ModularImageAnalysis (MIA): Assembly of modularised image and object analysis workflows in ImageJ.

ModularImageAnalysis (MIA) is an ImageJ plugin providing a code-free graphical environment in which complex automated analysis workflows can be constructed and distributed. The broad range of included modules cover all stages of a typical analysis workflow, from image loading through image processing, object detection, extraction of measurements, measurement-based filtering, visualisation and data exporting. MIA provides out-of-the-box compatibility with many advanced image processing plugins for ImageJ including Bio-Formats, DeepImageJ, MorphoLibJ and TrackMate, allowing these tools and their outputs to be directly incorporated into analysis workflows. By default, modules support spatially calibrated 5D images, meaning measurements can be acquired in both pixel and calibrated units. A hierarchical object relationship model allows for both parent-child (one-to-many) and partner (many-to-many) relationships to be established. These relationships underpin MIA's ability to track objects through time, represent complex spatial relationships (e.g. topological skeletons) and measure object distributions (e.g. count puncta per cell). MIA features dual graphical interfaces: the 'editing view' offers access to the full list of modules and parameters in the workflow, while the simplified 'processing view' can be configured to display only a focused subset of controls. All workflows are batch-enabled by default, with image files within a specified folder being processed automatically and exported to a single spreadsheet. Beyond the included modules, functionality can be extended both internally, through integration with the ImageJ scripting interface, and externally, by developing third-party Java modules that extend the core MIA framework. Here we describe the design and functionality of MIA in the context of a series of real-world example analyses.

Falsely decreased vancomycin caused by rheumatoid factor: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin is associated with potential nephrotoxicity and trough concentrations need to be monitored in certain patients. Falsely decreased vancomycin measurement may result in overtreatment and need to be identified promptly by clinicians and pharmacists to avoid toxicities. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report a case of rheumatoid factor-mediated falsely low vancomycin measurement with Abbott particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (PETINIA) method. Reanalyzing the sample using an alternative method, removing the interferences using heterophile blocking reagent as well as rheumatoid factor clean-up solution all helped to solve the false results. Results from alternative method and interference studies showed vancomycin concentrations reached toxic concentrations in the patient and administration of the drug was immediately terminated. The patient experienced a transient increase in serum creatinine. CONCLUSIONS: Even though most modern immunoassays use blocking agents to neutralize interfering antibodies such as rheumatoid factor, it is important for health care professionals to understand that occasional interference still occurs due to the heterogeneous nature of rheumatoid factor.

Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica: A rare infection reported in an adult with liver cirrhosis.

We present a case of a 60-year-old female with a history of liver cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, and chronic venous insufficiency who presented with maggot-infested wounds on her legs, bilateral buttocks, and groin area. Two sets of blood cultures grew Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica. She underwent wound debridement and treatment with cefazolin.

Grid-based femtosecond laser electronic excitation tagging for single-ended 2D velocimetry at kilohertz rates.

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, optical arrangement is evaluated for performing single-shot femtosecond laser electronic excitation tagging in a 16-point grid (Grid-FLEET) with single-ended optical access. The optical arrangement includes a diffractive optical element beam splitter to produce a grid of laser beams in a simplified, flexible, and efficient manner for tracer-free multi-component molecular tagging velocimetry in a two-dimensional field. Analysis of the optical element with respect to beam forming is described, and Grid-FLEET measurements are evaluated relative to the precision of previously described single-point FLEET measurements using Lagrangian tracking for flow in a laminar jet and around a sharp corner. Utilizing a conventional 1-kHz laser source coupled to a high-speed intensified camera, it is also feasible to achieve measurement rates of 100 kHz or higher by mapping the Lagrangian grid to one or more Eulerian measurement points. The data further indicate that enhancement of the instantaneous vector fields and spatial velocity gradients can be analyzed to enhance the understanding of multi-dimensional flow physics in applications in which the use of tracers may be difficult and where multi-directional optical access may be limited.

Femtosecond laser activation and sensing of hydroxyl for velocimetry in reacting flows.

A molecular tagging method for velocity measurements in reacting environments such as propulsion devices and high-temperature combustion-assisted wind tunnels is described. The method employs a femtosecond (write) laser to photodissociate H2O, a common combustion product, into a locally high concentration of OH radicals. These radicals are tracked by planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) from the A2Σ-X2Π (1-0) vibrational band excited by a time-delayed 284 nm (read) laser sheet. As a variant of hydroxyl tagging velocimetry, the source laser can also be used to dissociate nitrogen for femtosecond laser electronic excitation tagging velocimetry to mark the time-zero location of the write laser for velocimetry in non-reacting regions using the same imaging system without OH PLIF. The OH tracer lifetime is studied in a hydrogen-air Hencken burner operating at Φ=0.5-1.8 to evaluate the tracking capability for velocimetry over a range of conditions. Effects of changing read laser wavelength, excitation energy, and influence of background flame emission are also studied. The data processing methodology and results are described for tracking displacements with 9-25 µm uncertainty in a hydrogen diffusion flame. This method presents several advantages in operational convenience and availability of laser sources, and it provides an avenue for improvements in the repetition rate, precision, and applicability over previously demonstrated hydroxyl tagging schemes.