Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Salmann Ali, Khulla Naseer, Javaria Qazi
Summary: This research work aimed to assess the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to distinguish healthy sera samples from HCV infected freeze-dried sera samples and develop a new reagent-free diagnostic tool. The study found clear variations in the ATR-FTIR spectra between the two sample groups, especially in the two specific spectral regions. Multivariate classification algorithms, including PCA and LDA, were used and achieved high accuracy in discriminating HCV and healthy samples.
INFRARED PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Salmann Ali, Khulla Naseer, Irshad Hussain, Javaria Qazi
Summary: The study evaluated ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for diagnosing HCV and DENV infected freeze-dried sera, showing promising results in distinguishing between the two viruses. The combination of ATR-FTIR with multivariate data classification algorithms demonstrated high classification accuracy, making it a potential tool for differential diagnosis.
INFRARED PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi Zhang, Celalettin Yurdakul, Alexander J. Devaux, Le Wang, Xiaoji G. Xu, John H. Connor, M. Selim Unlu, Ji-Xin Cheng
Summary: This study demonstrated a confocal interferometric mid-infrared photothermal microscope for ultra-sensitive and spatially resolved chemical imaging of individual viruses. The method detects the weak photothermal signal induced by infrared absorption of chemical bonds in viruses. The research shows the potential of using interferometric MIP microscopy for label-free differentiation of viral particles.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ai Chen, Lingyang Zhu, Hee-Sun Han, Yuji Arai
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of how the calcite-water interface influences the mineralization of phytic acid. The results showed a pH-specific effect, with calcite inhibiting phytase activity and phytic acid mineralization at pH 6, while enhancing them at pH 8. The findings highlight the importance of soil pH, enzyme, and OP-clay mineral interactions in controlling the mineralization and release of phosphate in soils, and provide implications for the management of calcite-rich and limed soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ryohei Ishige, Cai Li Song, Shohei Hara, Shinji Ando, Sergei G. Kazarian
Summary: In this study, molecular orientation of aromatic polyimides (PIs) and their precursor of poly(amic ester)s (PAE) in biaxially oriented films was analyzed by polarized microscopic attenuated-total-reflection Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (micro pATR-FTIR) imaging. The results showed the heterogeneous distribution of aromatic imide plane in the films, with face-on and edge-on orientation domains coexisting. The study also successfully visualized cracks in the PI film and investigated the orientation distribution inside the cracks, validating the quantitative capability of the micro pATR-FTIR imaging method for analyzing highly oriented PI films and demonstrating its ability to investigate micrometer-scale heterogeneity.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiuqi Zhang, Lei Zhao, Guoliang Qi, Xiaoru Zhang, Cheng Tian
Summary: The coronavirus pandemic poses a significant threat to human health, and early detection and prevention of further escalation are of utmost importance. The current method of sample collection and RNA testing using the nasopharyngeal swab method and real-time polymerase chain reaction has limitations. Optical techniques, such as optical sensing, spectroscopy, and imaging, show promise in virus detection due to their speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. This mini review summarizes the development of vibrational spectroscopy techniques for the detection of the SARS-CoV family, highlighting their advantages and future possibilities in the field of photonics-based devices for COVID-19 detection.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Kordian Chamerski, Jacek Filipecki, Agnieszka Balinska, Piotr Jelen, Maciej Sitarz
Summary: This study characterized calcium phosphates formed under conditions similar to those in the human eye using SEM/EDS and infrared spectroscopy. The results showed the formation of white spherical precipitates with an unstable nature when extracted from the solution. Elemental analysis revealed a Ca/P ratio similar to hydroxyapatite, and further analysis indicated the presence of calcium phosphate hydration.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Khulla Naseer, Salmann Ali, Javaria Qazi
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric data classification algorithms for differential diagnosis of Salmonella typhi and dengue infected freeze-dried sera samples. PCA and LDA algorithms were used to achieve accurate classification and differentiation with high accuracy.
INFRARED PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Huiqiang Lu, Harumi Sato, Sergei G. Kazarian
Summary: The understanding of morphology and crystallization in biopolymer blends allows for the manipulation of properties to meet specific requirements. In this study, the isothermal melt-crystallization process of PHB/PLLA blends was investigated using ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging and DSC. The results showed that increasing the fraction of blend component with a lower T-m and choosing polymers with a higher molecular weight can enhance the miscibility of the blend. Additionally, in-situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging combined with integrated absorbance profiles and DSC thermograms deepens the understanding of multi-component polymer systems.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil, Bayden R. Wood
Summary: Serum is a valuable source for proteomics analysis, but the high concentration range of protein/peptide species makes it challenging to detect low-molecular-weight compounds. In this study, a combination of near-infrared and mid-infrared spectroscopy was used to improve the detection limit of LMW amino acids in serum.
Article
Spectroscopy
Silvia Garrappa, Tine Froysaker, Noelle Lynn Wenger Streeton, David Hradil, Elena Platania, Karoline Beltinger, Francesco Caruso
Summary: This paper addresses unresolved issues in the conservation of paintings from the early modern period by analyzing commercial tube oil paints owned by the Norwegian painter Harriet Backer. The study reveals the use of new materials and the presence of zinc stearate as a dispersing agent in paint formulations during that time.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Simon C. Mendelsohn, Humphrey Mulenga, Stanley Kimbung Mbandi, Fatoumatta Darboe, Mary Shelton, Thomas J. Scriba, Mark Hatherill
Summary: Current tuberculosis triage and predictive tools have poor accuracy in detecting asymptomatic disease in people living with HIV. Host tuberculosis transcriptomic biomarkers show promise for diagnosing and predicting tuberculosis, guiding further investigation, preventive therapy and follow-up. This systematic review aims to evaluate the performance of transcriptomic signatures of tuberculosis in people living with HIV.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ganqi Deng, Carlene Nagy, Peiqiang Yu
Summary: This review introduces the advanced molecular techniques of synchrotron radiation based on Fourier transform infrared radiation (SR-FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and attenuated total reflection based on Fourier transform infrared radiation (ATR-FTIR), and their applications in studying the chemical and nutrient profiles of Avena sativa grain. These techniques have the potential to provide valuable insights into nutrition and structure interactive association properties, but are currently not well understood by nutrition researchers.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Sergei G. Kazarian
Summary: This paper discusses recent and potential developments in the application of infrared spectroscopic imaging, focusing on FTIR spectroscopic imaging in biomedical and engineering systems. It briefly reports on the current state-of-the-art, recent trends and advances in applications, research opportunities, challenges, and future prospects in the field of medical diagnostics and engineering applications.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mark Youssef, Babalwa Zani, Oluwatobi Olaiya, Michael Soliman, Lawrence Mbuagbaw
Summary: This study evaluated the definition of HIV virological outcomes in the literature and found that trials with industry funding were significantly associated with using a viral load threshold of <= 50 copies/mL. Studies with pharmacological interventions had fewer missing data. The country source of funding was associated with the choice of viral load threshold, highlighting the need for formal guidelines on virological outcome reporting in RCTs.
Article
Physics, Applied
Luke C. Ugwuoke, Tomas Mancal, Tjaart P. J. Kruger
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Zelinda Engelbrecht, Kim Elli Roberts, Ayesha Hussan, Gershon Amenuvor, Marianne Jaqueline Cronje, James Darkwa, Banothile C. E. Makhubela, Lungile Sitole
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mampolelo M. Photolo, Lungile Sitole, Vuyo Mavumengwana, Matsobane G. Tlou
Summary: The study focused on the use of Combretum erythrophyllum as a phytoextraction option for tailing dams in South Africa, revealing that Methylobacterium radiotolerans MAMP 4754 produces heavy metal resistant proteins and plant growth-promoting compounds, showcasing characteristics of plant growth-promoting bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Zikhona Gabazana, Lungile Sitole
Summary: HIV infection can lead to metabolic disorders, with current clinical markers being limited and unreliable. This study used Raman spectroscopy to analyze metabolic changes in plasma of different HIV treatment groups and controls, identifying significant differences and altered metabolites. The study highlights the potential of Raman spectroscopy in distinguishing metabolic effects of HIV therapy.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Michal Gwizdala, Pedro H. Lebre, Gillian Maggs-Kolling, Eugene Marais, Don A. Cowan, Tjaart P. J. Kruger
Summary: In hyper-arid soil environments, photosynthetic microorganisms are mostly found in sub-lithic habitats, such as the ventral surfaces of translucent pebbles in desert pavements. This study found that quartz pebbles reduce light transmission and filter out short wavelength spectrum, but the hypolithic cyanobacterial communities show some adaptation to sub-lithic conditions. Under water-saturated conditions, there is no evidence of light stress on hypolithic communities even when exposed to full midday sunlight.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Emil Roduner, Tjaart P. J. Kruger
Summary: The understanding of the origin of irreversibility in thermodynamics has been a long-standing challenge, with energy dissipation identified as a key factor. The distinction between thermodynamic irreversibility and time-irreversibility has been highlighted, with processes such as thermalization and equilibration playing a role in memory loss and energy dissipation within systems. The Second Law of thermodynamics, which states that spontaneous processes lead to increasing entropy, remains a fundamental principle.
PHYSICS REPORTS-REVIEW SECTION OF PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Justine Sageka Nyarige, Alexander T. Paradzah, Tjaart P. J. Kruger, Mmantsae Diale
Summary: Zinc-doped, silver-doped, and zinc/silver codoped hematite nanostructures were synthesized and used as photoanodes for watersplitting. The codoped sample showed the highest photocurrent density and free carrier density, as well as low impedance. The nanostructures exhibited uniformly distributed grains and absorption in the visible region.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
N. N. Baloyi, F. Tugizimana, L. J. Sitole
Summary: This study investigates the metabolic reconfigurations induced by vitamin D in bacterial infection using metabolomics. The results demonstrate that vitamin D can reprogram the metabolic profile of stimulated cells, affecting bioenergy production, redox reaction regulation, inflammation, and protein synthesis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bertus van Heerden, Tjaart P. J. Kruger
Summary: Real-time feedback-driven single-particle tracking is a technique that allows for single-molecule spectroscopy of freely diffusing particles. This study compared the performance of different methods using statistical calculations and dynamical simulations. The results showed a trade-off between precision and speed, with iSCAT providing better tracking for most samples. The study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate method and can be extended to other techniques.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
J. A. Nothling, Tomas Mancal, T. P. J. Kruger
Summary: The accuracy of approximate methods for calculating linear optical spectra is studied. The Full Cumulant Expansion (FCE) method is found to be the most accurate for all spectra calculations. The coherent time-dependent Redfield (ctR) method performs well for moderately coupled pigments but may differ significantly from exact spectra when strong interpigment coupling is present. The Redfield and modified Redfield methods generally perform worse than ctR, especially for strong interpigment coupling or small excitonic energy gap. The accuracy of approximate spectra is not affected by resonance with intramolecular modes for typical system-bath coupling and disorder values found in plant light-harvesting complexes.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bertus van Heerden, Nicholas A. Vickers, Tjaart P. J. Kruger, Sean B. Andersson
Summary: This review article explores the applications and key components of real-time feedback-driven single-particle tracking (RT-FD-SPT) techniques, including feedback tracking and control, particle location estimation, and method calibration and characterization. It introduces a collection of metrics to guide experimentalists in selecting suitable methods and identifies opportunities for further development.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Eninges Asmare, Fekadu Gashaw Hone, Wendimagegn Mammo, Tjaart P. J. Kruger, Newayemedhin A. Tegegne
Summary: In this study, three methods were used to determine the type of aggregates in a benzodithiophene-isoindigo-based copolymer. The results indicate the presence of both H-type and J-type aggregates, with H-aggregates being more dominant.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Bertus van Heerden, Tjaart Kruger
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Tjaart P. Kruger
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mampolelo M. Photolo, Vuyo Mavumengwana, Lungile Sitole, Matsobane G. Tlou
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)