Review of MR spectroscopy analysis and artificial intelligence applications for the detection of cerebral inflammation and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has an emerging role as a neuroimaging tool for the detection of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To date, MRS has been established as one of the diagnostic tools for various diseases such as breast cancer and fatty liver, as well as brain tumours. However, its utility in neurodegenerative diseases is still in the experimental stages. The potential role of the modality has not been fully explored, as there is diverse information regarding the aberrations in the brain metabolites caused by normal ageing versus neurodegenerative disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was carried out to gather eligible studies from the following widely sourced electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar using the combination of the following keywords: AD, MRS, brain metabolites, deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI); having the aim of taking the readers through the advancements in the usage of MRS analysis and related AI applications for the detection of AD. RESULTS: We elaborate on the MRS data acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Recommendation is made for MRS parameters that can obtain the best quality spectrum for fingerprinting the brain metabolomics composition in AD. Furthermore, we summarise ML and DL techniques that have been utilised to estimate the uncertainty in the machine-predicted metabolite content, as well as streamline the process of displaying results of metabolites derangement that occurs as part of ageing. CONCLUSION: MRS has a role as a non-invasive tool for the detection of brain metabolite biomarkers that indicate brain metabolic health, which can be integral in the management of AD.

Growth performance, hemato-biochemical indices, thyroid activity, antioxidant status, and immune response of growing Japanese quail fed diet with full-fat canola seeds.

Dietary supplementation of full-fat canola seeds (FFCS) can be part of the global solution to the problem of incessant raise in feed cost. Genetic improvement via plant breeding constantly introduces varieties of canola with higher content of unsaturated fatty acids and lower content of anti-nutritional factors. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the dietary inclusion effect of new mutant of FFCS on growth performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, thyroid activity, antioxidant status, and immune response of growing Japanese quails. A total of 640 21-day-old quails were used in a completely randomize design with and equally allotted to four experimental groups and eight replicates each. The experimental groups fed diets supplemented with 0, 50, 100, and 150 g FFCS/kg diet from 21 to 49 days of age. All experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The inclusion level of FFCS did not affect body weight and body weight gain at all studied periods, while feed intake was reduced and feed conversion ratio was enhanced linearly under all experimental periods except the duration from 28 to 35 days of age. All carcass traits were not statistically affected with graded levels of FFCS. Hemoglobin, leucocytes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration values were linearly increased. Serum protein fractions, liver enzymes activities, renal function biomarkers, and triiodothyronine concentration were not affected. However, serum lipid profile was significantly altered, where high-density lipoprotein was linearly increased while triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were linearly (and quadratically for LDL) decreased. Antioxidant and immune statuses were improved; significant increment in glutathione and glutathione peroxidase values and antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus were elevated in groups treated with 10% and 15% FFCS. In conclusion, studied levels of FFCS, however, were not able to promote the growth rate of growing Japanese quails; they were more effective in boosting their antioxidant status and humoral immune response.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of newly developed slow-release fluoride glass device.

BACKGROUND: The concept of constant and low levels of F intra-orally has been applied in dentistry using a controlled release delivery system in different forms of slow-release F intra-oral devices. AIM: To investigate the effect of newly shaped plastic brackets on the level of fluoride released by the devices in vitro and to compare the level of fluoride released by unilateral versus bilateral slow-release fluoride glass devices in adults in vivo. STUDY DESIGN: The phase I, in vitro assessment involved 15 slow-release fluoride glass devices divided into three groups. Group A contained five glass beads, Group B, five fluoride devices placed with the plastic brackets facing down, and Group C, five fluoride devices placed with the plastic brackets facing up. Evaluation of fluoride release was carried out daily for a week, weekly for a month, and monthly for 18 months. The In vivo phase II involved 20 adults (mean age 29.7+/-2.3 years) randomly divided and had unilateral or bilateral slow-release fluoride glass devices placed for six months. RESULTS: Groups A and B released fluoride for up to ten months. In Group C, the glass beads became loose at the end of the first month and were excluded from further analysis. There was no statistical significant difference in the mean of total fluoride released by Groups A and B. All participants showed higher salivary fluoride levels than at baseline. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of fluoride released by the bilateral and unilateral groups. CONCLUSIONS: The newly shaped slow-release fluoride glass devices showed continuous, safe, and effective fluoride release.

A review of slow-release fluoride devices.

BACKGROUND: Fluoride has been used to combat dental caries using a number of different clinical approaches. An exciting relatively new development is fluoride slow-releasing devices that consistently elevate intra-oral fluoride levels of plaque and saliva for prolonged periods of up to two years. METHODS: The literature on the use of slow-releasing fluoride devices in dentistry were reviewed. A Medline search on key words was carried out. All papers in English were individually reviewed. RESULTS: Slow-releasing fluoride devices have been shown to be effective in elevating salivary fluoride levels in both animals and human studies and to enhance the remineralisation of dental enamel. They have been demonstrated to be safe to use and without the risk of fluoride toxicity. A double blind randomised clinical trial demonstrated 76% fewer new carious surface increment in high caries-risk children after two years. CONCLUSIONS: These devices have a number of potential uses in dentistry and in particular have great potential for caries prevention of non-compliant high caries-risk groups.

Detecting exercise-induced ischemia in left bundle branch block using the electrocardiogram.

We compared 12-lead electrocardiographic changes during exercise in 41 patients with left bundle branch block; 7 were nonischemic and 34 had coronary artery obstruction > or =70% as detected by angiogram. ST depression of > or =0.5 mm from baseline when measured at the J point in leads II and AVF (p=0.004) and an increase of R-wave amplitude in lead II (p=0.05) significantly identified ischemia.