Search Results (122)

Reproducible morphological profiling, particularly for drug discovery, has become an important tool for compound evaluation. Established workflows such as CellProfiler provide a widely adopted foundation for Cell Painting analysis. However, conventional pipelines often require substantial manual configuration and technical expertise, which can limit scalability and accessibility. In this study, a fully automated deep learning-based workflow is presented for segmentation-driven morphological profiling from raw microscopy data. Using a curated subset of the JUMP Cell Painting pilot dataset, ground-truth masks were generated and used to train a U-net–based segmentation model in the IKOSA platform. Post-processing strategies were introduced to improve instance separation and reduce segmentation artifacts. The final model achieved strong segmentation performance (precision/recall/AP up to 0.98/0.94/0.92 for nuclei), with an average runtime of 2.2 s per 1080 × 1080 image. Segmentation outputs enabled large-scale feature extraction, yielding 3664 morphological descriptors that showed high correlation with CellProfiler-derived measurements (normalized MAE: 0.0298). Feature prioritization further reduced redundancy to 1145 informative descriptors. These results demonstrate that automated deep learning pipelines can complement established Cell Painting workflows by reducing configuration overhead while maintaining compatibility with validated morphological profiling standards. The proposed workflow may help improve resource efficiency in drug discovery and personalized medicine. Full article

Machine learning (ML) is transforming the analysis of biomolecular data, holding significant promise for improving the efficiency and accuracy of microscopy image analysis and for studying the dynamics of molecules in live cells. As data-driven approaches continue to evolve, they may eventually replace traditional statistical methods that rely on conventional analytical methods. This review examines and critically analyses the state of the art of ML techniques as applied to various levels of data supervision in the analysis of dynamic single-molecule datasets obtained using superresolution optical microscopy. Collectively encompassed under the umbrella of “nanoscopy”, these methods currently comprise targeted techniques such as stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and stochastic techniques like single-molecule localization microscopies (SMLMs), comprising photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), DNA points accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography (DNA-PAINT) microscopy, and minimal fluorescence photon flux (MINFLUX) microscopy. These techniques all enable the imaging of subcellular components and molecules beyond the diffraction limit, and some are additionally capable of studying their dynamics in real time, as reviewed here, using several ML techniques that facilitate motion analysis in two or three dimensions with qualitative and quantitative characterisation in the live cell. It is expected that the growing use of learning-based approaches in biological microscopy data processing will dramatically increase throughput and accelerate progress in this rapidly developing field. Full article

Bisphenol S (BPS) is widely used as a replacement for bisphenol A, yet accumulating evidence suggests that it has comparable endocrine and cardiovascular toxicity. Here, we investigated whether prolonged low-dose BPS exposure induces subtle but classifiable phenotypic alterations in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), using an end-to-end experimental and ML pipeline that spans cell culture, high-content imaging, feature extraction, and robust classification. Cells were exposed to 0.1 µM BPS for 96 h and profiled using a cell painting assay and high-content microscopy. Image segmentation yielded ~2500 quantitative features per cell across four compartments—Membrane, Cytoplasm, Ring region (i.e., perinuclear region), and Nucleus—for multiple fluorophores. We systematically compared different classifiers (Random Forest, XGBoost, LASSO logistic regressor) using feature selection (MRMR, ReliefF, LASSO) or transformation-based dimensionality reduction (PCA, autoencoders). Tree-based ensembles robustly handled high-dimensional inputs, with XGBoost combined with ReliefF-selected features achieving the best performance. The most informative descriptors predominantly mapped to mitochondrial and nuclear channels, indicating early alterations in mitochondrial organisation and chromatin-related features. These findings show that chronic low-dose BPS exposure elicits a distinct endothelial phenotype, consistent with early endothelial dysfunction, and demonstrate that integrating high-content imaging with machine learning provides a sensitive, scalable framework for vascular toxicity assessment of environmental contaminants. Full article

This work presents an experimental assessment of radiative cooling (RC) films and compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) optics integrated into systems relevant for smart cities: LED street luminaires and small photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) modules used as energy-harvesting (EH) sources for IoT devices. Using commercial RC film and simple 2D/3D CPC geometries, we conducted outdoor measurements under realistic conditions. For a commercial LED luminaire, several configurations were compared (painted aluminum reference, full RC coverage of the head, partial RC strips above the LED and driver, and RC combined with CPCs), recording surface temperatures during daytime and nighttime operation. In parallel, single-junction PV cells and Peltier-type TE generators were mounted on aluminum plates in three configurations: reference, RC-coated, RC + 3D-CPC. Their surface temperatures and open-circuit (OC) voltages were monitored in daylight. Across all campaigns, RC consistently reduced device or surface temperatures by a few degrees Celsius compared to the reference, with larger reductions under higher irradiance. For PV and TE modules, thermal differences produced small but measurable increases in OC voltage—percent-level for PV, millivolt-level for TE. CPCs generally preserved or slightly enhanced the cooling effect in some configurations, acting as incremental modifiers rather than primary drivers. The experiments are deliberately exploratory and provide initial experimental evidence that RC integration can be beneficial in real devices. They establish an empirical baseline for future work on long-term, multi-season campaigns, electrical characterization, optimized materials/optics, and system-level prototypes in smart-city lighting and IoT EH applications. Full article

The paper presents the experimental results of applying a novel protective coating made from Mn_1.7Cu_1.3-xFe_xO₄, compared to commercial spinels Mn_1.5Co_1.5O₄ and MnCo₂O₄, as a key component responsible for preventing chromium diffusion and slowing the increase in area-specific resistance (ASR) in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The layers of selected materials were deposited on Crofer 22APU steel by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on small samples and by roll painting on full-scale interconnects. The coatings were evaluated by measuring the ASR of small samples for short and long runs (1000 h), as well as real-scale interconnects assembled in a SOFC stack composed of three cells, measuring 11 × 11 cm², which operated for 1000 h at 670 °C. The collected data on the electrochemical performance of the stack allowed for estimation of the degradation rates of all the repeating units, revealing benefits from using (Mn,Cu,Fe)₃O₄ as a coating. The results are compared to the literature reports. Post-mortem analysis by the SEM-EDS technique allowed for investigation of Cr diffusion levels. Full article

Produced from the parenchymatous tissue of the stem pith of Tetrapanax papyrifer, the material known as pith paper served as a distinctive support medium for Chinese export paintings during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is commonly found in collections worldwide. Due to its inherently fragile structure, conservation interventions are often necessary. However, the material’s chemical composition and deterioration mechanisms remain poorly understood, which not only complicates treatment decisions but also undermines preventive conservation efforts. This study presents a systematic investigation into the anatomical structure and ageing behaviour of pith paper using a multi-analytical approach. Optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed a preserved honeycomb-like cellular architecture composed of thin-walled, entirely of non-lignified parenchyma cells, which contributes to the material’s mechanical fragility. Artificial ageing experiments showed a significant loss of flexibility, increased yellowing, and a decline in pH with ageing time. Infrared spectroscopy identified molecular changes consistent with cellulose chain scission, with decreases in O–H and C–O–C absorptions revealing acid-hydrolysis-driven breakdown, while colourimetry pointed to the formation of chromophoric degradation products. These findings offer a foundational understanding of pith paper’s vulnerabilities and provide essential insights for the development of informed conservation and storage strategies. Full article

Esterases are ubiquitous enzymes found in all living organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. They are involved in several biological processes, including the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and esters; phosphorus metabolism; detoxification of natural and artificial toxicants; polymer breakdown and synthesis; remodeling; and cell signaling. The present review focuses on the most industrially important esterases, namely lipases, phospholipases, cutinases, and polyethylene terephthalate hydrolases (PETases). Esterases are widely used in industrial and biotechnological applications. Notably, the biotechnological production of esters, including methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, and ethyl lactate, as an alternative to chemical production, represents a multi-billion-dollar industry. Currently, most enzymes (>75%) used in industrial processes are hydrolytic. Among them, lipases and phospholipases are primarily used for lipid modification. Lipases are the third most commercialized enzymes after proteases and carboxyhydrases, and their production is steadily increasing, currently representing over one-fifth of the global enzyme market. Esterases, particularly lipases, phospholipases, and cutinases, are employed in cosmetics, food, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, paints, detergents, paper, and biodiesel, among other industries. Overall, biotechnological production using enzymes is gaining global traction owing to its environmental benefits, high yields, and efficiency, aligning with green economy principles. Full article

Various heritage objects can be subjected to various types of biodegradation and biodeterioration. Mold fungi can destroy many types of art—be it monumental art or easel paintings. Tempera paintings on wood are at risk of biodeterioration, since the wide variety of organic and inorganic materials in art objects often provide an optimal habitat for biological colonization, causing aesthetic and structural damage. In this regard, timely identification and characterization of their microbiological destructive potential are critical. The fungi Syncephalastrum sp. STG-160 and Cladosporium sphaerospermum STG-161, isolated from bio-lesion sites of the 16th century icon “Descent into Hell” from State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, were identified and characterized morphologically and molecularly in our work. Syncephalastrum sp. was found in an unusual habitat that has not been previously described for this species. To determine the biodegradability of the identified fungi, their cells were inoculated onto mock layers—egg yolk ochre, cobalt green tempera pigments, and watercolor black. The results show that some pigments were more degradable than others. The addition of cobalt green completely inhibited STG-161 growth and significantly deceleratedSTG-160 mycelium development, most likely due to the presence of heavy metal ions in the pigment. Ochre, a frequently used pigment in restoration practice, is the most degradable material for Syncephalastrum sp. STG-160. Combining culture-dependent methods with SEM and fluorescence microscopy allowed us to identify an invisible individual spore of Syncephalastrum sp. STG-160 and a single hypha of Cladosporium sphaerospermum STG-161 directly on the icon’s surface in clean-contaminated zones, potentially allowing their development in cases of adverse temperature and humidity conditions. Therefore, in order to ensure rapid and effective conservation, it is crucial to assess and quantify the presence of biological systems causing damage to the heritage object itself as well as its individual art components. Full article

Human exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) is common. These NPs are used in cosmetics, paint, food, and other products. Their nanometric size (<100 nm) allows entry into the bloodstream, from which they can reach organs and cells throughout the body. Although TiO₂ NPs have been reported to damage certain cell lines and organs and to alter cellular function, their impact on human menstrual blood mesenchymal stem cells (hMB-MSCs) is unknown. This study evaluated the effects of TiO₂ NPs on viability, proliferation, morphology, membrane-marker expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in primary cultures of hMB-MSCs derived from menstrual blood. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of TiO₂ NPs for 3, 7, and 14 days. TiO₂ NPs decreased hMB-MSC viability and proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Cellular viability was reduced by up to 6%, 11%, and 18% at 3, 7, and 14 days, respectively (statistically significant vs. control). Cellular proliferation decreased by 3%, 5%, and 33% at 15.63, 62.5, and 250 μg/mL TiO₂, respectively. TiO₂ NPs were internalized and observed in the cytoplasm, forming perinuclear aggregates. NP-exposed cells showed reduced membrane expression of CD73 (7.9% decrease) and CD90 (25.72% decrease) compared with control cells. Finally, TiO₂ NPs at 15.63, 62.5, and 250 µg/mL reduced ROS generation by 56.79%, 62.79%, and 53.35%, respectively, after 4 h (statistically significant vs. control). In summary, exposure to high concentrations of TiO₂ NPs leads to intracellular nanoparticle deposits and alters key functions of human menstrual blood mesenchymal stem cells, including immunomodulation, immune protection, molecular behavior, cell differentiation, and regenerative capacity. Full article

This study’s objective was to evaluate genotoxic effects on automotive paint workers who are exposed to a complex mixture of VOCs, heavy metals, and solvents. Biological samples, including blood, urine, and buccal epithelial cells, were collected from 80 exposed workers and 80 demographically matched control subjects. DNA damage was assessed using the alkaline COMET assay in lymphocytes and whole blood. The Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay was also employed to identify cytogenetic abnormalities. Additionally, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), hippuric acid (HA), phenol, and lead (Pb) levels were measured as biomarkers of exposure. A significant increase in DNA damage was observed in the lymphocytes and whole blood of exposed workers (p < 0.05) BMCyt analysis also revealed higher frequencies of micronuclei (MN), binucleated cells, condensed chromatin (CC), and karyorrhectic (KHC) and pyknotic cells (PYC) in buccal cells (p < 0.05). Elevated levels of urinary HA, phenol, TCA, and blood lead indicated systemic chemical exposure. DNA damage positively correlated with these biomarkers, supporting a strong link between chronic occupational exposure and genotoxicity. The findings from this study highlight the critical importance of implementing effective safety measures and consistent biomonitoring for paint workers to prevent adverse health effects. Full article

Cell-free tumor DNA (cftDNA) and cell-free tumor RNA (cftRNA) are emerging as powerful biomarkers for cancer detection, monitoring, and prognosis. These nucleic acids, released into the bloodstream by tumor cells, carry cancer-specific genetic and epigenetic alterations and can be detected non-invasively. Detection before clinical diagnosis offers a unique opportunity for earlier intervention yet requires longitudinal cohort studies to establish pre-diagnostic biomarker profiles. Current technologies enable sensitive quantification of cftDNA and cftRNA, with spike-in controls allowing for absolute quantification of single nucleosome-bound cftDNA, addressing a key limitation in liquid biopsy assays. Advances, such as DNA-PAINT, now permit single-molecule resolution detection of point mutations and methylation patterns characteristic of cancer, while new proteomics methods can identify the tissue of origin of exosome-derived nucleic acid. This review discusses the state-of-the-art detection strategies for cftDNA and cftRNA, highlights the gaps in longitudinal sampling, and outlines future research directions toward integrating multiomic liquid biopsy approaches for improved early diagnosis, monitoring, and relapse detection. Full article

Copper-based nanoparticles (as Cu₂O) are a key component in marine antifouling paints and, as coatings degrade, release nanoparticles that can affect a wide range of non-target organisms. This study investigates the impact of Cu₂O nanoparticles on the early development of urchins Arbacia lixula, Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis, and benchmarks their toxicity against similarly sized Cu and CuO nanoparticles and ionic copper. Concentration-dependent toxicity was noted for all forms of copper at concentrations in the 1 to 5000 µg L⁻¹ range. EC₅₀ values after Cu₂O exposure indicated that A. lixula (99 µg L⁻¹) was generally more sensitive than the other two species, with EC₅₀ values of 371 µg L⁻¹ and 606 µg L⁻¹ noted for S. granularis and P. lividus, respectively. The same trend across species was noted for both Cu and CuO, although these nanoparticles generally showed higher EC₅₀ values, indicating lower toxicity compared to Cu₂O. LC₅₀ values qualitatively parallel the corresponding EC₅₀ values, with Cu₂O consistently the most toxic, while Cu was less harmful, and CuO did not reach LC₅₀ at any concentration. Again, greatest lethality was noted in A. lixula. While copper ion release from Cu was much greater than from CuO and Cu₂O, the latter showed similar or greater toxicity to developing embryos compared to Cu. This indicates that copper ions are not the sole driver of toxicity of Cu₂O, but there may also be a contribution derived from Cu₂O redox activity within cells or at membranes that negatively impact oxidative stress defence mechanisms and metabolic pathways. Full article

The visual system has served as an expeditious entry point for discerning the mechanism of action of many brain systems, spearheading multiple fields of neuroscience in the process. It has additionally launched the careers of countless scientists, as we have crafted new means to understand neuronal structures and their functions, leading to advances in many areas of the sciences. Indeed, one can readily mark the onset of the scientific examination of the visual system with the 1851 invention of the ophthalmoscope by Hermann von Helmholtz, and the trichromatic theory of color vision in 1802. The Young–Helmholtz understanding the red–green–blue nature of color vision became the foundation to understanding sensory system function that visual artists and also contemporary flat panel displays rely on. It is fascinating to realize that the paintings of Georges Seurat and an iPhone display share a commonality of this application of the trichromatic theory. While it was not until 1956 that the existence of cells responsive to three different ranges of wavelengths was proven with the work of Gunnar Svaetichin, this proof in many ways marked the advancement of tools to visualize at a microscopic level, a full century after the Young–Helmholtz theory was developed. Just a decade later, in 1966, the person widely considered as the founder of modern neuroscience, Stephen Kuffler, founded the Harvard neurobiology department. It was from Kuffler’s work with his post-doctoral students that many new fields of study were created and from whom many of the neuroscience programs across the US were founded. In terms of the visual system, Kuffler and his team were key in detailing areas of retinal neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neurophysiology, and developmental neurobiology. This paper traces areas in visual system research that provide our understanding of the disparate areas of brain sciences. As such, there are six categories that are evaluated, each of which spawned work in multiple areas that have become mainstays in neuroscience. These range from fields that were dominant a half century ago to ones that have their origins in this decade. The commonality is that all of these owe their origin to Helmholtz and Kuffler, polymaths of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. We will examine the impact of vision research across the following fields of neuroscience: sensory system function, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neurophysiology, developmental neurobiology, and neurological health and disease. Full article

Zinc is an essential trace metal element in the human body, but it also constitutes a variety of proteins in the body of the important elements necessary; this element plays an important role in physiological metabolism. Disturbances in the metabolism of zinc ions in the body can significantly threaten human health, especially neurological diseases. Therefore, developing a rapid and straightforward method for determining zinc ions is important. Fluorescent probe technology has been widely used for detecting and labeling zinc ions. Among many fluorescent probes, the rhodamine derivative LPDQ fluorescent probe has unique application scenarios, for example, it plays an important role in the detection of zinc white in oil colors, and its advantages are simplicity, rapidity, and real-time operation. This paper introduces the types of fluorescent probes for zinc ions and the three main mechanisms of fluorescent probe detection. The characteristics, design strategies, and application effects of the three fluorescent probes for zinc ions, as well as their advantages and limitations, are reviewed and summarized, which are intended to provide valuable references for the development of new probes for zinc ions detection in the future and for the future direction of research in this field. Full article

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that utilizes electroactive microorganisms to generate electricity. These microorganisms, which convert the energy stored in substrates such as wastewater into electricity, grow on the anode. To ensure biocompatibility, anodes are typically made from carbon-based materials. Therefore, a carbon-based material (by-product of coconut processing) was selected for testing in this study. The anode was prepared by bonding activated coconut carbon with carbon paint on a glass electrode. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of using an electrode prepared in this manner as a surface layer on the anode of an MFC. The performance of an electrode coated only with carbon paint was also evaluated. These two electrodes were compared with a carbon felt electrode, which is commonly used as an anode material in MFCs. In this research, the MFC was fed with a by-product of yeast production, namely a molasses decoction from yeast processing. Measurements were conducted in a standard two-chamber glass MFC with a glass membrane separating the chambers. During the experiment, parameters such as start-up time, cell voltage during MFC start-up, output cell voltage, and power density curves were analyzed. The carbon paint-coated electrode with the activated coconut carbon additive demonstrated operating parameters similar to those of the carbon felt electrode. The results indicate that it is possible to produce electrodes (on a base of by-product of coconut processing) for MFCs using a painting method; however, to achieve a performance comparable to carbon felt, the addition of activated coconut carbon is necessary. This study demonstrates the feasibility of forming a biocompatible layer on various surfaces. Incorporating activated coconut carbon does not complicate the anode fabrication process, as fine ACC grains can be directly applied to the wet carbon paint layer. Additionally, the use of carbon paint as a conductive layer for the active anode in MFCs offers versatility in designing electrodes of various shapes, enabling them to be coated with a suitable active and conductive layer to promote biofilm formation. Moreover, the findings of this study confirm that waste-derived materials can be effectively utilized as electrode components in MFC anodes. The results validate the chosen research approach and emphasize the potential for further investigations in this field, contributing to the development of cost-efficient electrodes derived from by-products for MFC applications. Full article