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    Analysis of riboflavin/ultraviolet a corneal cross-linking by molecular spectroscopy
    (London [u.a.] : Elsevier, 2023) Melcher, Steven; Zimmerer, Cordelia; Galli, Roberta; Golde, Jonas; Herber, Robert; Raiskup, Frederik; Koch, Edmund; Steiner, Gerald
    Corneal cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet A light is a therapeutic procedure to restore the mechanical stability of corneal tissue. The treatment method is applied to pathological tissue, such as keratoconus and induces the formation of new cross-links. At present, the molecular mechanisms of induced cross-linking are still not known exactly. In this study, we investigated molecular alterations within porcine cornea tissue after treatment with riboflavin and ultraviolet A light by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). For that purpose, after CXL treatment a thin silver layer was vapor-deposited onto cornea flaps. To explore molecular alterations induced by the photochemical process hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used. The detailed analysis of SERS spectra reveals that there is no general change in collagen secondary structure while modifications on amino acid side chains are the most dominant outcome. The formation of secondary and aromatic amine groups as well as methylene and carbonyl groups were observed. Even though successful cross-linking could not be registered in all treated samples, Raman signals of newly formed chemical groups are already present in riboflavin only treated corneas.
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    Respiratory patterns of European pear (Pyrus communis L. ‘Conference’) throughout pre- and post-harvest fruit development
    (London [u.a.] : Elsevier, 2019) Brandes, Nicole; Zude-Sasse, Manuela
    Information on the developmental stage of pear pre-harvest and in shelf-life is crucial to determine the optimum timing of harvest, post-harvest treatment, and time of consumption ensuring high eating quality. In the present study, CO2 emission and fruit quality of European pear (Pyrus communis L.) ‘Conference’ were analysed pre- and post-harvest with emphasis on shelf life for three years. Additionally, cytochrome and cyanide-resistant O2 consumption were analysed in the last year of experiments. The respiration rate of pear showed typical climacteric rise of CO2 emission in two years only, despite daily measurements. However, in each year the fruit quality in shelf life was closely linked to harvest date suggesting climacteric fruit response. Thus, the developmental stage of ‘Conference’ pear should be analysed by additional methods. Particularly, the cytochrome and cyanide-resistant O2 consumption showed an encouraging potential to obtain data on characteristic respiratory patterns. © 2019