Journal of biological methods最新文献

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The lack of effective prevention or cure makes AD a significant concern, as it is a progressive disease with symptoms that worsen over time.

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop an algorithm capable of differentiating between patients with early-stage AD (mild cognitive impairment [MCI]), moderate AD, and healthy controls (C) using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals.

Methods: A publicly available EEG database was utilized, with seven EEG recordings selected from each study group (MCI, AD, and C) to ensure a balanced dataset. For each 1-s segment of EEG data, 43 time-frequency features were computed. These features were then compressed over time using 10 statistical measures. Subsequently, 15 classifiers were employed to distinguish between paired groups using a 7-fold cross-validation.

Results: The strategy yielded better results than state-of-the-art methods, achieving a 100% accuracy in both C versus MCI and C versus AD binary classifications. This improvement translated to a 2% increase in accuracy for C versus MCI and a 4% increase for C versus AD, despite a 1.2% decrease in performance for AD versus MCI. In addition, the proposed method outperformed prior work on the same database by 4.8% for the AD versus MCI comparison.

Conclusion: The present study highlights the potential of EEG as a promising tool for early AD diagnosis. Nevertheless, a more extensive database should be used to enhance the generalizability of the results in future work.

Background: Current multimodal neuroimaging plays a critical role in studying clinical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, major depression, and other disorders related to chronic stress. These conditions involve the brainstem-hypothalamic network, specifically the locus coeruleus (LC), dorsal vagal complex (DVC), and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, collectively referred to as the "DVC-LC-PVN circuitry." This circuitry is strongly associated with the norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) neurotransmitter systems, which are implicated in the regulation of key autonomic functions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory control, stress response, and cognitive and emotional behaviors.

Objectives: To develop a methodology for delineating the DVC-LC-PVN circuitry in the human brain using multimodal neuroimaging.

Methods: We combined structural T1-weighted morphometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion MRI-based tractography to map the DVC-LC-PVN circuitry in the human brain. This methodology was applied to a pilot sample of brain datasets from five healthy adult subjects obtained from the publicly available Human Connectome Project repository and to one post-mortem human dataset.

Results: The DVC-LC-PVN circuitry was delineated in vivo in five human subjects and one ultra-high resolution post-mortem dataset, allowing for refined anatomical observations.

Conclusion: NE and E neurotransmitter systems engender substantial interest in both basic and clinical neuroscience due to their roles in the regulation of key autonomic functions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory control, stress responses, and cognitive and emotional behaviors. As demonstrated in this study, multimodal neuroimaging techniques provide a valuable approach for mapping small brainstem and hypothalamic structures and complex circuitries such as the DVC-LC-PVN circuitry.

Background: The European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is a commercially valuable demersal species widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea. Assessing the condition of fish populations in their natural habitats is challenging due to the lack of reliable reference points.

Objective: This study aimed to utilize hematological analysis as an economical method to evaluate the physiological and health status of European hake, addressing the gap in hematological data for this species.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein of 40 adult European hakes caught from the Toroneos Gulf (northern Greece) using a commercial bottom otter trawl. An automated hematological analyzer was used to assess hematological parameters alongside biometric and biological indices.

Results: Female hakes showed significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) counts, thrombocyte (TC) counts, and red cell distribution width (RDW) than their male counterparts. Strong correlations were observed among various hematological parameters, notably between WBC and red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Ht), and hemoglobin (Hb); between RBC and both Ht and Hb; between TC and both mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width (PDW); and between mean corpuscular Hb concentration and RDW. Significant differences were noted in RBCs, Hb, and Ht compared to data from wild-caught European hake populations in Argentina and Denmark. Both trawling depth and duration were found to significantly affect RBC, WBC, Hb, and Ht values, while having no notable impact on TC. Fish captured at an average depth of 80 m and with a trawling duration of 30 min exhibited significantly elevated hematological indices.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that hematological analysis is a valuable, cost-effective tool for assessing the physiological and health status of European hake populations in the Mediterranean. Notable differences in hematological parameters based on sex, as well as significant correlations among key blood metrics, underscore the importance of understanding species-specific hematological profiles. The influence of trawling depth and duration on certain blood parameters highlights the need for standardized sampling protocols in population health assessments. These findings contribute essential baseline hematological data for European hake, facilitating more informed fisheries management and conservation strategies.

Background: The human gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining human health. Perturbations in its composition are linked to a wide range of health conditions.

Analytical techniques: Researchers employ various techniques to study the gut microbiome, each having its own strengths and limitations. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is highly sensitive but dependent on the quality of DNA extraction. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is powerful but can be costly and requires extensive data analysis. Furthermore, the accuracy of NGS results also depends heavily on the quality of the DNA extraction process. Culture methods, while useful, are biased and time-consuming. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) excels in visualizing specific microbial populations and is the only method capable of providing in situ information. However, until recently, FISH was heavily reliant on human interpretation of digital photomicrographs, limiting its application in high-throughput strategies. Additionally, the sensitivity of FISH is restricted by the number of cells visualized.

Conclusion: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these methods is essential for drawing robust conclusions in microbiome research.

Background: Regional anesthesia is widely supported as a part of multimodal analgesia for post-operative pain management following cardiac surgery. A common technique for managing post-sternotomy pain is the parasternal intercostal plane (PIP) block, which involves injecting anesthetics into the fascial planes near the sternum to block the anterior cutaneous branches of the T2 - T6 nerves.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of PIP blocks on post-sternotomy pain, narcotic usage, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and extubation time following adult cardiac surgeries.

Methodology: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating PIP blocks in adult cardiac surgery with midline sternotomy. Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase through February 22, 2023. The risk of bias (ROB) in RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane ROB tool, version 2. Twelve RCTs involving 819 adult patients were included. Primary outcomes were pain scores at 12 and 24 h post-surgery and narcotic usage in morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Secondary outcomes included extubation time and ICU stay.

Results: The PIP block group had significantly lower pain scores at 12 (mean difference [MD]: -1.21 points, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.17, -0.25, p = 0.013) and 24 hours (MD: -0.69 points, 95% CI: -1.35, -0.02, p = 0.042), and reduced MME use (MD: -30.34 MME, 95% CI: -45.80, -14.89, p < 0.001). PIP blocks did not significantly reduce extubation time (MD: -0.77 h, 95% CI: -1.64, 0.09, p = 0.080) but were associated with shorter ICU stay (MD: -0.54 days, 95% CI: -0.94, -0.13, p = 0.009).

Conclusion: PIP blocks provided effective analgesia and reduced ICU stay in cardiac surgery patients requiring sternotomy, but due to study heterogeneity, results should be interpreted with caution. Future research is warranted to explore its short- and long-term outcomes.

Background: Anterior uveitis is a common manifestation in individuals with rheumatic conditions such as spondylarthritis, Behçet's syndrome, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and sarcoidosis. Clinical differentiation between granulomatous and non-granulomatous corneal endothelial exudates is crucial to subsequent diagnosis and treatment. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) can ensure an accurate differential diagnosis and appropriate follow-up after local and systemic therapy.

Objective: This study aimed to distinguish between granulomatous and non-granulomatous endothelial exudates in patients with anterior uveitis using AS-OCT.

Methods: This longitudinal observational study involved 30 patients diagnosed with or suspected of having rheumatic autoimmune disease presenting with anterior uveitis. The study was conducted at the combined Rheumatology and Ophthalmology Clinic, San Marco Hospital, Catania, Italy. All patients underwent slit-lamp examination, which revealed or suspected corneal endothelial exudates. A comprehensive rheumatological and ophthalmological evaluation was also performed. Subsequently, the patients were subjected to AS-OCT using the Optovue Solix device.

Results: Granulomatous corneal exudates were identified in 30% of the subjects, with counts ranging from 5 to 20 and sizes varying between 50 and 150 μm. Detailed 3D scans further exhibited the morphology of these exudates. A follow-up of patients after steroid therapy (both topical and systemic) and immunosuppressive treatment demonstrated a progressive reduction in the exudates, ultimately leading to their complete resolution.

Conclusion: Use of ophthalmological equipment that allows for simple, rapid, and non-invasive investigations in combination with a multidisciplinary approach, enables appropriate diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy in patients with inflammatory ocular conditions presenting with corneal endothelial exudates.

Background: This is the first study to examine a cohort that engages in the practice of immunization with snake venoms. In this practice, either fresh wet venom or venom reconstituted from freeze-dried form is used in vaccination protocols to produce hyper-immunity to venom.

Methods: This is a retrospective community-initiated collaborative research (CICR) project that collated the records of venom immunization. Records of schedules, formulations, photographs, medical records, and diaries were collated from existing practitioners and evaluated by inspection and interviews. One accidental bite was observed over 3 days, with vital signs, and photographic records of swelling taken to verify reality of the bite. Over 74 snake-genera man-years, and 24 man-years of injection data from 8 participants, for 22 species of venomous snakes from Elapidae and Viperidae are represented. Six of those participants had detailed records of date, dose and effects.

Results: IgG titers to 6 venoms for 4 cohort members tested of 8 included 2 with clear hyper-immune status. IgE titers were elevated for some. In 861 injections, records showed a rate of atopy/anaphylaxis of 4.3%, an infection rate of 0.58% and an abscess rate of 1.51% . Serious adverse reactions were rare and these appeared to be linked to overly aggressive immunization schedules and formulation accidents. We note that greater cross-immunity of IgE over IgG is suggested. Two basic protocols were followed, one was an approximate one month interval, the other was one or more injection(s) per week. In 176 envenomations, 175 were without antivenom treatment, two hospitalizations occurred, and one received full antivenom treatment. Dry bites were not included in our dataset. Envenomations showed a 1.14% rate of atopy/anaphylaxis, a 0.57% rate of infection and a 1.7% rate of abscess.

Conclusions: Immunization of humans to snakebite is effective, and reasonably safe with care. Injection records suggest immune cross-reactivity between ophidians within the same family, and better cross-reactivity within the same genera. A cohort participant was pronounced dead based on EEG, and then recovered without treatment. A neurotoxin case with "brain death" EEG should stay on life support for 6 weeks to allow time for the immune system to clear venom.

Background: This is the first meta-analysis to characterize intra-ophidian-species variation in whole venom. Being the largest possible meta-analysis at this time, it encompasses all known records of animal lethality studies over the past 100 years. These results were not artifacts of resistant test-animal species and showed orders of magnitude beyond the 1.6 logs (40-fold change) range of lethal dose documented in the literature between amphibians, lizards, and mice.

Methods: A total of 1003 lethal dose study results for 160 of the most lethal venomous ophidian species in the world were analyzed.

Results: LDLo was not different from LD50 across studies, indicating the true range of toxicity is probably larger. The belief that, for the route of inoculation, IC < IV < IP < IM < SC was well supported (R² = 0.90). However, 5% of ICs were the highest dose, and 7% of SC inoculations were the lowest dose. Within the mouse test species, for one route of inoculation, the widest LD range was 2.96 logs (917-fold change, N = 20). Within mouse species, for multiple routes of inoculation, the widest LD range was 3.6 logs (4,150-fold change, N = 20). The strongest correlation for the range of lethal dose results was the number of studies (R² = 0.56), followed by the number of test-animal species (R² = 0.55) and then the number of routes of inoculation (R² = 0.43).

Conclusion: Scientists working with humans should use combined LDLo and LD50 meta-datasets for all data and calculate mean, median, minimum, range, and standard deviation as shown in the supplement spreadsheet, and the equations we provide. Standard deviation multiples may provide the desired safety for experimenters. For estimating the LD50 range and minimum lethal dose for species with little data, we recommend curating a meta-dataset of related snakes, and computational research to strengthen this estimation.

Background: Earlier studies conducted by Indian researchers have demonstrated that the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) requires proactive control of silicosis, given India's significant burden of silicosis and its common comorbidity, pulmonary TB, also known as silicotuberculosis. The TB Control Indian Health Authority saw human immunodeficiency virus infection, diabetes, and malnutrition, among others, as important risk factors for case findings, but overlooked the significance of silicosis. Silicotuberculosis control is often confronted with challenges of detecting microorganisms, uncertain treatment outcomes, a higher likelihood of mono-drug and multi-drug resistance, and increased mortality due to treatment failure. In addition, silicosis has a long latent period, typically 15 years or more, from the onset of silica dust exposure to the appearance of opacities on radiological examination, which is the conventional method of diagnosis of the condition.

Objective and recommendation: Facing the aforementioned situation, scientists of the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Occupational Health have identified a useful biomarker, Club cell secretory protein 16 (CC-16) (a lung protein), that might serve as a surrogate marker for early detection of silicosis among silica dust-exposed workers. An added benefit of CC-16 is its ability to detect sub-radiological silicosis, which is recognized as a risk factor for TB and multi-drug-resistant TB. At present, two researchers have developed point-of-care devices for detecting silica-dust-induced lung damage using serum CC-16, to support its further application.

Conclusion: The present review highlights possible mechanisms for the early detection of silicosis and silicotuberculosis by assessing several relevant research publications, and the findings suggest that a national silicosis control program, to be integrated with existing TB elimination activities for sustainable and improved outcomes, should be initiated.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the perceived barriers faced by physicians in Maharashtra when recommending a millet-based diet for diabetic patients. The objectives were to identify the challenges physicians encounter in promoting millet consumption, assess their knowledge and beliefs about millet-based diets, and evaluate the current resources and practices used in dietary counseling for diabetes management.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 68 physicians specializing in diabetes care in Maharashtra. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling and met the inclusion criteria of having over 10 years of clinical practice and significant experience in diabetes management. Data collection was performed through a pre-tested survey tool distributed through email and Google Forms. The survey included questions on the effectiveness of millet-based diets, patient characteristics influencing dietary recommendations, barriers to providing millet-based food education, and current and desired resources for promoting such diets. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants.

Results: The survey revealed that 70.59% of physicians considered a millet-based diet significantly effective for lowering blood sugar levels. However, several barriers were identified, including high comorbidities (82.35%) and low income (54.41%) among patients, which hindered dietary recommendations. In addition, physicians reported a lack of formal training in millet-based nutrition (73.53%), personal skepticism toward millet-based diets (63.23%), and insufficient patient educational resources (55.89%). Current resources used for dietary counseling were primarily verbal education (100%) and electronic resources (97.06%).

Conclusion: Despite recognizing the potential benefits of millet-based diets, physicians face substantial barriers in recommending them to diabetic patients. These barriers include factors such as lack of training, time, and educational resources. To overcome these challenges, there is a need for enhanced educational programs for physicians, increased availability of patient-friendly educational materials, and access to trained dietitians. Implementing these measures could improve dietary management strategies and health outcomes for diabetic patients.