Assessing the optical configuration of a structured light scanner in metrological use

Structured light scanners for three-dimensional surface acquisition (SL scanners) are increasingly used for dimensional metrology. The optical configuration of SL scanners (focal length and baseline distance) influences the triangulation process, on which the scanners\u27 measurement principle relies. So far, only a limited number of studies has investigated the optical configuration\u27s influence on the accuracy of a SL scanner. To close this gap, this work presents a design of experiment in which the optical configuration of a SL scanner is systematically varied and its influence on the accuracy evaluated. Further, tactile reference measurements allow to separate random from systematical errors, while a special test specimen is used in two different configurations to ensure general applicability of the findings. Thus, this work provides support when designing a SL scanner by highlighting which optical configuration maximizes accuracy

Holographic optogenetic stimulation with calcium imaging as an all optical tool for cardiac electrophysiology

All optical approaches to control and read out the electrical activity in a cardiac syncytium can improve our understanding of cardiac electrophysiology. Here, we demonstrate optogenetic stimulation of cardiomyocytes with high spatial precision using light foci generated with a ferroelectric spatial light modulator. Computer generated holograms binarized by bidirectional error diffusion create multiple foci with more even intensity distribution compared with thresholding approach. We evoke the electrical activity of cardiac HL1 cells expressing the channelrhodopsin-2 variant, ChR2(H134R) using single and multiple light foci and at the same time visualize the action potential using a calcium sensitive indicator called Cal-630. We show that localized regions in the cardiac monolayer can be stimulated enabling us to initiate signal propagation from a precise location. Furthermore, we demonstrate that probing the cardiac cells with multiple light foci enhances the excitability of the cardiac network. This approach opens new applications in manipulating and visualizing the electrical activity in a cardiac syncytium

Two strategies for prevention of cytomegalovirus infections after liver transplantation

Aim: To analyze differences in patients’ clinical course, we compared two regimes of either preemptive therapy or prophylaxis after liver transplantation. Methods: This retrospective study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of the University of Leipzig. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis with valganciclovir hydrochloride for liver transplant recipients was replaced by a preemptive strategy in October 2009. We retrospectively compared liver transplant recipients 2 years before and after October 2009. During the first period, all patients received valganciclovir daily. During the second period all patients included in the analysis were treated following a preemptive strategy. Outcomes included one year survival and therapeutic intervention due to CMV viremia or infection. Results: Between 2007 and 2010 n = 226 patients underwent liver transplantation in our center. n = 55 patients were D+/R- high risk recipients and were excluded from further analysis. A further 43 patients had to be excluded since CMV prophylaxis/preemptive strategy was not followed although there was no clinical reason for the deviation. Of the remaining 128 patients whose data were analyzed, 60 received prophylaxis and 68 were treated following a preemptive strategy. The difference in overall mortality was not significant, nor was it significant for one-year mortality where it was 10% (95%CI: 8%-28%, P = 0.31) higher for the preemptive group. No significant differences in blood count abnormalities or the incidence of sepsis and infections were observed other than CMV. In total, 19 patients (14.7%) received ganciclovir due to CMV viremia and/or infections. Patients who were treated according to the preemptive algorithm had a significantly higher rate risk of therapeutic intervention with ganciclovir [n = 16 (23.5%) vs n = 3 (4.9%), P = 0.003)]

Intracellular Ca2+ Oscillations, a Potential Pacemaking Mechanism in Early Embryonic Heart Cells

Early (E9.5–E11.5) embryonic heart cells beat spontaneously, even though the adult pacemaking mechanisms are not yet fully established. Here we show that in isolated murine early embryonic cardiomyocytes periodic oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+ occur and that these induce contractions. The Ca2+ oscillations originate from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and are dependent on the IP3 and the ryanodine receptor. The Ca2+ oscillations activate the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, giving rise to subthreshold depolarizations of the membrane potential and/or action potentials. Although early embryonic heart cells are voltage-independent Ca2+ oscillators, the generation of action potentials provides synchronization of the electrical and mechanical signals. Thus, Ca2+ oscillations pace early embryonic heart cells and the ensuing activation of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger evokes small membrane depolarizations or action potentials

Optogenetic Hyperpolarization of Cardiomyocytes Terminates Ventricular Arrhythmia

Cardiac defibrillation to terminate lethal ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is currently performed by applying high energy electrical shocks. In cardiac tissue, electrical shocks induce simultaneously de- and hyperpolarized areas and only depolarized areas are considered to be responsible for VA termination. Because electrical shocks do not allow proper control over spatial extent and level of membrane potential changes, the effects of hyperpolarization have not been explored in the intact heart. In contrast, optogenetic methods allow cell type-selective induction of de- and hyperpolarization with unprecedented temporal and spatial control. To investigate effects of cardiomyocyte hyperpolarization on VA termination, we generated a mouse line with cardiomyocyte-specific expression of the light-driven proton pump ArchT. Isolated cardiomyocytes showed light-induced outward currents and hyperpolarization. Free-running VA were evoked by electrical stimulation of explanted hearts perfused with low K+ and the KATP channel opener Pinacidil. Optogenetic hyperpolarization was induced by epicardial illumination, which terminated VA with an average efficacy of ∼55%. This value was significantly higher compared to control hearts without illumination or ArchT expression (p = 0.0007). Intracellular recordings with sharp electrodes within the intact heart revealed hyperpolarization and faster action potential upstroke upon illumination, which should fasten conduction. However, conduction speed was lower during illumination suggesting enhanced electrical sink by hyperpolarization underlying VA termination. Thus, selective hyperpolarization in cardiomyocytes is able to terminate VA with a completely new mechanism of increased electrical sink. These novel insights could improve our mechanistic understanding and treatment strategies of VA termination

Engraftment of engineered ES cell–derived cardiomyocytes but not BM cells restores contractile function to the infarcted myocardium

Cellular cardiomyoplasty is an attractive option for the treatment of severe heart failure. It is, however, still unclear and controversial which is the most promising cell source. Therefore, we investigated and examined the fate and functional impact of bone marrow (BM) cells and embryonic stem cell (ES cell)–derived cardiomyocytes after transplantation into the infarcted mouse heart. This proved particularly challenging for the ES cells, as their enrichment into cardiomyocytes and their long-term engraftment and tumorigenicity are still poorly understood. We generated transgenic ES cells expressing puromycin resistance and enhanced green fluorescent protein cassettes under control of a cardiac-specific promoter. Puromycin selection resulted in a highly purified (>99%) cardiomyocyte population, and the yield of cardiomyocytes increased 6–10-fold because of induction of proliferation on purification. Long-term engraftment (4–5 months) was observed when co-transplanting selected ES cell–derived cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts into the injured heart of syngeneic mice, and no teratoma formation was found (n = 60). Although transplantation of ES cell–derived cardiomyocytes improved heart function, BM cells had no positive effects. Furthermore, no contribution of BM cells to cardiac, endothelial, or smooth muscle neogenesis was detected. Hence, our results demonstrate that ES-based cell therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of impaired myocardial function and provides better results than BM-derived cells

How Carvedilol activates β₂-adrenoceptors

Carvedilol is among the most effective β-blockers for improving survival after myocardial infarction. Yet the mechanisms by which carvedilol achieves this superior clinical profile are still unclear. Beyond blockade of β(1)-adrenoceptors, arrestin-biased signalling via β(2)-adrenoceptors is a molecular mechanism proposed to explain the survival benefits. Here, we offer an alternative mechanism to rationalize carvedilol’s cellular signalling. Using primary and immortalized cells genome-edited by CRISPR/Cas9 to lack either G proteins or arrestins; and combining biological, biochemical, and signalling assays with molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that G proteins drive all detectable carvedilol signalling through β(2)ARs. Because a clear understanding of how drugs act is imperative to data interpretation in basic and clinical research, to the stratification of clinical trials or to the monitoring of drug effects on the target pathway, the mechanistic insight gained here provides a foundation for the rational development of signalling prototypes that target the β-adrenoceptor system

Novel optics-based approaches for cardiac electrophysiology: a review

Optical techniques for recording and manipulating cellular electrophysiology have advanced rapidly in just a few decades. These developments allow for the analysis of cardiac cellular dynamics at multiple scales while largely overcoming the drawbacks associated with the use of electrodes. The recent advent of optogenetics opens up new possibilities for regional and tissue-level electrophysiological control and hold promise for future novel clinical applications. This article, which emerged from the international NOTICE workshop in 20181, reviews the state-of-the-art optical techniques used for cardiac electrophysiological research and the underlying biophysics. The design and performance of optical reporters and optogenetic actuators are reviewed along with limitations of current probes. The physics of light interaction with cardiac tissue is detailed and associated challenges with the use of optical sensors and actuators are presented. Case studies include the use of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and super-resolution microscopy to explore the micro-structure of cardiac cells and a review of two photon and light sheet technologies applied to cardiac tissue. The emergence of cardiac optogenetics is reviewed and the current work exploring the potential clinical use of optogenetics is also described. Approaches which combine optogenetic manipulation and optical voltage measurement are discussed, in terms of platforms that allow real-time manipulation of whole heart electrophysiology in open and closed-loop systems to study optimal ways to terminate spiral arrhythmias. The design and operation of optics-based approaches that allow high-throughput cardiac electrophysiological assays is presented. Finally, emerging techniques of photo-acoustic imaging and stress sensors are described along with strategies for future development and establishment of these techniques in mainstream electrophysiological research