Short-term behavioral and histological findings following a single concussive and repeated subconcussive brain injury in a rodent model.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: It is unclear of the correlation between a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and repeated subconcussive (RSC) impacts with respect to injury biomechanics. Thus, the present study was designed to determine the behavioral and histological differences between a single mTBI impact and RSC impacts with subdivided cumulative kinetic energies of the single mTBI impact. RESEARCH DESIGN: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a single mTBI impact, RSC impact, sham, or repeated sham groups. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Following a weight drop injury, anxiety-like behavior and general locomotive activity and were assessed using the open field test, while motor coordination was evaluated using a rotarod unit. Neuronal loss, astrogliosis, and microgliosis were assessed using NeuN, GFAP and Iba-1 immunohistochemistry. All assessments were undertaken at 3- and 7-days post impact. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: No behavioral disturbances were observed in injury groups, however, both injury groups did lead to microgliosis following 3-days post-impact. CONCLUSIONS: No pathophysiological differences were observed between a single mTBI impact and RSC impacts of the same energy input. Even though a cumulative injury threshold for RSC impacts was not determined, a threshold still may exist where no pathodynamic shift occurs.

Machine learning-based prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysms for individualized patient care.

OBJECTIVE: The United States Preventative Services Task Force guidelines for screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are broad and exclude many at risk groups. We analyzed a large AAA screening database to examine the utility of a novel machine learning (ML) model for predicting individual risk of AAA. METHODS: We created a ML model to predict the presence of AAAs (>3 cm) from the database of a national nonprofit screening organization (AAAneurysm Outreach). Participants self-reported demographics and comorbidities. The model is a two-layered feed-forward shallow network. The ML model then generated AAA probability based on patient characteristics. We evaluated graphs to determine significant factors, and then compared those graphs with a traditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: We analyzed a cohort of 10,033 patients with an AAA prevalence of 2.74%. Consistent with logistic regression analysis, the ML model identified the following predictors of AAA: Caucasian race, male gender, advancing age, and recent or past smoker with recent smoker having a more profound affect (P < .05). Interestingly, the ML model showed body mass index (BMI) was associated with likelihood of AAAs, especially for younger females. The ML model also identified a higher than predicted risk of AAA in several groups, including female nonsmokers with cardiac disease, female diabetics, those with a family history of AAA, and those with hypertension or hyperlipidemia at older ages. An elevated BMI conveyed a higher than expected risk in male smokers and all females. The ML model also identified a complex relationship of both diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia with gender. Family history of AAA was a more important risk factor in the ML model for both men and women too. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully developed an ML model based on an AAA screening database that unveils a complex relationship between AAA prevalence and many risk factors, including BMI. The model also highlights the need to expand AAA screening efforts in women. Using ML models in the clinical setting has the potential to deliver precise, individualized screening recommendations.

Statistical and machine learning methodology for abdominal aortic aneurysm prediction from ultrasound screenings.

A method of analysis of a database of patients (n = 10 329) screened for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is presented. Self-reported height, weight, age, gender, ethnicity, and parameters "Heart Problems," "Hypertension," "High Cholesterol," "Diabetes Mellitus," "Smoker Past 2 Years," "Ever Smoked?," "Family History AAA," and "Family History Brain Aneurysm" were provided. Incidence of a AAA (defined as 3 cm diameter) was calculated as a function of age and body mass index (BMI) of greater than or less than a BMI 25 for various patient groups. Age was grouped into one of three categories in 15-year intervals (35-50 years, 50-65 years, and 65 to 80 years). Most patients were Caucasian (n = 8575) and the largest group of patients with a AAA was the Caucasian male (198 of 279 total detected AAAs). A machine learning algorithm was written, with learning inputs from the acquired patient database. Of all groups, Caucasian males were found to have the highest incidence of AAA, with males in general higher than females. Smoking within the past two years was highly associated with AAA incidence, and a past history of smoking to a lesser extent. The incidence of AAA increased with age. When dividing groups into two cohorts by a BMI of 25, generally middle-aged patients with a BMI > 25 had a higher incidence of a AAA. However, in general, the older age group with a BMI < 25 had a higher incidence of AAA. The addition of machine learning allows one to note the effect of an input keeping other input parameters constant. This helps identify a parameter that may be an independent predictor of a particular outcome. When using BMI as the single changing input, an increasing BMI was associated with an increased probability of a AAA, most significantly in middle-aged patients, and then narrowing to similar probabilities in older age. This AAA screening program is ongoing. As data continues to be collected with particularly those patient groups presently underrepresented, questions as to an association of AAA with BMI as a function of age, and also an improvement in machine learning algorithm accuracy for various patient populations will continue.

Insight into the phase evolution of a NiMgAl catalyst from the reduction stage to the post-reaction stage during the dry reforming of methane.

Herein, phase evolution of a NiMgAl oxide catalyst at the reduction stage was qualitatively analysed and quantitatively determined by employing the continuous changes in its XRD intensity and TPR information. The stable crystallite size of both the active metal and spinel support was responsible for the long stability of the NiMgAl catalyst without carbon deposition during the DRM reaction.

A mathematical algorithm for quantification of CT image noise.

Quantification of computed tomography (CT) noise helps in determination of radiation dosage requirements for adequate image quality. Clinical methods used include calculation of the standard deviation (SD) of a selected region of interest (ROI). In industry, wavelet decomposition has been used for image compression while removing high-frequency noise. We evaluated a cohort of 74 consecutive patients referred for coronary artery calcium scoring and quantitated noise within a 16×16 ROI in the ascending aorta using the traditional SD method and also using a two-dimensional dyadic wavelet decomposition method. Clinically, noise has been shown to be proportional to patient weight and also body mass index (BMI), which is a derived value from height and weight. Noise for both methods was plotted against patient parameters of height, weight, waist circumference and calculated BMI. A regression line was calculated and coefficient of determination (CoD) calculated for each. The CoD was better for height, weight, and waist circumference using the wavelet method as compared to the traditional SD method. The wavelet method of quantification of image noise may be an improved method as compared to the SD method. This method could help further refine an imaging system's determination of radiation dosage requirements to obtain a satisfactory quality image.

Feasibility study of utilizing ultraportable projectors for endoscopic video display (with videos).

BACKGROUND: Modern endoscopy requires video display. Recent miniaturized, ultraportable projectors are affordable, durable, and offer quality image display. OBJECTIVE: Explore feasibility of using ultraportable projectors in endoscopy. METHODS: Prospective bench-top comparison; clinical feasibility study. Masked comparison study of images displayed via 2 Samsung ultraportable light-emitting diode projectors (pocket-sized SP-HO3; pico projector SP-P410M) and 1 Microvision Showwx-II Laser pico projector. BENCH-TOP FEASIBILITY STUDY: Prerecorded endoscopic video was streamed via computer. CLINICAL COMPARISON STUDY: Live high-definition endoscopy video was simultaneously displayed through each processor onto a standard liquid crystal display monitor and projected onto a portable, pull-down projection screen. Endoscopists, endoscopy nurses, and technicians rated video images; ratings were analyzed by linear mixed-effects regression models with random intercepts. RESULTS: All projectors were easy to set up, adjust, focus, and operate, with no real-time lapse for any. Bench-top study outcomes: Samsung pico preferred to Laser pico, overall rating 1.5 units higher (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7-2.4), P < .001; Samsung pocket preferred to Laser pico, 3.3 units higher (95% CI = 2.4-4.1), P < .001; Samsung pocket preferred to Samsung pico, 1.7 units higher (95% CI = 0.9-2.5), P < .001. The clinical comparison study confirmed the Samsung pocket projector as best, with a higher overall rating of 2.3 units (95% CI = 1.6-3.0), P < .001, than Samsung pico. CONCLUSIONS: Low brightness currently limits pico projector use in clinical endoscopy. The pocket projector, with higher brightness levels (170 lumens), is clinically useful. Continued improvements to ultraportable projectors will supply a needed niche in endoscopy through portability, reduced cost, and equal or better image quality.

Myocardial scaffold-based cardiac tissue engineering: application of coordinated mechanical and electrical stimulations.

Recently, we developed an optimal decellularization protocol to generate 3D porcine myocardial scaffolds, which preserve the natural extracellular matrix structure, mechanical anisotropy, and vasculature templates and also show good cell recellularization and differentiation potential. In this study, a multistimulation bioreactor was built to provide coordinated mechanical and electrical stimulation for facilitating stem cell differentiation and cardiac construct development. The acellular myocardial scaffolds were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (10(6) cells/mL) by needle injection and subjected to 5-azacytidine treatment (3 µmol/L, 24 h) and various bioreactor conditioning protocols. We found that after 2 days of culturing with mechanical (20% strain) and electrical stimulation (5 V, 1 Hz), high cell density and good cell viability were observed in the reseeded scaffold. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the differentiated cells showed a cardiomyocyte-like phenotype by expressing sarcomeric α-actinin, myosin heavy chain, cardiac troponin T, connexin-43, and N-cadherin. Biaxial mechanical testing demonstrated that positive tissue remodeling took place after 2 days of bioreactor conditioning (20% strain + 5 V, 1 Hz); passive mechanical properties of the 2 day and 4 day tissue constructs were comparable to those of the tissue constructs produced by stirring reseeding followed by 2 weeks of static culturing, implying the effectiveness and efficiency of the coordinated simulations in promoting tissue remodeling. In short, the synergistic stimulations might be beneficial not only for the quality of cardiac construct development but also for patients by reducing the waiting time in future clinical scenarios.

Structural and biomechanical characterizations of porcine myocardial extracellular matrix.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) of myocardium plays an important role to maintain a multilayered helical architecture of cardiomyocytes. In this study, we have characterized the structural and biomechanical properties of porcine myocardial ECM. Fresh myocardium were decellularized in a rotating bioreactor using 0.1 % sodium dodecyl sulfate solution. Masson's trichrome staining and SEM demonstrated the removal of cells and preservation of the interconnected 3D cardiomyocyte lacunae. Movat's pentachrome staining showed the preservation of cardiac elastin ultrastructure and vascular elastin distribution/alignment. DNA assay result confirmed a 98.59 % reduction in DNA content; the acellular myocardial scaffolds were found completely lack of staining for the porcine α-Gal antigen; and the accelerating enzymatic degradation assessment showed a constant degradation rate. Tensile and shear properties of the acellular myocardial scaffolds were also evaluated. Our observations showed that the acellular myocardial ECM possessed important traits of biodegradable scaffolds, indicating the potentials in cardiac regeneration and whole heart tissue engineering.

Fabrication of cardiac patch with decellularized porcine myocardial scaffold and bone marrow mononuclear cells.

Tissue engineered cardiac grafts are a promising therapeutic mode for ventricular wall reconstruction. Recently, it has been found that acellular tissue scaffolds provide natural ultrastructural, mechanical, and compositional cues for recellularization and tissue remodeling. We thus assess the potential of decellularized porcine myocardium as a scaffold for thick cardiac patch tissue engineering. Myocardial sections with 2-mm thickness were decellularized using 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and then reseeded with differentiated bone marrow mononuclear cells. We found that thorough decellularization could be achieved after 2.5 weeks of treatment. Reseeded cells were found to infiltrate and proliferate in the tissue constructs. Immunohistological staining studies showed that the reseeded cells maintained cardiomyocyte-like phenotype and possible endothelialization was found in locations close to vasculature channels, indicating angiogenesis potential. Both biaxial and uniaxial mechanical testing showed a stiffer mechanical response of the acellular myocardial scaffolds; however, tissue extensibility and tensile modulus were found to recover in the constructs along with the culture time, as expected from increased cellular content. The cardiac patch that we envision for clinical application will benefit from the natural architecture of myocardial extracellular matrix, which has the potential to promote stem cell differentiation, cardiac regeneration, and angiogenesis.

Pilot scale fiber separation from distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) using sieving and air classification.

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), the coproduct of fuel ethanol production from cereal grains like corn, is mainly used as cattle feed and is used at low inclusion levels in poultry and swine diets because of high fiber content. Elusieve process, the combination of sieving and air classification (elutriation), was developed in laboratory scale to separate fiber from DDGS to result in a low fiber product which would be more suitable for poultry and swine. In this pilot scale study, DDGS was sieved at a rate of 0.25 kg/s (1 ton/h) into four sieve fractions using a sifter and the three largest sieve fractions were air classified using aspirators to separate fiber on a continuous basis. Results were similar to laboratory scale. Nearly 12.4% by weight of DDGS was separated as Fiber product and resulted in two high protein products that had low fiber contents. Payback period for the Elusieve process in an existing dry grind plant processing corn at the rate of 2030 metric tonnes/day (80,000 bushels/day) would be 1.1 yr.

Performance of a yeast-mediated biological fuel cell.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae present in common Baker's yeast was used in a microbial fuel cell in which glucose was the carbon source. Methylene blue was used as the electronophore in the anode compartment, while potassium ferricyanide and methylene blue were tested as electron acceptors in the cathode compartment. Microbes in a mediator-free environment were used as the control. The experiment was performed in both open and closed circuit configurations under different loads ranging from 100 kOmega to 400Omega. The eukaryotic S. cerevisiae-based fuel cell showed improved performance when methylene blue and ferricyanide were used as electron mediators, rendering a maximum power generation of 146.71+/-7.7 mW/m(3). The fuel cell generated a maximum open circuit voltage of 383.6+/-1.5 mV and recorded a maximum efficiency of 28+/-1.8 % under 100 kOmega of external load.

Multiple exposures to sarin vapor result in parasympathetic dysfunction in the eye but not the heart.

Several studies in conscious animals have reported parasympathetic dysfunction in the eyes following exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors. Given the similarities between the autonomic innervation in the eye and the heart, it is possible that parasympathetic dysfunction could also occur in the heart. Therefore, the present study assessed time domain indices of heart rate variability in conscious rats surgically implanted with telemetric transmitters to investigate the hypothesis that multiple exposures to the nerve agent sarin would result in muscarinic receptor desensitization and parasympathetic dysfunction in the heart. Animals exposed to sarin vapor on multiple occasions developed parasympathetic dysfunction in the eye characterized by an attenuated response to light and a diminished miotic response to sarin vapor exposure. However, the same dose of sarin vapor failed to produce any effects on either time domain indices of HRV or the magnitude of the tachycardia induced by atropine, suggesting that autonomic control in the heart was not affected. It is possible that the dose of sarin used in the present study was insufficient to inhibit cardiac acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Additional studies utilizing higher doses of sarin may be able to inhibit cardiac AChE, producing overstimulation of cardiac muscarinic receptors, ultimately resulting in desensitization and parasympathetic dysfunction.