Thin Strands Research Articles

Spatial Structure of Plasma Coagulation Factor XIII and Changes with Activation

IntroductionBlood coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is a precursor of the active transglutaminase (FXIIIa) that catalyzes covalent cross-linking within polymeric fibrin to increase mechanical and proteolytic stability of blood clots and thrombi. Structurally, inactive plasma FXIII (pFXIII) with a molecular mass of 326 kDa is a heterotetramer (A2B2) with two catalytic A subunits (FXIII-A, 83 kDa) and two non-catalytic B subunits (FXIII-B, 80 kDa).The inactive pFXIII is converted into a catalytically active form by thrombin and Ca2+. Thrombin cleaves off an activation peptide (AP) from the N-terminus of each A subunit, and subsequently B subunits dissociate from thrombin-cleaved A subunits in presence of Ca2+. However, the oligomerization state of activated A and B subunits remain controversial.Both activated and inactive FXIII A subunits have been characterized crystallographically, while the atomic structure of the FXIII-A2B2 complex remains unknown. Therefore, our goal was to visualize and characterize the molecular structure of FXIII and its activated form FXIIIa using high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM).MethodsCommercially available pFXIII (Enzyme Research Laboratories, USA), non-activated or activated with thrombin and Ca2+, was adsorbed on the surface of graphite rendered hydrophilic with an amphiphilic hydrocarbon-glycine modifier followed by single-molecule AFM imaging, methodology developed by us to allow high-resolution imaging. Additionally, recombinant rFXIII-A2 (Zymogenetics, USA) and recombinant rFXIII-B2 (Zedira, Germany) were imaged to compare the structures and dimensions of FXIII and FXIIIa with individual dimeric subunits.ResultsIndividual molecules of pFXIII were visualized in AFM as globules with two (67% of the molecules), one (14%), or no (19%) thread-like extensions (Fig. 1A). The size (height) of the globular portions had a symmetrical distribution with a maximum at 3.5 nm. The strands had a peak contour length of 20 nm and a height of 0.4 nm. Based on the known polypeptide composition of pFXIII-A2B2, the observed molecular images could be interpreted as an A2 globule with one or two individual B subunits extending out from it. The structural diversity of FXIII forms may reflect an equilibrium between association and dissociation of B subunits from the A2 dimer. Alternatively, the B subunits can be partially or fully wrapped around the globular A2 dimer, making them invisible in AFM images.Although a crystallographic structure of FXIII-A2 is available, its AFM imaging was important to identify the A2 dimer within inactive and activated pFXIII molecules: rFXIII-A2 was a globule with the same height as the pFXIII globular core (Fig. 1B).Recombinant dimeric B subunits (rFXIII-B2) appear as thin flexible strands with an average contour length of 33 nm and a height of 0.6 nm (Fig. 1C). Thus, both the length and height of the free B2 dimers were significantly larger compared to the strands sticking out from the globular core of pFXIII-A2B2 molecules, we conclude that these strands in pFXIII-A2B2 comprise monomeric B subunits.In thrombin-activated pFXIIIa, the B-subunits dissociated from the A2 dimer and self-associated to form B2 dimers (Fig. 1D). The height distribution of globular particles remaining separated was bimodal with two peaks: one at 3.3 nm corresponded to the whole tetrameric pFXIII-A2B2 and, potentially, dimeric FXIII-A2, while the second major peak at 2.1 nm likely represented FXIII-A monomers.ConclusionsOur results provide qualitative and quantitative molecular structural characteristics of inactive and activated human pFXIII as well as dimeric A and B subunits. We have shown that inactive plasma FXIII (pFXIII-A2B2) consists of a globular A2 dimer core and individual B subunits extending out as flexible strands. Recombinant inactive FXIII-A subunits in the absence of FXIII-B subunits form a globular homodimer. Recombinant FXIII-B subunits in the absence of FXIII-A subunits form flexible homodimeric strands. Upon activation of pFXIII-A2B2 with thrombin and Ca2+, the initially monomeric B subunits dissociate from the globular core of the molecule and form B2 homodimers, while the initially dimeric activated A subunits dissociate into monomers.Fig. 1. AFM images of A: pFXIII-A2B2, B: rFXIII-A2, C: rFXIII-B2, D: thrombin-activated pFXIIIa. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Structures of filum terminale and characteristics of ependymal cells of its central canal in rats

The filum terminale (FT) is a potential source of ependymal cells for transplantation. The present study was performed to clarify the characteristics of ependymal cells of the central canal (CC) of the FT in rats. The FT was a thin strand continuous with the conus medullaris (CM), a caudal end of the main spinal cord, situated at the L3-4 level in adult rats. The border between the CM and FT was not visible, but could be defined as the site where the strand was as thin as its more caudal segment. While the CM contained an appreciable amount of white and grey matter associated with the CC at its center, the FT had no or only a negligible amount of such spinal cord parenchymal tissue. The FT was tracked ca. 4 cm from the site defined above to the level of S4-5 in adult rats. The rostral part of the FT (FTI) included within the cauda equina is exposed to cerebrospinal fluid, whereas the more caudal part (FTE) was surrounded by a dense layer of connective tissue. Almost all ependymal cells were immunostained for Sox2, Sox9, FoxJ1, and CD133, generally recognized immunochemical markers for ependymal cells of the CC in the spinal cord. Ependymal cells of the CC of FT exhibited almost the same structural and immunohistochemical characteristics as those of the CC of the main spinal cord. Ependymal cells of FTI covered by a thin layer of connective tissue are considered appropriate for transplantation.

Effect of process parameters on the interface temperature in ultrasonic aluminum wire bonding

In the present work, a very first attempt has been made to investigate the effect of two process parameters, namely the applied sonotrode pressure and the amplitude of the ultrasonic oscillations on the temperature rise at the interfaces of thin aluminum strands during ultrasonic welding (USW) of multi-strand single core cables. By measuring the temperature inside the wire bundle through thermocouples, it is found that increasing the amplitude of vibrations in the USW process of multi-strand cables is more effective in interface temperature rise than increasing the applied pressure.During USW of a strand bundle, the sonotrode pressure defines the potential positions for the weld points, whereas the amplitude of vibrations defines the degree of bonding at those points due to the effective heat generation as a result of sliding friction. A finite element model of the strand bundle displays the same trend for the effect of pressure as well as amplitude of vibrations on the interfacial temperature rise. Furthermore the applied pressure on the mating parts enhances the efficiency of the ultrasonic welding process, whereas an extended sonotrode pressure results in a lower temperature rise, as it prevents the strands from effectively sliding against each other. Microsections of the welded samples, which show the formation of different interfacial bonds under different sonotrode pressures, reveal that with an extended sonotrode pressure, strands undergo strong plastic deformations but a better bondability is not achieved. Observation of aluminum softening at some bonding parts within the wire bundle is an indication of a high local temperature rise at strand interfaces.

Ultrastructure of Substance P Immunopositive Axons in the Human Dental Pulp

There exists very little information on the ultrastructure of substance P immunopositive (+) fibers in the human dental pulp, which may help in understanding the mechanism for substance P associated pulpal inflammatory pain. To address this issue, we investigated the presence of substance P+ fibers in the human dental pulp by light- and electron-microscopic immunohistochemistry. Light microscopy revealed that substance P+ fibers ran within neurovascular bundles in the radicular pulp and in the core of coronal pulp. They were also frequently present in the peripheral pulp. Substance P+ fibers showed beads like swellings interconnected by thin axonal strand, in a manner similar to bouton en passants and interconnecting axonal strand in the spinal cord. Electron microscopy revealed that almost all the substance P+ axons were unmyelinated. The axonal swellings of the substance P+ contained numerous clear round vesicles (40-50 nm in diameter) and many large dense-cored vesicles (80-110 nm in diameter) as well as many mitochondria. The vesicles and mitochondria were rarely observed in the thin axonal strand interconnecting the swellings. Intimate interrelationship or synaptic structure between the swellings of substance P+ axon and nearby pulpal cells or axons was not found. These findings suggest co-release of substance P and glutamate from the substance P+ pulpal axons and its action on nearby structures in a paracrine manner.

Designing of Rectangular Photonic Crystal Fiber to Minimize the Total Dispersion

Since optical fibers are extra thin strands of ultra-pure glasses which are designed to transmit lights from transmitter section to a receiver section. Such light signals can be represented as electrical signals which include audio information, videos information or various data information in any combination. Since everyone knows that an optical fiber consists of three main regions. The center region of the fiber is known as core. This core region actually used to carries light. Its diameter lies in the range from 9 micrometer (μm) to 100 micrometer. In this paper I just try to design a rectangle structure of silica fiber with an alternate diameter range in every layers of the design which varies from 0.5 micrometer to 1 micrometer and kept pitch of the design is 2 micrometer. With all these parameters I found the refractive index of the designed Structure obtained is 1.433 and calculated dispersion in the 2 micrometer to 20 micrometer range is nearly zero.

Показания к реконструктивной лазерной хирургии при патологии глаз у детей: итоги многолетних наблюдений

Purpose. To provide updated and expanded indications for YAG laser surgery in ocular diseases of children, developed on the basis of 25 years of experience, for the introduction into the broad practice of pediatric ophthalmology in the Russian Federation. Material and methods. The indications were developed on the basis of the analysis of results in 4422 laser reconstructive surgeries (62% in conditions of general anesthesia) for children from 2 months to 17 years (1/3 children – up to 3 years) with congenital, post-traumatic, postinflammatory eye pathology performed by the authors in the Pediatric Department of the Moscow Helmholtz Research Institute of Eye Diseases from 1991 to 2016. There were used combined laser installations including the IAG laser destructor (1064 nm) and Argon or Diode laser coagulator (532 nm) and the laser tehniques adapted for children and their own patented methods. Results. The safety of laser interventions in children with strict observance of the fulfilled energy parameters of laser operations has been proved. The efficiency of the 4422 YAG laser surgeries performed to children (after 2-16 years was 87.7 to 97.3%), the long-term experience and improvement of laser techniques allowed to expand the spectrum of laser interventions in children and to work out a list of indications for the YAG-laser reconstructive surgery in children with the ophthalmic pathology. Conclusion. The YAG laser reconstructions are recommended for pupillary membranes (including congenital, secondary, membranous and regenerative), precipitates on the IOL, linear vitreo-, iridocorneal synechias, pupil block, deformation, dislocation or obturation of pupil, cysts of the iris and anterior chamber, flocculi of the pupillary margin, internal fistulae obturation after trabeculectomy, thin vitreous strands, and also for anterior capsulotomy (as a stage of the subsequent extraction of cataracts, especially with subluxation of the lens). The main kinds of reconstructive laser operations recommended for introduction into the practice of pediatric ophthalmology of the Russian Federation are presented as for illustration exemplary.

Microscopic Isthmuses and Fibrosis Within the Border Zone of Infarcted Hearts Promote Calcium-Mediated Ectopy and Conduction Block

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) secondary to myocardial infarction (MI) remain a major cause of sudden death in adults. Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), the first initiating beats of a portion of these arrhythmias, arise from triggered activity in the infarct border zone (BZ). At the cellular scale, spontaneous calcium release (SCR) events are a known cause of triggered activity and have been reported in cells that survive MI. At the tissue scale, fibrosis has been shown to play an important role in creating the substrate for VT. However, the interplay between SCR-mediated triggered activity and fibrosis upon VT formation in infarcted hearts has not been fully investigated. Here, we conduct in-silico experiments to assess how macroscopic and microscopic anatomical properties of the BZ can create a substrate for SCR-mediated VT formation. To study this question, we employ a stochastic subcellular-scale model of SCR events and action potential to simulate different cardiac preparations. Within 2D sheet models with idealized infarct scars and BZ we show that the probability of PVCs is higher, 55%, in preparations with thin conducting isthmuses (0.2 mm) transcending the scar. In an anatomically-detailed model of the rabbit ventricles with a realistic representation of intramural scars, we show that the heart’s protective source-sink mismatch prevents ectopy. Furthermore, we demonstrate that fibrosis disrupts this antiarrhythmic mechanism making PVCs more likely. PVC probability is highest (≥ 25%) when fibrosis accounts for 60% and 90% of the BZ in the 2D sheet and the 3D anatomical model, respectively. Above these thresholds, PVC occurrence decreases because of: 1) the reduced number of myocytes in the BZ; 2) conduction block. Block is caused either by disconnection of BZ cells from the myocardium or due to source-sink mismatches at regions of rapid tissue expansion. Moreover, while outward propagation to healthy tissue may fail, PVCs traveling inward through the scar might encounter more favorable loading conditions. These PVCs may exit to the myocardium and reenter back at the region of block. Overall, our findings indicate that thin isthmuses and strands of myocytes interspersed with fibrosis can be arrhythmogenic. Ablation of these microscopic structures may prevent VT formation.

A hair ice observation in Devon

AbstractHair ice is a rare type of ice formation that resembles thin strands of hair and is found only on rotting wood in specific weather conditions and locations. The peculiar formation of the ice is dependent on the presence of a particular fungus on dead wood from broadleaf woodland, which helps to shape the ice hairs and prevents them from recrystallising. This article details a recent sighting of hair ice at Buckland Abbey in Devon and describes this interesting and unusual phenomenon, as well as outlining the formation process.

Nanotechnology in construction and demolition: What we know, what we don’t

Self-cleaning windows, very high strength concrete and thin, super-efficient insulation are just three examples of new building materials promised by nanotechnology, which manipulates matter at the atomic level. But for all their purported benefits, little is known about the risks posed by very small, engineered particles and fibres. Some long and very thin strands might act like asbestos if they are inhaled, for instance. To begin addressing this knowledge gap, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) sponsored a research team at Loughborough University, led by Professor Alistair Gibb and Dr Wendy Jones, to investigate where these materials are used, how widespread this use is, what the potential risks are and how workers in construction and demolition might manage them. The executive summary of that report, released in January, is reproduced here with IOSH’s permission.

Hempseed meal protein isolates prepared by different isolation techniques. Part II. gelation properties at different ionic strengths

The effect of isolation technique and sodium chloride level (0, 50, 300 mM, at pH 7.0) on gelation of hemp protein isolates was investigated. The aqueous dispersions (30% w/w) prepared from micelle (salt extracted) protein isolate (HMI) behaved more as concentrated liquid-like dispersions, while the dispersions prepared from the alkali extracted/isoelectric precipitated protein isolate (HPI) had a paste-like consistency. Although changes in NaCl concentration did not have a pronounced impact on the rheological properties and microstructure of HPI dispersions, an increase in NaCl concentration led to HMI protein isolate aggregation. On heating, both HMI and HPI formed gels as indicated by dynamic oscillatory rheological measurements. Confocal micrographs have shown that the HPI gels had a granular, particulate structure, while the HMI gels had cellular-like structure formed from thin strands. In the case of HMI gels, 300 mM NaCI concentration caused intensive protein-protein interactions, which resulted in the formation of an aggregate structure with larger pore sizes in comparison to HMI gels prepared from low salt (50 mM NaCl) or without salt aqueous dispersions. On the contrary, NaCl addition slightly affected the HPI gels microstructure in terms of preservation of protein globular structure.

Effects of maturation and advanced glycation on tensile mechanics of collagen fibrils from rat tail and Achilles tendons

Connective tissues are ubiquitous throughout the body and consequently affect the function of many organs. In load bearing connective tissues like tendon, the mechanical functionality is provided almost exclusively by collagen fibrils that in turn are stabilized by covalent cross-links. Functionally distinct tendons display different cross-link patterns, which also change with maturation, but these differences have not been studied in detail at the fibril level. In the present study, a custom built nanomechanical test platform was designed and fabricated to measure tensile mechanics of individual fibrils from rat tendons. The influence of animal maturity (4 vs. 16 week old rats) and functionally different tendons (tail vs. Achilles tendons) were examined. Additionally the effect of methylglyoxal (MG) treatment in vitro to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was investigated. Age and tissue type had no significant effect on fibril mechanics, but MG treatment increased strength and stiffness without inducing brittleness and gave rise to a distinct three-phase mechanical response corroborating that previously reported in human patellar tendon fibrils. That age and tissue had little mechanical effect, tentatively suggest that variations in enzymatic cross-links may play a minor role after initial tissue formation. Statement of significanceTendons are connective tissues that connect muscle to bone and carry some of the greatest mechanical loads in the body, which makes them common sites of injury. A tendon is essentially a biological rope formed by thin strands called fibrils made of the protein collagen. Tendon function relies on the strength of these fibrils, which in turn depends on naturally occurring cross-links between collagen molecules, but the mechanical influence of these cross-links have not been measured before. It is believed that beneficial cross-linking occurs with maturation while additional cross-linking with aging may lead to brittleness, but this study provides evidence that maturation has little effect on mechanical function and that age-related cross-linking does not result in brittle collagen fibrils.

Effects of Resin Architecture and Protein Size on Nanoscale Protein Distribution in Ion-Exchange Media.

Knowledge of the nanoscale distribution of proteins in chromatographic resins is critical to our mechanistic understanding of separations performance. However, the nano- to mesoscale architecture of these materials is challenging to characterize using conventional techniques. Small-angle neutron scattering was used to probe (1) the nano- to mesoscale structure of chromatographic media and (2) protein sorption in these media in situ with protein-scale resolution. In particular, we characterize the effect of the architecture of cellulose-based and traditional and dextran-modified agarose-based ion-exchange resins on the nanoscale distribution of a relatively small protein (lysozyme) and two larger proteins (lactoferrin and a monoclonal antibody) at different protein loadings. Traditional agarose-based resins (SP Sepharose FF) can be envisioned as comprising long, thin strands of helical resin material around which the proteins adsorb, while higher static capacities are achieved in dextran-modified resins (SP Sepharose XL and Capto S) due to protein partitioning into the increased effective binding volume provided by the dextran. While protein size is shown not to affect the underlying sorption behavior in agarose-based resins such as SP Sepharose FF and XL, it plays an important role in the cellulose-based S HyperCel and the more highly cross-linked agarose-based Capto S, where size-exclusion effects prevent larger proteins from binding to the base matrix resin strands. Based on the data, we propose that entropic partitioning effects such as depletion forces may drive the observed protein crowding. In general, these observations elucidate the structure and point to the mechanism of protein partitioning in different classes of chromatographic materials, providing guidance for optimizing their performance.

Quantitative study of free convective heat losses from thermodynamic partitions using Thermal Imaging

The following paper presents a simple method of determining the presence, distribution and values of heat losses from external building walls as thermodynamic partitions using a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC).According to Fourier's equation, the value of heat loss is proportional to the temperature gradient ∂t/∂y|y=0 in air in the y direction perpendicular to the heated surface. Unfortunately, air temperature cannot be measured with a TIC, as gases do not emit thermal radiation. It is therefore suggested that a grid placed vertically in the air and perpendicularly to the heated surface should be used as a detector of temperature field. Warmed by convective air flows, such a grid becomes a source of infrared radiation. The temperature distribution reproduced on the grid constructed from thin strands of a low thermal conductivity material is sufficiently distinct and sharp to be recorded with a TIC.The correctness of the TIC method has been tested in laboratory conditions on the example of a vertical heating plate, as well as in real-life conditions − on a single pane of glass serving as a building partition. When compared to the works of other authors, the result obtained as Nu = 0.571·Ra0.25 relation reveals a satisfactory correlation for the heating plate, while estimated temperature distributions and heat fluxes from the room to the surface of thermodynamic partition wall Qloss,conv,in and on the outside of the building Qloss,conv,ext successfully and quite precisely correlate (5–7% for both internal and external sides) with theoretical calculations.Therefore, the TIC method proposed in this paper can significantly extend the range of application of TICs in energy audits, especially for buildings

Guided flows in coronal magnetic flux tubes

Context. There is evidence that coronal plasma flows break down into fragments and become laminar. Aims. We investigate this effect by modelling flows confined along magnetic channels. Methods. We consider a full magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of a solar atmosphere box with a dipole magnetic field. We compare the propagation of a cylindrical flow perfectly aligned with the field to that of another flow with a slight misalignment. We assume a flow speed of 200 km s-1 and an ambient magnetic field of 30 G. Results. We find that although the aligned flow maintains its cylindrical symmetry while it travels along the magnetic tube, the misaligned one is rapidly squashed on one side, becoming laminar and eventually fragmented because of the interaction and back-reaction of the magnetic field. This model could explain an observation made by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory of erupted fragments that fall back onto the solar surface as thin and elongated strands and end up in a hedge-like configuration. Conclusions. The initial alignment of plasma flow plays an important role in determining the possible laminar structure and fragmentation of flows while they travel along magnetic channels.

Choosing a Better Delay Line Medium between Single-Mode and Multi-Mode Optical Fibers: the Effect of Bending

Optical fiber cables are materials whose core is made of silica and other materials such as chalcogenide glasses; they transmit a digital signal via light pulses through an extremely thin strand of glass. The light propagates and is being guided by the core which is surrounded by the cladding. Light travels in the optical fiber in the form of total internal reflection in the core of the fibers. The flexibility, low tensile strength, low signal loss, high bandwidth and other characteristics of optical fibers favors it for use as a delay medium in many applications. Another favorable characteristic of optical fiber delay lines is are their relative insensitivities to environmental effects and electromagnetic interferences. The immunity of optical fibers to interferences and their less weight added advantages to it for use as delay medium. Single-mode and multi-mode are the two most popular types of optical fibers. Single-mode fibers have good propagation and delay properties with a minimal loss that allows the signal to propagate in a large distance with insignificant distortion or attenuation. The percentage of power transmission of single-mode fibers is found to be higher than that of the multi-mode fibers. It is, therefore, a preferred type for use as a delay line. In this paper, relative studies of the two optical fibers modes, and the results of power input/output measurement of the two modes are presented with a view to com i ng up with a better type for use as a delay medium.

The Role of Electron Excitation and Nature of Molecular Gas in Cluster Central Elliptical Galaxies

Abstract We present observations in CO (3–2) that, combined with previous observations in CO (2–1), constrain the physical properties of the filamentary molecular gas in the central ∼6.5 kpc of NGC 1275, the central giant elliptical galaxy of the Perseus Cluster. We find this molecular gas to have a temperature ≳ 20 K and a density ∼ 10 2 – 10 4 cm − 3 , typically warmer and denser than the bulk of Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) in the Galaxy. Bathed in the harsh radiation and particle field of the surrounding intracluster X-ray gas, the molecular gas likely has a much higher ionization fraction than that of GMCs. For an ionization fraction of ∼10−4, similar to that of Galactic diffuse ( ≲ 250 cm − 3 ) partially molecular clouds that emit in HCN (1–0) and HCO+ (1–0), we show that the same gas traced in CO can produce the previously reported emissions in HCN (3–2), HCO+ (3–2), and CN (2–1) from NGC 1275; the dominant source of excitation for all the latter molecules is collisions with electrons. For the molecular filaments to not collapse, as evidenced by their lack of star formation, they must consist of thin strands that have cross-sectional radii ≲0.2–2 pc if supported solely by thermal gas pressure; larger radii are permissible if turbulence or poloidal magnetic fields provide additional pressure support. We point out that the conditions required to relate CO luminosities to molecular gas masses in our Galaxy are unlikely to apply in cluster central elliptical galaxies. Rather than being virialized structures analogous to GMCs, we propose that the molecular gas in NGC 1275 comprises pressure-confined structures created by turbulent flows.

Lambl's excrescences associated with cyptogenic stroke

Background: Lambl's excrescences are usually detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and are characterized as thin filiform strands that attached to the edges of cardiac valves. Although the exact pathogenetic mechanism of Lambl’s excrescences have not fully understood yet, several reports have shown an association between Lambl’s excrescences and embolic cerebral infarction.

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH AYURVEDA (AYURVEDA- A RAY OF LIGHT FOR THE WOMEN TRAPPED BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY)

Woman is the centre of any social system. She plays many roles in her life but it is strange, that she has to fight for each single moment for her survival. Time has changed the situation for women on the basis of official recognition but in reality, there are still many persistent conflicts hanging on a thin strand with similar strength to that of a hair.

Effect of pH at drainage on the physicochemical, textural and microstructural characteristics of mozzarella cheese from goat milk

The aim of this study was a contribution to standardazation the process of making mozzarella cheese from goat milk by draining at different pH values 5.0 (MC50), 5.3 (MC53) and 5.6 (MC56), so as to obtain a product with suitable physicochemical, microstructural and textural characteristics. MC50 had lower protein and calcium, with very few strands. MC53 had adequate moisture content, fat, protein and calcium. The cheese yield was higher, the hardness parameters were lower, and the microstructure revealed the presence of long, thin strands, giving it the distinctive texture for this type of cheese. MC56 curd did not reach a good stretching property, requiring longer exposure to heating to obtain the yarn. This resulted in lower retention of fat, lower cheese yield, increased calcium and hardness values, and absence of strands. Overall, the goat milk presented aptitude for processing this type of cheese, however the pH 5.3 was selected to obtain a product with suitable physicochemical, textural and microstructural characteristics.

Implementation of fluorescence confocal mosaicking microscopy by "early adopter" Mohs surgeons and dermatologists: recent progress.

Confocal mosaicking microscopy (CMM) enables rapid imaging of large areas of fresh tissue ex vivo without the processing that is necessary for conventional histology. When performed in fluorescence mode using acridine orange (nuclear specific dye), it enhances nuclei-to-dermis contrast that enables detection of all types of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), including micronodular and thin strands of infiltrative types. So far, this technique has been mostly validated in research settings for the detection of residual BCC tumor margins with high sensitivity of 89% to 96% and specificity of 99% to 89%. Recently, CMM has advanced to implementation and testing in clinical settings by “early adopter” Mohs surgeons, as an adjunct to frozen section during Mohs surgery. We summarize the development of CMM guided imaging of ex vivo skin tissues from bench to bedside. We also present its current state of application in routine clinical workflow not only for the assessment of residual BCC margins in the Mohs surgical setting but also for some melanocytic lesions and other skin conditions in clinical dermatology settings. Last, we also discuss the potential limitations of this technology as well as future developments. As this technology advances further, it may serve as an adjunct to standard histology and enable rapid surgical pathology of skin cancers at the bedside.