An efficient, non-invasive approach for in-vivo sampling of hair follicles: design and applications in monitoring DNA damage and aging

A multi-level supramolecular system produced by single-step Fe3+-mediated ionic crosslinking self-assembly can overcome the critical issues of current sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and address the need to monitor therapeutic effects in vivo with a non-invasive approach.

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IMAGING TECHNIQUES FOR THE EVALUATION OF GRAPES IN WITHERING FOR AMARONE WINE PRODUCTION

Istituto Lombardo - Accademia di Scienze e Lettere - Incontri di Studio ◽

10.4081/incontri.2018.436 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Barbara Cisterna ◽

Federico Boschi ◽

Anna Cleta Croce ◽

Rachele Podda ◽

Serena Zanzoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Properties ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

Wine Production ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Innovative Materials ◽

Amarone Wine

Optical Imaging (OI) is an emerging field developed in recent years which can be a very versatile, fast and non-invasive approach for the acquisition of images of small (few centimetres) sized samples, such as layers of cells (in vitro), small animals (in vivo), animal organs (ex vivo) and innovative materials. OI was primarily developed for biomedical applications to study the progression of some pathologies and to assess the efficacy of new pharmaceutical compounds. Here we applied the OI technique to a completely new field: the study of food optical properties. In this case we exploited the optical properties of endogenous molecules, which are generally considered responsible of a background noise affecting the investigation. Here we used this sort of “noise”, named autofluorescence, to obtain information on the drying of Corvinone grapes employed for Amarone wine production. OI can provide interesting information and, inserted in a multimodal approach, it may be a real support to other techniques in the description of a biological phenomenon.

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In vivo measurement of pH and CO2 levels in the uterus of sows through the estrous cycle and after insemination

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-82620-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Octavio López-Albors ◽

Pedro José Llamas-López ◽

Joaquín Ángel Ortuño ◽

Rafael Latorre ◽

Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez

Keyword(s):

Estrous Cycle ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Physiological Values

AbstractThe pH–CO2–HCO3− system is a ubiquitous biological regulator with important functional implications for reproduction. Knowledge of the physiological values of its components is relevant for reproductive biology and the optimization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). However, in situ measurements of these parameters in the uterus are scarce or null. This study describes a non-invasive method for in situ time-lapse recording of pH and CO2 within the uterus of non-anesthetized sows. Animals were at three different reproductive conditions, estrous with no insemination and two hours after insemination, and diestrous. From pH and CO2 data, HCO3− concentration was estimated. The non-invasive approach to the porcine uterus with novel optical probes allowed the obtaining of in situ physiological values of pH, CO2, and HCO3−. Variable oscillatory patterns of pH, CO2 and HCO3− were found independently of the estrous condition. Insemination did not immediately change the levels of uterine pH, CO2 (%) and HCO3− concentration, but all the values were affected by the estrous cycle decreasing significantly at diestrous condition. This study contributes to a better understanding of the in vivo regulation of the pH-CO2-HCO3− system in the uterus and may help to optimize the protocols of sperm treatment for in vitro fertilization.

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Foregut organ progenitors and their niche display distinct viscoelastic properties in vivo during early morphogenesis stages

10.1101/2021.05.31.446410 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aliaksandr Dzementsei ◽

Younes F. A Barooji ◽

Elke A Ober ◽

Lene Broeng Oddershede

Keyword(s):

Optical Tweezers ◽

Material Properties ◽

Biological Function ◽

Living Matter ◽

Internal Organs ◽

Neighboring Cell ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Non Invasive

Material properties of living matter play an important role for biological function and development. Yet, quantification of material properties of internal organs in vivo, without causing physiological damage, remains challenging. Here, we present a non-invasive approach based on modified optical tweezers for quantifying sub-cellular material properties deep inside living zebrafish. Material properties of cells within the gut region of living zebrafish are quantified as deep as 150 μ into the biological tissue. The measurements demonstrate differential mechanical properties of the developing foregut organs progenitors: Gut progenitors are more elastic than any of the neighboring cell populations at the time when the developing organs undergo substantial displacements during morphogenesis. The higher elasticity of gut progenitors correlates with an increased cellular concentration of microtubules. The results infer a role of material properties during morphogenesis and the approach paves the way for quantitative material investigations in vivo of embryos, explants, or organoids.

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In vivo measurement of pH, CO2 and HCO3- levels in the uterus of non-anesthetized sows through the estrous cycle and after insemination

10.21203/rs.3.rs-47835/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Octavio López Albors ◽

Pedro José Llamas-López ◽

Joaquín Ortuño ◽

Rafael Latorre ◽

Francisco Alberto García Vázquez

Keyword(s):

Estrous Cycle ◽

Time Lapse ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

In Vivo Measurement ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Reproductive Techniques ◽

Physiological Values

Abstract Background The pH-CO2-HCO3− system is a ubiquitous biological regulator with important functional implications for reproduction. Knowledge of the physiological values of its components is relevant for reproductive biology and the optimization of Assistant Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). In vivo pH of the oviduct and uterus has been estimated by direct in situ measurements in a few species. However, regarding the levels of CO2 and HCO3−, information is very scarce and, when available, it comes from fluid samples instead of in vivo estimations. This study describes a non-invasive method to measure pH and % of CO2 in the uterus of sows with cutting-edge technology and no medication. Sows were at three different reproductive conditions, estrous with no insemination E(-)AI and after insemination E(+)AI, and diestrous (non-estrous, NE). From pH and CO2 data, HCO3− concentration was estimated. Results The designed methodology allowed for in situ time-lapse recording of pH and % of CO2 within the uterus of non-anesthetized sows. Variable oscillatory patterns of pH, CO2 and HCO3− were found independently of the estrous condition. Insemination did not changed the levels of uterine pH, % of CO2 and HCO3− concentration, -E(-)AI = E(+)AI-, but all the values were affected by the estrous cycle in a way that decreased significantly at diestrous condition - E(-)AI and E(+)AI > NE-. Conclusions A non-invasive approach to the porcine uterus with novel optical probes allowed the obtaining of in situ physiological values of pH, CO2, and HCO3− at different reproductive conditions. While the short-time presence of sperm in the uterus did not change the physiological milieu, the whole pH-CO2-HCO3− system was affected by the estrous cycle. This study contributes to a better understanding of the in vivo regulation of the pH/CO2/HCO3− system in the uterus and may help to optimize the protocols of sperm treatment for in vitro fertilization.

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P4490Safety and feasibility of non invasive transthoracic pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy (PCUT) on a swine aortic valve model

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz745.0883 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

E Messas ◽

M Remond ◽

G Goudot ◽

R Penot ◽

D Ladarre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Aortic Valve ◽

High Power ◽

Ultrasound Therapy ◽

Antithrombotic Treatment ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Valve Model

Abstract Background Aortic valve stenosis is associated with age and comorbidities, which require exploring less invasive therapeutic approach to improve patient outcome. We previously demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy (PCUT) can improve calcified bioprosthesis stenosis by softening leaflets remotely. To apply this technique noninvasively we aim to test PCUT transthoracicalyin a swine model targeting aortic valve. Because calcified aortic valve model doesn't exist, we tested this technique on a normal valve. Objective Primary objective was to estimate the feasibility and safety of PCUT. Secondary objectiveswere to evaluate occurrence, severity and evolution of cardiovascular side effects during therapy and within follow-up period (30±5 days) with and without double antithrombotic treatment. Methods All the experiments were performed on normal aortic valves (n=19) of swine. The system was composed of a high-power multi-element transducer with electronic steering and 2D echocardiographic probe embedded in the center. Swine were divided in three groups: one with PCUT and no anti thrombotic treatment (n=10), a second with PCUT and one-month treatment of aspirin and clopidogrel (n=5) and third group sham (n=4). All groups were followed up after 30 days. Results The primary feasibility endpoint was successful in 100% of tests performed (n=16). A maximal amplitude of 70 MPa and −19 MPa respectively for positive and negative peak pressure was found at the focus point. Survival at 30 days was 100% and no life-threatening arrhythmia was recorded and no sustained ventricular arrhythmia (SVT >30 s) was noticed. For the secondary safety objectives,we recorded acutely, at the time of procedure, NSVT in 7 pigs which corresponded to a cumulated duration of 2.1 out of the 485.3 min of the total US delivery (0.4% of time). Mean cycle of NSVT was slow 428.9 ms in average (139.6 bpm). The interruption or decrease of power of US delivery allowed immediate cessation of cardiac arrhythmia in all cases. There was no evidence of damage to the valve and no observation of impairment of valvular function by echocardiography. Only one animal showed side effects (RV dilatation) and the RV returned to normal after cessation of the therapy with no sequelae at follow up. At follow up no significant findings biology disturbance or valve thrombosis was observed (creatinine, CK MB, hemoglobin, hematocrit, haptoglobin or red blood cell numbers). Antithrombotic treatment didn't demonstrate any advantage at follow up. Conclusion We demonstrated in vivo feasibility and safety of transthoracic PCUT targeting aortic valve without any serious adverse event and no significant histopathology damage. We hope that this first-time transthoracic delivery of very focused ultrasound at high power will pave the way to new non invasive approach of valve softening in case of human aortic valve calcified stenosis.

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Plucked hair follicles from patients with chronic discoid lupus erythematosus show a disease-specific molecular signature

Lupus Science & Medicine ◽

10.1136/lupus-2019-000328 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. e000328 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mohammad Shalbaf ◽

Adewonuola A Alase ◽

Anna Berekmeri ◽

Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof ◽

Jelena Pistolic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Apoptotic Cell ◽

Hair Follicles ◽

Molecular Signature ◽

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Diagnostic Features ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Scalp Lesions

ObjectiveWhen faced with clinical symptoms of scarring alopecia—the standard diagnostic pathway involves a scalp biopsy which is an invasive and expensive procedure. This project aimed to assess if plucked hair follicles (HFs) containing living epithelial cells can offer a non-invasive approach to diagnosing inflammatory scalp lesions.MethodsLesional and non-lesional HFs were extracted from the scalp of patients with chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE), psoriasis and healthy controls. RNA was isolated from plucked anagen HFs and microarray, as well as quantitative real-time PCR was performed.ResultsHere, we report that gene expression analysis of only a small number of HF plucked from lesional areas of the scalp is sufficient to differentiate CDLE from psoriasis lesions or healthy HF. The expression profile from CDLE HFs coincides with published profiles of CDLE from skin biopsy. Genes that were highly expressed in lesional CDLE corresponded to well-known histopathological diagnostic features of CDLE and included those related to apoptotic cell death, the interferon signature, complement components and CD8+ T-cell immune responses.ConclusionsWe therefore propose that information obtained from this non-invasive approach are sufficient to diagnose scalp lupus erythematosus. Once validated in routine clinical settings and compared with other scarring alopecias, this rapid and non-invasive approach will have great potential for paving the way for future diagnosis of inflammatory scalp lesions.

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Frontier in hair loss and trichoscopy: A review

Journal of Surgical Dermatology ◽

10.18282/jsd.v1.i2.8 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ebtisam Elghblawi

Keyword(s):

Hair Loss ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

Hair Shaft ◽

Hair Follicles ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Exclamation Mark ◽

Indispensable Tool ◽

Hair Diseases

<p>Skin surfaces have always been examined using dermoscopy, a familiar tool which is useful to magnify and examine skin especially in cases of pigmented skin lesions. However, to examine the hair and scalp, a practical tool called trichoscopy has surfaced recently and has proven to be handy and functional in diagnosing most hair-related diseases. It is also referred to as dermoscopy of the hair and the scalp. It can aid in assessing active diseases in the scalp and hair, such as yellow dots, dystrophic hairs, cadaverized black dots, white dots, and exclamation mark hairs – all of which denote specific criteria for hair diseases. Trichoscopy is a very newly developed non-invasive technique for hair image analysis. It permits non-invasive visualization of hair shafts at higher intensification (about ×70 and ×100) and enables measurement of hair shaft width without the need for removing hair for diagnostic reasons. Moreover, it helps <em>in vivo</em> visualization of the epidermal portion of hair follicles and perifollicular epidermis (orifices). Consequently, it is valuable as it permits the inspection of structures that are otherwise not seen by the naked eye. Trichoscopy is the new frontier for the diagnosis of hair and scalp disease. Nowadays, a trichoscope is considered a must for dermatologists and it is a hot topic in the treatment of hair diseases. There is pooled evidence that the utilization of trichoscopy in the clinical setting for evaluating hair disorders can improve its diagnostic capability beyond simple clinical scrutiny. Trichoscopy can identify both hair shaft and hair opening abnormalities without the need for hair sampling, as well as distinguish between different scalp and hair diseases. Furthermore, it can give easy and quick evaluation of the hair with a follow-up to determine progress and prognosis of the disease with photos. It can also aid in some genetic hair shaft dystrophies such as trichorrhexis nodosa, trichorrhexis invaginata, monilethrix, pili annulati, and pili torti. The limitation of trichoscopy is that it needs prior knowledge to apply it effectively in order to mandate an efficient use by correctly interpreting the findings and their significance. In cases where there are unsettled discrepancies, a histopathological investigation is needed. The interest in trichoscopy has vastly increased and has become an indispensable tool in evaluating patients with hair loss. The aim of this review is to supplement existing knowledge on trichoscopy with recent readings of different scalp and hair conditions that are commonly encountered in clinical settings.</p>

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Non-invasive approach towards the in vivo estimation of 3D inter-vertebral movements: methods and preliminary results

Medical Engineering & Physics ◽

10.1016/j.medengphy.2004.08.005 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 26 (10) ◽

pp. 841-853 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

P. Cerveri ◽

A. Pedotti ◽

G. Ferrigno

Keyword(s):

Invasive Approach ◽

Preliminary Results ◽

Non Invasive

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Miniaturized wireless gastric pacing via inductive power transfer with non-invasive monitoring using cutaneous Electrogastrography

Bioelectronic Medicine ◽

10.1186/s42234-021-00074-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrew Perley ◽

Mehrdad Roustaei ◽

Marcelo Aguilar-Rivera ◽

David C. Kunkel ◽

Tzung K. Hsiai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Slow Wave ◽

Spectral Power ◽

Wave Direction ◽

Electrode Arrays ◽

Statistical Parameters ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Increased Strength

Abstract Background Gastroparesis is a debilitating disease that is often refractory to pharmacotherapy. While gastric electrical stimulation has been studied as a potential treatment, current devices are limited by surgical complications and an incomplete understanding of the mechanism by which electrical stimulation affects physiology. Methods A leadless inductively-powered pacemaker was implanted on the gastric serosa in an anesthetized pig. Wireless pacing was performed at transmitter-to-receiver distances up to 20 mm, frequency of 0.05 Hz, and pulse width of 400 ms. Electrogastrogram (EGG) recordings using cutaneous and serosal electrode arrays were analyzed to compute spectral and spatial statistical parameters associated with the slow wave. Results Our data demonstrated evident change in EGG signal patterns upon initiation of pacing. A buffer period was noted before a pattern of entrainment appeared with consistent and low variability in slow wave direction. A spectral power increase in the EGG frequency band during entrainment also suggested that pacing increased strength of the slow wave. Conclusion Our preliminary in vivo study using wireless pacing and concurrent EGG recording established the foundations for a minimally invasive approach to understand and optimize the effect of pacing on gastric motor activity as a means to treat conditions of gastric dysmotility.

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