Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

Quantitative microstructural imaging by scanning Laue x-ray micro- and nanodiffraction

Local crystal structure, crystal orientation, and crystal deformation can all be probed by Laue diffraction using a submicron x-ray beam. This technique, employed at a synchrotron facility, is particularly suitable for fast mapping the mechanical and microstructural properties of inhomogeneous multiphase polycrystalline samples, as well as imperfect epitaxial films or crystals. As synchrotron Laue x-ray microdiffraction enters its 20th year of existence and new synchrotron nanoprobe facilities are being built and commissioned around the world, we take the opportunity to overview current capabilities as well as the latest technical developments. Fast data collection provided by state-of-the-art area detectors and fully automated pattern indexing algorithms optimized for speed make it possible to map large portions of a sample with fine step size and obtain quantitative images of its microstructure in near real time. We extrapolate how the technique is anticipated to evolve in the near future and its potential emerging applications at a free-electron laser facility

Quantitative microstructural imaging by scanning Laue x-ray micro- and nanodiffraction

Local crystal structure, crystal orientation, and crystal deformation can all be probed by Laue diffraction using a submicron x-ray beam. This technique, employed at a synchrotron facility, is particularly suitable for fast mapping the mechanical and microstructural properties of inhomogeneous multiphase polycrystalline samples, as well as imperfect epitaxial films or crystals. As synchrotron Laue x-ray microdiffraction enters its 20th year of existence and new synchrotron nanoprobe facilities are being built and commissioned around the world, we take the opportunity to overview current capabilities as well as the latest technical developments. Fast data collection provided by state-of-the-art area detectors and fully automated pattern indexing algorithms optimized for speed make it possible to map large portions of a sample with fine step size and obtain quantitative images of its microstructure in near real time. We extrapolate how the technique is anticipated to evolve in the near future and its potential emerging applications at a free-electron laser facility

Recognition and management of common, rare, and novel serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation interferences

Protein electrophoresis and immunofixation are subject to a variety of analytical interferences that may affect monoclonal protein diagnostics performed in the context of monoclonal gammopathies. Interferences include endogenous substances, such as hemoglobin and fibrinogen, and exogenous compounds, such as radiocontrast dyes, antibiotics, and monoclonal antibody therapies. General approaches to managing interferences begin with recognition of the problem. Provided herein are examples of common, rare, and novel interferences with the goal of providing a comprehensive overview. With each example, specific methods and strategies are provided to manage analytical interferences to ensure that interpretative reports are accurate. Longstanding and newer technologies are also described to contextualize where interferences may be identified and avoided

Effect of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Stressors on Clinical Skills Performance in Third-Year Medical Students.

International audienc

Analyse structurale de matériaux moléculaires thérapeutiques cocristallisés par diffraction des rayons X

National audienc

Monitoring multiple myeloma patients treated with daratumumab: teasing out monoclonal antibody interference

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies are promising anti-myeloma treatments. As immunoglobulins, monoclonal antibodies have the potential to be identified by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). Therapeutic antibody interference with standard clinical SPE and IFE can confound the use of these tests for response assessment in clinical trials and disease monitoring. METHODS: To discriminate between endogenous myeloma protein and daratumumab, a daratumumab-specific immunofixation electrophoresis reflex assay (DIRA) was developed using a mouse anti-daratumumab antibody. To evaluate whether anti-daratumumab bound to and shifted the migration pattern of daratumumab, it was spiked into daratumumab-containing serum and resolved by IFE/SPE. The presence (DIRA positive) or absence (DIRA negative) of residual M-protein in daratumumab-treated patient samples was evaluated using predetermined assessment criteria. DIRA was evaluated for specificity, limit of sensitivity, and reproducibility. RESULTS: In all of the tested samples, DIRA distinguished between daratumumab and residual M-protein in commercial serum samples spiked with daratumumab and in daratumumab-treated patient samples. The DIRA limit of sensitivity was 0.2 g/L daratumumab, using spiking experiments. Results from DIRA were reproducible over multiple days, operators, and assays. The anti-daratumumab antibody was highly specific for daratumumab and did not shift endogenous M-protein. CONCLUSIONS: As the treatment of myeloma evolves to incorporate novel monoclonal antibodies, additional solutions will be needed for clinical monitoring of patient responses to therapeutic regimens. In the interim, assays such as DIRA can inform clinical outcomes by distinguishing daratumumab from endogenous M-protein by IFE