Measuring Ca^(2+) influxes of TRPC1-dependent Ca^(2+) channels in HL-7702 cells with Non-invasive Micro-test Technique

AIM： To explore the possibility of using the Noninvasive Micro-test Technique （NMT） to investigate the role of Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 1 （TRPC1） in regulating Ca^2＋ influxes in HL-7702 cells, a normal human liver cell line.METHODS： Net Ca^2＋ fluxes were measured with NMT, a technology that can obtain dynamic information of specific/selective ionic/molecular activities on material surfaces, non-invasively. The expression levels of TRPCl were increased by liposomal transfection, whose effectiveness was evaluated by Western-blotting and single cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS： Ca^2＋ influxes could be elicited by adding 1 mmol/L CaCl2 to the test solution of HL-7702 cells. They were enhanced by addition of 20 μmol/L noradrenalin and inhibited by 100 μmol/L LaCl3 （a non-selective Ca^2＋ channel blocker）; 5 μmol/L nifedipine did not induce any change. Overexpression of TRPCl caused increased Ca^2＋ influx. Five micromoles per liter nifedipine did not inhibit this elevation, whereas 100 μmol/L LaCI3 did.CONCLUSION： In HL-7702 cells, there is a type of TRPCl-dependent Ca^2＋ channel, which could be detected v/a NMT and inhibited by La^3＋.

Measurement of Ca^(2+) Flow in Cochlear Cells Using Non-Invasive Micro-Test Technique

Objective To test Calcium ion(Ca2+) flow at the head and end of outer hair cells(OHCs) in resting state and in response to Nimodipine treatment.Methods Non-invasive micro-test techniques were used to study Ca2+ in isolated OHCs in adult guinea pigs.Results Four types of Ca2+ transport were identified in OHCs on basilar membrane tissue fragments:influx at the head of with efflux at the bottom(type 1):efflux at the head of OHCs with influx at the bottom(type 2);influx at the both head and bottom(type 3);and efflux at the both head and bottom(type 4).However,only type 1 and type 3 of Ca2+ ion transport were detected in the cochlea.We propose that Ca2+ ion transport exists in adult guinea pig cochlear OHCs in resting state and is variable.Ca2 + flow in OHC can be inhibited by Nimodipine in resting state.

Non-invasive evaluation of liver stiffness after splenectomy in rabbits with CCl_4-induced liver fibrosis

AIM To investigate the diagnostic performance of liver stiffness measurement(LSM) by elastography point quantification(Elast PQ) in animal models and determine the longitudinal changes in liver stiffness by Elast PQ after splenectomy at different stages of fibrosis.METHODS Liver stiffness was measured in sixty-eight rabbits with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis at different stages and eight healthy control rabbits by Elast PQ. Liver biopsies and blood samples were obtained at scheduled time points to assess liver function and degree of fibrosis. Thirty-one rabbits with complete data that underwent splenectomy at different stages of liver fibrosis were then included for dynamic monitoring of changes in liver stiffness by Elast PQ and liver function according to blood tests.RESULTS LSM by Elast PQ was significantly correlated with histologic fibrosis stage(r = 0.85, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff values by Elast PQ were 11.27, 14.89, and 18.21 k Pa for predicting minimal fibrosis, moderate fibrosis, and cirrhosis, respectively. Longitudinalmonitoring of the changes in liver stiffness by Elast PQ showed that early splenectomy(especially F1) may delay liver fibrosis progression.CONCLUSION Elast PQ is an available, convenient, objective and non-invasive technique for assessing liver stiffness in rabbits with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, liver stiffness measurements using Elast PQ can dynamically monitor the changes in liver stiffness in rabbit models, and in patients, after splenectomy.

Non-Invasive Early Diagnosis of Obstructive Lung Diseases Leveraging Machine Learning Algorithms

Lungs are a vital human body organ,and different Obstructive Lung Diseases(OLD)such as asthma,bronchitis,or lung cancer are caused by shortcomings within the lungs.Therefore,early diagnosis of OLD is crucial for such patients suffering from OLD since,after early diagnosis,breathing exercises and medical precautions can effectively improve their health state.A secure non-invasive early diagnosis of OLD is a primordial need,and in this context,digital image processing supported by Artificial Intelligence(AI)techniques is reliable and widely used in the medical field,especially for improving early disease diagnosis.Hence,this article presents an AIbased non-invasive and secured diagnosis for OLD using physiological and iris features.This research work implements different machine-learning-based techniques which classify various subjects,which are healthy and effective patients.The iris features include gray-level run-length matrix-based features,gray-level co-occurrence matrix,and statistical features.These features are extracted from iris images.Additionally,ten different classifiers and voting techniques,including hard and soft voting,are implemented and tested,and their performances are evaluated using several parameters,which are precision,accuracy,specificity,F-score,and sensitivity.Based on the statistical analysis,it is concluded that the proposed approach offers promising techniques for the non-invasive early diagnosis of OLD with an accuracy of 97.6%.

Neuromodulation for tinnitus treatment:an overview of invasive and non-invasive techniques

Tinnitus is defined as a perception of sound without any external sound source.Chronic tinnitus is a frequent condition that can affect the quality of life.So far,no causal cure for tinnitus has been documented,and most pharmacologic and psychosomatic treatment modalities aim to diminish tinnitus’impact on the quality of life.Neuromodulation,a novel therapeutic modality,which aims at alternating nerve activity through a targeted delivery of a stimulus,has emerged as a potential option in tinnitus treatment.This review provides a brief overview of the current neuromodulation techniques as tinnitus treatment options.The main intention is to provide updated knowledge especially for medical professionals counselling tinnitus patients in this emerging field of medicine.Non-invasive methods such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial electrical stimulation,neurofeedback,and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation were included,as well as invasive methods such as implanted vagus nerve stimulation and invasive brain stimulation.Some of these neuromodulation techniques revealed promising results;nevertheless,further research is needed,especially regarding the pathophysiological principle as to how these neuromodulation techniques work and what neuronal change they induce.Various studies suggest that individually different brain states and networks are involved in the generation and perception of tinnitus.Therefore,in the future,individually tailored neuromodulation strategies could be a promising approach in tinnitus treatment for achieving a more substantial and longer lasting improvement of complaints.

基于非损伤微测技术监测贮期鸡蛋氧呼吸规律

鸡蛋作为一个生命体,呼吸作用是其产后重要的生理活动,也是影响鸡蛋贮运效果的重要因素,研究鸡蛋氧呼吸规律对其贮藏保鲜意义重大。该文应用非损伤微测技术,搭建特有的微测试验平台,实时监测鸡蛋与外界微环境的O2交换速率以及交换强度。通过预试验选定探针与鸡蛋表面的最佳距离为50μm,选定鸡蛋最佳测试位置为钝端。试验选取一天中的4个时间点(6:00,12:00,18:00,24:00)来测试鸡蛋O2呼吸,借以研究鸡蛋在一天不同时间点的氧呼吸强弱;另外在每天同一时间点测试鸡蛋O2流速,连续测一个月,来研究鸡蛋贮藏期间的氧呼吸变化规律。试验发现:一天中鸡蛋的氧呼吸存在凌晨高下午低的规律性,无论是受精蛋还是非受精蛋,在每天的不同时间点呼吸强度有差异,受精蛋比非受精蛋的生命活动及新陈代谢变化更强烈,昼夜呼吸差异显著;一个月中,鸡蛋在贮期会产生2次呼吸峰值,分别出现在质变的转折点,并且第2次的峰值明显高于第1次的峰值。试验结果表明鸡蛋存在自身特有呼吸规律,生命代谢活动强时其对应氧呼吸活动也强,反之则弱;刚产下的鸡蛋的呼吸较为活跃。该研究可为如何优化贮藏条件以及提高种蛋的孵化率提供参考。

Application of Non-invasive Microsensing System to Simultaneously Measure Both H^＋ and O2 Fluxes Around the Pollen Tube

Various Ionic and molecular activities in the extraceUular environment are vital to plant cell physiological processes. A noninvasive microsensing system （NMS） based on either the scanning ion-selective electrode technique （SIET） or the scanning polarographlc electrode technique （SPET） is able to obtain information regarding the transportation of various Ions/molecules in Intact samples under normal physiological conditions. The two-probe simultaneous test system （2STS） Is an Integrated system composed of SIET, SPET, and a Xu-Kunkel sampling protocol. In the present study, 2STS was able to simultaneously measure fluxes of H^＋ and O2 of the Uly （Lillum Iongiflorum Thunb. cv. Ace） pollen tube while avoiding interference between the two probes. The results Indicate that the proton fluxes were effluxes, whereas the oxygen fluxes were Influxes, and they were closely correlated to each other surrounding the constitutive alkaline band region. Specifically, when the proton effluxes increased, the oxygen Influxes also increased. Therefore, the hypothesis of condensed active mitochondria existing in the alkalized area of the pollen tube proposed by Hepler＇s group is supported.

Effects and mechanisms of store-operated calcium channel blockade on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

AIM:To further investigate the important role of store-operated calcium channels (SOCs) in rat hepatocytes and to explore the effects of SOC blockers on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI).METHODS:Using freshly isolated hepatocytes from a rat model of HIRI (and controls),we measured cyto-solic free Ca 2+ concentration (by calcium imaging),net Ca 2+ fluxes (by a non-invasive micro-test technique),the SOC current (I SOC ;by whole-cell patch-clamp record-ing),and taurocholate secretion [by high-performance liquid chromatography and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays].RESULTS:Ca 2+ oscillations and net Ca 2+ fluxes medi-ated by Ca 2+ entry via SOCs were observed in rat he-patocytes.I SOC was significantly higher in HIRI groups than in controls (57.0 ± 7.5 pA vs 31.6 ± 2.7 pA,P <0.05) and was inhibited by La 3+.Taurocholate secretion by hepatocytes into culture supernatant was distinctly lower in HIRI hepatocytes than in controls,an effect reversed by SOC blockers.CONCLUSION:SOCs are pivotal in HIRI.SOC blockers protected against HIRI and assisted the recovery of se-cretory function in hepatocytes.Thus,they are likely to become a novel class of effective drugs for prevention or therapy of HIRI patients in the future.

Effects of music therapy in depression and anxiety disorder

Mental disorders are considerate "the evil of the century" by renowned researchers, because a large part of the population in many countries is a diagnosticated, and currently afect youth and children. Among the numerous therapeutic interventions, the music therapy is a non-invasive approach. However, there are very few people who are professionally engaged in research and studies on the subject. Therefore, this article is a literature to talk about the benefits of music therapy sessions for people with stress, depression and anxiety disorders.

Split internal-loop photobioreactor for Scenedesmus sp.microalgae:Culturing and hydrodynamics

In this study,the evaluation of the performance of the split internal loop photobioreactor for culturing a species of green microalgae,Scenedesmus sp.under different operating superficial gas velocity and during a different time of growth(i.e.,starting for the first day until end day of the culturing process)was addressed.The evaluation of the performance of the split internal loop photobioreactor was included assessing the density,pH,temperature,viscosity,surface tension,the optical density,cell population,dry biomass,and chlorophyll of the culture medium of the microalgae culturing.Additionally,the hydrodynamics of a Split Internal-Loop Photobioreactor with microalgae culturing was comprehensively quantified.Radioactive particle tracking(RPT)and gamma-ray computed tomography(CT)techniques were applied for the first time to quantify and address the influence of microalgae culture on the hydrodynamic parameters.The hydrodynamics parameters such as local liquid velocity field,shear stresses,turbulent kinetic energy,and local gas holdup profiles were measured at different superficial gas velocities as well as under different times of algae growth.The obtained results indicate that the flow distribution may significantly affect the performance of the photobioreactor,which may have substantial effects on the cultivation process.The obtained experimental data can serve as benchmark data for the evaluation and validation of computational fluid dynamics(CFD)codes and their closures.This,in turn,allows us to develop efficient reactors and consequently improving the productivity and selectivity of these photobioreactors.

Review of laser and light therapy in the treatment of oculofacial pathology

Demand for non-invasive techniques to treat oculofacial pathology has allowed for the growth and development of several new laser and light therapy modalities. These modalities include the use of intense pulsed light(IPL) and photodynamic therapy(PDT), light-emitting diode devices, as well as ablative and non-ablative lasers. Therapeutic applications in the periorbital area may involve the treatment of vascular lesions, telangiectasias, dyspigmentation, photodamage, hypertrichosis, rhytids, and scars. Laser and light-based technology offers patients treatment options that range from conservative to aggressive, allowing for choices between subtle results with little downtime or dramatic results with longer downtime. Advantages of laser treatments, as compared to traditional medical and surgical treatments, include a longer lasting effect than some of the conservative therapies and the ability to serve as a happy medium between non-invasive topical medicine and invasive surgical techniques. For patients seekingnon-invasive alternatives, these modalities confer a major advantage over incisional surgery. Understanding appropriate usage, side effects, and outcomes is before treating functional and cosmetic issues. Here we present a review of current treatment modalities, their use, side effects, and outcomes.

Accuracy of Cardiogoniometry in Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Angina Pectoris

Background: Cardiogoniometry (CGM) is a novel non-invasive technique for quantitative three-dimensional vectorial analysis of myocardial depolarization and repolarization. We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of cardiogoniometry for the identification of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with history of chest pain. Materials and Methods: Cardiogoniometry was performed in 190 patients with history of chest pain prior to diagnostic coronary angiography. Then cardiogoniometry parameters correlated with angiography findings to determine accuracy of cardiogoniometry for diagnose of CAD. Result: Cardiogoniometry showed a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 60%, which was less sensitive than perfusion scan but more sensitive than the ECG and comparable with exercise ECG. The specificity was less than these three methods. Conclusions: Cardiogoniometry is a new, noninvasive method which is helpful in identifying patients with coronary artery disease and can be performed at rest and free of risk such as radiation exposure, and also is suitable for patients who are not able to exercise.

Cellular Cd^(2+)fluxes in roots confirm increased Cd availability to rice(Oryza sativa L.)induced by soil acidifications

Soil acidifications become one of the main causes restricting the sustainable development of agriculture and causing issues of agricultural product safety.In order to explore the effect of different acidification on soil cadmium(Cd)availability,soil pot culture and hydroponic(soil potting solution extraction)were applied,and non-invasive micro-test technique(NMT)was combined.Here three different soil acidification processes were simulated,including direct acidification by adding sulfuric acid(AP1),acid rain acidification(AP2)by adding artificial simulated acid rain and excessive fertilization acidification by adding(NH_(4))_(2)SO_(4)(AP3).The results showed that for direct acidification(AP1),DTPA-Cd concentration in field soils in Liaoning(S1)and Zhejiang(S2)increased by 0.167-0.217 mg/kg and 0.181-0.346 mg/kg,respectively,compared with control group.When soil pH decreased by 0.45 units in S1,the Cd content of rice stems,leaves and roots increased by 0.48 to 6.04 mg/kg and 2.58 to 12.84mg/kg,respectively,When the pH value of soil S1 and S2 decreased by 0.20 units,the average velocity of Cd^(2+)at 200μm increased by 10.03-33.11 pmol/cm~2/sec and 21.33-52.86pmol/cm^(2)/sec,respectively,and followed the order of AP3>AP2>AP1.In summary,different acidification measures would improve the effectiveness of Cd,under the same pH reduction condition,fertilization acidification increased Cd availability most significantly.

Phosphorus removal from sediments by Potamogeton crispus:New high-resolution in-situ evidence for rhizosphere assimilation and oxidization-induced retention

Macrophytes are usually chosen for phytoremediation tools to remove P in eutrophic aquatic ecosystems,but the lack of test methods hinders the understanding of removal mechanism and application.In this study,we used the novel technologies combined of Diffusive gradients in thin films(DGT),Planar optode(PO),and Non-invasive micro-test technology(NMT)to explore P dynamics in water-sediment continuum and rhizosphere of Potamogeton crispus over time.Results of the high-resolution in situ measurement showed that labile P(LPDGT)fluxes at the surficial sediment significantly decreased from approximate 120,140,and 200 pg/(cm^(2)·sec)via 30 days incubation period to 17,40,and 56 pg/(cm2•sec)via that of 15 days.Obvious synchronous increase of LPDGT was not detected in overlying water,suggesting the intense assimilation of dissolve reactive P via root over time.PO measurement indicated that O_(2)concentration around the rhizosphere remarkably increased and radially diffused into deeper sediment until 100%saturation along with the root stretch downwards.NMT detection of roots showed the obvious O_(2)inflow into root tissue with the uppermost flux of 30 pmol/(cm2•sec)from surroundings via aerenchyma on different treatment conditions.Different from previous reports,gradually saturating O_(2)concentrations around the rhizosphere was principally driven by O_(2)penetration through interspace attributing to root stretch downward rather than root O_(2)leakage.Increased O_(2)concentrations in deep sediment over time finally induced the oxidization of labile Fe(II)into Fe(III)bound P and local P immobilization.

Differentiating between fertilized and unfertilized eggs prior to incubation based on oxygen flux measurement

One unresolved challenge in the egg industry is how to efficiently and non-invasively detect unfertilized eggs prior to incubation.This detection ability would not only significantly improve hatching rates and reduce costs but also conserve incubator space and prevent poor-quality embryos from contributing to the spread of infections.This study demonstrates a procedure for distinguishing between fertilized and unfertilized eggs prior to incubation by studying the respiratory differences between fertilized and unfertilized eggs using the Non-invasive Micro-test Technique(NMT).A customized micro-testing examination platform,NMT Egg Testing System(NMT-ETS)was constructed for the real-time monitoring of the intensity and rate of oxygen exchange between the egg and its external environment.The results from this study revealed that at room temperature,there is a significant difference in gas exchange rates between fertilized and unfertilized eggs.The results indicate that the oxygen flux of fertilized eggs exceed 20 pmol/(cm^(2)·s),whereas unfertilized eggs show a much lower oxygen flux.Based on the results,the NMT method can be used to effectively distinguish between fertilized and unfertilized chicken eggs.

Habitat use by mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni determined using stem bite diameters at point of browse, bite rates, and time budgets in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

We studied the habitat use of mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni in the northern edge of the Bale Mountains Na- tional Park, Ethiopia. The aims of this study were to： （1） measure and quantify habitat-specific stem bite diameters of mountain nyala foraging on common natural plant species in two major habitat types （i.e. grasslands versus woodlands）, and （2） quantify the bite rates （number of bites per minute） and the activity time budgets of mountain nyala as functions of habitat type and sex-age category. We randomly laid out three transects in each habitat type. Following each transect, through focal animal obser- vations, we assessed and quantified stem diameters at point of browse （dpb）, bite rates, and time budgets of mountain nyala in grasslands versus woodlands. Stem dpb provide a measure of natural giving-up densities （GUDs） and can be used to assess fora- ging costs and efficiencies, with greater stem dpb corresponding to lower costs and greater efficiencies. The results showed that stem dpb, bite rates, induced vigilance, and proportion of time spent in feeding differed between habitats. In particular, mountain nyala had greater stem dpb, higher bite rates, and spent a greater proportion of their time in feeding and less in induced vigilance in the grasslands. In addition, adult females had the highest bite rates, and the browse species Solanum marginatum had the greatest stem dpb. Generally, grasslands provide the mountain nyala with several advantages over the woodlands, including of- fering lower foraging costs, greater safety, and more time for foraging. The study advocates how behavioural indicators and natural GUDs are used to examine the habitat use of the endangered mountain nyala through applying non-invasive techniques. We conclude that the resulting measures are helpful for guiding conservation and management efforts and could be applicable to a number of endangered wildlife species including the mountain nyala .

K^(+)and Na^(+)fluxes in roots of two Chinese Iris populations

Maintenance of ion homeostasis,particularly the regulation of K^(+)and Na^(+)uptake,is important for all plants to adapt to salinity.Observations on ionic response to salinity and net fluxes of K^(+),Na^(+)in the root exhibited by plants during salt stress have highlighted the need for further investigation.The objectives of this study were to compare salt adaptation of two Chinese Iris(Iris lactea Pall.var.chinensis(Fisch.)Koidz.)populations,and to improve understanding of adaptation to salinity exhibited by plants.Plants used in this study were grown from seeds collected in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(Xj)and Beijing Municipality(Bj),China.Hydroponicallygrown seedlings of the two populations were supplied with nutrient solutions containing 0.1(control)and 140 mmol·L^(–1) NaCl.After 12 days,plants were harvested for determination of relative growth rate and K^(+),Na^(+)concentrations.Net fluxes of K^(+),Na^(+)from the apex and along the root axis to 10.8 mm were measured using noninvasive micro-test technique.With 140 mmol·L^(–1) NaCl treatment,shoots for population Xj had larger relative growth rate and higher K^(+)concentration than shoots for population Bj.However,the Na^(+)concentrations in both shoots and roots were lower for Xj than those for Bj.There was a lower net efflux of K^(+)found in population Xj than by Bj in the mature zone(approximately 2.4^(–1)0.8 mm from root tip).However,no difference in the efflux of Na^(+)between the populations was obtained.Population Xj of I.lactea continued to grow normally under NaCl stress,and maintained a higher K^(+)/Na^(+)ratio in the shoots.These traits,which were associated with lower K^(+)leakage,help population Xj adapt to saline environments.