Early Detection Of Functional Changes Research Articles

Hidden results of functional diversity in macroinvertebrates: Trait-groups specific response to flow intermittency in lowland streams

As global flow intermittency increases, understanding how macroinvertebrates respond at a functional level in streams becomes crucial for effective water management. This study investigates the functional response of macroinvertebrates to flow intermittency in Hungarian lowland streams over a 10-month period, comparing intermittent and perennial streams across the entire community, trait groups, and trait states. We aimed to demonstrate differences in functional diversity using metrics such as functional richness, evenness, divergence, dispersion, and Rao's quadratic entropy. For trait groups, we focused on both response and stable traits, anticipating greater differences in response traits. Additionally, we identified which trait states, as indicated by community-weighted means, contribute significantly to variations between streams. Our findings indicate that functional diversity in intermittent streams is generally lower or equivalent to that in perennial streams, suggesting disparities in functional trait composition. Significant differences were observed within trait groups, indicating specific responses of trait groups to intermittency. We identified resilience trait states—including current velocity, reproduction, respiration, female length, locomotion, substrate relation, aquatic stages, and resistance forms—that contributed to these differences. The three-level analysis revealed a hidden relationship: differences at the state level do not consistently manifest at the trait group or whole community levels. Investigating functional changes at the trait group or trait state level can serve as an early indicator of community shifts. Incorporating trait groups as indices into assessment frameworks could facilitate early detection of functional changes during bioassessment. We recommend considering trait groups when evaluating functional responses to flow intermittency in future studies.

Early Detection of Functional Changes in an Intraocular Hypertension Rabbit Model Treated with Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hWJ-MSCs) Using Chromatic Pupillometry

Early Detection of Functional Changes in an Intraocular Hypertension Rabbit Model Treated with Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hWJ-MSCs) Using Chromatic Pupillometry

Functional disorders of the peripheral nervous system in metallurgical workers

Introduction. Early detection of functional changes in the nervous system makes it possible to clarify the etiopathogenetic effect of a whole set of adverse industrial factors, form a group at risk of occupational diseases, and develop preventive programs for given the main structural targets. 
 The purpose of the study was to identify characteristics of functional disorders of the peripheral nervous systems in metallurgists exposed to occupational hazards.
 Materials and methods. We examined two cohorts of workers: a control cohort of forty men unexposed to occupational risk factors and a case cohort of 60 male employees of a metallurgical plant situated in the Sverdlovsk Region. The cohorts were matched by age (mean: 38.8±7.6 years) and work experience (5.1±4.7 years). The mean duration of exposure to occupational hazards was 7.1±6.0 years. We included 38 cases in the program of in-depth neurophysiological examination that consisted of assessment of neurological status, electroneuromyography (ENMG).
 Results. 73.9 % of the cases had no complaints. Functional disorders of peripheral nerves were diagnosed as distal polyneuropathy of the upper and lower extremities (47.4 %), median neuropathy (42.1 %), ulnar neuropathy (23.7 %), and radiculopathies (9.6 %). Noteworthy is the presence of additional damages of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel in 55.6 % of the cases having signs of distal polyneuropathy.
 Conclusions. A comprehensive neurophysiological examination, not required by the current order for periodic medical examinations, helps to identify dysfunctions of the nervous system at their early stages. It is necessary to form high-risk groups of patients to monitor the development of work-related nervous diseases.

Appearance of aseptic vascular grafts after endovascular aortic repair on [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

Diagnosis of prosthetic vascular graft infection with [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) allows for early detection of functional changes associated with infection, based on increased glucose utilization by activated macrophages and granulocytes. Aseptic vascular grafts, like all foreign bodies, can stimulate an inflammatory response, which can present as increased activity on 18F-FDG PET/CT. Consequently, distinguishing aseptic inflammation from graft infection, though important, can be difficult. In the case of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), a minimally invasive procedure involving the transfemoral insertion of an endoprosthetic stent graft, the normal postoperative appearance of these grafts on 18F-FDG PET/CT can vary over time, potentially confounding study interpretation. To investigate the visual, semiquantitative, and temporal characteristics of aseptic vascular grafts in patients status post EVAR. In this observational retrospective cohort study, patients with history of EVAR who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for indications other than infection were identified retrospectively. All patients were asymptomatic for graft infection - no abdominal pain, fever of unknown origin, sepsis, or leukocytosis - at the time of imaging and for ≥ 2 mo after each PET/CT. Imaging studies such as CT for each patient were also reviewed, and any patients with suspected or confirmed vascular graft infection were excluded. One hundred two scans performed on 43 patients (34 males; 9 females; age = 77 ± 8 years at the time of the final PET/CT) were retrospectively reviewed. All 43 patients had an abdominal aortic (AA) vascular graft, 40 patients had a right iliac (RI) limb graft, and 41 patients had a left iliac (LI) limb graft. Twenty-two patients had 1 PET/CT and 21 patients had from 2 to 9 PET/CTs. Grafts were imaged between 2 mo to 168 mo (about 14 years) post placement. Eight grafts were imaged within 6 mo of placement, including three that were imaged within three months of placement. The mean interval between graft placement and PET/CT for all 102 scans was 51 ± 39 mo. PET/CT data was reconstructed with region-of-interest analysis of proximal, mid and distal portions of the grafts and background ascending aorta. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was recorded for each region. SUVmax-to-background uptake ratios (URs) were calculated. Visual assessment was performed using a 2-pattern grading scale: Diffuse (homogeneous uptake less than liver uptake) and focal (one or more areas of focal uptake in any part of the graft). Statistical analysis was performed. In total, there were 306 AA grafts, 285 LI grafts, 282 RI grafts, and 306 ascending aorta background SUVmax measurements. For all 102 scans, mean SUVmax values for AA grafts were 2.8-3.0 along proximal, mid, and distal segments. Mean SUVmax values for LI grafts and RI grafts were 2.7-2.8. Mean SUVmax values for background were 2.5 ± 0.5. Mean URs were 1.1-1.2. Visual analysis of the scans reflected results of quantitative analysis. On visual inspection, 98% revealed diffuse, homogeneous 18F-FDG uptake less than liver. Graft URs and visual pattern categories were significantly associated for AA graft URs (F-ratio = 21.5, P < 0.001), LI graft URs (F-ratio = 20.4, P < 0.001), and RI graft URs (F-ratio = 30.4, P < 0.001). Thus, visual patterns of 18F-FDG uptake corresponded statistically significantly to semiquantitative URs. The age of grafts showing focal patterns was greater than grafts showing diffuse patterns, 87 ± 89 vs 50 ± 37 mo, respectively (P = 0.02). URs were significantly associated with graft age for AA grafts (r = 0.19, P = 0.001). URs were also significantly associated with graft age for LI grafts (r = 0.25, P < 0.0001), and RI grafts (r = 0.31, P < 0.001). Quartiles of similar numbers of graft (n = 25-27) grouped by graft age indicated that URs were significantly higher for 4th quartile vs 2nd quartile URs (F-ratio = 19.5, P < 0.001). When evaluating URs, graft SUVmax values within 10%-20% of the ascending aorta SUVmax is evident in aseptic grafts, except for grafts in the oldest quartiles. In this study, grafts in the oldest quartiles (> 7 years post EVAR) showed SUVmax up to 30% higher than the ascending aorta SUVmax. Characteristics of an aseptic vascular stent graft in the aorta and iliac vessels on 18F-FDG PET/CT include graft SUVmax values within 10%-20% of the ascending aorta background SUVmax. The SUVmax of older aseptic grafts can be as much as 30% above background. The visual uptake pattern of diffuse, homogeneous uptake less than liver was seen in 98% of aseptic vascular grafts, making this pattern particularly reassuring for clinicians.

Role of visual evoked potential as a window to detect functional changes that occur without signs of diabetic retinopathy in fundoscopy: Case series involving symptomatic overt diabetic pregnant women

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication associated with diabetes mellitus. Pregnancy is a major risk factor for DR in diabetic women. Recent evidenced suggests that in course of DR functional changes including damage of pre-ganglionic and ganglionic cells in retina precede structural microvascular changes. A number of studies in the past have highlighted the role of pattern visual evoked potential (VEP) in detecting such functional changes. However, the study of VEP changes in diabetic pregnancies remains unexplored. This case series has the objective of exploring VEP changes in symptomatic OVD cases, who had no signs of DR on fundoscopy. We present two cases of overt diabetic women who complaint of straining of eyes, headache, and difficulty in reading during pregnancy. Complete ophthalmic examination was done in both the cases followed by a VEP test. VEP test was done as a part of a research project. The ethical clearance for the project was obtained from the Institute’s Ethics Committee before the commencement of the study. Fundoscopic examination in both cases revealed that the retina was within normal limits with no signs of retinopathy. In Case 1, P100 latency was increased for the left eye and was normal for the right eye during the first visit. While P100 latency was increased for both left and right eye during the second visit. There was a substantial increase in P100 latency for both eyes in second visit as compared to first visit. In Case 2, P100 latency was increased for both left and right eye and amplitude decreased for the left eye. This is a case series consisting of symptomatic overt diabetic pregnant women who had increased P100 latency despite no signs of retinopathy in fundoscopy. The previous studies have reported that multiple follow-ups with ophthalmoscopy may not be cost-effective in diabetic pregnant women. VEP provides a window for detection of early functional changes that may help identify at risk patients for follow-up and early intervention.

Experimental assessment of the influence of dust from cities of the Karaganda region on the indicators of lipid peroxidation in bronchoalveolar lavage

The article discusses the changes in the cell after the experiment in the bronchoalveolar lavage. According to the results of the examination of rats with dust dusting of industrial cities of the Karaganda region (Karaganda, Temirtau, Balkhash, Zhezkazgan), methods of cytological analysis were used. Cytochemical methods were used for early detection of functional changes in the body's nonspecific defense against environmental factors. Experimental studies of the impact of urban dust in Karaganda, Temirtau, Balkhash and Zhezkazgan indicate the development of a general toxic effect in rats, manifested by changes in the cells of bronchoalveolar lavage, and a violation of the integrity of the cells was established.

Electrophysiological and SD-OCT findings in patients receiving chloroquine therapy in relation to cumulative dosage and duration of treatment.

Assessment of multifocal ERG (mfERG) changes in patients treated with chloroquine and their correlation with morphological abnormalities, detected by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in relation to cumulative dosage. Data from 37 eyes of 20 patients were retrospectively collected, and one randomly selected eye per patient was considered for statistical analysis. Eyes were divided into three groups according to mfERG and visual acuity findings: normal, early and advanced maculopathy. Functional measures of the first three mfERG rings were compared with retinal thickness measures of the corresponding OCT ETDRS circles. Data on cumulative dose and duration of therapy were also evaluated. The mean mfERG values progressively decreased according to the stage of the disease. In particular in the early maculopathy group, amplitudes were significantly reduced in all the three central rings. The mean ring ratio R1/R2 was abnormal only in the early maculopathy group. OCT thickness measures were significantly lower in all the three ETDRS circles in the advanced maculopathy group, and in the paracentral circle in the early maculopathy group. Considering all the eyes, there was a statistically significant correlation between functional and morphological values (p < 0.001). High chloroquine cumulative dosages were always associated with retinal toxic effects, whereas lower cumulative dosages generated different levels of toxicity. This study shows a strong association between mfERG ring values and the corresponding OCT thickness measures; however, mfERG may enhance early detection of functional changes in patients treated with chloroquine, especially in ambiguous cases. At low chloroquine cumulative dosages, different subjects might have different susceptibilities to the drug.

An experimental study on the early diagnosis of traumatic brain injury in rabbits based on a noncontact and portable system.

Closed cerebral hemorrhage (CCH) is a common symptom in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients who suffer intracranial hemorrhage with the dura mater remaining intact. The diagnosis of CCH patients prior to hospitalization and in the early stage of the disease can help patients get earlier treatments that improve outcomes. In this study, a noncontact, portable system for early TBI-induced CCH detection was constructed that measures the magnetic induction phase shift (MIPS), which is associated with the mean brain conductivity caused by the ratio between the liquid (blood/CSF and the intracranial tissues) change. To evaluate the performance of this system, a rabbit CCH model with two severity levels was established based on the horizontal biological impactor BIM-II, whose feasibility was verified by computed tomography images of three sections and three serial slices. There were two groups involved in the experiments (group 1 with 10 TBI rabbits were simulated by hammer hit with air pressure of 600 kPa by BIM-II and group 2 with 10 TBI rabbits were simulated with 650 kPa). The MIPS values of the two groups were obtained within 30 min before and after injury. In group 1, the MIPS values showed a constant downward trend with a minimum value of −11.17 ± 2.91° at the 30th min after 600 kPa impact by BIM-II. After the 650 kPa impact, the MIPS values in group 2 showed a constant downward trend until the 25th min, with a minimum value of −16.81 ± 2.10°. Unlike group 1, the MIPS values showed an upward trend after that point. Before the injury, the MIPS values in both group 1 and group 2 did not obviously change within the 30 min measurement. Using a support vector machine at the same time point after injury, the classification accuracy of the two types of severity was shown to be beyond 90%. Combined with CCH pathological mechanisms, this system can not only achieve the detection of early functional changes in CCH but can also distinguish different severities of CCH.

Modeling Alzheimer Disease Through Functional Independence and Participation

The relationship between cognitive and functional impairment in Alzheimer Disease (AD) at the earliest stages of the disease is not well characterized. This study aimed at investigating such relationships along AD evolution by means of the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD). Consecutive pairs of AD outpatients and their primary informal caregivers were enrolled. Patients were evaluated by means of the Mini Mental State Examination and neuropsychological tests. A clinician completed the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale to stage dementia severity and interviewed the caregivers to complete the Neuropsychiatric Inventory to assess behavioral disturbances and the DAD to evaluate patients' functional competence. A total of 158 dyads were enrolled; the Mini Mental State Examination score was used to stratify patients into 4 groups (>24; 20 to 23.9; 10 to 19.9; <10) that were compared. The statistical analysis revealed that all the cognitive domains were positively related to functional independence, but only logical and executive functions seemed to predict autonomy. An intergroup comparison did not show significant differences in the DAD subscales measuring initiation, planning and organization, and performance. The role of education emerged, confirming the relevance of cognitive reserve. As the field moves toward earlier intervention in preclinical AD, the detection of early functional changes may drive the definition of trials on prevention or intervention for dementia.

Sensitivity and specificity of nassar color test in early detection of diabetic macular edema

Purpose: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Nassar color discrimination test in the presence of diabetic macular edema (DME) as a sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of early functional changes. Design: A prospective, comparative case–control study. Setting: Multicenter study in the outpatient clinic of Beni Suef University, Fayoum University, and Misr University for Science and Technology. Methods: The study included 120 eyes with Type I diabetes recruited from the outpatient clinic. All patients were received ophthalmic exams and tested with Nassar color plate test, fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The main outcome measures are the presence of mild or moderate tritans indicating early DME changes that were documented in each group. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test and ANOVA f-test were used for statistical analysis. P Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.15 ± 5.61 years (range 23–49 years) with the mean disease duration of 13.56 ± 2.59 years (range 10–20 years). All patient with dry macula (n = 60, 50%) were normal on Nassar color test while patients with DME showed normal (n = 6, 5%), mild tritan (n = 14, 11.66%), and moderate tritan (n = 40, 33.33%), respectively. Hence, the Nassar color test is 90% sensitive and 100% specific. Conclusions: The Nassar color plate is an affordable and effective for early detection of DME and recommended to be used in all primary ophthalmic examination especially in areas where no access to comprehensive ophthalmic exams such as OCT and FFA.

Everyday cognition scale items that best discriminate between and predict progression from clinically normal to mild cognitive impairment.

Impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) starts as individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) transition to Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. However, most IADL scales have not shown IADL alterations in clinically normal (CN) elderly. The objective of this study was to determine which of the IADL-related Everyday Cognition (ECog) scale items are most sensitive for detection of early functional changes. We assessed 290 CN and 495 MCI participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We performed logistic regression analyses predicting the probability of CN vs. MCI diagnosis using only the 17 participant-based and 17 informant-based ECog items related to IADL. We then performed Cox regression analyses to predict progression from CN to MCI. All analyses were adjusted for demographic characteristics. We found that worse performance on "remembering a few shopping items" (participant and informant-based p<0.0001), "remembering appointments" (participant and informant-based p<0.0001), "developing a schedule in advance of anticipated events" (participant-based p=0.007), "balancing checkbook" (participant-based p=0.02), and "keeping mail and papers organized" (informant-based p=0.002) best discriminated MCI from CN. We found that worse performance on "keeping mail and papers organized" (participant-based Hazard Ratio (HR)=2.27, p=0.07) marginally predicted greater hazard of progressing from CN to MCI. Our results indicate that a few simple questions targeting early functional changes, addressed either to the individual or informant, can effectively distinguish between CN elderly and individuals with MCI. Additionally, one of the above questions related to organization suggested which CN individuals are likely to progress to MCI.

Detection of early functional changes in diabetic retina using slow double-stimulation mfERG paradigm

AimDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic disease with insufficient secretion of insulin or poor response to insulin. This typically causes poor control of blood glucose level leading to a range...

The functional neuroanatomy of geriatric depression.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies of cerebral glucose metabolism have demonstrated sensitivity in evaluating the functional neuroanatomy of treatment response variability in depression, as well as in the early detection of functional changes associated with incipient cognitive decline. The evaluation of cerebral glucose metabolism in late life depression may have implications for understanding treatment response variability, as well as evaluating the neurobiological basis of depression in late life as a risk factor for dementia. Sixteen patients with geriatric depression and 13 comparison subjects underwent resting PET studies of cerebral glucose metabolism, as well as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scans to evaluate brain structure. Cerebral glucose metabolism was elevated in geriatric depressed patients relative to comparison subjects in anterior (right and left superior frontal gyrus) and posterior (precuneus, inferior parietal lobule) cortical regions. Cerebral atrophy (increased cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] and decreased grey and white matter volumes) were observed in some of these regions, as well. Regional cerebral metabolism was positively correlated with severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. In contrast to decreased metabolism observed in normal aging and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, cortical glucose metabolism was increased in geriatric depressed patients relative to demographically matched controls, particularly in brain regions in which cerebral atrophy was observed, which may represent a compensatory response.