High Delta Research Articles

Comparison of resting-state EEG between adults with Down syndrome and typically developing controls

BackgroundDown syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID) worldwide. Understanding electrophysiological characteristics associated with DS provides potential mechanistic insights into ID, helping inform biomarkers and targets for intervention. Currently, electrophysiological characteristics associated with DS remain unclear due to methodological differences between studies and inadequate controls for cognitive decline as a potential cofounder.MethodsEyes-closed resting-state EEG measures (specifically delta, theta, alpha, and beta absolute and relative powers, and alpha peak amplitude, frequency and frequency variance) in occipital and frontal regions were compared between adults with DS (with no diagnosis of dementia or evidence of cognitive decline) and typically developing (TD) matched controls (n = 25 per group).ResultsWe report an overall ‘slower’ EEG spectrum, characterised by higher delta and theta power, and lower alpha and beta power, for both regions in people with DS. Alpha activity in particular showed strong group differences, including lower power, lower peak amplitude and greater peak frequency variance in people with DS.ConclusionsSuch EEG ‘slowing’ has previously been associated with cognitive decline in both DS and TD populations. These findings indicate the potential existence of a universal EEG signature of cognitive impairment, regardless of origin (neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative), warranting further exploration.

Use of passive leg rise as an add-on to dobutamine in patients with paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis

Abstract Background Dobutamine has been proposed for the assessment of low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LFLGAS). However, in 1/3 of patients, no increase in stroke volume index can be achieved by Dobutamine, thus hampering its diagnostic value. This study evaluated the manoeuvre of cardiac preload augmentation by passive leg rise (PLR) alone or on top of Dobutamine to increase stroke volume index (SVI) in patients with LFLGAS, particularly in paradoxical LFLGAS. Methods We examined 50 patients with LFLGAS. Patients were assigned to the paradoxical LFLGAS (Paradox) group if left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was ≥50% (n=29) and to the LFLGAS with low ejection fraction (LEF) group if LVEF was <50% (n=21). A modified Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed in all patients with the following 4 steps: Rest, PLR alone, maximal Dobutamine infusion rate alone (Dmax) and Dobutamine plus PLR (Dmax + PLR). Three SVI measurement methods were used: first the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) method, second the 2D Simpson's method, and third the 3D method. The corresponding aortic valve area (AVA) was obtained by the continuity equation. The increase of those values compared to measurements at rest was calculated and compared between the 3 stress steps. Results In the paradoxical LFLGAS group, delta SVI with Dmax assessed by both Simpson's (depicted in the figures) and 3D method was lowest compared to PLR and Dmax + PLR. PLR alone yielded an equally high delta SVI as Dmax + PLR in Simpson's and 3D, and was at least as high as Dmax across all methods. Dobutamine alone yielded the lowest delta transaortic aortic valve VTI. The highest delta aortic valve area resulted for Dmax + PLR. In the LEF group, the three stress steps yielded an equally high delta SVI with Simpson's method. Dmax never yielded a higher delta SVI than PLR alone. The yielded delta SVI was the highest for Dmax + PLR for both LVOT VTI and 3d method, although the difference was overall not as strong as in the Paradox group. Conclusions In patients with paradoxical LFLGAS, Dobutamine alone is inadequate for testing the potential of aortic valve opening augmentation. Instead, PLR alone or the addition of PLR plus Dobutamine should be used for that purpose. In low LVEF, adding PLR to Dobutamine also seems useful although its diagnostic added value is less evident than in the Paradox group. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Gottfried und Julia Bangerter-Rhyner-Foundation Paradox groupLow ejection fraction group

High amplitude delta rhythm related cataplexy in a boy with Niemann-Pick type C disease

• Cataplexy can be the only clinical manifestation in the early stage of NPC disease. • The electrophysiological feature of cataplexy is different between NPC and idiopathic narcolepsy. • High amplitude delta pattern correlates of cataplexy indicated the involvement of cortico-thalamo-cortical feedback loops. • Electrophysiological monitoring is of great significance to better understand the pathophysiology of cataplexy.

Morpho-agronomic and genetic variation among Phaseolus vulgaris landraces from selected provinces of South Africa

Key messageThe morpho-agronomic and genetic studies recorded variations in vegetative and reproductive traits, and in molecular information through population structure and clustering approaches among South African Phaseolus vulgaris landraces.Phaseolus vulgaris L., commonly known as common beans, is widely used for its edible leaves, immature pods, and dry seeds. Studies on variation in morphology and genetics among P. vulgaris landraces are limited in South Africa. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the morpho-agronomic and genetic variations among P. vulgaris landraces. Thirty-eight landraces from different agro-ecological origins, planted in a randomized complete block design, had their variation in vegetative and reproductive traits determined. These landraces were studied for their genetic diversity using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The landraces were clustered in a biplot and dendrogram based on their seed coats, shape, similar morpho-agronomic traits, and their areas of origin. A total of 57 alleles were produced with a mean of 3.64 per SSR locus. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.00 to 0.58. The population structure had the highest delta value K = 2, thus the 38 landraces were divided into two subpopulations based on the Bayesian approach. The population structure showed an overlap among the landraces as several from the Mesoamerican carried some seed traits or genes from the Andean gene pool, and showed a high level of admixtures. The principal coordinate analysis and the dendrogram had a similar clustering pattern as the population structure. This study revealed the potential markers with high diversity that can be used to determine genetically homogenous/heterogeneous landraces. Therefore, the use of PV-ctt001, PV-ag001, and PV-at003 could be beneficial in future breeding, conservation, and marker-assisted selection studies.

Socioeconomic Impact Assessment of Water Resources Conservation and Management to Protect Groundwater in Punjab, Pakistan

Water is the most important resource; it is utilized largely in agricultural production and is fundamental to ensuring global food security. This study aims to assess sustainable water management interventions and their impact on the farm economy. To increase water productivity, the most important adaptations that have been proposed are high-efficiency irrigation systems, drought-resistant varieties, the substitution of water-intensive crops with less water-demanding crops, the mulching of soil, zero tillage, and all on-farm operations that can save water, especially ground water. The recent analysis utilized farm survey data from 469 representative farmers along with secondary statistics. The data were collected via a multi-stage sampling technique to ensure the availability of representative farm populations based on a comprehensive site selection criterion. The TOA-MD model estimates the adoption rate of a proposed adaptation based on net farm returns. The impact of high-efficiency irrigation systems and the substitution of high delta crops for low delta crops had a positive impact on net farm returns and per capita income, and a negative impact on farm poverty in the study area. It is recommended that policymakers consult farmer representatives about agricultural and water-related issues so that all the policies can be implemented properly.

The Evaluation of P300 Component Differences Across Sensory Modalities in Healthy Individuals Aged 50 and Over: Auditory and Visual

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease with appearance of dementia as the disease progresses. Dementia in PD worsens the quality of life and poses a burden on caregivers. Objective markers of the presence and as well as onset of dementia needs to be explored to improve the quality of life.We attempted to identify EEG abnormalities that differentiate PD patients with or without dementia using high density EEG. The differential changes in the EEG spectral activity could mark the early stage as well as onset of dementia in Parkinson’s disease (PD).The present study was designed to find out the resting eyes-closed (EC) EEG characteristics in PD with dementia (PDD) and without dementia (PDND) compared to healthy controls (CON) of both gender using high density EEG. Absolute power of seven frequency bands based on individual alpha frequency was estimated by Fast Fourier transform algorithm in 58 PD patients (30 PDND and 28 PDD) and 26 CON.Compared to CON, PDND had higher power in theta and lower alpha1 bands while PDD had higher power in delta, theta, lower alpha1 and beta bands. Higher delta and gamma power with no difference in theta and lower alpha 1 power was the characteristic feature of PD patients with dementia compared to non-dementia.This cross-sectional study proposes to use these differential changes in power as EEG signatures of appearance of dementia in PD. Absence of high delta power, but presence of high theta and lower alpha 1 power defined PDND group compared to CON.

Identification of PLA2G7 as a novel biomarker of diffuse large B cell lymphoma

BackgroundDiffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma globally, and patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL typically experience poor long-term outcomes.MethodsDifferentially expressed genes associated with DLBCL were identified using two GEO datasets in an effort to detect novel diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers of this cancer type, after which receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted. Genes associated with DLBCL patient prognosis were additionally identified via WCGNA analyses of the TCGA database. The expression of PLA2G7 in DLBCL patient clinical samples was further assessed, and the functional role of this gene in DLBCL was assessed through in vitro and bioinformatics analyses.ResultsDLBCL-related DEGs were found to be most closely associated with immune responses, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. WCGNA analyses revealed that PLA2G7 exhibited prognostic value in DLBCL patients, and the upregulation of this gene in DLBCL patient samples was subsequently validated. PLA2G7 was also found to be closely linked to tumor microenvironmental composition such that DLBCL patients expressing higher levels of this gene exhibited high local monocyte and gamma delta T cell levels. In vitro experiments also revealed that knocking down PLA2G7 expression was sufficient to impair the migration and proliferation of DLBCL cells while promoting their apoptotic death. Furthmore, the specific inhibitor of PLA2G7, darapladib, could noticeably restrained the DLBCL cell viability and induced apoptosis.ConclusionsPLA2G7 may represent an important diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic biomarker in patients with DLBCL.

The enhancement of cure and mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanizates with waste Aquilaria crassna wood

Aquilaria crassna wood (WAC) waste was studied to reduce waste and use it as an alternative filler for rubber industry, by preparing masterbatches with varying WAC contents (0, 20, 40, and 60 phr). Dry mixing was also tested for comparison. The effects of WAC on curing characteristics, crosslink density, and mechanical, dynamic, and thermal properties were investigated. The results indicate that the masterbatch with 20 phr of WAC was near optimal. It showed a lower scorch time than control sample. That is, scorch time decreased from 1.4 min for Latex/WAC0 to 1.1 min for Latex/WAC20. This is because WAC contains some metals that activate vulcanization reactions. Thus WAC filler is beneficial in terms of reducing the cost of processing rubber to vulcanizates. In addition, the masterbatch with 20 phr of WAC showed high delta torque at 10.1 dN m, Mooney viscosity at 28.1 ± 0.5, crosslink density at 250 mol/m3, and hardness at 44 Shore A. It was also found that 20 phr of WAC gave a good filler dispersion and the highest glass transition temperature (T ɡ) at −41.2 °C, indicating strong filler-matrix interactions. Moreover, the masterbatch method exhibited overall better properties than the dry mixing method. This choice of processing method as well as compatibility of filler and matrix both affected the end results. Furthermore, the alternative filler use serves to reduce/recycle waste.

Numerical Study the Effect of Blade Number on Archimedes Screw Turbine Utilized in Pico-Hydro in Horizontal Position

Application of Archimedes Screw Turbine (AST) on pico-hydro has been very popular due to its capability to has a high torque with small flow rate and environmentally friendly to biotic of vicinity. This study uses CFD to investigate AST performance when the number of blades is varied. Independency of mesh is conducted to find an efficient number of mesh and it is obtained at 80 thousand mesh. Variation A, B and C respectively has 4,6, and 9 blades varied to analyze the correspondence with torque, pressure loss and velocity contour. The results show that with a higher number of blades would make higher torque. This is because energy extraction from water would be more efficient at higher number blade. However, the side back at such number would arise such as the higher-pressure loss. This is corresponding to energy balance where a high delta pressure is proportional with a generated energy turbine.

Irrigation Supply and Demand, Land Use/Cover Change and Future Projections of Climate, in Indus Basin Irrigation System, Pakistan

Sustainable management of canal water through optimum water allocation is the need of the modern world due to the rapid rise in water demand and climatic variations. The present research was conducted at the Chaj Doab, Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS) of Pakistan, using the WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning) model. Six different scenarios were developed, and the results showed that the current available surface water is not sufficient to meet crop water demands. The Lower Jhelum Canal (LJC) command area is more sensitive to water scarcity than the Upper Jhelum Canal (UJC). The future (up to 2070) climate change scenarios for RCP 4.5 and 8.5 showed a decrease in catchment reliability up to 26.80 and 26.28% for UJC as well as 27.56 and 27.31% for LJC catchment, respectively. We concluded that scenario 3 (irrigation efficiency improvement through implementation of a high efficiency irrigation system, canal lining, reduction and replacement of high delta crops with low delta crops) was sufficient to reduce the canal water deficit in order to optimize canal water allocation. Improvement in the irrigation system and cropping area should be optimized for efficient canal water management.

The effect of photic stimulation alone and in combination with sleep deprivation after a seizure-like event – reappraisal by using linear and nonlinear EEG methods

ABSTRACT Objectives The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different provocation tests used for the study of the ‘susceptibility to seizure’ by quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) analysis. Methods Eight subjects with a history of a seizure-like disturbed consciousness participated in this preliminary study. A routine EEG was carried out with photic stimulation (eyes closed and after eyes open) at the beginning of the investigation. Some days later, a sleep-deprived EEG was recorded with the same protocol. Selected epochs (in eyes closed condition) after the stimulations were analysed with Point(wise) Correlation Dimension (PD2i) and Synchronization Likelihood (SL) methods. The results were compared to those obtained by similar analysis of the resting state (control) epochs with Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (p ≤ 0.05). Results In our study, significantly lower grand mean PD2i and higher delta SL values were found in sleep-deprived state after stimulation with eyes closed compared to the control. Our results indicated a lower-dimensional, hypersynchronous state of the brain as a consequence of these combined provocations. Discussion This may correspond to a possible ’preictal’ state of the brain. Accordingly, it is suggested that photic stimulation together with sleep deprivation seems to be more effective in provocation – especially when the stimulation was made with eyes closed.

Aspects of tree shrew consolidated sleep structure resemble human sleep

Understanding human sleep requires appropriate animal models. Sleep has been extensively studied in rodents, although rodent sleep differs substantially from human sleep. Here we investigate sleep in tree shrews, small diurnal mammals phylogenetically close to primates, and compare it to sleep in rats and humans using electrophysiological recordings from frontal cortex of each species. Tree shrews exhibited consolidated sleep, with a sleep bout duration parameter, τ, uncharacteristically high for a small mammal, and differing substantially from the sleep of rodents that is often punctuated by wakefulness. Two NREM sleep stages were observed in tree shrews: NREM, characterized by high delta waves and spindles, and an intermediate stage (IS-NREM) occurring on NREM to REM transitions and consisting of intermediate delta waves with concomitant theta-alpha activity. While IS-NREM activity was reliable in tree shrews, we could also detect it in human EEG data, on a subset of transitions. Finally, coupling events between sleep spindles and slow waves clustered near the beginning of the sleep period in tree shrews, paralleling humans, whereas they were more evenly distributed in rats. Our results suggest considerable homology of sleep structure between humans and tree shrews despite the large difference in body mass between these species.

Heart failure monitoring using the wearable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) can be prescribed in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. The WCD provides additional heart failure parameters, like heart rate, step count and body position, accessible via remote monitoring. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical relevance of additionally recorded data in patients using the WCD. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed heart failure and WCD, an average wear time with at least 20 hours per day and available heart failure parameters were included. The heart failure parameters were provided in 5-minute data intervals. An approximate for the heart rate variability was calculated via the standard deviation of the cycle length of the given heart rate per 5-minute data interval (HRV5). Results 276 patients (68% male) were included between 04/2013 and 12/2017. Mean age was 57.4 ± 15.3 years. 174 patients (63%) suffered from non-ischemic and 102 patients (37%) from ischemic cardiomyopathy. Mean NYHA functional class at prescription was 2.6 ± 0.8. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 25.3 ± 8.5%. Mean wear time of the WCD was 111.8 ± 74.5 days. Recorded median heart rate using the WCD was 70.8 (IQR 63.1 - 78.7) beats per minute on the first wear day and 64.5 (IQR 59.7 - 71.3) on the last wear day. Median step count amounted to 4294 (IQR 2283 - 7092) steps on the first wear day compared to 5688 (IQR 3153 - 8263) steps on the last wear day. Median HRV5 was 85.4 (IQR 60.1 - 109.8) ms on the first wear day and 110.4 (IQR 78.6 - 134.9) ms on the last wear day. Between the first and last seven days of usage, median heart rate was significantly reduced (69.5 (IQR 62.0 - 76.8) to 65.9 (IQR 60.4 - 72.2) beats per minute; p < 0.001), while median step counts per day (4657 (IQR 2778 – 6918) to 5562 (IQR 3890 – 8446) steps; p < 0.001) and HRV5 (89.0 (IQR 64.8 - 110.7) to 111.0 (IQR 83.7 - 134.7) ms; p < 0.001) were significantly elevated. A higher delta of heart rate correlated with a higher delta of HRV5A (p < 0,001; rs = 0.488) between the first and last seven days of usage. A higher delta of step counts per day in the first and last seven days correlated with a higher HRV5 (p < 0.001; rs = 0.320). Patients with a higher delta of step count per day (p = 0,005; rs = 0,189) and patients with a higher delta of HRV5 (p = < 0.001; rs = 0.255) showed a higher delta of LVEF measured at prescription and three months follow-up. Conclusion The WCD provides heart failure monitoring using additional heart failure parameters. Patients with newly diagnosed heart failure show a significant difference in heart rate, step count per day and heart rate variability approximate between beginning and end of prescription time. Step count and heart rate variability correlate with LVEF reverse remodeling. Remote monitoring for parameters regarding heart failure might be helpful for close monitoring and further heart failure therapy optimization during WCD wearing.

High Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Delta Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Are Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients with Hepatocellular Cancer.

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a prognostic biomarker for cirrhosis and non-liver malignancies. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of NLR in a diverse cohort of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with HCC between 2008 and 2017 at two large US health systems. We used Cox proportional hazard and multivariable ordinal logistic regression models to identify factors associated with overall survival and response to first HCC treatment, respectively. Primary variables of interest were baseline NLR and delta NLR, defined as the difference between pre- and post-treatment NLR. Among 1019 HCC patients, baseline NLR was < 5 in 815 (80.0%) and ≥ 5 in 204 (20.0%). Patients with NLR ≥ 5 had a higher proportion of infiltrative tumors (36.2% vs 22.3%), macrovascular invasion (39.6% vs 25.5%), metastatic disease (20.6% vs 11.4%), and AFP > 200ng/mL (45.6% vs 33.8%). Baseline NLR ≥ 5 was independently associated with higher mortality (median survival 4.3 vs 15.1months; adjusted HR 1.70, 95%CI 1.41-2.06), with differences in survival consistent across BCLC stages. After adjusting for baseline covariates including NLR, delta NLR > 0.26 was also independently associated with increased mortality (HR 1.42, 95%CI 1.14-1.78). In a secondary analysis, high NLR was associated with lower odds of response to HCC treatment (20.2% vs 31.6%; adjusted OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.32-0.95). In a large Western cohort of patients with HCC, high baseline NLR and delta NLR were independent predictors of mortality. NLR is an inexpensive test that may be a useful component of future HCC prognostic models.

Delta Shock Index During Emergency Department Stay Is Associated With in Hospital Mortality in Critically Ill Patients.

Background: Delta shock index (SI; i.e., change in SI over time) has been shown to predict mortality and need for surgical intervention among trauma patients at the emergency department (ED). However, the usefulness of delta SI for prognosis assessment in non-traumatic critically ill patients at the ED remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between delta SI during ED management and in-hospital outcomes in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Method: This was a retrospective study conducted in two tertiary medical centers in Taiwan from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. All adult non-traumatic patients who visited the ED and who were subsequently admitted to the ICU were included. We calculated delta SI by subtracting SI at ICU admission from SI at ED triage, and we analyzed its association with in-hospital outcomes. SI was defined as the ratio of heart rate to systolic blood pressure (SBP). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (HLOS) and early mortality. Early mortality was defined as mortality within 48 h of ICU admission.Result: During the study period, 11,268 patients met the criteria and were included. Their mean age was 64.5 ± 15.9 years old. Overall, 5,830 (51.6%) patients had positive delta SI. Factors associated with a positive delta SI were multiple comorbidities (51.2% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.001) and high Simplified Acute Physiology Score [39 (29–51) vs. 37 (28–47), p < 0.001). Patients with positive delta SI were more likely to have tachycardia, hypotension, and higher SI at ICU admission. In the regression analysis, high delta SI was associated with in-hospital mortality [aOR (95% CI): 1.21 (1.03–1.42)] and early mortality [aOR (95% CI): 1.26 (1.07–1.48)], but not for HLOS [difference (95% CI): 0.34 (−0.48 to 1.17)]. In the subgroup analysis, high delta SI had higher odds ratios for both mortality and early mortality in elderly [aOR (95% CI): 1.59 (1.11–2.29)] and septic patients [aOR (95% CI): 1.54 (1.13–2.11)]. It also showed a higher odds ratio for early mortality in patients with triage SBP <100 mmHg [aOR (95% CI): 2.14 (1.21–3.77)] and patients with triage SI ≥ 0.9 [aOR (95% CI): 1.62 (1.01–2.60)].Conclusion: High delta SI during ED stay is correlated with in-hospital mortality and early mortality in patients admitted to the ICU via ED. Prompt resuscitation should be performed, especially for those with old age, sepsis, triage SBP <100 mmHg, or triage SI ≥ 0.9.

Consciousness among delta waves: a paradox?

A common observation in EEG research is that consciousness vanishes with the appearance of delta (1-4 Hz) waves, particularly when those waves are high amplitude. High amplitude delta oscillations are frequently observed in states of diminished consciousness, including slow wave sleep, anaesthesia, generalized epileptic seizures, and disorders of consciousness, such as coma and the vegetative state. This strong correlation between loss of consciousness and high amplitude delta oscillations is thought to stem from the widespread cortical deactivation that occurs during the 'down states' or troughs of these slow oscillations. Recently, however, many studies have reported the presence of prominent delta activity during conscious states, which casts doubt on the hypothesis that high amplitude delta oscillations are an indicator of unconsciousness. These studies include work in Angelman syndrome, epilepsy, behavioural responsiveness during propofol anaesthesia, postoperative delirium, and states of dissociation from the environment such as dreaming and powerful psychedelic states. The foregoing studies complement an older, yet largely unacknowledged, body of literature that has documented awake, conscious patients with high amplitude delta oscillations in clinical reports from Rett syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, schizophrenia, mitochondrial diseases, hepatic encephalopathy, and non-convulsive status epilepticus. At the same time, a largely parallel body of recent work has reported convincing evidence that the complexity or entropy of EEG and magnetoencephalographic signals strongly relates to an individual's level of consciousness. Having reviewed this literature, we discuss plausible mechanisms that would resolve the seeming contradiction between high amplitude delta oscillations and consciousness. We also consider implications concerning theories of consciousness, such as integrated information theory and the entropic brain hypothesis. Finally, we conclude that false inferences of unconscious states can be best avoided by examining measures of electrophysiological complexity in addition to spectral power.

Design and validation of the Gingkolide estimation using RP-HPLC analytical tool

Gingkolide is an antiseizure medicine used as an adjuvant of partial seizures and GAD to relieve neuropathic pain. It binds to the very high affinity alpha delta site in the CNS. Although the drug's mechanism remains unclear, in genetically engineered mice and other anticonvulsive models, findings showed that it binds to alpha receptors. A rapid rise in the number of drugs added to each class of drugs has been noted. Whether in a single or multi-drug delivery form, these medications are developed into newer formulations. These newest formulations put on the market need a new investigation to estimate the medication in the formulations. In the scientific literature, the current analytical procedures for such drugs are available, but not all approaches are stable and economical to use. Few other techniques are often time-consuming. The goal of this work was to develop an RP-HPLC analytical tool for Gingkolide estimation. The drug's RP-PLC study meets the drug's optimum integrity, suitability, regeneration. The drug's LOQ and LOD were reached with elevated sensitivity. Overall, the results show that the recommended analytical approach in the formulation should be used to evaluate the drug. For regular study of the medication in its dosage form, this approach may be recommended.

Nanobodies mapped to cross-reactive and divergent epitopes on A(H7N9) influenza hemagglutinin using yeast display

Influenza H7N9 virus continues to cause infections in humans and represents a significant pandemic risk. During the most recent 5th epidemic wave in 2016/17 two distinct lineages with increased human infections and wider geographical spread emerged. In preparation for any future adaptations, broadly reactive antibodies against H7N9 are required for surveillance, therapy and prophylaxis. In this study we have isolated a panel of nanobodies (Nbs) with broad reactivity across H7 influenza strains, including H7N9 strains between 2013 and 2017. We also describe Nbs capable of distinguishing between the most recent high and low pathogenicity Yangtze River Delta lineage H7N9 strains. Nanobodies were classified into 5 distinct groups based on their epitope footprint determined using yeast display and mutational scanning. The epitope footprint of Nbs capable of distinguishing high pathogenic (HP) A/Guangdong/17SF003/2016 from low pathogenic (LP) A/Hong Kong/125/2017 (H7N9) were correlated to natural sequence divergence in the head domain at lysine 164. Several Nbs binding to the head domain were capable of viral neutralisation. The potency of one nanobody NB7-14 could be increased over 1000-fold to 113 pM by linking two Nbs together. Nbs specific for distinct epitopes on H7N9 may be useful for surveillance or therapy in human or veterinary settings.

Analysis of Affecting Factors of the Fate of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear Based on Treatment Strategies.

Meniscal tear is a common reason for patients to undergo knee operation, and the medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) is one of the most frequent kinds of meniscal tears. The purpose of this study was to analyze participants’ factors (anthropometric and medical) to the fate of the MMPRT based on the treatment strategy. The hypothesis of this study was that treatment modalities from conservative treatment to final arthroplasty would be affected by participants’ affecting factors. From July 2003 to May 2018, 640 participants were included. Groups were categorized according to the treatment strategies such as conservative treatment, arthroscopic surgery, high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and arthroplasty surgery. Participants’ affecting factors were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance according to the four different treatment strategies and a correlation between affecting factors was also analyzed. Participants with K-L (Kellgren–Lawrence) Grade 4 and high BMI > 28.17 were appropriate candidates for arthroplasty, with K-L Grade 4 being a greater determining factor than high BMI. Participants with alignment factors such as low initial weight bearing line (WBL) (26.5%) and high delta WBL ratio (5.9%) were appropriate candidates for HTO, with the delta WBL ratio being a greater determining factor than initial WBL. Longer MRI-event times (1.44 year) and a lesser extent of meniscal extrusion (2.98 mm) were significantly associated with conservative treatment. Understanding the correlation of each affecting factor to the treatment strategy will help clinicians decide on the appropriate treatment for patients with MMPRT.

Neurophysiological prognostic factors of motor function and spasticity after stroke

Purpose: Understanding the neural mechanisms of recovery of motor control and development of spasticity after stroke is paramount importance for neurorehabilitation.Methods: For this purpose, we have analyzed several TMS and EEG variables and their association with motor recovery and development of spasticity. Forty-two subjects with stroke have taken part in the investigation. The neurophysiological examination included assessments by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), intra- and inter-hemispheric EEG coherence in different frequency bands (e.g. Theta (4.0–7.99 Hz)) as determined by quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Motor function has been measured by Fugl-Meyer (FM), spasticity has been measured by modified Ashworth scale. Multiple univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses have been performed to identify the predictors for motor function and spasticity.Results: Univariate analyses have shown a significant interaction of amplitude and motor threshold (MT) of injured and MT, central motor conduction time of uninjured hemisphere with motor function according to Fugle-Meyer (FM). Also significant interaction has been shown between MT of injured hemisphere and spasticity.Multivariate analyses have shown a significant interaction of MT and beta coherence in injured, uninjured hemisphere and interhemispheric in prediction of motor function by FM. Also significant interaction of MT of injured hemisphere, delta and theta coherence between C3-C4 and spasticity has been shown.These interaction suggests that higher beta activity in the lesioned hemisphere strengthens the association between MT and FM scores. Higher beta activity in the uninjured hemisphere strengthens the association between MT and FM scores. Higher interhemispheric beta activity between C3-C4 strengthens the association between MT and FM scores. Higher delta and theta interhemispheric activity between C3-C4 strengthens the association between MT and Ashworth scores.Conclusions: Our results suggest that MT of both hemispheres is the strongest predictors of motor recovery after stroke. Moreover, cortical activity in the injured and uninjured hemisphere measured by qEEG provides additional information, specifying the association between MT and FM scores. MT of injured hemisphere in the association with low-frequency cortical activity are the strongest predictors of spasticity after stroke.Thus, the combination of EEG and TMS in predicting the recovery of motor control after stroke provides additional opportunities in the study of nonlinear relationships of influencing the interhemispheric networks, uninjured hemisphere and the release of subcortical activity