Implementation of a logarithmic division-of-focal-plane polarimeter to quantify changes in collagen alignment at varying levels of illumination

We examine the impact of illumination, aperture, and sample thickness on two division-of-focal-plane (DoFP) polarimeters, one created using a standard 3 T pixel and the other with a forward-biased, logarithmic pixel. Across all measured metrics the logarithmic DoFP polarimeter was better able to track real-time changes in collagen alignment than the standard DoFP polarimeter.

Assessing Mitochondrial Bioenergetics by Respirometry in Cells or Isolated Organelles

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is central for generating ATP and maintaining energy homeostasis in most eukaryotic cells. The ex vivo measurement of mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in intact cells or isolated organelles is a valuable approach to assess mitochondrial bioenergetics in various experimental conditions. In this chapter, we describe several step-by-step protocols for measuring mitochondrial respiration in intact cells, permeabilized cells (in situ mitochondria), and isolated organelles using both Clark-type polarographic oxygen electrode devices and the newly developed oxygen-sensing fluorophore-based Seahorse technology.

High-Throughput Analysis of Mitochondrial Oxygen Consumption

Interest in the investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction has seen a resurgence over recent years due to the implication of such dysfunction in both drug-induced toxicity and a variety of disease states. Here we describe a methodology to assist in such investigations whereby the oxygen consumption of isolated mitochondria is assessed in a high-throughput fashion using a phosphorescent oxygen-sensitive probe , standard microtiter plates, and plate reader detection. The protocols provided describe the required isolation procedures, initial assay optimization, and subsequent compound screening. Typical data is also provided illustrating the expected activity levels as well as recommended plate maps and data analysis approaches.

Toxicity assessment of 2,4-D and MCPA herbicides in primary culture of fish hepatic cells

In this study, we used primary cultures of fish hepatic cells as a tool for evaluating the effects of environmental contamination. Primary hepatic cell cultures derived from the subtropical fish Metynnis roosevelti were exposed to different concentrations (0.275, 2.75 and 27.5 μg L(-1)) of the herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA). Cellular respiratory activity was evaluated by polarography using three substrates: 0.5 M glucose, 0.5 M succinate and 0.5 M α-ketoglutarate. Significant changes were observed in cellular oxygen consumption with 0.5 M α-ketoglutarate. Even at low concentrations, 2,4-D and MCPA were potent uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Primary cultures of M. roosevelti liver cells may provide a useful tool for the evaluation of environmental contaminant effects. A review of regulations regarding permitted concentrations of these herbicides is needed.

Oxygen permeability measurements of contact lenses: a proposal for accuracy improvement

Contact lens are a widespread medical device. In view of the importance of a proper oxygenation of the cornea, new materials are continuously being tested, with a high permeability to oxygen. Taking into account the limitations of the methods for testing soft contact lenses, as presented in the relevant international standards, this paper focuses on the polarographic method and on the approach of measuring oxygen permeability of stacked contact lenses. The effect of the interspersed saline solution layers on the measurable permeability of the stack is considered, using Fick's law of diffusive flux, and a proposal for accuracy improvement in oxygen permeability measurements is presented.

Analysis of throughput for multilayer infrared meanderline waveplates

A meanderline wave retarder is a unique type of frequency-selective-surface (FSS) that enables a change in the state of optical polarization. The principles of operation are very similar to a typical crystalline waveplate, such that the artificially structured meanderline array has both 'slow' and 'fast' axes that provide a phase offset between two orthogonal wave components. In this paper, we study the behavior and response of multilayered meanderline quarter-wave retarders designed for operation at 10.6 mum wavelength (28.28 THz). It will be shown that meanderline quarter-wave plates with more than a single layer exhibit improved transmission throughput at infrared frequencies due to impedance matching, similar to a multilayer optical film coating. Numerical data, both from simulations and measurements, are presented to validate this claim.

Brain tissue oxygen pressure monitoring in awake patients during functional neurosurgery: the assessment of normal values

Local brain tissue oxygen (ptiO2) monitoring is frequently applied in patients at risk for cerebral ischemia. To identify ischemic thresholds, the normal range of local brain tissue oxygen pressure (ptiO2) values needs to be established. Ideally, such normal values are determined in healthy and awake subjects, so as to eliminate the possible influences of anesthetics on cerebral physiology or ptiO2. Thus far, however, such measurements have not been conducted, and to fill this void, we determined the ptiO2 values in normal white matter of awake patients undergoing functional stereotactic brain surgery. In 25 otherwise healthy patients, who underwent functional neurosurgery for treatment of a refractory movement disorder under local anesthesia, the ptiO2 of white matter was recorded continuously using a polarographic Clark type electrode monitoring system. Preoperative screening ruled out cognitive dysfunction or structural cerebral lesions. Reliable intraoperative ptiO2 values were obtained in 22 patients. After an adaptation period of 118+/-35 min (range, 47-171 min), we found an average normal ptiO2 of 22.6+/-7.2 mm Hg in the frontal white matter. In 11 patients, ptiO2 measurements were continued postoperatively for 24 h. During this period, a similar normal ptiO2 value of 23.1+/-6.6 mm Hg was found. No iatrogenic complications occurred. In conclusion, the normal ptiO2 of cerebral white matter is most likely lower than previously assumed. Further, the long adaptation time renders this widely applied monitoring instrument unreliable in detecting ischemia early after insertion and limits its usefulness for intraoperative monitoring.

Chemometric determination of rabeprazole sodium in presence of its acid induced degradation products using spectrophotometry, polarography and anodic voltammetry at a glassy carbon electrode

Chemometric stability indicating methods are presented for the determination of rabeprazole sodium in presence of its acid induced degradation products using spectrophotometry, differential pulse polarography and differential pulse anodic voltammetry at a glassy carbon electrode. The applied chemometric techniques are multivariate ones including classical least squares (CLS), principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS). A difference spectrophotometric (DeltaA) method has also been applied. To develop the multivariate calibrations, a training set was used, consisting of 20 mixture solutions of rabeprazole sodium and its degradation products. These mixtures show percentage degradation ranging from 0.5-65%, 0.5-95% and 0.6-75% for the spectrophotometric, polarographic and anodic voltammetric calibrations, respectively. The UV absorbances were recorded in 0.1 M NaOH within the wavelength range 220-340 nm at 2 nm intervals. The polarograms and anodic voltammograms were recorded in Britton-Robinson buffer (pH 8.0) within the potential range -500 to -1508 and 400 to 1192 mV at 6 mV intervals with a pulse amplitude of -100 and 50 mV, sweep rate of 15 and 10 mV s(-1) and pulse interval of 0.4 and 0.6 s for the polarographic and anodic voltammetric methods, respectively. All the studied methods have been validated and successfully applied to the determination of rabeprazole sodium in tablet dosage form. The results were statistically compared to those obtained using a published HPLC method. No significant difference has been found.

A single-lens polarographic measurement of oxygen permeability (Dk) for hypertransmissible soft contact lenses

A novel polarographic apparatus is described that requires only a single soft contact lens (SCL) to ascertain oxygen permeabilities of hypertransmissible lenses. Unlike conventional methods where a range of lens thickness is needed for determining oxygen permeabilities of SCLs, the apparatus described here requires only a single-lens thickness. This is accomplished by minimizing (or completely eliminating) edge effects, boundary-layer resistances, and lens desiccation in the polarographic apparatus. By taking these effects into account, we measure reliable oxygen permeabilities of hypertransmissible SCLs (i.e., above 100 barrer). Results are reported for nine commercial SCLs ranging in permeability from 9 to 180 barrer. Measured single-lens oxygen permeabilities are in excellent agreement with those claimed by commercial manufacturers. Our new single-lens permeameter provides a reliable, efficient, and economical method for measuring oxygen permeabilities of commercial SCLs. The single-lens method offers a potential international standard for measuring oxygen permeabilities of SCLs up to 250 barrer.

Prediction of avascular necrosis of the femoral head by measuring intramedullary oxygen tension after femoral neck fracture

OBJECTIVE

To measure the intramedullary oxygen tension of the proximal femur after a femoral neck fracture and to evaluate the usefulness of that monitoring for prediction of subsequent avascular necrosis.

DESIGN

Prospective case series with comparison group.

SETTING

University hospital.

INTERVENTION

Measurement of intramedullary oxygen tension of the femoral head and neck during internal fixation using the Hansson hook-pin system.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Intramedullary oxygen tension was measured directly during surgery in 17 patients with 18 femoral neck fractures treated by internal fixation between October 2000 and February 2002. The intramedullary oxygen tension was measured by using polarographic oxygen electrodes and an oxygen monitor at four points: (A) 1 cm distal from the joint surface; (B) 1 cm proximal from the fracture site; (C) 1 cm distal from the fracture site; and (D) 1 cm proximal from the lateral wall. The presence or absence of avascular necrosis was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

MRI evaluation showed 11 fractures healed without complications, and 7 fractures developed avascular necrosis. We found significant differences in the distribution of intramedullary oxygen tension of the femoral head between points A (1 cm from the joint surface) and B (1 cm proximal from the fracture site) in those patients who developed avascular necrosis (P = 0.039); that is the oxygen tension was lower at point A than at point B. In contrast, in those patients who did not develop avascular necrosis there was no significant differences between point A and B were found (P = 0.059). The sensitivity and specificity for prediction of avascular necrosis were 1.0 and 0.82 (Fischer exact probability test, P = 0.002), respectively, when the cut-off level of oxygen tension differences between points A and B was set at 3.1 mm Hg.

CONCLUSION

We believe that this method of measuring intramedullary oxygen tension is simpler and less invasive than other currently used methods and has the possibility for intraoperatively identifying a risk group that can develop a late segmental collapse of the femoral head secondary to avascular necrosis.

[Ambient air interference in oxygen intake measurements in liquid incubating media with the use of open polarographic cells]

A model of oxygen intake by aerobic bio-objects in liquid incubating media was applied to investigate the influence air-media interface area on accuracy of measuring the oxygen intake and error value. It was shown that intrusion of air oxygen increases the relative error to 24% in open polarographic cells and to 13% in cells with a reduced interface area. Results of modeling passive media oxygenation laid a basis for proposing a method to reduce relative error by 66% for open cells and by 15% for cells with a reduced interface area.

Renal tissue NO and intrarenal haemodynamics during experimental variations of NO content in anaesthetised rats

Direct renal nitric oxide (NO) measurements were infrequent and no simultaneous measurements of renal cortical and medullary NO and local perfusion. Large-surface NO electrodes were placed in renal cortex and medulla of anaesthetised rats; simultaneously, renal blood flow (RBF, index of cortical perfusion) and medullary laser-Doppler flux (MBF) were determined. NO synthase inhibitors: nonselective (L-NAME) or selective for neuronal NOS (nNOS) (S-methyl-thiocitrulline, SMTC), and NO donor (SNAP), were used to manipulate tissue NO. Baseline tissue NO was significantly higher in medulla (703+/-49 NM) than in cortex (231+/-17 nM). Minimal cortical and medullary NO current measured after maximal L-NAME dose (2.4 mg kg(-1) i.v.) was taken as tissue NO zero kevel. This dose decreased RBF and MBF significantly (-43%). SMTC, 1.2 mg kg(-1) h(-1) i.v., significantly decreased tissue NO by 105+/-32 nM in cortex and 546+/-64 nM in medulla, RBF and MBF decreased 30% and 20%, respectively. Renal artery infusion of SNAP, 0.24 mg kg(-1) min(-1) significantly increased tissue NO by 139+/-18 nM in cortex and 948+/-110 nM in medulla. Since inhibition of nNOS decreased medullary NO by 80% and MBF by 20% only, this isoform has probably minor role in the maintenance of medullary perfusion.

Reactions of Sulfenic Acid with 2-Mercaptoethanol: A Mechanism for the Inhibition of Gastric (H+−K+)-Adenosine Triphosphate by Omeprazole

The reactions of omeprazole, a potent proton pump inhibitor (PPI) were investigated in the presence of 2-mercapotoethanol. Reactions were monitored in solutions buffered to pH values ranging 2.0-8.0 using differential pulse polarography (DPP) at the static mercury drop electrode (SMDE). The fast, sensitive and selective electrochemical technique facilitated successive recordings of voltammograms (peak current (nA) vs. peak potential (volts vs. Ag/AgCl)) for all analytes in situe, including the 2-mercaptoethanol. In acidic solutions and in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol, omeprazole undergoes degradation into three compounds, the first is a cyclic sulfenamide (D+), previously believed to be the active inhibitor of the H+, K+-ATPase, the second is the omeprazole dimer, and the third is the disulfide believed to be the product of reaction between 2-mercaptoethanol and D+. The cyclic sulfenamide (D+) solution was found to be stable in solutions containing 2-mercaptoethanol having pH values: 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0. This finding proved conclusively that the cyclic sulfenamide is not reactive toward the 2-mercaptoethanol. In contrast to previous reports, the conversion of the sulfenic acid intermediate into D+ was found to be irreversible. Due to this irreversibility, D+ and sulfenic acid were not rapidly interconvertable. The present work suggests that the active inhibitor is the sulfenic acid.

Corneal oxygen uptake: A review of polarographic techniques, applications, and variables

Factors that influence the polarographic measurement of the oxygen uptake of the cornea are reviewed. These factors include the technique, electrode assembly, oxygen reservoir, membrane material and thickness, oxygen tension of the corneal environment, duration of exposure to environmental conditions and time to application of the probe all influencing measured oxygen uptake rates. Subject factors include lid position, palpebral aperture size, blinking, corneal thickness, and corneal integrity. Contact lens wear influences corneal oxygen uptake, with lens material and design parameters influencing rates obtained both under static (without blinking) and dynamic (with blinking) conditions. Measurement of corneal oxygen uptake rates remains an excellent method to quantify the oxygen supply in contact lens systems that include the contact lens, the tears, and the cornea, in which oxygen flux is influenced by the thickness and diffusion characteristics of each component.

Voltammetric determination of montelukast sodium in dosage forms and human plasma

The voltammetric behaviour of montelukast (MKST) was studied using cyclic voltammetry, direct current (DCt), differential pulse polarography (DPP) and alternating current (ACt) polarography. MKST exhibited well-defined cathodic waves over the range pH range 1-5. No anodic waves were produced over the same pH range. At pH 1, the analytical pH; the diffusion current constant (Id) was 2.2+/-0.01 microA l mmol-1. The current concentration plot was rectilinear over the range 2-20 microg ml-1 with correlation coefficient (n=10) of 0.9943. The lower limit of detection (S/N=2) was 0.2 microg ml-1 (3.41x10(-7) M). The wave has been characterised as being diffusion-controlled, although adsorption phenomenon played a limited role in the electrode reaction. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of MKST in commercial tablets, and results were in agreement with those given with a reference HPLC method. The method was further extended to the in vitro determination of the drug in spiked human plasma. The mean % recovery (n=5) was 101.38+/-3.85. The number of electrons transferred in the reduction process could be accomplished and a proposal of the electrode reaction was proposed.

Myocardial oxygen tension during surgical revascularization.☆A clinical comparison between blood cardioplegia and crystalloid cardioplegia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of cardioplegic solutions on myocardial oxygenation during surgical revascularization.

METHODS

In 30 patients, randomized to receive crystalloid (CC) or blood (BC) cardioplegia, myocardial oxygen tension was measured continuously by polarography.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable in terms of patients' age, sex, pre-operative ejection fraction, coronary disease, perfusion time, and aorta cross-clamping time. However, the BC group required 22% more of cardioplegic solution to stop electrical activity of the heart. Throughout the pre- and post-cardiac arrest periods, oxygen tension between the two groups was similar. At the end of the observation (4th day), myocardial oxygenation increased over 200% in relation to the values before revascularization. During the first infusion of cardioplegia, oxygen tension in the CC group was lower compared to the BC group (0.1 mmHg vs 1.3 mmHg; P<0.05) being the only significant difference between the two groups during cardiac arrest. Throughout the cardiac arrest, myocardial oxygen tension was close to zero regardless of the type of cardioplegia used. Post-operatively, addition of oxygen to the respiratory air increased myocardial oxygenation by over 17% resulting in a positive correlation (r=0.94; P<0.05) between myocardial oxygen tension and peripheral saturation.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the differences in myocardial oxygen tension between the CC and BC groups are trivial. Thus, any potential beneficial effect of blood cardioplegia compared to crystalloid cardioplegia must be due to other circumstances than its oxygen carrying capacity. An important observation is a significant increase in myocardial oxygenation during oxygen supplement to the respiratory air.

Measurement of oxygen partial pressure in the mandibular bone using a polarographic fine needle probe

In this study, the oxygen partial pressure in the cancellous bone substance of the mandible was measured for the first time with a polarographic fine needle probe. This has so far only been established in soft tissue. The aim was to prove and to test the feasibility in principle of this method of measurement in order to ascertain the normal values for the O2 partial pressure in healthy bone. These values were afterwards compared with the results of measurements in areas of different pathological bone conditions in order to assess the clinical suitability of the method for "mapping" during mandibular resection. Measurements of oxygen partial pressure were made in a total of 42 patients (16 women, 26 men). Of these, 12 patients with clinically normal bones served as a control group. Seventeen patients had osteoradionecrosis following radiation treatment, and 13 patients presented with chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible. All measurements were carried out with a polarographic fine needle probe applied to the cancellous bone substance. The statistical analysis included a comparison of the mean values of the oxygen partial pressures measured. No statistical correlation between oxygen partial pressure and pH and hemoglobin values could be detected. The average oxygen partial pressure in the healthy mandibular bone was 71.4 mmHg. In non-healthy bone, the value fell to an average of 30.6 mmHg (osteoradionecrosis 32.3 mmHg, chronic osteomyelitis of the mandibular bone 28.4 mmHg). Statistically, the differences in the group values ascertained were highly significant (P < 0.005). The data found show that this method can be successfully used to detect poorly perfused bone. The values are reproducible and reflect the clinical situation. In the long term, the method appears to be a suitable diagnostic tool for assessing the oxygen supply in bone in studying various clinical problems related to bone surgery.

Near infrared spectroscopy and imaging to probe differences in water content in normal and cancer human prostate tissues

The content of water in cancerous and normal human prostate in vitro tissues was shown to be different using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The water absorption peaks at 1444 nm and 1944 nm are observed in both types of prostate tissues. The measurements show that less water is contained in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. The OH stretching vibrational overtone mode at 1444 nm and other water overtone modes provide key spectroscopic fingerprints to detect cancer in prostate tissue. Transmission and backscattered spectral imaging were measured in cancer and normal prostate tissues. The degree of polarization for 700 nm, 800 nm, 1200 nm, and 1450 nm is larger for normal than for cancer tissues. The knowledge about water content offers a potential as a diagnostic tool to better determine and image cancer in prostate and in other tissues types such as breast and cervix using the absorption from vibrational overtones of H(2)O molecules in the NIR.

Sulfide consumption by mussel gill mitochondria is not strictly tied to oxygen reduction: measurements using a novel polarographic sulfide sensor

Some organisms that survive in environments rich in hydrogen sulfide possess specific metabolic pathways for sulfide oxidation and subsequent use of reducing equivalents in oxidative phosphorylation, a process called chemolithoheterotrophy. This process is dependent on ambient oxygen partial pressure and environmental sulfide exposure. To define accurately the kinetics of sulfide metabolism and its dependence on cellular conditions, we have developed a polarographic sulfide sensor (PSS) to measure sulfide concentrations directly and continuously under physiological conditions.

The ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa, an inhabitant of sulfide-rich coastal sediments, consumes sulfide in a chemolithoheterotrophic metabolic strategy. Gill mitochondria use sulfide as respiratory substrate for ATP production, and sulfide consumption is sufficiently rapid and so kinetically complex that only continuous real-time detection captures these events. Under normoxic conditions, oxygen and sulfide consumption are matched. Under hypoxic to anoxic conditions, however, sulfide consumption continues without commensurate oxygen consumption, and these results can be duplicated at higher oxygen conditions by selective blockade of terminal oxidases. These metabolic capabilities depend on prior environmental sulfide exposure, which suggests substantial mitochondrial metabolic plasticity. The recent finding that endogenous sulfide is a critical cell signaling molecule in all organisms suggests that the metabolic pathways that tightly control cellular sulfide levels are widespread. Sensors that accurately report sulfide concentrations under physiologically relevant conditions are valuable tools with which to explore the expanding role of sulfide in biological systems.

Polarimetric Assay for the Medium-Throughput Determination of α-Amino Acid Racemase Activity

A polarimetric assay has been developed for the identification of alpha-amino acid racemase activity. The setup consists of a microcuvette polarimeter (40 microL volume) connected to a pipetting robot for microtiter plates, a pump, and data processing. It could be demonstrated for a glutamate racemase from Lactobacillus fermentii, expressed in Escherichia coli, serving as model enzyme, that its activity can be determined from the time-dependent change of the optical rotation using l-glutamate as substrate. Thus, the specific activity was determined to 111.4 mdeg/min which corresponds to 45.7 micromol/min per mg purified enzyme. Moreover, a protocol was developed that allows the measurement of racemase activity from 96-well microtiter plates using purified enzymes. Thus, the method described can be used to determine racemase activity in an automatic manner. It should be also applicable for the screening of enzyme libraries created by directed evolution.