Abstract A critical step during in vitro sexual propagation of terrestrial orchids is the treatment of the microscopic seeds with a disinfecting solution that kills bacteria and fungi attached to the seeds. This treatment is necessary to prevent infection of the culture vessels. At the same time, the treatment serves to scarify the seeds, a process that disrupts seed dormancy and initiates germination. The literature is inconclusive with respect to the proper combination of disinfecting solution strength and treatment duration. Both factors should be adapted to each species to guarantee minimal infection rate without damaging the embryo. This research aims to compare three disinfection/scarification methods for seeds of Anacamptis laxiflora (Lam.): (i) soaking in 0.5% NaClO, (ii) soaking in 0.5% NaClO, then centrifugation, and (iii) presoaking the seeds in sucrose solution, then soaking in 0.5% NaClO. The seeds were soaked in the disinfecting solution for 5 to 85 min. Following scarification, the seeds were sown in modified Malmgren nutrient medium. Infected and germinated vessels were counted at 41 and 189 d after sowing. We found that the longer the chemical treatment, the lower the infection rate, and the higher the germination rate. There was no significant difference in germination rate between the NaClO and the NaClO-plus-centrifugation method; in fact, the slight savings in disinfection time effected by centrifugation were more than offset by the added complexity of the method. Moreover, we found that centrifugation significantly delays germination. The sucrose presoak-plus-NaClO method was superior to plain NaClO, as the sucrose stimulates the germination of microbial spores on the surface of the seeds, making them easier to kill. Perhaps seeds with thicker testa as well as whole immature capsules could benefit even more from the pretreatment in sucrose solution.
{"title":"Influence of scarification method on seed germination of the terrestrial orchid Anacamptis laxiflora (Lam.)","authors":"G. Deconninck, A. Gerakis","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2021-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2021-0004","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A critical step during in vitro sexual propagation of terrestrial orchids is the treatment of the microscopic seeds with a disinfecting solution that kills bacteria and fungi attached to the seeds. This treatment is necessary to prevent infection of the culture vessels. At the same time, the treatment serves to scarify the seeds, a process that disrupts seed dormancy and initiates germination. The literature is inconclusive with respect to the proper combination of disinfecting solution strength and treatment duration. Both factors should be adapted to each species to guarantee minimal infection rate without damaging the embryo. This research aims to compare three disinfection/scarification methods for seeds of Anacamptis laxiflora (Lam.): (i) soaking in 0.5% NaClO, (ii) soaking in 0.5% NaClO, then centrifugation, and (iii) presoaking the seeds in sucrose solution, then soaking in 0.5% NaClO. The seeds were soaked in the disinfecting solution for 5 to 85 min. Following scarification, the seeds were sown in modified Malmgren nutrient medium. Infected and germinated vessels were counted at 41 and 189 d after sowing. We found that the longer the chemical treatment, the lower the infection rate, and the higher the germination rate. There was no significant difference in germination rate between the NaClO and the NaClO-plus-centrifugation method; in fact, the slight savings in disinfection time effected by centrifugation were more than offset by the added complexity of the method. Moreover, we found that centrifugation significantly delays germination. The sucrose presoak-plus-NaClO method was superior to plain NaClO, as the sucrose stimulates the germination of microbial spores on the surface of the seeds, making them easier to kill. Perhaps seeds with thicker testa as well as whole immature capsules could benefit even more from the pretreatment in sucrose solution.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43464564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Abdulgader, Rawan Khidir Abdel Galil, Shahd Yahaya Mohamed Nour Serag Elnour, Tabark Faisal Fadlallah Elhusain, Tagwa Mahmoud Ahmed Osman, M. Elawad, Islam Mogbil Shaikh Idris Mirghani, Ihab B Abdalrahman, S. Elbager
Abstract Background Increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing menace, mainly caused by the rapid genetic modification of bacterial strains and new alternations in behavior favoring their survival. There is no doubt that the irrational use of antibiotics is one of the factors contributing to the rise of this problem, whether that be in hospitals or at a community level. Although the extent of this influence is yet to be learned, it is definite that this is of great impact on the endemic disease patterns in developing areas specifically and on an expanding global issue generally. Purpose and scope This paper will provide a narrative review of relevant previous publications of antibiotic misuse to portray a clearer picture of its causes and consequences in Sudan. Methodology The PICO method was used by which evidence-based research websites were scanned for key words. Results were assessed for relevance and then critically appraised. All papers included were summarized and presented in a narrative review format. Results From a total of 9 research papers from Pub Med, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar search engines, 7 were selected, presented, and discussed. Conclusion Given the facts of high bacterial resistance that has emerged worldwide catastrophically, the implementation of a meticulous surveillance system designed to restrict the irrational use of antibiotics by the public and health sectors alike with adjunct educational and training programs relevant to the regional epidemiology and economy will massively contribute to a lower resistance rate due to antibiotic misuse.
{"title":"Irrational use of antibiotics with representation of antimicrobial resistance patterns in Sudan: a narrative review","authors":"N. Abdulgader, Rawan Khidir Abdel Galil, Shahd Yahaya Mohamed Nour Serag Elnour, Tabark Faisal Fadlallah Elhusain, Tagwa Mahmoud Ahmed Osman, M. Elawad, Islam Mogbil Shaikh Idris Mirghani, Ihab B Abdalrahman, S. Elbager","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2021-0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2021-0007","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Background Increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a growing menace, mainly caused by the rapid genetic modification of bacterial strains and new alternations in behavior favoring their survival. There is no doubt that the irrational use of antibiotics is one of the factors contributing to the rise of this problem, whether that be in hospitals or at a community level. Although the extent of this influence is yet to be learned, it is definite that this is of great impact on the endemic disease patterns in developing areas specifically and on an expanding global issue generally. Purpose and scope This paper will provide a narrative review of relevant previous publications of antibiotic misuse to portray a clearer picture of its causes and consequences in Sudan. Methodology The PICO method was used by which evidence-based research websites were scanned for key words. Results were assessed for relevance and then critically appraised. All papers included were summarized and presented in a narrative review format. Results From a total of 9 research papers from Pub Med, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar search engines, 7 were selected, presented, and discussed. Conclusion Given the facts of high bacterial resistance that has emerged worldwide catastrophically, the implementation of a meticulous surveillance system designed to restrict the irrational use of antibiotics by the public and health sectors alike with adjunct educational and training programs relevant to the regional epidemiology and economy will massively contribute to a lower resistance rate due to antibiotic misuse.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42324743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Bella, Giulia Gizzi, E. Albi, M. Codini, Simonetta Marucci, L. Ragione, T. Beccari, M. R. Ceccarini
Abstract Purpose Eating Disorders (EDs) refer to a group of psychiatric conditions in which disorderly food intake results in impaired psychological functioning or physical health. Nowadays, these disorders represent an increasing problem in modern society. There are no universally validated clinical parameters to confirm, disprove or simply help to identify EDs except for diagnostic criteria on psychiatric basis. The aim of this study was the assessment of Vitamin D3 level in patients with EDs to understand if it might be a valid clinical biochemistry parameter useful as prognostic marker. Methods The sample consists of 28 female patients, who suffer from EDs. Blood samples were examined in terms of blood count, glucose, cholesterol and Vitamin D3 levels. The other clinical biochemistry parameters were analysed to understand if the Vitamin D3 was the only altered parameter. Results The parameters that appear altered are glycemia, cholesterol and, in particular, Vitamin D3. Significant results were obtained comparing controls with restrictive-type anorexia nervosa (p value= 0,003) and with purging-type anorexia nervosa (p value= 0,007). Conclusion There are currently no universally validated and diagnostic reliable clinical biochemistry parameters for EDs but, in the light of the findings, but our research indicates the potential use of Vitamin D3 as a biomarker for anorexia nervosa. Level of evidence Level III: Evidence obtained from a single-center cohort study.
{"title":"Vitamin D3 as possible diagnostic marker of Eating Disorders","authors":"V. Bella, Giulia Gizzi, E. Albi, M. Codini, Simonetta Marucci, L. Ragione, T. Beccari, M. R. Ceccarini","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2021-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2021-0005","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Purpose Eating Disorders (EDs) refer to a group of psychiatric conditions in which disorderly food intake results in impaired psychological functioning or physical health. Nowadays, these disorders represent an increasing problem in modern society. There are no universally validated clinical parameters to confirm, disprove or simply help to identify EDs except for diagnostic criteria on psychiatric basis. The aim of this study was the assessment of Vitamin D3 level in patients with EDs to understand if it might be a valid clinical biochemistry parameter useful as prognostic marker. Methods The sample consists of 28 female patients, who suffer from EDs. Blood samples were examined in terms of blood count, glucose, cholesterol and Vitamin D3 levels. The other clinical biochemistry parameters were analysed to understand if the Vitamin D3 was the only altered parameter. Results The parameters that appear altered are glycemia, cholesterol and, in particular, Vitamin D3. Significant results were obtained comparing controls with restrictive-type anorexia nervosa (p value= 0,003) and with purging-type anorexia nervosa (p value= 0,007). Conclusion There are currently no universally validated and diagnostic reliable clinical biochemistry parameters for EDs but, in the light of the findings, but our research indicates the potential use of Vitamin D3 as a biomarker for anorexia nervosa. Level of evidence Level III: Evidence obtained from a single-center cohort study.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43180793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Determination of polyp types requires tissue biopsy during colonoscopy and then histopathological examination of the microscopic images which tremendously time-consuming and costly. The first aim of this study was to design a computer-aided diagnosis system to classify polyp types using colonoscopy images (optical biopsy) without the need for tissue biopsy. For this purpose, two different approaches were designed based on conventional machine learning (ML) and deep learning. Firstly, classification was performed using random forest approach by means of the features obtained from the histogram of gradients descriptor. Secondly, simple convolutional neural networks (CNN) based architecture was built to train with the colonoscopy images containing colon polyps. The performances of these approaches on two (adenoma & serrated vs. hyperplastic) or three (adenoma vs. hyperplastic vs. serrated) category classifications were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of imaging modality on the classification was also examined using white-light and narrow band imaging systems. The performance of these approaches was compared with the results obtained by 3 novice and 4 expert doctors. Two-category classification results showed that conventional ML approach achieved significantly better than the simple CNN based approach did in both narrow band and white-light imaging modalities. The accuracy reached almost 95% for white-light imaging. This performance surpassed the correct classification rate of all 7 doctors. Additionally, the second task (three-category) results indicated that the simple CNN architecture outperformed both conventional ML based approaches and the doctors. This study shows the feasibility of using conventional machine learning or deep learning based approaches in automatic classification of colon types on colonoscopy images.
{"title":"Comparison of deep learning and conventional machine learning methods for classification of colon polyp types","authors":"R. S. Doğan, B. Yılmaz","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2021-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2021-0006","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Determination of polyp types requires tissue biopsy during colonoscopy and then histopathological examination of the microscopic images which tremendously time-consuming and costly. The first aim of this study was to design a computer-aided diagnosis system to classify polyp types using colonoscopy images (optical biopsy) without the need for tissue biopsy. For this purpose, two different approaches were designed based on conventional machine learning (ML) and deep learning. Firstly, classification was performed using random forest approach by means of the features obtained from the histogram of gradients descriptor. Secondly, simple convolutional neural networks (CNN) based architecture was built to train with the colonoscopy images containing colon polyps. The performances of these approaches on two (adenoma & serrated vs. hyperplastic) or three (adenoma vs. hyperplastic vs. serrated) category classifications were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of imaging modality on the classification was also examined using white-light and narrow band imaging systems. The performance of these approaches was compared with the results obtained by 3 novice and 4 expert doctors. Two-category classification results showed that conventional ML approach achieved significantly better than the simple CNN based approach did in both narrow band and white-light imaging modalities. The accuracy reached almost 95% for white-light imaging. This performance surpassed the correct classification rate of all 7 doctors. Additionally, the second task (three-category) results indicated that the simple CNN architecture outperformed both conventional ML based approaches and the doctors. This study shows the feasibility of using conventional machine learning or deep learning based approaches in automatic classification of colon types on colonoscopy images.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44610777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in the city Wuhan, China in December 2019. The high rates of infection led to quick spread of the virus around the world and on March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the pandemic of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2. The pharmaceutical companies and institutions have been working towards developing a safe and effective vaccine in order to control the pandemic. The biology of SARS-CoV-2 is briefly discussed describing the transcription of the virus and the receptor recognition. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is important in the attachment of the host cell and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is involved in the replication of the virus making them good candidates for drug and vaccine targets. To date many different strategies have been employed in the development of vaccines and a number of them are in the phase III of clinical trials with promising results. In this mini-review, we assessed the literature throughly and described the latest developments in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for humans. The main benefits and drawbacks of each platform is evaluated and the possible changes in the vaccine effectivity due to naturally occuring SARS-CoV-2 mutations have been described.
{"title":"COVID-19 vaccines: Where do we stand?","authors":"P. Tulay, M. C. Ergoren, M. Dundar","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2021-0002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2021-0002","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in the city Wuhan, China in December 2019. The high rates of infection led to quick spread of the virus around the world and on March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the pandemic of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2. The pharmaceutical companies and institutions have been working towards developing a safe and effective vaccine in order to control the pandemic. The biology of SARS-CoV-2 is briefly discussed describing the transcription of the virus and the receptor recognition. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is important in the attachment of the host cell and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is involved in the replication of the virus making them good candidates for drug and vaccine targets. To date many different strategies have been employed in the development of vaccines and a number of them are in the phase III of clinical trials with promising results. In this mini-review, we assessed the literature throughly and described the latest developments in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for humans. The main benefits and drawbacks of each platform is evaluated and the possible changes in the vaccine effectivity due to naturally occuring SARS-CoV-2 mutations have been described.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45747711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract In the 21st century, additive manufacturing technologies have gained in popularity mainly due to benefits such as rapid prototyping, faster small production runs, flexibility and space for innovations, non-complexity of the process and broad affordability. In order to meet diverse requirements that 3D models have to meet, it is necessary to develop new 3D printing technologies as well as processed materials. This review is focused on 3D printing technologies applicable for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are thermoplastics regarded as a green alternative to petrochemical polymers. The 3D printing technologies presented as available for PHAs are selective laser sintering and fused deposition modeling. Stereolithography can also be applied provided that the molecular weight and functional end groups of the PHA are adjusted for photopolymerization. The chemical and physical properties primarily influence the processing of PHAs by 3D printing technologies. The intensive research for the fabrication of 3D objects based on PHA has been applied to fulfil criteria of rapid and customized prototyping mainly in the medical area.
{"title":"Recent Advances in 3D Printing of Polyhydroxyalkanoates: A Review","authors":"A. Kovalcik","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2021-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2021-0008","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In the 21st century, additive manufacturing technologies have gained in popularity mainly due to benefits such as rapid prototyping, faster small production runs, flexibility and space for innovations, non-complexity of the process and broad affordability. In order to meet diverse requirements that 3D models have to meet, it is necessary to develop new 3D printing technologies as well as processed materials. This review is focused on 3D printing technologies applicable for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are thermoplastics regarded as a green alternative to petrochemical polymers. The 3D printing technologies presented as available for PHAs are selective laser sintering and fused deposition modeling. Stereolithography can also be applied provided that the molecular weight and functional end groups of the PHA are adjusted for photopolymerization. The chemical and physical properties primarily influence the processing of PHAs by 3D printing technologies. The intensive research for the fabrication of 3D objects based on PHA has been applied to fulfil criteria of rapid and customized prototyping mainly in the medical area.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48030081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Akin, E. Kaymak, E. Öztürk, D. Karabulut, N. Kuloğlu, Tayfun Ceylan, A. Toluk
Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of Chloroquine (CLQ) against Adriamycin (ADR) induced hepatotoxicity. ADR is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of many cancer types, but it causes hepatotoxicity. CLQ is used as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and pneumonia caused by Covid-19. Rats were divided into four groups: Control group, ADR group (2 mg/kg Adriamycin, one in three days for 30 days, i.p.), CLQ group (50 mg/kg Chloroquine, per day for 30 days, i.p.), ADR+CLQ (2 mg/kg Adriamycin, one in three days for 30 days, i.p. and 50 mg/ kg Chloroquine, per day for 30 days, i.p.). Animals were sacrificed, and liver tissues were extracted for further examinations. Histopathological changes in liver tissues were scored and IL-17 immunostaining was performed to determine the expression levels among experimental groups. Bodyweights in the ADR group decreased significantly compared to the Control group and CLQ group. Furthermore, bodyweight in ADR+CLQ group was significantly higher compared to ADR group. The histopathological score was significantly higher in ADR group when compared to Control and CLQ group while CLQ administrations reduced the damage induced by ADR in the ADR+CLQ group. IL-17 immunoreactivity was considerably increased in the ADR group. On the other hand, IL-17 expressions of ADR+CLQ were substantially less compared to ADR group. We suggest that CLQ can be used as a therapeutic agent to reduce the detrimental effects of ADR, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
{"title":"Investigation of the Therapeutic Effects of Chloroquine in Adriamycin-Induced Hepatotoxicity","authors":"A. Akin, E. Kaymak, E. Öztürk, D. Karabulut, N. Kuloğlu, Tayfun Ceylan, A. Toluk","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2021-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2021-0003","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of Chloroquine (CLQ) against Adriamycin (ADR) induced hepatotoxicity. ADR is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of many cancer types, but it causes hepatotoxicity. CLQ is used as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and pneumonia caused by Covid-19. Rats were divided into four groups: Control group, ADR group (2 mg/kg Adriamycin, one in three days for 30 days, i.p.), CLQ group (50 mg/kg Chloroquine, per day for 30 days, i.p.), ADR+CLQ (2 mg/kg Adriamycin, one in three days for 30 days, i.p. and 50 mg/ kg Chloroquine, per day for 30 days, i.p.). Animals were sacrificed, and liver tissues were extracted for further examinations. Histopathological changes in liver tissues were scored and IL-17 immunostaining was performed to determine the expression levels among experimental groups. Bodyweights in the ADR group decreased significantly compared to the Control group and CLQ group. Furthermore, bodyweight in ADR+CLQ group was significantly higher compared to ADR group. The histopathological score was significantly higher in ADR group when compared to Control and CLQ group while CLQ administrations reduced the damage induced by ADR in the ADR+CLQ group. IL-17 immunoreactivity was considerably increased in the ADR group. On the other hand, IL-17 expressions of ADR+CLQ were substantially less compared to ADR group. We suggest that CLQ can be used as a therapeutic agent to reduce the detrimental effects of ADR, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48377084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Significant healthcare disparities resulting from personal wealth, circumstances of birth, education level, and more are internationally prevalent. As such, advances in biomedical science overwhelmingly benefit a minority of the global population. Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) can contribute to societal equilibrium by making medical diagnostics affordable, convenient, and fast. Unfortunately, conventional POCT appears stagnant in terms of achieving significant advances. This is attributed to the high cost and instability associated with conventional biorecognition: primarily antibodies, but nucleic acids, cells, enzymes, and aptamers have also been used. Instead, state-of-the-art biosensor researchers are increasingly leveraging molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for their high selectivity, excellent stability, and amenability to a variety of physical and chemical manipulations. Besides the elimination of conventional bioreceptors, the incorporation of nanomaterials has further improved the sensitivity of biosensors. Herein, modern nanobiosensors employing MIPs for selectivity and nanomaterials for improved transduction are systematically reviewed. First, a brief synopsis of fabrication and wide-spread challenges with selectivity demonstration are presented. Afterward, the discussion turns to an analysis of relevant case studies published in the last five years. The analysis is given through two lenses: MIP-based biosensors employing specific nanomaterials and those adopting particular transduction strategies. Finally, conclusions are presented along with a look to the future through recommendations for advancing the field. It is hoped that this work will accelerate successful efforts in the field, orient new researchers, and contribute to equitable health care for all.
{"title":"Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Nanomaterials for Enhanced Biosensor Selectivity and Transduction","authors":"Daniel J. Denmark, S. Mohapatra, S. Mohapatra","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2020-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2020-0023","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Significant healthcare disparities resulting from personal wealth, circumstances of birth, education level, and more are internationally prevalent. As such, advances in biomedical science overwhelmingly benefit a minority of the global population. Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) can contribute to societal equilibrium by making medical diagnostics affordable, convenient, and fast. Unfortunately, conventional POCT appears stagnant in terms of achieving significant advances. This is attributed to the high cost and instability associated with conventional biorecognition: primarily antibodies, but nucleic acids, cells, enzymes, and aptamers have also been used. Instead, state-of-the-art biosensor researchers are increasingly leveraging molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for their high selectivity, excellent stability, and amenability to a variety of physical and chemical manipulations. Besides the elimination of conventional bioreceptors, the incorporation of nanomaterials has further improved the sensitivity of biosensors. Herein, modern nanobiosensors employing MIPs for selectivity and nanomaterials for improved transduction are systematically reviewed. First, a brief synopsis of fabrication and wide-spread challenges with selectivity demonstration are presented. Afterward, the discussion turns to an analysis of relevant case studies published in the last five years. The analysis is given through two lenses: MIP-based biosensors employing specific nanomaterials and those adopting particular transduction strategies. Finally, conclusions are presented along with a look to the future through recommendations for advancing the field. It is hoped that this work will accelerate successful efforts in the field, orient new researchers, and contribute to equitable health care for all.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48373447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. C. Ergoren, E. Manara, S. Paolacci, H. Çobanogullari, G. Tuncel, Meryem Betmezoğlu, M. Bertelli, T. Şanlıdağ
Abstract Background Scientific collaboration is more common now than it was before. In many areas of biomedical science, collaborations between researchers with different scientific backgrounds and perspectives have enabled researchers to address complicated questions and solve complex problems. Particularly, international collaborations and improvements in science and technology have shed light on solving the mechanisms that are involved in the etiology of many rare diseases. Hence, the diagnosis and treatment options have been improved for a number of rare diseases. The collaboration between Near East University DESAM Institute and MAGI Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Genetic and Rare Diseases brought out significant results. Importantly, this collaboration contributed to the rare disease research by the identification of novel rare genetic disease-causing variations commonly in pediatric cases. Consequently, many pediatric unsolved cases have been diagnosed. The main scope of this article is to emphasize the outcomes of the collaboration between Near East University DESAM Institute and MAGI Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Genetic and Rare Diseases which contributed greatly to the scientific literature by identifying novel rare genetic disease-causing variation.
{"title":"The Biennial report: The collaboration between MAGI Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Genetic and Rare Diseases and Near East University DESAM Institute","authors":"M. C. Ergoren, E. Manara, S. Paolacci, H. Çobanogullari, G. Tuncel, Meryem Betmezoğlu, M. Bertelli, T. Şanlıdağ","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2020-0020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2020-0020","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Background Scientific collaboration is more common now than it was before. In many areas of biomedical science, collaborations between researchers with different scientific backgrounds and perspectives have enabled researchers to address complicated questions and solve complex problems. Particularly, international collaborations and improvements in science and technology have shed light on solving the mechanisms that are involved in the etiology of many rare diseases. Hence, the diagnosis and treatment options have been improved for a number of rare diseases. The collaboration between Near East University DESAM Institute and MAGI Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Genetic and Rare Diseases brought out significant results. Importantly, this collaboration contributed to the rare disease research by the identification of novel rare genetic disease-causing variations commonly in pediatric cases. Consequently, many pediatric unsolved cases have been diagnosed. The main scope of this article is to emphasize the outcomes of the collaboration between Near East University DESAM Institute and MAGI Research, Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Genetic and Rare Diseases which contributed greatly to the scientific literature by identifying novel rare genetic disease-causing variation.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45589028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
P. Priyanka, G. Kinsella, G. Henehan, Barry J. Ryan
Abstract Fluorescent dyes offer a useful method for the measurement of intracellular lipids. They are inexpensive and require simple optical measurement instrumentation, whilst simultaneously providing high throughput application. Nile Red is a hydrophobic, metachromatic dye which has been widely used for detection of intracellular lipids. However, Nile Red fluorescence depends on its concentration, microenvironment polarity, incubation time and, therefore, requires strain specific optimization. Hence, neutral lipids in Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata cannot be quantified using existing Nile Red methods developed for other microalgae strains and, therefore an optimised procedure for these strains is required. In this method development, the optimal excitation and emission wavelengths were selected based on the solvent used for Nile Red dissolution. The effect of Nile Red concentration, microalgae cell concentration, incubation time on fluorescence intensity was explored and optimised. Quintuplet assay repeats were executed for increased assay robustness for two microalgae strains, Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, with protocol reliability confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. In brief, 20% (v/v) DMSO containing 10μg/ml and 5μg/ml Nile red was found to be ideal concentration for neutral lipid estimation in Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata respectively when an incubation time of 60mins and 40mins at 40°C was used. This optimised Nile Red protocol is a robust, simple and cost-effective method for neutral lipid quantification in Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.
{"title":"Nile Red assay development for the estimation of neutral lipids in Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata","authors":"P. Priyanka, G. Kinsella, G. Henehan, Barry J. Ryan","doi":"10.2478/ebtj-2020-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2020-0025","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Fluorescent dyes offer a useful method for the measurement of intracellular lipids. They are inexpensive and require simple optical measurement instrumentation, whilst simultaneously providing high throughput application. Nile Red is a hydrophobic, metachromatic dye which has been widely used for detection of intracellular lipids. However, Nile Red fluorescence depends on its concentration, microenvironment polarity, incubation time and, therefore, requires strain specific optimization. Hence, neutral lipids in Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata cannot be quantified using existing Nile Red methods developed for other microalgae strains and, therefore an optimised procedure for these strains is required. In this method development, the optimal excitation and emission wavelengths were selected based on the solvent used for Nile Red dissolution. The effect of Nile Red concentration, microalgae cell concentration, incubation time on fluorescence intensity was explored and optimised. Quintuplet assay repeats were executed for increased assay robustness for two microalgae strains, Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, with protocol reliability confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. In brief, 20% (v/v) DMSO containing 10μg/ml and 5μg/ml Nile red was found to be ideal concentration for neutral lipid estimation in Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata respectively when an incubation time of 60mins and 40mins at 40°C was used. This optimised Nile Red protocol is a robust, simple and cost-effective method for neutral lipid quantification in Chlorella emersonii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.","PeriodicalId":22379,"journal":{"name":"The EuroBiotech Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49468038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}