OBJECTIVE: The highly infiltrative growth of glioblastoma (GBM) makes distinction between the tumor and normal brain tissue challenging. Therefore, fluorescence-guided surgery is often used to improve visual identification of radiological tumor margins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of recently developed molecularly targeted near-infrared (NIR) protease-activated probes to visualize GBM tissue and to compare the most promising candidate with the gold standard, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). METHODS: Single-substrate probes 6QC-ICG and 6QC-Cy5 (cysteine cathepsin cleavable), double-substrate probes AG2-FNIR and AG2-Cy5 (cysteine cathepsin and caspase 3 cleavable), and 5-ALA were administered intravenously to mice with orthotopic tumors. Activation of the probes was also evaluated in cell cultures in vitro and in biopsy material from patients with GBM ex vivo. The tumor to normal brain tissue fluorescence ratio (TNR) was quantified in brain sections using preclinical and clinical visualization platforms, and in tissue homogenates and cell suspensions using spectrofluorimetry. Subcellular localization of the fluorophores was visualized by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: In vitro, the single-substrate probe 6QC-ICG was cleaved in glioma cells and macrophages, and the resulting fluorophore accumulated intracellularly. In experimental GBMs, both single- and double-substrate probes visualized tumor tissue, while in healthy brain tissue the signal was minimal. TNR was highest for 6QC-ICG and AG2-FNIR, but the signal intensity was higher for 6QC-ICG. Using xenograft and syngeneic mouse models, as well as human GBM biopsy material ex vivo, the authors confirmed the ability of 6QC-ICG to specifically visualize the glioma tissue using preclinical and clinical visualization platforms. Finally, a comparison with 5-ALA in animals coadministered with both compounds revealed a higher TNR for 6QC-ICG in experimental GBMs. CONCLUSIONS: The cysteine cathepsin-cleavable probe 6QC-ICG is activated by glioma cells and tumor-associated macrophages, leading to a high contrast between tumor and nontumorous brain tissue that is superior to that of the current standard, 5-ALA. In addition to a well-defined mechanism of action, protease-activated probes that use NIR fluorophores (e.g., indocyanine green) have the advantage of low absorption and scattering of the NIR light and lower tissue autofluorescence. These results suggest that 6QC-ICG has the potential to become the targeted agent in intraoperative detection of GBM tissue using fluorescence imaging.

• Klíčová slova
• 5-ALA, activity-based probes, cathepsin, fluorescence-guided surgery, glioblastoma, mouse models, oncology,
• MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie MeSH
• cystein MeSH
• glioblastom * diagnostické zobrazování   metabolismus   chirurgie   MeSH
• gliom MeSH
• heterografty MeSH
• kyselina aminolevulová * chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• modely u zvířat MeSH
• molekulární sondy * metabolismus   MeSH
• mozek diagnostické zobrazování   metabolismus   chirurgie   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• proteasy * metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• cystein MeSH
• kyselina aminolevulová * MeSH
• molekulární sondy * MeSH
• proteasy * MeSH

Transferring an existing marketed pharmaceutical product from batch to continuous manufacturing (CM) without changes in regulatory registration is a challenging task in the pharmaceutical industry. Continuous manufacturing can provide an increased production rate and better equipment utilisation while retaining key quality attributes of the final product. Continuous manufacturing necessitates the monitoring of critical quality attributes in real time by appropriate process analytical tools such as near infra-red (NIR) probes. The present work reports a successful transfer of an existing drug product from batch to continuous manufacturing process without changing the formulation. A key step was continuous powder blending, whose design and operating parameters including weir type, agitation rate, dynamic hold-up and residence time were systematically investigated with respect to process repeatability. A NIR-based multivariate data model for in-line composition monitoring has been developed and validated against an existing quality control method for measuring tablet content uniformity. A continuous manufacturing long-run with a throughput of 30 kg/h (approx. 128,000 tablets per hour), uninterrupted for 320 min, has been performed to test and validate the multivariate data model as well as the batch to continuous process transfer. The final disintegration and dissolution properties of tablets manufactured by the continuous process were found to be equivalent to those manufactured by the original batch process.

• Klíčová slova
• Continuous manufacturing, Continuous powder blending, Direct compression, Near-infrared probe, Residence time,
• MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• farmaceutická chemie metody   MeSH
• farmaceutická technologie * metody   MeSH
• pomocné látky chemie   MeSH
• prášky, zásypy, pudry chemie   MeSH
• příprava léků metody   MeSH
• řízení kvality MeSH
• rozpustnost MeSH
• tablety * MeSH
• uvolňování léčiv MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• pomocné látky MeSH
• prášky, zásypy, pudry MeSH
• tablety * MeSH

BACKGROUND: Lipid-rich plaque covered by a thin fibrous cap (FC) has been identified as a frequent morphological substrate for the development of acute coronary syndrome. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) permits the identification and measurement of the FC. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been approved for detection of coronary lipids. AIMS: We aimed to assess the ability of detailed OCT analysis to identify coronary lipids, using NIRS as the reference method. METHODS: In total, 40 patients with acute coronary syndrome underwent imaging of a non-culprit lesion by both NIRS and OCT. For each segment, the NIRS-derived 4 mm segment with maximal lipid core burden index (maxLCBI4mm) was assessed. OCT analysis was performed using a semi-automated method including measurement of the fibrous cap thickness (FCT) of all detected fibroatheromas. Subsequent quantitative volumetric evaluation furnished FCT, FC surface area (FC SA), lipid arc, and FC (fibrous cap) volume data. OCT features of lipid plaques were compared with maxLCBI4mm. Predictors of maxLCBI4mm >400 was assessed by using univariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: OCT features (mean FCT, total FC SA, FC volume, maximal, mean, and total lipid arcs) strongly correlated with the maxLCBI4mm (p = 0.012 for the mean FCT, respectively p < 0.001 for all other aforementioned features). The strongest predictors of maxLCBI4mm >400 were the maximal (p = 0.002) and mean (p = 0.002) lipid arc, and total FC SA (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: We found a strong correlation between the OCT-derived features and NIRS findings. Detailed OCT analysis may be reliably used for detection of the presence of coronary lipids.

• Klíčová slova
• Coronary artery disease, lipid-rich plaque, near-infrared spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography,
• MeSH
• akutní koronární syndrom * diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• aterosklerotický plát * diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• intervenční ultrasonografie metody   MeSH
• koronární cévy diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lipidy MeSH
• nemoci koronárních tepen * diagnóza   MeSH
• optická koherentní tomografie metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• lipidy MeSH

Consumers demand safe and nutritious foods at accessible prices; where issues associated with adulteration, fraud, and provenance have become important aspects to be considered by the modern food industry. There are many analytical techniques and methods available to determine food composition and quality, including food security. Among them, vibrational spectroscopy techniques are at the first line of defence (near and mid infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy). In this study, a portable near infrared (NIR) instrument was evaluated to identify different levels of adulteration between binary mixtures of exotic and traditional meat species. Fresh meat cuts of lamb (Ovis aries), emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), camel (Camelus dromedarius) and beef (Bos taurus) sourced from a commercial abattoir were used to make different binary mixtures (95 % %w/w, 90 % %w/w, 50 % %w/w, 10 % %w/w and 5 % %w/w) and analysed using a portable NIR instrument. The NIR spectra of the meat mixtures was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Two isosbestic points corresponding to absorbances at 1028 nm and 1224 nm were found to be consistent across all the binary mixtures analysed. The coefficient of determination in cross validation (R2) obtained for the determination of the per cent of species in a binary mixture was above 90 % with a standard error in cross validation (SECV) ranging between 12.6 and 15 %w/w. Overall, the results of this study indicate that NIR spectroscopy can determine the level or ratio of adulteration in the binary mixtures of minced meat.

• Klíčová slova
• Beef, Camel, Emu, Lamb, Meat, Mixtures, Near infrared,
• MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• chemometrika MeSH
• Dromaiidae * MeSH
• kontaminace potravin analýza   MeSH
• metoda nejmenších čtverců MeSH
• ovce domácí * MeSH
• ovce MeSH
• skot MeSH
• velbloudi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• skot MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In situ visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy has proven to be a reliable tool for determining soil organic carbon (SOC) content with a small loss of precision as compared to laboratory measurements. The loss of precision is a result of disturbing external environmental factors that disrupt spectral measurements. For example, roughness, changes in weather conditions, humidity, temperature, human factors, spectral noise and especially soil water. It has been assumed that, in situ predictive capability could be improved if some of these factors are either minimized or eliminated during the in situ measurement. For this study, the prediction of SOC was carried out under two different in situ measurement conditions; less favourable environmental conditions (with disturbances) and more favourable site-specific conditions (disturbance-reduced conditions). The primary goal is to determine whether the estimate of SOC can be improved under more favourable site-specific conditions, as well as the impact of pre-treatment algorithms on both less and more favourable disturbed conditions. The study employed a large range of pretreatment algorithms and their combinations. Three separate multivariate models were used to predict SOC, namely Cubist, support vector machine regression (SVMR), and partial least squares regression (PLSR). The result clearly shows that reduced disturbing factors (i.e., drier and unploughed soil as well as noise reduction) result in an improvement of SOC prediction with in situ Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The best overall result was achieved with SVMR (R2CV = 0.72, RMSEPcv = 0.21, RPIQ = 2.34). Although the combination of pre-treatment algorithms resulted in an improvement, overall, these pre-treatment algorithms could not compensate for the factors affecting the measured spectra with disturbance. Though the obtained result is promising, further study is still needed to disentangle the impacts and interactions of various disturbing factors for different soil types.

• Klíčová slova
• Agricultural soil, In situ spectroscopy, Machine learning algorithms, Pre-treatment algorithms, SOC,
• MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metoda nejmenších čtverců MeSH
• půda * chemie   MeSH
• support vector machine MeSH
• uhlík * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• půda * MeSH
• uhlík * MeSH

Achieving global goals for sustainable nutrition, health, and wellbeing will depend on delivering enhanced diets to humankind. This will require instantaneous access to information on food-source quality at key points of agri-food systems. Although laboratory analysis and benchtop NIR spectrometers are regularly used to quantify grain quality, these do not suit all end users, for example, stakeholders in decentralized agri-food chains that are typical in emerging economies. Therefore, we explored benchtop and portable NIR instruments, and the methods that might aid these particular end uses. For this purpose, we generated NIR spectra for 328 grain samples from multiple cereals (finger millet, foxtail millet, maize, pearl millet, and sorghum) with a standard benchtop NIR spectrometer (DS2500, FOSS) and a novel portable NIR-based instrument (HL-EVT5, Hone). We explored classical deterministic methods (via winISI, FOSS), novel machine learning (ML)-driven methods (via Hone Create, Hone), and a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based method for building the calibrations to predict grain protein out of the NIR spectra. All of the tested methods enabled us to build relevant calibrations out of both types of spectra (i.e., R2 ≥ 0.90, RMSE ≤ 0.91, RPD ≥ 3.08). Generally, the calibration methods integrating the ML techniques tended to enhance the prediction capacity of the model. We also documented that the prediction of grain protein content based on the NIR spectra generated using the novel portable instrument (HL-EVT5, Hone) was highly relevant for quantitative protein predictions (R2 = 0.91, RMSE = 0.97, RPD = 3.48). Thus, the presented findings lay the foundations for the expanded use of NIR spectroscopy in agricultural research, development, and trade.

• Klíčová slova
• Convolution Neural Network (CNN), Hone Create, cereals, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), prediction methods, protein, winISI,
• MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• jedlá semena MeSH
• kalibrace MeSH
• obilninové proteiny * MeSH
• zemědělství MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• obilninové proteiny * MeSH

Increasing concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in agricultural soils remain a major source of public concern. Monitoring PTEs in an agricultural field with no history of contaminants necessitate adequate analysis utilizing a robust model to accurately uncover hidden PTEs. Detecting and mapping the distribution of soil properties using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and proximal sensing techniques is not only rapid, but also relatively inexpensive. In this study, an ensemble model, consisting of partial least square regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and cubist, was used for the prediction and mapping of soil As content in an agricultural field with no history of pollution. The datasets were collected using pXRF and field spectroscopy techniques. The main goal was to compare the ensemble model to each of the calibration techniques in terms of prediction accuracy of As content in such a field. Other components [e.g., soil organic carbon (SOC), Mn, S, soil pH, Fe] that are known to influence As levels in the soil were also retrieved to assess their correlation with soil As. The models were evaluated using the root mean squared error (RMSECV), the coefficient of determination (R2CV) and the ratio of performance to interquartile range (RPIQ). In terms of prediction accuracy, the ensemble model outperformed each of the individual techniques (R2CV = 0.80/0.75) and obtained the least error margin (RMSECV = 1.91/2.16). Overall, all the predictive techniques were able to detect both low and high estimated values of soil As within the study field, but with the ensemble model resembling the measurements better. The ensemble model, a promising tool as demonstrated by the current study, is highly recommended to be included in future studies for more accurate estimation of As and other PTEs in other agricultural fields.

• Klíčová slova
• Agricultural soil, Arsenic, Ensemble model, Field spectroscopy, Machine learning, Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF),
• MeSH
• arsen * analýza   MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie MeSH
• látky znečišťující půdu * analýza   MeSH
• půda chemie   MeSH
• rentgenové záření MeSH
• uhlík MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• arsen * MeSH
• látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
• půda MeSH
• uhlík MeSH

Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) may improve forearm muscle oxygenation and enhance performance in high-level rock climbers. As such, using a double-blind, randomised, cross-over design study, twelve participants performed an oxidative capacity assessment, and two successive exhaustive exercise trials (submaximal forearm muscle contractions at 60% of their maximal volitional contraction). Each visit was conducted following 7-days intake of 600 mg·day-1 NZBC extract or placebo. Oxidative capacity was estimated by calculating the oxygen half time recovery using near infrared spectroscopy. Time to exhaustion (s), impulse (kg·s), and minimum tissue saturation index (min-TSI %) were assessed during both the exercise trials. Muscle oxidative capacity was greater with NZBC (mean difference [MD] = 5.3 s, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 0.4-10.2 s; p = 0.036; Cohen's d = 0.94). During the exercise trials, there was an interaction for min-TSI % (time x condition, p = 0.046; ηp2 = 0.372), which indicated a greater level of oxygen extraction during trial two with NZBC extract (MD = 9%, 95% CI = 2-15%) compared to the placebo (MD = 2%, 95% CI = 1-7%). There was a decrease in time to exhaustion (p <0.001, ηp2 = 0.693) and impulse (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.672) in exercise trial two, with no effect of NZBC extract. In high-level rock climbers 7-days NZBC extract improves forearm muscle oxygenation with no effect on isolated forearm muscle performance.

• Klíčová slova
• Supplement, bouldering, ergogenic aid, nutrition, rock-climbing, sport climbing,
• MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• dvojitá slepá metoda MeSH
• horolezectví fyziologie   MeSH
• klinické křížové studie MeSH
• kosterní svaly fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• předloktí fyziologie   MeSH
• Ribes chemie   MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• sportovní výkon fyziologie   MeSH
• spotřeba kyslíku MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• rostlinné extrakty MeSH

Cancer cell invasion through tissue barriers is the intrinsic feature of metastasis, the most life-threatening aspect of cancer. Detailed observation and analysis of cancer cell behaviour in a 3D environment is essential for a full understanding of the mechanisms of cancer cell invasion. The inherent limits of optical microscopy resolution do not allow to for in-depth observation of intracellular structures, such as invadopodia of invading cancer cells. The required resolution can be achieved using electron microscopy techniques such as FIB-SEM. However, visualising cells in a 3D matrix using FIB-SEM is challenging due to difficulties with localisation of a specific cell deep within the resin block. We have developed a new protocol based on the near-infrared branding (NIRB) procedure that extends the pattern from the surface grid deep inside the resin. This 3D burned pattern allows for precise trimming followed by targeted 3D FIB-SEM. Here we present detailed 3D CLEM results combining confocal and FIB-SEM imaging of cancer cell invadopodia that extend deep into the collagen meshwork.

• Klíčová slova
• CLEM, FIB-SEM, MT1-MMP, invadopodia, invasiveness,
• MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie metody   MeSH
• fibrosarkom patologie   MeSH
• invazivní růst nádoru MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikroskopie elektronová rastrovací metody   MeSH
• nádorové buňky kultivované MeSH
• nádory prsu patologie   MeSH
• počítačové zpracování obrazu MeSH
• podozomy patologie   MeSH
• zobrazování trojrozměrné metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: An indication for selective shunting during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is based on monitoring during a procedure. Cerebral oximetry (CO) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may be a simple technique, but its relevance during CEA, especially with respect to cutoff values indicating shunt implantation, still needs to be elucidated. METHODS: One hundred twenty five patients underwent CEA under local anesthesia (LA) and were monitored clinically throughout the whole procedure. The patients were also monitored using bilateral NIRS probes during surgery. The NIRS values were recorded and evaluated before and after selective cross-clamping, firstly by the external carotid artery (ECA), followed by the internal carotid artery (ICA). The decrease in the ipsilateral CO values, with respect to the indication of shunting, was only analyzed after selective cross-clamping of the ICA. The decision to use an intraluminal shunt was solely based on the neurological status evaluation after ICA cross-clamping. RESULTS: One hundred five patients (85%) were stable throughout the CEA, while 20 patients (15%) clinically deteriorated during surgery. The mean drop in the CO after selective ICA clamping in clinically stable patients was 6%, while in patients with clinical deterioration, the NIRS decreased by 14.5% (p < 0.05). When the cutoff value for selective shunting was set as a 10% decrease of the ipsilateral CO after selective ICA clamping, the sensitivity of the technique was 100% and the specificity 83.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a 10% decrease in the ipsilateral brain tissue oximetry after selective cross-clamping the ICA provides a reliable cutoff value for selective shunting during CEA. Despite the availability of a variety of monitoring tools, the NIRS may be an easy, reliable option, especially in the scenario of acute CEA in general anesthesia.

• Klíčová slova
• Carotid endarterectomy, Cerebral oximetry, Intraluminal shunt, Neuromonitoring, Stroke,
• MeSH
• arteria carotis externa diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• arteria carotis interna diagnostické zobrazování   chirurgie   MeSH
• blízká infračervená spektroskopie MeSH
• chirurgické nástroje * MeSH
• difuzní magnetická rezonance MeSH
• karotická endarterektomie * MeSH
• konstrikce MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mozek diagnostické zobrazování   patofyziologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• neurochirurgické výkony * MeSH
• oxymetrie * MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• ROC křivka MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• pozorovací studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH