ImageJ Program Research Articles

Determination of phosphorus in water and chemical fertilizer samples using a simple drawing microfluidic paper-based analytical device.

A simple one-step drawing for the cost-effective fabrication of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) for the determination of phosphate content in water and fertilizer samples is presented in this paper. The hydrophobic barrier of µPAD was patterned using a 2-mm tip marker pen using a transparent acrylic sheet template. The molybdenum blue reaction using ascorbic acid as a reducing agent was used. A pre-concentration step of samples is proposed to improve the sensitivity of the measurement. The blue complex produced on the µPADs was recorded using a smartphone camera. The color intensities (red, green, blue and gray) were analyzed using ImageJ program. The proposed µPAD method provides a linear calibration range from 0 to 100mg L-1 P. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.7mg L-1 P with a precision of 3.1%RSD for 50mg L-1 P (n = 10). The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of phosphorus contents in water and liquid chemical fertilizer samples. The results obtained from µPAD agreed with a spectrophotometric method using paired t test at a 95% confidence level.

Environmental and cultivar variability in composition, content and biological activity of phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols of winter wheat grains from a multi-site field trial across Europe

Different factors such as the genotype, environmental conditions, temperature stress, solar radiation and others can influence the phytochemical status of plants. The concentration of phenolic acids and alkylresorciols (ARs) as well as their chemical composition and biological activity have been determined in twelve winter wheat cultivars grown at eight European locations. This was the first winter wheat multi-location field trial of the European Consortium for Open Field Experimentation (ECOFE). Extracts from grain were analyzed using a UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS system (phenolic acids), UPLC-PDA-MS/MS (alkylresorcinols) and TLC-DPPH• test with ImageJ program (antiradical activity). The phenolic acid profile consisted of five hydroxybenzoic acid and four hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, among which ferulic and sinapic acids were predominated. The ARs profile consisted of nine AR derivatives, among which 5-n-heneicosylresorcinol (C21:0) and 5-n-nonadecanylresorcinol (C19:0) were predominated. Our study showed significant differences in phenolic acids and AR content between wheat cultivars, as well as between locations. We observed a positive correlation between the biological activity of extracts and the total amount of phenolic acids and ARs. Two cultivars, Chambo and Julius (average of all sites) and samples from the Spanish site (average of all cultivars) showed the highest content and composition of nutritional substances.

A novel ternary Ag-Cu2O/Ti3C2 heterostructure with high peroxidase-like activity for on-site colorimetric detection of galactose

In view of galactose as an essential marker in the diagnosis of galactosemia that affects newborns, a rapid and effective method for galactose detection is necessary. Herein, we provide a facile colorimetric biosensor for galactose detection by combining the ternary Ag-Cu2O/Ti3C2 heterostructure and galactose oxidase (Gal Ox). A series of tests showed the Ag-Cu2O/Ti3C2 nanozyme prepared by depositing truncated octahedral Ag-Cu2O on single-layer Ti3C2 nanosheets in a simple one-pot water bath procedure exhibited moderately higher peroxidase-like activity than either pure Ti3C2 nanosheets or binary Cu2O/Ti3C2. Gal Ox can catalyze the oxidation of galactose to yield H2O2, and Ag-Cu2O/Ti3C2 nanocomposites subsequently trigger a reaction between H2O2 and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), accompanied by a significant increase in absorbance at 652 nm. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of galactose is 30–600 μM, with a detection limit of 0.99 μM. Galactose was successfully detected in human serum using the stated method in agreement well with hospital results. Furthermore, we used the designed system to construct portable agarose gel-based assay kits and realized a linear detection ranging from 50 to 500 μM, demonstrating the feasibility of the on-site detection of galactose semiquantitatively and visually in human serum in conjunction with the ImageJ program.

Choroidal Assessment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy by Swept-Source Ocular Coherence Tomography and Image Binarization.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate choroidal structure and vascularity indices in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Materials and Methods: Sixty-three eyes from sixty-three patients were evaluated: 21 from healthy subjects, 20 with diabetes mellitus (DM) and no diabetic retinopathy (DR), and 22 with DM and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy without diabetic macular edema (DME). Each patient underwent ocular examination, macular swept-source ocular coherence tomography (SS-OCT) imaging, glycemic control, and systemic high blood pressure (HBP) evaluation. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SF-CT) was manually assessed on a line scan. Line scan OCT images were exported to ImageJ program. The areas under a 1.5, 3 and 6 mm horizontal line centered on the fovea were assessed by converting the OCT images to binary images, and total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), LA:SA ratio, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were evaluated. SF-CT and choroidal parameters were compared between groups, and correlations with ocular and systemic factors were analyzed. Results: SF-CT, TCA, LA, and SA were similar between groups. CVIs were significantly different between groups for all three studied areas (CVI-1.5: 66.21% vs. 66.06% vs. 63.74%, p = 0.003; CVI-3: 65.88% vs. 66.46% vs. 63.79%, p = 0.008; CVI-6: 64.79% vs. 65.40% vs. 63.61%, p = 0.032). NPDR patients had significantly lower CVIs compared to DM patients (p < 0.05). No association of choroidal parameters with glycemic control, DM duration and HBP was found significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Choroidal assessment by SS-OCT and image binarization in healthy subjects, subjects with DM without DR, and subjects with DM and NPDR indicated that CVI changes were identifiable and significant in early DR. The lack of association with ocular and systemic factors suggest that CVIs are reliable assessment parameters of choroidal vascular structure.

Estimation of Optimum Flip Angle using 3D VANE XD Technique: Focused on Pre-Contrast and Hepatobiliary Phase

To investigate the optimum flip angle that can enhance image quality, SNR (signal to noise ratio), and CNR (contrast to noise ratio), comparing the images obtained, applying flip angles, 11°, 14°, 17°, 20°, and 23° in getting Liver Hepatobiliary Phase image using 3D VANE XD(3D Multivane mDixon, Philips Healthcare) technique. Experiments were conducted on a total of 30 outpatients and inpatients to our hospital (HCC:10, Metastasis:10, Abscess:10). As for the equipment used in the experiments, Philips Ingenia 3.0T CX was used, and all parameters other than the flip angle were set the same to conduct the tests. As for the image analysis method, using the Image-J program (National Institutes of Health and LOCI), the SNR of the liver, kidney, and pancreas obtained from the images by flip angle before the contrast medium injection and the CNR between the lesion and the normal tissue after the contrast medium injection were measured to conduct comparative analysis. As a result of a comparison of images before and after the contrast medium injection by disease, when the flip angle of 17° was applied, SNR and CNR were measured higher than in the images of other flip angles (p0.05). In the comparisons of the images taken before and after the injection of contrast medium by disease, when a flip angle of 17° was applied, the SNR before contrast medium injection was 28-29 % higher, and the SNR after the injection of contrast medium was 11 % up to 49 % higher than that at other flip angles. There was a difference in CNR before contrast medium injection of 30-43 % and CNR after contrast medium injection of 58-68 %. The measured value increased up to 17° and then decreased after that. Additionally, in the qualitative evaluation, Lesion Conspicuity (p=0.003), Image Artifact (p=0.0001), Lesion Delineation (p=0.0002), and Vascular Anatomy (p=0.0002) received the most excellent evaluations at 17°. In conclusion, in this study, the flip angle of 17° provided the highest SNR and CNR values when the tests were conducted using the free breath hold technique, 3D VANE XD Sequence. Thus, in liver MRI protocol tests, the overall diagnostic information was provided, including hypervascular tumor.

Macro-microscopic features of the structure of lymphoid nodules in the wall of the female urethra

The aim of the investigation was to study the macro-microscopic features of the structure and quantitative indicators of the lymphoid nodules of the female urethra in postnatal ontogenesis.Material and methods. The topography, number and size of lymphoid nodules in the urethral wall from corpses of 63 women of different age groups were studied by macro-microscopy using binocular stereomicroscope MBS-9 after elective staining with Harris hematoxylin. The material was fixed in a 10% formalin solution. The preparations were photographed and the area of lymphoid nodules was measured in the ImageJ program. For statistical data processing, parametric statistics methods based on the Statistica 6.0 program were used. Statistical data processing included the calculation of arithmetic averages, their errors, and the analysis of the amplitude of the variation series of each indicator.Results. The maximum number of lymphoid nodules in the urethra in early childhood corresponds to the idea of the largest total number of lymphoid cells, the severity of lymphoid tissue in the first years of life. The density of lymphoid nodules is maximum in the 1st period of childhood (9,5–10,5 nodules), and then decreases sequentially. In senile age, compared with the 1st period of childhood, the density of localization of lymphoid nodules decreases in the walls of the upper third of the urethra by 1.7 times (p&lt; 0.05), the middle and lower thirds of the organ - by 1.2 times (p&lt;0.05) and the urethra as a whole – by 1.3 times (p&lt;0.05). The amplitude of the variation series (differences between individual maximum and minimum) of the density of the location of lymphoid nodules, according to our data, does not change significantly during postnatal ontogenesis. The size of the lymphoid nodule during postnatal ontogenesis is maximal in the 1st period of childhood. Further, the value of this indicator decreases and reaches a minimum in old age and in centenarians.Conclusion. The study showed that lymphoid tissue in the urethral wall is at different stages of morphogenetic maturity, lymphoid nodules are found, which, as is known, are considered to be a more functionally mature stage of lymphoid tissue development. The values of the density of the location of lymphoid nodules throughout the female urethra in postnatal ontogenesis change slightly, the minimum number of them is observed in old age and the period of longevity, the maximum does not actually change.

P-531 Influence of tandemly repetitive pericentromeric DNA transcripts inactivation on the formation of membraneless RNP structures at the end of human oocytes maturation

Abstract Study question Does inactivation of tandemly repetitive (TR) pericentromeric DNA transcription affect the size and the number of DDX4-containing RNPs at the end of human oocytes maturation? Summary answer Antisense oligonucleotides (AO) can inactivate the transcription of HS2/HS3. Inactivation leads to disaggregation of the DDX4-based membraneless RNP structures. What is known already Earlier we had described for the first time the transcription of the pericentromeric TR DNA of HS2/HS3 families in late human oogenesis, during the transition of oocytes from the GV stage to the MI stage. Both HS2/HS3 strands were transcribed. The presence of HS2/HS3 transcripts was demonstrated by bioinformatic analysis, qPCR and RNA-DNA-FISH. HS2/HS3 RNAs were found in RNPs which contained DDX5 and DDX4 RNA helicases, located near mitochondria. We suggested that the RNPs could be the site of spatial sequestration of RNA and proteins at the end of human oocytes maturation. Study design, size, duration For studying the inactivation of HS2/HS3 transcription, oocytes were subjected to cytoplasmic microinjection using a micromanipulator. Before the experiment, oocytes were divided into 3 groups (n = 11). Group 1 (control, n = 4) got a dose of saline, group 2 (n = 3) – 8.5 fmol AO, group 3 (n = 4) – 12.75 fmol AO. AO or saline was injected into oocytes, the cells were then placed in a CO2 incubator, and after 48 hours, they were fixed and examined. Participants/materials, setting, methods GV and MI human oocytes are not used for the bank of donor oocytes and were transferred for research. The informed consent of the donors, as well as the permission of the ethical committee of the clinic, was obtained. The distribution of HS2/HS3 transcripts and DDX4 helicase was studied using the immuno-FISH. Fluorescent signals were analyzed using the ImageJ program. Statistical processing of the count data was carried out using GraphPad Prism 9 software. Main results and the role of chance Statistically significant inactivation of TR RNA HS2/HS3 (p = 0.01) in group 3 (AO, 12.75 fmol) was observed. The fluorescence of the HS2/HS3 RNA hybridization signal dropped to 25.68±1.777 as compared to the control group 1 (35.50±2.938). In group 2, this value (34.47 ± 1.984) did not change significantly as compared to the control group. Also, in the 3rd group, there was a tendency (p = 0.16) of an increase in the fluorescence of the antibodies signal against DDX4 up to 26.23 ± 2.223 in comparison with group 1 (19.57 ± 2.496). In group 2, this indicator (21.63 ± 3.095) changed to a lesser extent as compared to the control group. At the same time, in the oocytes of the 3rd group, there was a tendency (p = 0.19) to an increase in the number of individual cytoplasmic foci stained with the antibody against DDX4 up to 76±18.56 as compared with group 1 (44±8.994 signals). In group 2 this value (26±5.508 signals) changed less compared to control group 1. We assume, after the inactivation of HS2/HS3 transcription, DDX4-containing RNPs dissociate since an increase in the number of individual signals of the corresponding DDX4 was revealed. Limitations, reasons for caution The small sample size did not allow us to obtain statistically reliable data on the fluorescence of DDX 4. Data accumulation will be continued in future studies. Wider implications of the findings The data presented confirm the existence of DDX4-based RNPs in human preovulatory oocytes. These membraneless structures are involved in the processes of oocyte maturation. The suggested approach of transcripts inactivation can be used for oocytes without removing zona pellucidae increasing their survival after inactivation. Trial registration number not applicable

Investigation of monocrystalline silicon surface texturization by image processing program

One of the main issues in the photovoltaic industry of silicon solar cells is the optical losses via reflection. To overcome this issue, texturization (chemical etching) remains the most commonly used method to produce a random pyramid structure to reduce reflection and thus increase photocurrent generation. Because of the anisotropic etching property of alkaline solution, square-based upright pyramids are formed, i.e., the difference in etching rates between (100) and (111) planes. In this paper, the following etching solutions were studied: 4/10, 6/6, and 10/4 (KOH weight percentage/IPA volume percentage).The optical, morphological, and electric characterizations using UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron scanning microscopy (SEM), and quasi-steady-state photoconductance (QSSPC) device are performed. Also, the standard weighted reflectance (SWR) was calculated. The pyramid size distribution generated using KOH-IPA solutions was investigated using an image processing program (ImageJ) via SEM images. The calculation of the height of the pyramids reveals that the typical pyramid size ranges from 3 to 9 m, with large pyramids of small proportions. Furthermore, when the pyramids are distributed in a mixture of tiny and medium pyramids in precise proportions, the reflectivity is at its lowest, and as the number of large pyramids rises, the reflectivity increases.

The beneficiation of the Pütürge pyrophyllite ore by flotation: mineralogical and chemical evaluation

AbstractSamples from the pyrophyllite reserves in the Malatya–Pütürge region, used in the production of the whitest cement in Europe, were beneficiated using flotation. The mineralogical composition of the natural pyrophyllite, as determined using X-ray diffraction, includes pyrophyllite, kaolinite, quartz, illite–mica and feldspar. The chemical composition of pyrophyllite contains 69.75% SiO2 and 23.04% Al2O3. The pyrophyllite percentage (40–45 wt.%) of the natural sample increased to 60–80 wt.% after flotation. In flotation experiments, the effects of reagent amounts, types and their mixtures were investigated. Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and pine oil as frothers and kerosene as a collector were used in the flotation studies. The use of reagents as mixtures has a positive effect on the beneficiation compared to use on their own. The best result was obtained for a mixture of MIBC with kerosene, which is a non-ionic hydrocarbon oil, yielding a concentrate containing 26.63% Al2O3. Improved results were also observed for kerosene plus frother mixtures after flotation cleaning circuits. The bubbles formed during flotation were photographed and the bubble diameters were measured using the ImageJ program. The Al2O3 content was evaluated by correlating the bubble diameters. In general, selectivity decreased during experiments in which bubble diameters were reduced.

A Novel Technique for the Evaluation and Interpretation of Elastography in Salivary Gland Involvement in Primary Sjögren Syndrome.

Ultrasound (US) of major salivary glands (MSG) evaluates echogenicity, border features and vascularization, with elastography, it can detect tissue elasticity and glandular fibrosis, related to inflammation in Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). This study aimed to develop a novel technique by pixel analysis for evaluation and interpretation of elastography in MSG in pSS. A cross-sectional and observational multicenter study was conducted. The US of MSG performed in orthogonal planes in grayscale, Doppler, and shear-wave elastography. For elastography images of each gland were analyzed with the open-source program ImageJ to perform a pixel analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with the IBM-SPSS v25 program. Fifty-nine women with a mean age of 57.69 (23–83) years were recruited; pSS mean duration of 87 (5–275) months, and 12 healthy women without sicca symptoms as a control group with a mean age of 50.67 (42–60) years. Intragroup analysis showed p-values >0.05 between sicca symptoms, ocular/dryness tests, biopsy, US, and pixel analysis; correlation between Hocevar and pixel analysis was not found (rho < 0.1, p >0.5). MSG anatomical size was 41.7 ± 28.2 mm vs. 67.6 ± 8.8 mm (p ≤ 0.0001); unstimulated whole saliva flow rate was 0.80 ± 0.80 ml/5 min vs. 1.85 ± 1.27 ml/5 min (p = 0.016). The elastography values (absolute number of pixels) were 572.38 ± 99.21 vs. 539.69 ± 93.12 (p = 0.290). A cut-off point risk for pSS identified with less than 54% of red pixels in the global MSG mass [OR of 3.8 95% CI (1.01–15.00)]. Pixel analysis is a new tool that could lead to a better understanding of the MSG chronic inflammatory process in pSS.

A novel approach to radiographic detection of growth development period with hand-wrist radiographs: Apreliminary study with ImageJ imaging software.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not the ImageJ program can be used to automatically determine the growth period of the hand and wrist which have different growth-development periods according to the density values in the phalanges in radiographs. Our study included hands-wrist radiographs of 270 individuals aged 8-17 years. The study's participants were classified into 7 groups according to their skeletal maturation stage (PP2=, MP3=, MP3cap, DP3u, PP3u, MP3u, and Ru) which included pre-peak, peak, and post-peak periods. The total density values (TDV) and pure density values (PDV) in the distal, medial, and proximal phalanges were calculated using each radiograph in the ImageJ program. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the density values and chronological age, and pairwise comparisons were made using the post-hoc LSD test. The total density value was graphically zigzagged in the mesial, distal, and proximal phalanges. However, the pure density value increased continuously until the post-peak period and decreased after the DP3u period until the Ru period. While no significant difference in total density values was observed between the growth periods for all three phalanges, a significant difference in pure density values was observed. It has been demonstrated in the ImageJ program that the peak growth period can be distinguished using the pure density values obtained from all phalanges of the third finger and that this method can be used as an alternative to the growth period detection through artificial intelligence.

Retrospective Investigation of Cranial Volume and Cephalic Index in Patients with Nonsyndromic Sagittal Synostosis Operated by Total Vault Remodeling

Background: Premature fusion of cranial sutures affects skull development and leads to head deformity. Intracranial pressure increase and brain growth restriction can occur in untreated craniosynostosis. Operative treatment aims to achieve an immediate and long-lasting correction of skull shape that is close to the average and to prevent or release possible increased intracranial pressure by increasing the intracranial volume (ICV) or normalizing the ICV if it is already below the standards. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a total calvarial reconstruction on skull development in patients with nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis. Material and Methods: The study population included 19 male and 5 female patients with isolated nonsyndromic sagittal suture synostosis. During the operation, temporarily fixed prebent metal plates provided an intraoperative reference for the desired cranial expansion gain of height and shortening. Preoperative and postoperative ICVs and cephalic indices were measured on computed tomography datasets using the software program ImageJ and were compared with one another and with normative data. Results: The male population presented with a preoperative mean ICV of 863.3 cm³. A postoperative mean ICV increase of 243.5 cm³ (p < 0.001) and a further ICV enlargement (p < 0.001) was measured. The mean CI changed from 71.0% preoperatively to 75.4% postoperatively (p = 0.002) and decreased insignificantly in the follow-up (p = 0.546). The female population had a preoperative mean ICV of 804.9 cm³. Postoperatively, the mean ICV increased by 211.1 cm³ (p = 0.043) and also increased in the follow-up (p = 0.043). Their mean CI values increased from 66.5% preoperatively to 72.8% (p = 0.043) postoperatively and decreased insignificantly in the follow-up (p = 0.345). Conclusion: This method of total vault remodeling provides reliable ICV increase and improvement in length and width of skull proportions beyond the immediate postoperative period together with an ICV increase.

An Investigation of the Nutrient Foramen in the Long Bones of the Upper and Lower Limbs in Turkish Population

Aim: We aimed to examine the presence, number, anatomic location of the nutrient foramen in the long bones of the upper and lower limbs and calculate the foramen index. Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted on a total of 295 bones, including 25 clavicle, 59 humerus, 49 radius, 32 ulna, 59 femur, 49 tibia, and 22 fibula. The number of the nutrient foramen in each bone, the anatomic location of the nutrient foramen on the bone, and the direction of its opening were determined and recorded. All bones were photographed with a millimeter ruler. The bone length and the distance of the nutrient foramen to the proximal of the bone were measured using the ImageJ program. The foramen index was calculated for each foramen. Results: At least one nutrient foramen was observed in all bones, except for one humerus and three fibula. The highest mean foramen index belonged to the humerus and clavicle, while the lowest mean foramen index belonged to the tibia. The direction of the nutrient foramen is mostly toward the acromial end (87.5%) in the clavicle, toward the distal in the humerus (97.6%), tibia (96.15%) and fibula (75%), and toward the proximal in the radius (96.36%), ulna (100%), and femur (98.97%).Conclusion: There are few studies on the nutrient foramen in which bones of the upper and lower limbs are examined together and comparisons between populations are made. Therefore, we think that our study will enrich the limited literature on this subject and contribute to clinicians.

Quantifying the Relationship Between the Medial Patellofemoral Complex and Patellar Borders: A Pediatric Cadaveric Study

Background:The medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) is comprised of the medial quadriceps tendon-femoral ligament (MQTFL) superiorly and the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) inferiorly. The anatomy of the pediatric MPFL has been well-described, however, the MPFC in skeletally immature patients and its relationship to the quadriceps tendon and superior patellar border has yet to be described.Purpose:To evaluate the relationship between the MPFC attachment and quadriceps tendon and patella in skeletally immature patients.Methods:16 pediatric knees were dissected to analyze the MPFC insertion on the quadriceps tendon. Dissection was performed using a lateral parapatellar arthrotomy followed by eversion of the extensor mechanism to evaluate the MPFC fibers from its undersurface. The patellar articular length (PL), patellar width, and quadriceps tendon attachment (QTA) of the MPFC above the superior pole of the patella were measured using the ImageJ program. Additionally, the ratio of quadriceps tendon attachment to patellar length was calculated as a percent (QTA/PL%). Two sample t-tests were used to identify significant differences.Results:The average age of the specimens included in this study was 9.6 years. Specimens were divided into two cohorts: a younger cohort (4-8 years), and an older cohort (9-12 years). The QTA above the patella averaged 10.6 mm in the younger cohort and 13.4 mm in the older cohort with no significant difference between the two groups (Figure 1). There was no significant difference in average QTA/PL% which was found to be 47.8% and 48% for the younger and older cohorts respectively (Figure 1). PL was significantly longer in the older cohort (Figure 1). As shown in Figure 2, the insertion of the proximal MPFC into the quadriceps tendon can be variable across specimens.Conclusion:This study clarifies the anatomy of the pediatric MPFC in exceptionally rare pediatric specimens. The MQTFL relationship to the quadriceps tendon is important to guide surgical reconstructions of the medial stabilizers of the patellofemoral joint. Primary and recurrent patella instability remains a significant problem in those under 20 years. A better understanding of the MPFC (both the MQTFL and MPFL components) will support anatomic reconstructions to stabilize the joint.Figure 1:QTA, PL, and QTA/PL% for individual specimens.Figure 2:MPFC Insertion into the Quadriceps Tendon.

Estimation error of the body surface area in psoriasis: a comparative study of physician and computer-assisted image analysis (ImageJ).

Assessing the area involved in a skin disease, i.e. the body surface area (BSA), is essential in diagnosing disease severity, including in psoriasis. However, in psoriasis, BSA tends to be overestimated by physicians and has shown high inter-rater and intrarater variability. Furthermore, there are no reports suggesting the cause and clinical significance of overestimating BSA in psoriasiss. To investigate the errors in estimating BSA in psoriasis by comparing physicians' results with those of computer-assisted image analysis (CAIA) and to provide suggestions regarding the clinical implications of such errors. Using 43 images, 36 physicians visually estimated BSA in psoriasis, and subsequently, the images were evaluated using a CAIA program (ImageJ); the BSA values determined by the physicians and CAIA were then compared and matched. The BSA percentage was also graded on a scale from 0 to 6, as follows: Grade 0 = no lesion, Grade 1 = 1%-9%, Grade 2 = 10%-29%, Grade 3 = 30%-49%, Grade 4 = 50%-69%, Grade 5 = 70%-89% and Grade 6 = 90%-100%. Each grade range was divided, with the bottom and top 50% defined as the 'first half' and 'second half,' respectively. The mean proportion of correct assessments by physicians was 49.4%. Physicians tended to overestimate the BSA of psoriatic lesions by 8.76% ± 8.82% compared with CAIA. The largest estimation error (proportion incorrect 75.7%) was observed in Grade 3 (30%-49% involvement). Estimates in the second half of the range demonstrated a higher proportion of inaccuracies compared with those in the first half. An overestimating error occurred in certain morphological characteristics of the psoriatic lesions. The inaccuracy of BSA estimation by physicians may be related to the fact that information from the human eye is perceived to be exaggerated compared with the actual size. Further research into using artificial intelligence technology is needed to reduce quantification error and develop an ideal BSA assessment system. Additionally, education and training are needed for physicians to measure BSA accurately.

Optimization of endocrine pancreas fluorescence analysis using machine methods

The study aims to establish the appropriate parameters of UV excitation intensity and permanent excitation time on the pancreatic islets photobleaching, the ratio of the intensity of the useful signal in the region of interest to the intensity of nonspecific background fluorescence. Materials and methods. The pancreas of three adult Wistar rats was fixed in Bouin solution (20 hours) and poured into paraplast after standard histological processing. The study was carried out on paraffin sections of the pancreas. The islets’ insulin and glucagon were determined by immunofluorescence method using monoclonal antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnology). The immunofluorescence reaction was studied using an AxioImager-M2 fluorescent microscope. AxioVision digital image analysis system was used for fluorescence imaging, and ImageJ 64-bit image analysis system was used for image quantification. 30 pancreatic islets with an area from 3000 µm2 to 5000 µm2 (8–13 % of the frame area) were analyzed. Results. Measurements carried out at constant values of hormone concentration in endocrinocytes showed a different estimate of the average fluorescence intensity for insulin and glucagon, which depended on the intensity of UV radiation. As the intensity of UV radiation increased, the average fluorescence intensity in the region of interest for insulin and glucagon increased, but when the camera exposure was corrected, it became almost the same. Regardless of this, the intensity of nonspecific background fluorescence increased monotonically. The use of the ratio of the logarithms of the background fluorescence of the drug and the fluorescence of endocrinocytes in the calculations gives a stable estimate of the relative concentration of hormones, which does not depend on the intensity of the selected UV radiation regime, as well as on the duration of UV irradiation of the drug. This makes it possible to neutralize the effect of photodynamic discoloration of the preparation caused by continuous irradiation. Methods for machine selection of the region of interest by various algorithms of the ImageJ program lead to different estimates of its area, integral, and average fluorescence values. At the same time, the result closest to the “ideal” interactive method of highlighting the area of interest for insulin and glucagon was shown by Otsu’s algorithm. Conclusions. In immunofluorescent examination of the pancreas, a moderate UV radiation mode should be selected, exposure correction of the CCD camera before taking each frame, and the total time for examining the visual field of the sample should be limited to 1–2 minutes. To highlight the area of interest for insulin and glucagon in automatic analysis, it is recommended to use the Otsu algorithm. To obtain a quantitative estimate of the average fluorescence intensity in the region of interest, it is recommended to use the ratio of the logarithms of the background fluorescence of the drug and endocrinocytes in the calculations.

The Effects of Surface Roughness of the Stainless-Steel Anode on Electricity Enhancement of Microbial Fuel Cell

Microorganisms actively catabolize substrate, and bioelectricity is generated. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) could be utilized as a power generator in small devices. The discovery of species of microorganisms is called Rhodopseudomonas palustris KU-EGAT 13. The experiments have been conducted with the production of electricity from this type of microorganism in a single chamber microbial fuel cell. The study used 4 surface roughness of anode electrode single chamber micro fuel to study the performance of microbial fuel cell effect from the anode. Three stainless steel plates were polished to uniform roughness to the magnitude between 0.05 and 1 µm. After 24 h of experimentation, the rough electrode’s open-circuit voltage (OCV) and power densities were much higher than that produced by the smooth one. Moreover, the smooth surface is higher than the charge-transfer resistance of the rough electrode. The rough surface’s better electrochemical performance is due to denser biofilm grown on the surface, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and figuring out the microbial number in an image using an ImageJ program.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; The new discovery of species of microorganisms is called Rhodopseudomonas palustris KU-EGAT 13 which can produce electricity in a single chamber microbial fuel cell&#x0D; The performance of MFCs has gotten an effect from the different anode surface roughness.The biomass growth is larger than a rougher anode surface, which contributes to anode’s efficiency&#x0D; After observed by SEM, found that when it is in the highest anode surface roughness directed towards the number of microbes stick on the surface&#x0D; &#x0D; GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Effect of phacoemulsification fluid flow on the corneal endothelium: experimental study in rabbit eyes.

To quantify the damage to the corneal endothelium from the flow of a balanced salt solution during phacoemulsification. John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Experimental study. 12 New Zealand white rabbits received bilateral surgery. 6 eyes served as controls with no irrigation (incision only). In 18 eyes, the Intrepid Balanced tip of the Centurion Ozil (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.) handpiece was inserted into the anterior chamber for continuous irrigation at 50 mL/min with either 250 or 500 mL of balanced salt solution. After killing humanely and enucleation, the corneas were removed, stained with trypan blue-alizarin red, and photographed in a standardized manner (×400 photographs from 5 specific areas and 1 overview photograph from each corneal button). The ImageJ program was used to evaluate cell damage and loss in the photographs obtained from each cornea. Analysis of the ×400 photographs showed no statistically significant differences between control, 250 mL, and 500 mL groups in the percentage of intact, damaged, or lost cells (P = .896, .851, and .972 respectively). For the overview photographs, the differences in areas of intact and damaged cells among the groups were statistically significant, likely because of the peripheral areas of damage related to touches between the phacoemulsification tip and the endothelium during irrigation. The volume of balanced salt solution flow alone did not seem to be a major contributing source of endothelial cell damage and loss, providing further insight into mechanisms of corneal endothelium damage during phacoemulsification.

Vitamin B12 reduces the negative effects of nicotine on fetal bone development in the rats.

Objectives The aim of this experimental rat study was to investigate the effectiveness of vitamin B12 (Vit-B12) against the teratogenic effects of nicotine use during pregnancy in the fetus.Materials and methods Eighteen Wistar-Albino pregnant rats were divided into six groups (n=3, each) as Group 1 (control), Group 2 (Vit-B12), Group 3 (nicotine 3 mg/kg/day), Group 4 (nicotine 3 mg/kg/day + Vit-B12), Group 5 (nicotine 6 mg/kg/day) and Group 6 (nicotine 6 mg/kg/day + Vit-B12). Nicotine was administered subcutaneously and Vit-B12 was administered intraperitoneally for 20 days. The skeletal systems of the embryos were stained using the double-staining method. The total bone length (TBL), the length of the ossified part, and the ossification rate were calculated using the ImageJ program. In addition, the weight and crown-rump length (CRL) of the embryos were measured and recorded.Results Clinical shock effect was observed in all rats administered nicotine. A significant decrease in weight, CRL, and TBL was measured in Group 3 (p=0.0081) and, particularly in Group 5 (p=0.026), which were given only nicotine, compared to other groups. In the morphometric measurements of Group 4 and Group 6 to which Vit-B12 was added, values close to the control group were measured (p=0.173). The data of Group 6 were statistically significantly larger than Group 5 (p=0.007), while it was statistically smaller than Group 1 (p=0.0038).Conclusion Nicotine use negatively affects the morphological development of the embryo. On the other hand, Vit-B12 provides benefits in reducing these negative effects.

Modified Natural Rubber as a Simple Chemical Sensor with Smartphone Detection for Formaldehyde Content in a Seafood Sample.

A new biodegradable platform-based sensor for formaldehyde assay is proposed. Natural rubber latex was modified to polylactic acid–chloroacetated natural rubber polymer blend sheets. The polymer blend sheet was grafted using a water-based system with amine monomers as a platform, with a spot exhibiting positive polarity for immobilizing with anionic dye (Acid Red 27). The sensor was exposed to formaldehyde. The color intensity of the dye on the sensor spot would decrease. Using a smartphone with image processing (via ImageJ program), the color intensity change (∆B) could be followed. A linear calibration, ∆B intensity = 0.365 [FA] + 6.988, R2 = 0.997, was obtained for 10–150 mM FA with LOD and LOQ at 3 and 10 mM, respectively (linear regression method). The precision was lower than 20% RSD. Application to real seafood samples was demonstrated. The ready-to-use sensor with the proposed method was cost-effective, was portable for on-site analysis, and demonstrated green chemical analysis.