Biomedical Laboratory Research Articles

Antibacterial activity of Spondias pinnata leaf extract on the in-vitro growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Background: Infectious diseases caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria infection continue to be a significant cause of health problems. Over the past decades, there has been a growing interest in Spondias pinnata research. It has also been demonstrated that the essential oil and leaf extract of Spondias pinnata has strong antibacterial properties. This study aims to assess and analyze the antibacterial activity of Spondias pinnata leaf extract on the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro. Methods: The design of this research is an experimental study with a post-test-only control group design at the Biomedical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Warmadewa, and the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana. The samples in this study were Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhimurium bacteria in which antibacterial activity of Spondias pinnata leaf extract was tested by using the Kirby-Bauer method. Results: The active compounds contained in the extract of Spondias pinnata leaf include saponins, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. Antibacterial activity of 60% extract concentration on Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans) had a strong inhibitory effect. Antibacterial activity of 40% and 60% extract concentrations on Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium) had moderate inhibitory effects. Conclusion: Spondias pinnata leaf extract had antibacterial activity potential on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, aligning with its increased concentration.

Effects of Moleac 901 after severe spinal cord injury on chronic phase in Wistar rats

BackgroundMLC901 is a phytopharmaceutical comprising significant compounds that can induce microenvironments conducive to the proliferation and specialization of neural cell progenitors. This study investigates the impact of administering MLC901, reducing the expression of NG2 and caspase-3 and increasing IL-10 levels, as well as histopathological and motor function, after severe spinal cord injury (SCI) in the chronic phase. MethodsThe study employed a randomized post-test-only control group design conducted between February and April 2023 at the Integrated Biomedical Laboratory. The participants in this study were categorized into three distinct groups: normal control, negative control, and therapy. A cohort of 18 rats was utilized for the study, with each group assigned a random allocation of six rats as subjects. ResultsThe findings demonstrated a statistically significant disparity in the average NG2 expression (−52.00 ± 20.03; p ≤ 0.05), as well as Caspase-3 expression (−94.89 ± 8.57; p ≤ 0.05), which exhibited a lower magnitude. The levels of IL-10 (8.96 ± 3.98; p ≤ 0.05) were observed to be higher, along with an elevation in BBB score (7.67 ± 0.89; p ≤ 0.05), which was more pronounced in the treatment group compared to the negative control group. The cut-off point for cavitation diameter is determined to be 114.915 μm, exhibiting a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The area under curve (AUC) value is 1.0. The administration of MLC901 demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the increase in IL-10 levels (B 8.968; p ≤ 0.05), as well as a substantial negative correlation with the decrease in Caspase-3 expression (B −52.000; p ≤ 0.05) and NG2 expression (B −94.892; p ≤ 0.05). The administration of MLC901 via the upregulation of NG2 and Caspase-3 significantly increased the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores. ConclusionsMLC901 positively affects motor and histopathological outcomes in the chronic phase of severe SCI in the Wistar rat model. These benefits are believed to be achieved by suppressing gliosis, neuroapoptosis, and neuroinflammation processes.

A Versatile Microchannel Array Device for Portable and Parallel Droplet Generation

The efficient generation of monodispersed droplets holds great promise for micro‐/nanoparticle synthesis and biochemical analysis. However, it remains a challenge to achieve high‐throughput generation of monodispersed droplets in a portable and/or parallel manner in nonexpert biomedical laboratories. Herein, a versatile microchannel array (μCA) device is reported that is portable, multifaceted, reliable, and mass‐manufacturable, supporting the high‐throughput generation of monodispersed droplets in different ways. This device consists of a silicon‐based μCA chip based on the step emulsification principle, as well as two matching plastic containers, both of which can be mass‐manufactured by traditional microfabrication methods at low material costs. With the μCA device, aqueous solution can be dispersed into emulsion droplets by various modes, such as mechanical pump‐based large‐scale, handheld syringe‐based portable, and gas pump‐based highly parallel droplet generation. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that our cost‐effective device can be applied for digital polymerase chain reaction analysis, supporting the need for more accessible microfluidic systems. Thus, the present device is expected to have a significant impact on both benchside and bedside applications.

Immersive virtual reality-based learning as a supplement for biomedical engineering labs: challenges faced and lessons learned.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) based laboratory demonstrations have been gaining traction in STEM education as they can provide virtual hands-on experience. VR can also facilitate experiential and visual learning and enhanced retention. However, several optimizations of the implementation, in-depth analyses of advantages and trade-offs of the technology, and assessment of receptivity of modern techniques in STEM education are required to ensure better utilization of VR-based labs. In this study, we developed VR-based demonstrations for a biomolecular engineering laboratory and assessed their effectiveness using surveys containing free responses and 5-point Likert scale-based questions. Insta360 Pro2 camera and Meta Quest 2 headsets were used in combination with an in-person lab. A cohort of 53 students watched the experimental demonstration on VR headsets in the lab after a brief lab overview in person and then performed the experiments in the lab. Only 28.29% of students reported experiencing some form of discomfort after using the advanced VR equipment as opposed to 63.63% of students from the previous cohort. About 40% of the students reported that VR eliminated or reduced auditory and visual distractions from the environment, the length of the videos was appropriate, and they received enough information to understand the tasks. The traditional lab method was found to be more suitable for explaining background information and lab concepts while the VR was found to be suitable for demonstrating lab procedures and tasks. Analyzing open-ended questions revealed several factors and recommendations to overcome the potential challenges and pitfalls of integrating VR with traditional modes of learning. This study provides key insights to help optimize the implementation of immersive VR to effectively supplement in-person learning experiences.

Interventions, methods and outcome measures used in teaching evidence-based practice to healthcare students: an overview of systematic reviews

BackgroundTo fully implement the internationally acknowledged requirements for teaching in evidence-based practice, and support the student’s development of core competencies in evidence-based practice, educators at professional bachelor degree programs in healthcare need a systematic overview of evidence-based teaching and learning interventions. The purpose of this overview of systematic reviews was to summarize and synthesize the current evidence from systematic reviews on educational interventions being used by educators to teach evidence-based practice to professional bachelor-degree healthcare students and to identify the evidence-based practice-related learning outcomes used.MethodsAn overview of systematic reviews. Four databases (PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, ERIC and the Cochrane library) were searched from May 2013 to January 25th, 2024. Additional sources were checked for unpublished or ongoing systematic reviews. Eligibility criteria included systematic reviews of studies among undergraduate nursing, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, midwife, nutrition and health, and biomedical laboratory science students, evaluating educational interventions aimed at teaching evidence-based practice in classroom or clinical practice setting, or a combination. Two authors independently performed initial eligibility screening of title/abstracts. Four authors independently performed full-text screening and assessed the quality of selected systematic reviews using standardized instruments. Data was extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach.ResultsA total of 524 references were retrieved, and 6 systematic reviews (with a total of 39 primary studies) were included. Overlap between the systematic reviews was minimal. All the systematic reviews were of low methodological quality. Synthesis and analysis revealed a variety of teaching modalities and approaches. The outcomes were to some extent assessed in accordance with the Sicily group`s categories; “skills”, “attitude” and “knowledge”. Whereas “behaviors”, “reaction to educational experience”, “self-efficacy” and “benefits for the patient” were rarely used.ConclusionsTeaching evidence-based practice is widely used in undergraduate healthcare students and a variety of interventions are used and recognized. Not all categories of outcomes suggested by the Sicily group are used to evaluate outcomes of evidence-based practice teaching. There is a need for studies measuring the effect on outcomes in all the Sicily group categories, to enhance sustainability and transition of evidence-based practice competencies to the context of healthcare practice.

Low-cost, versatile, and highly reproducible microfabrication pipeline to generate 3D-printed customised cell culture devices with complex designs.

Cell culture devices, such as microwells and microfluidic chips, are designed to increase the complexity of cell-based models while retaining control over culture conditions and have become indispensable platforms for biological systems modelling. From microtopography, microwells, plating devices, and microfluidic systems to larger constructs such as live imaging chamber slides, a wide variety of culture devices with different geometries have become indispensable in biology laboratories. However, while their application in biological projects is increasing exponentially, due to a combination of the techniques, equipment and tools required for their manufacture, and the expertise necessary, biological and biomedical labs tend more often to rely on already made devices. Indeed, commercially developed devices are available for a variety of applications but are often costly and, importantly, lack the potential for customisation by each individual lab. The last point is quite crucial, as often experiments in wet labs are adapted to whichever design is already available rather than designing and fabricating custom systems that perfectly fit the biological question. This combination of factors still restricts widespread application of microfabricated custom devices in most biological wet labs. Capitalising on recent advances in bioengineering and microfabrication aimed at solving these issues, and taking advantage of low-cost, high-resolution desktop resin 3D printers combined with PDMS soft lithography, we have developed an optimised a low-cost and highly reproducible microfabrication pipeline. This is thought specifically for biomedical and biological wet labs with not prior experience in the field, which will enable them to generate a wide variety of customisable devices for cell culture and tissue engineering in an easy, fast reproducible way for a fraction of the cost of conventional microfabrication or commercial alternatives. This protocol is designed specifically to be a resource for biological labs with limited expertise in those techniques and enables the manufacture of complex devices across the μm to cm scale. We provide a ready-to-go pipeline for the efficient treatment of resin-based 3D-printed constructs for PDMS curing, using a combination of polymerisation steps, washes, and surface treatments. Together with the extensive characterisation of the fabrication pipeline, we show the utilisation of this system to a variety of applications and use cases relevant to biological experiments, ranging from micro topographies for cell alignments to complex multipart hydrogel culturing systems. This methodology can be easily adopted by any wet lab, irrespective of prior expertise or resource availability and will enable the wide adoption of tailored microfabricated devices across many fields of biology.

3D printing in pediatric neurosurgery: experimental study of a novel approach using biodegradable materials.

3D printing technologies have become an integral part of modern life, and the most routinely used materials in reconstructive surgery in children are biodegradable materials. The combination of these two technologies opens up new possibilities for the application of innovative methods in neurosurgery and a patient-centered approach in medical care. The aim of the study was to determine whether a physician without specialized programming and printing skills could independently create materials in a clinical setting for the treatment of patients. We conducted a preclinical study on 15 male Balb-C mice. Cylindrical materials made of polylactic acid (PLA) plastic were 3D printed. Sterilization of the obtained material was performed using a cold plasma sterilizer with hydrogen peroxide vapor and its plasma. The sterile material was implanted subcutaneously into the mice for 30days, followed by histological examination. Using open-source software for modeling and printing, plates and screws made of PLA plastic were manufactured. The produced components were tested in the biomedical laboratory of the institute. The histological material showed that no inflammatory changes were observed at the implantation site during the entire observation period. The cellular composition is mainly represented by macrophages and fibroblasts. There was a gradual resolution of the material and its replacement by native tissues. Research conducted to assess the effectiveness of material sterilization in a cold plasma sterilizer demonstrated its high bactericidal efficiency. The method we developed for obtaining biodegradable plates and fixation elements on a 3D printer is easy to use and has demonstrated safety in a preclinical study on an animal model.

To disinfect or not to disinfect that is the question – Procedure when drawing blood for alcohol measurements in Denmark

Swabbing with ethanol to disinfect the skin before venipuncture does not bias measurements of blood ethanol, as previously suspected. International evidence-based theory may not always be successfully integrated into local practices, where old customs may remain. So how are the local protocols for swabbing in practice – if they even do swab? Not disinfecting may risk patient safety. We aim to put a focus on the venipuncture disinfection procedure in practice when measuring blood alcohol for clinical matters and if their procedure refers to a guideline.Specialized biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS) are typically responsible for the phlebotomy procedure in Denmark, thus questionnaires were sent to the relevant BLS in 2020 to map disinfection procedures in all Danish hospitals and affiliated blood draw clinics (n = 58).The response rate was 93% (54/58). We observed an inter-laboratory dissimilarity in swabbing procedures, when measuring blood alcohol: A quarter did not use any disinfectant (26%), while the remaining disinfected with ethanol 55%, isopropanol 13%, and 6% with ethanol/chlorhexidine. Of the five Danish regions, three had a regional guideline (3/5), otherwise the swabbing protocol was locally based. There was a regional difference in disinfecting or not (Chi2 p < 0,0001).Danish protocols do not always parallel international literature and international guidelines. Not applying disinfectant may jeopardize patient safety. Laboratories are encouraged to work with evidence-based practice or follow newest standardized international guidelines.

OralImmunoAnalyser: a software tool for immunohistochemical assessment of oral leukoplakia using image segmentation and classification models.

Oral cancer ranks sixteenth amongst types of cancer by number of deaths. Many oral cancers are developed from potentially malignant disorders such as oral leukoplakia, whose most frequent predictor is the presence of epithelial dysplasia. Immunohistochemical staining using cell proliferation biomarkers such as ki67 is a complementary technique to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of oral leukoplakia. The cell counting of these images was traditionally done manually, which is time-consuming and not very reproducible due to intra- and inter-observer variability. The software presently available is not suitable for this task. This article presents the OralImmunoAnalyser software (registered by the University of Santiago de Compostela-USC), which combines automatic image processing with a friendly graphical user interface that allows investigators to oversee and easily correct the automatically recognized cells before quantification. OralImmunoAnalyser is able to count the number of cells in three staining levels and each epithelial layer. Operating in the daily work of the Odontology Faculty, it registered a sensitivity of 64.4% and specificity of 93% for automatic cell detection, with an accuracy of 79.8% for cell classification. Although expert supervision is needed before quantification, OIA reduces the expert analysis time by 56.5% compared to manual counting, avoiding mistakes because the user can check the cells counted. Hence, the SUS questionnaire reported a mean score of 80.9, which means that the system was perceived from good to excellent. OralImmunoAnalyser is accurate, trustworthy, and easy to use in daily practice in biomedical labs. The software, for Windows and Linux, with the images used in this study, can be downloaded from https://citius.usc.es/transferencia/software/oralimmunoanalyser for research purposes upon acceptance.

Effectiveness Of Butterfly Hug Therapy On Reduction Of Stress And Anxiety Of Students' Anatomy Laboratory Examination Basic Biomedical Sciences Diploma 3 Nursing Study Program

Background: In order to improve the quality of globally competitive education, the anatomy examination system is very helpful for students in recognizing and understanding anatomy and physiology in basic Biomedical Sciences courses, but it also has the impact of creating feelings of anxiety and stress in preparing for the examination. Excessive anxiety and stress will have an impact on students' psychological problems. One type of therapy that can help deal with stress and anxiety is Butterfly. Butterfly Hug (BH) is a psychotherapy technique to calm anger and get rid of a person's feelings of traumaObjective: To determine the effectiveness of Butterfly Hug Therapy in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Students in Anatomy Laboratory Exams in Basic Biomedical Sciences for Diploma 3 Nursing Study Program.Method: This research uses a quasi-experimental research method.Research Results: Wilcoxon test results show Asymp. Sig (2-tailed) on the stress level is 0.025. Because the P value &lt; α : 0.05, then Hα is accepted and Hο is rejected, whereas for Asymp. Sig (2-tailed) for anxiety at stress levels is 0.127. Because the P value &gt; α : 0.05, then Hα is rejected and Hο is accepted.Conclusion: There is effectiveness of butterfly hug therapy in reducing stress in students in basic biomedical sciences anatomy laboratory exams and there is no effectiveness of butterfly hug therapy in reducing anxiety in students in basic biomedical sciences OSCE exams in Nursing Diploma 3 Study Program.Suggestion: Future researchers are expected to develop this research, hopefully re-examine the effectiveness of Butterfly Hug Therapy in overcoming mental health problems: anxiety.

Surface decontamination effectiveness at the “Université des Montagnes” Teaching Hospital: Monitoring in the biomedical analysis laboratory

BackgroundMany infections in healthcare facilities are associated with the microbiological quality of the work environment, generally due to poor sanitation. AimIn order to evaluate the effectiveness of a decontamination protocol (cleaning + disinfection) applied at the “Université des Montagnes” Teaching Hospital, the present study assessed the variation of bacterial loads on surfaces subsequent to decontamination. Susceptibility of bacteria to disinfectants was also evaluated in the same frame. MethodologyThis work was conducted with an adjusted bacterial detection/enumeration and susceptibility test protocols and standard bacterial identification protocols. Sampling on surfaces was performed by wet swabbing before cleaning, between cleaning and disinfection and after disinfection. ResultsMajor findings revealed the predominance of Staphylococcus (75.5%) on target surfaces. High bacterial loads recorded on these surfaces before decontamination became undetectable after cleaning with the detergent “Pax lemon”. The majority of isolates (98%) were susceptible to the disinfectants tested, (Surfanios® 0.25% and sodium hypochlorite 0.12%). ConclusionOverall, these findings indicated process effectiveness on the subjected bacterial populations and suggest the use of either Surfanios® (0.25%) or sodium hypochlorite (0.12%) for work surfaces hygiene, justifying the use of these products in this department for surface decontamination. Also, cleaning with the detergent “Pax lemon” and disinfection with sodium hypochlorite may be sufficient for the types of surfaces subjected in the present research.

COMPARISON OF MICROBIOTA IN THREATENED PRETERM LABOR AND NORMAL PREGNANCY AT RSUP DR.M. DJAMIL PADANG

One of the threats in pregnancy is threatened preterm labor. Several studies show that thecomposition of the microbiota in the vagina of premature births and normal pregnancies is different.This study aims to determine the comparison of microbiota in pregnancies with premature parturitionand normal pregnancies at Dr M Djamil General Hospital, Padang. This research is an analyticalobservational study with a case–control study design conducted at the Department/SMF of Obstetricsand Gynecology, RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang from July – September 2023. The study population in thisresearch were all pregnant women with a gestational age of 20-37 weeks who were diagnosed withimminens preterm labor and normal pregnant women with a gestational age of 20-37 weeks whoreceived antenatal care at RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang. Respondents had vaginal swabs taken formicrobiological culture at the Biomedical Laboratory, Andalas University, Padang. There were 33respondents each in the imminence premature birth and normal pregnancy groups. Vaginal swabresults showed that the most common microorganism found in normal pregnancy was Lactobacilussp. (73%) while in threatened preterm labor Staphylococcus aureus (37%), Staphylococcus epidermidis(27%) and E.coli (15%) were more commonly found with only a small proportion of Lactobacilus sp(12%). Chi square analysis showed a significant difference between the vaginal microbiota of normalpregnant women and pregnant women with PPI. The conclusion of this study is that there is anincrease in Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and E.coli in pregnant women on PPIwith a decrease in the number of normal flora, namely Lactobacilus spp.

A Low‐Cost, User‐Friendly Rheo‐Optical Compression Assay to Measure Mechanical Properties of Cell Spheroids in Standard Cell Culture Plates

AbstractThe mechanical characterization of cell spheroids, one of the most widely used 3D biology models in vitro, is a hotspot of current research on the role played by the mechanical response of cells and tissues. The techniques proposed so far in the literature, while providing important scientific insights, require specialized equipment and technical skills that are not usually available in cell biology facilities. Here, an innovative rheo‐optical compression assay is presented: it is based on microscopy glass coverslips as the load is applied to cell spheroids in standard cell culture plates and on image acquisition with an optical microscope or even a smartphone equipped with adequate magnification lenses. Mechanical properties can be simply obtained by correlating the applied load to the deformation of cell spheroids measured by image analysis. The low‐cost, user‐friendly features of the proposed technique can boost mechanobiology research making it easily affordable to any biomedical lab equipped with cell culture facilities.

Rapid low-cost assembly of modular microvessel-on-a-chip with benchtop xurography.

Blood and lymphatic vessels in the body are central to molecular and cellular transport, tissue repair, and pathophysiology. Several approaches have been employed for engineering microfabricated blood and lymphatic vessels in vitro, yet traditionally these approaches require specialized equipment, facilities, and research training beyond the capabilities of many biomedical laboratories. Here we present xurography as an inexpensive, accessible, and versatile rapid prototyping technique for engineering cylindrical and lumenized microvessels. Using a benchtop xurographer, or a cutting plotter, we fabricated modular multi-layer poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based microphysiological systems (MPS) that house endothelial-lined microvessels approximately 260 μm in diameter embedded within a user-defined 3-D extracellular matrix (ECM). We validated the vascularized MPS (or vessel-on-a-chip) by quantifying changes in blood vessel permeability due to the pro-angiogenic chemokine CXCL12. Moreover, we demonstrated the reconfigurable versatility of this approach by engineering a total of four distinct vessel-ECM arrangements, which were obtained by only minor adjustments to a few steps of the fabrication process. Several of these arrangements, such as ones that incorporate close-ended vessel structures and spatially distinct ECM compartments along the same microvessel, have not been widely achieved with other microfabrication strategies. Therefore, we anticipate that our low-cost and easy-to-implement fabrication approach will facilitate broader adoption of MPS with customizable vascular architectures and ECM components while reducing the turnaround time required for iterative designs.

Biomedical laboratory scientists and technicians in digital pathology - Is there a need for professional development?

Digital pathology (DP) is moving into Danish pathology departments at high pace. Conventionally, biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS) and technicians have prepared tissue sections for light microscopy, but workflow alterations are required for the new digital era with whole slide imaging (WSI); digitally assisted image analysis (DAIA) and artificial intelligence (AI). We aim to explore the role of BLS in DP and assess a potential need for professional development. We investigated the roles of BLS in the new digital era through qualitative interviews at Danish Pathology Departments in 2019/2020 before DP implementation (supported by a questionnaire); and in 2022 after DP implementation. Additionally, senior lecturers from three Danish University Colleges reported on how DP was integrated into the 2023 bachelor's degree educational curricula for BLS students. At some Danish pathology departments, BLS were involved in the implementation process of DP and their greatest concerns were lack of physical laboratory requirements (69%) and implementation strategies (63%). BLS were generally positive towards working with DP, however, some expressed concern about extended working hours for scanning. Work-task transfers from pathologists were generally greeted positively from both management and pathologists; however, at follow-up interviews after DP implementation, job transfers had not been effectuated. At Danish university colleges, DP had been integrated systematically in the curricula for BLS students, especially WSI. Involving BLS in DP implementation and development may benefit the process, as BLS have a hands-on workflow perspective with a focus on quality assurance. Several new work opportunities for BLS may occur with DP including WSI, DAIA and AI, and therefore new qualifications are warranted, which must be considered in future undergraduate programmes for BLS students or postgraduate programmes for BLS.

ANALISIS POLIMORFISME GEN (eNOS) DAN ESTRADIOL PADA PENDERITA ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is characterized by inflammation and is an estrogen-dependent disease that affects 6-10% of women during their reproductive years and up to 50% of women who received fertility treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms (eNOS) and levels of the hormone estradiol. This type of research is an analytic observational study with a comparative cross-sectional study design where the dependent and independent variables are obtained simultaneously. The research was conducted in hospitals types B and C in Padang city and the Biomedical Laboratory of FK Unand. The population is all patients in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the hospital. Samples were taken sequentially that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for a sample of 40 people. Data analysis was univariate, and bivariate with a chi-square test. The results showed that there was an Enos gene polymorphism in endometriosis patients and most in the GG genotype casein, most endometriosis patients had high estradiol levels ( &gt;40 pg / ml) and there was a relationship between eNOS gene polymorphism with estradiol levels in the blood serum of endometriosis patients p = 0.04. It can be concluded that there was an Enos gene polymorphism in endometriosis patients and most in the GG genotype casein. Patients with endometriosis have high estradiol levels. There was a relationship between estradiol levels and the eNOS gene in endometriosis patients.

Effect of Serum Breadfruit Leaf Extract (Artocarpus Altilis) on TNF-Α and Sod Levels (Experimental Study on Guinea Pigs Exposed to UVB Light)

Continuous exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light can increase the amount of melanin, causing hyperpigmentation on the skin. This process involves the important role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Artocarpus Altilis contain flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory potential, can reduce TNF-α levels and increase SOD which affects the melanogenesis process. To determine the effect of administering Artocarpus Altilis extract serum on TNF-α and SOD levels in guinea pigs exposed to UVB. This research is an in vivo experimental study with Post Test Only Group design, which was conducted at the IBL FK Laboratory (Integrated Biomedical Laboratory Faculty of Medicine) Unissula. A total of 30 male guinea pigs were divided into 5 groups, namely: Group 1 sham, group 2 negative control, group 3 treated with 2% Artocarpus Altilis extract serum, group 4 treated with 4% serum and group 5 treated with 6% serum. Then analyzed using the One-way ANOVA test to determine differences between groups. The lowest mean TNF-α levels were found in group P2 (4.958), other values were P1 (5.820), P3 (5.964), KS (6.069) and KN (5.811). Meanwhile, the average SOD levels in all groups were not much different, P2 (5.802), P1 (5.975), P3 (5.906), KS (6.054) and KN (6.000). In the One-way ANOVA test on TNF-α and SOD there was no significant difference, p&gt;0.05. Administration Artocarpus Altilis extract serum, especially 4%, caused a decrease in TNF-α levels but was not significant, and there was no increase in SOD levels, in guinea pigs exposed to UVB light.

Bioetika i geopolitika - rat u Ukrajini kao povod

The article mainly relies on original scientific papers, and reviews of a large number of bioethical works published from the end of the last century to the present day, but it primarily leans on the reviews, critical reflections and comments of the renowned Croatian philosopher Rade Kalanj. He rightfully warned some thirty years ago that biological and genetic research had reached a level ("a borderline situation"/Jaspers) where the question of the relationship between science and ethics is raised anew, but now in a much sharper and more radical form. Today, in light of the war in Ukraine, we would add: the relationship between bioethics and geopolitics. One of the severe consequences of the tragic events in Ukraine is the danger of exacerbating the already significant global hunger, in which, ultimately, it becomes less important whether food is natural/organic or GMO, but rather whether there is any food at all, primarily the grains. Or, on the contrary, there is an abundance of food, but only for those who have money to buy it, and their numbers are decreasing, so it remains to give them food. But in that case, the profits of global capitalism would be missing, which would certainly be unacceptable for the world's transnational elites and practically endanger the foundations of capitalism, marking the end of the global capitalist system/order. So, a major humanitarian catastrophe is looming, supplemented by millions of refugees, not only from Ukraine but also from around the world. This situation will be exacerbated by poor economic consequences, primarily for the EU and then for the whole world, all of which includes the UN and its specialised agencies, primarily UNHCR and UNESCO, in solving serious international problems, which certainly includes the issue of (un)acceptability of bioethical axioms for all civilisations and cultures. Among other things, the question arises as to who will be responsible/blamed for the global humanitarian catastrophe regarding the war in Ukraine: whether, as before, only Russia, or whether the list of accused will be expanded to include "Third World" countries, primarily China and Iran? Ahead of us lies a spectrum of bioethical questions, moral dilemmas, and temptations, especially when the existence of experimental biomedical laboratories on the territory of western Ukraine is revealed, reminiscent of the horrors of Nazi biomedical experiments in World War II.

Deep-qGFP: A Generalist Deep Learning Assisted Pipeline for Accurate Quantification of Green Fluorescent Protein Labeled Biological Samples in Microreactors.

Absolute quantification of biological samples provides precise numerical expression levels, enhancing accuracy, and performance for rare templates. Current methodologies, however, face challenges-flow cytometers are costly and complex, whereas fluorescence imaging, relying on software or manual counting, is time-consuming and error-prone. It is presented that Deep-qGFP, a deep learning-aided pipeline for the automated detection and classification of green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeled microreactors, enables real-time absolute quantification. This approach achieves an accuracy of 96.23% and accurately measures the sizes and occupancy status of microreactors using standard laboratory fluorescence microscopes, providing precise template concentrations. Deep-qGFP demonstrates remarkable speed, quantifying over 2000 microreactors across ten images in just 2.5seconds, with a dynamic range of 56.52-1569.43copiesµL-1 . The method demonstrates impressive generalization capabilities, successfully applied to various GFP-labeling scenarios, including droplet-based, microwell-based, and agarose-based applications. Notably, Deep-qGFP is the first all-in-one image analysis algorithm successfully implemented in droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR), microwell digital PCR, droplet single-cell sequencing, agarose digital PCR, and bacterial quantification, without requiring transfer learning, modifications, or retraining. This makes Deep-qGFP readily applicable in biomedical laboratories and holds potential for broader clinical applications.

A challenge-based interdisciplinary undergraduate concept fostering translational medicine.

Translational medicine (TM) is an interdisciplinary branch of biomedicine that bridges the gap from bench-to-bedside to improve global health. Fundamental TM skills include interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving (4Cs). TM is currently limited in undergraduate biomedical education programs, with little patient contact and opportunities for collaboration between different disciplines. In this study, we developed and evaluated a novel interdisciplinary challenge-based educational concept, grounded in the theoretical framework of experimental research-based education, to implement TM in undergraduate biomedicine and medicine programs. Students were introduced to an authentic clinical problem through an interdisciplinary session with patients, medical doctors, and scientists. Next, students collaborated in groups to design unique laboratory-based research proposals addressing this problem. Stakeholders subsequently rewarded the best proposal with funding to be executed in a consecutive interdisciplinary laboratory course, in which mixed teams of biomedicine and medicine students performed the research in a fully equipped wet laboratory. Written questionnaires and focus groups revealed that students developed 4C skills and acquired a 4C mindset. Working on an authentic patient case and the interdisciplinary setting positively contributed to communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills. Furthermore, students were intrinsically motivated by (i) the relevance of their work that made them feel taken seriously and competent, (ii) the patient involvement that highlighted the societal relevance of their work, and (iii) the acquisition of a realistic view of what doing science in a biomedical research laboratory is. In conclusion, we showcase a widely applicable interdisciplinary challenge-based undergraduate concept fostering TM.