightly higher intercept (38.68), all other breed groups had lower intercepts. Body temperature in the 100% Angus heifers increases by 0.42 for every 2 units of THI. There was a significant linear effect of Brahman percentage on the sweat gland size, with the 100% Brahman having the largest sweat gland size (203.57µm2) and purebred Angus the smallest (94.31µm2). Effective strategies will require the identification of the genes conferring the superior thermotolerance in Brahman cattle.