Method For Assessment Of Activity Research Articles

E058 Disease activity measurement in rheumatoid arthritis - simpler in not always better!

Abstract Background/Aims Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the commonest inflammatory arthritis (1). The traditional method of disease activity assessment would incorporate activity measures like DAS 28, CDAI and SDAI which have been validated in clinical research (2). All these indices use 28 joint assessment method. These measures use different aspects of disease activity including swollen joint count, tender joint count, patient global scores and physician global assessment scores and inflammatory markers are included in some of the measures. We conducted a small study to compare these outcome measures in patients with moderate RA (per DAS criteria) who were recruited for disease activity assessment through MSK ultrasound. Methods Of the 30 biologic naive patients recruited, 27 were included in this study. Patients with moderate disease activity (per DAS criteria) were recruited for MSK ultrasound evaluation by a single rheumatologist. Patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia were excluded. These patients had been reviewed by two assessors prior to USS assessment and disease activity measures updated. Patient data was collected through electronic patient records. Data was analysed through MS Excel. Results The median age was 63. There were 66% females and 34% male patients. Majority were sero positive for either RhF, Anti CCP or both (77%). Mean DAS-28 score was 4.4 and corresponding mean CDAI and SDAI scores were 22.8 and 23.5 respectively. Mean HAQ score 1.08 and median CRP was 8.6. The median composite EULAR OMERACT synovitis score was 9.18. The average physician global assessment score for disease activity before USS was 4.9/10 and it correlated well with decision to escalate treatment in 41% patients as a result of USS assessment. Conclusion With a small sample size, this project shows that simplified disease activity measures do not necessarily provide clear evidence of disease activity and are heavily influenced by patient reported outcome measures (tender joint count and global pain scores). CDAI scores can be slightly higher compared to DAS and SDAI scores for the similar patients. Physician assessment and ultrasound can provide robust evaluation of disease activity and help in decision-making. A multicentric study with a large simple size to evaluate these findings would be helpful. Judicious use of clinical evaluation and imaging can help in tailoring treatment according to patient’s clinical condition and can also save money. Disclosure H. Crawshaw: None. E. Gates: None. C. Acebes: None. M. Jamal: None.

Comparison of the Antioxidant Properties of Extracts Obtained from Walnut Husks as well as the Influence of Juglone on Their Evaluation

Concern for the future of the next generation leads to the search for alternative solutions for the proper management of materials considered as useless waste. This study fits into this research trend. Its aim is to demonstrate the potential of walnut husks as a source of compounds with antioxidant properties that can be used in non-food industries. Pressurized liquid extraction, i.e., one of the modern green extraction techniques used on an industrial scale, as well as conventional extraction in Soxhlet and maceration were applied to prepare the extracts. In order to assess in depth their antioxidant activity in relation to the content of characteristic components, various activity assessment methods were used in this research. The results proved that the husk components have such antioxidant properties that they can be of interest to the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries regarding the management of this waste. The results confirmed the usefulness of assisted extraction in increasing the ecological and economic values of the proposed waste disposal. Moreover, they showed that juglonehas very weak antioxidant properties, and the antioxidant effect of the mixture containing husk extract and juglone solution is mainly additive.

A hybrid digital shadow to assess biological variability in carrot slices during drying

Digital twins allow non-invasive access to the hygrothermal processes of fruits and vegetables during drying. However, existing methods do not consider the heterogeneity of product particles throughout the process. This study uses physics-based and Monte Carlo simulations to predict natural variability in carrot slices from raw material to the final product. Data from literature to model sorption isotherm and effective diffusivity, to validate the hygrothermal model, and to provide input ranges for Monte Carlo simulations was used. Nusselt correlations define heat and mass transfer coefficients, while conductive heat transfer accounts for thermal contact between the mesh tray and carrot slice. Validation shows good agreement between model and experimental data. A first-order reaction kinetic describes the thermal decay of β-carotene satisfactorily. Sensitivity analysis identifies the parameters that impact drying time and carotene retention most: slice thickness and initial moisture content. The study also introduces a water activity assessment method for the carrot slice population in the dryer, applying it to assess convective drying efficiency under different conditions. Raising the drying air temperature from 50 °C to 70 °C, along with a shift to product temperature-controlled drying, achieves a 45 % reduction in drying time, a 27 % decrease in required heat energy, and an 8 % improvement in β-carotene retention. The described approach holds promising insights for optimizing drying processes without additional equipment. In addition, the combination of physical and Monte Carlo simulations will enable progress in areas where variability plays a decisive role.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Criteria for the Screening of Highly Active S-Type Pyocins Pseudomonas aeruginosa Producers

Bacteriocins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially S-type pyocins, show high efficiency as analogs of antimicrobial drugs. Various screening methods can be used to identify producers of highly active pyocins, but there are no clear criteria for selecting perspective strains. The aim of this work was to determine criteria that can be used during phenotypic and genotypic screening for the selection of perspective highly active S-type pyocin P. aeruginosa producers. Methods. The objects of investigation were 40 P. aeruginosa strains. Pyocins were obtained from each culture, relative coefficients of activity spectrum and sensitivity were determined for all the strains used. The obtained results of the phenotypic screening were compared with the data of the genotypic screening. Results. The use of the proposed method of activity assessment according to the lysis intensity made it possible to phenotypically assess the expression of pyocin genes. It was established that according to the new criteria, only one strain — P. aeruginosa UCM B-333 — can be included in the group of the most active pyocin producers that inhibit the growth of more than 75% of indicator cultures. The majority of representatives of maximally and highly active producers were characterized by high resistance to the action of other pyocins, which can be considered as an additional criterion for the selection of perspective strains. During genotypic screening, it was established that the quantity of pyocin genes in the genome cannot be interpreted as a clear criterion of the producer’s perspective. However, 50% of representatives of maximally and highly active pyocin producers were characterized by the presence of two pyocin genes, while in 47.7% of moderately active and 54.5% of low active producers, one pyocin gene was detected more often. It was established that with widening the bacteriocin activity spectrum, the detection frequency of pyocin S1 and S5 genes increases, and for pyocin S2 and S3 genes — decreases. Thus, among the producers of maximally and highly active bacteriocins, pyocin S1 and S5 genes were identified with the highest frequency — 42.8% and 78.6%, and pyocin S2 and S3 genes — with the lowest one — 28.6% and 7.1%, respectively. Gene of pyocin S4 with tRNase activity were detected with equally high frequency in all groups of producers. Conclusions. The method of activity assessment by the lysis intensity allows not only to determine the presence of pyocins, but also to phenotypically evaluate the level of their expression, which is an important criterion for the selection of perspective producers. Bacteriocins with a wider activity spectrum are synthesized by P. aeruginosa strains with higher resistance to the action of pyocins from other cultures. The most optimal genotypic criterion for the selection of a highly perspective pyocin producer, detection of genes combination of bacteriocins with different mechanisms of action — with DNase activity (pyocin S1) and the ability to pore formation (pyocin S5) — can be considered.

Improved Methodology for Evaluating Nanomedicine Antibacterial Properties in Biological Fluids.

Accurate assessment of nanomedicines' antibacterial properties is pivotal for their effective use in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Conventional antibacterial activity assessment methods, involving bacterial coculture with compounds on agar plates, may not fully suit nanomedicines due to their susceptibility to alterations in physicochemical properties induced by biological fluids. Furthermore, these biological fluids might even enhance the bacterial growth. This study introduces a novel, rigorous, and reproducible methodology for evaluating nanomedicine antibacterial properties using cell culture media (i.e., DMEM-FBS10%). To assess the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles in cell culture media, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were chosen as the model nanomedicine due to their clinical significance. A comparative analysis between the traditional and our proposed methods yielded contrasting outcomes, shedding light on the significant impact of biological fluids on nanoparticle antibacterial activities. While the conventional approach suggested the antibacterial effectiveness of SPIONs against Staphylococcus aureus, our innovative method unveiled a substantial increase in bacterial growth in the presence of biological fluids. More specifically, we found a significant increase in bacterial growth when exposed to bare SPIONs at various concentrations, while the formation of a protein corona on SPION surfaces could markedly reduce the observed bacterial growth compared to the control group. These findings underscore the necessity for more refined evaluation techniques that can better replicate the in vivo environment when studying the nanomedicine's antibacterial capabilities.

Crowdfunding platforms in Russia: Methodological tools for agents’ investment decision-making

Modern conditions brought forth digital investment platforms, which have offered new possibilities of raising capital by entrepreneurs. The paper aims to rank these platforms to meet the information and analytical needs of agents in investment decision-making. Methodologically, the paper relies on the ecosystem approach, as well as propositions of digital, collaborative and platform economics. The paper applies the methods of grade rating, coefficient and correlation analysis. The evidence comes from public reports on investment activities of 68 crowdfunding platform operators and other information available on their websites. To rank the platforms, the study considers the factors related to investment activity (competitiveness, market activity, scaling up, etc.) and risks (financial insolvency, credit and litigation risks, etc.) and then designs a method for a rating-based assessment of investment activity and risks. The paper provides a multivariate assessment of investment activity and risks including systemic ones and specific for certain types of crowdfunding. The study presents the ranking of 68 crowdfunding platforms, identifies types of platforms according to the criteria “investment activity – risks”, as well as the criteria of security of investment (Co-Fi, Peers.money, Potok.Digital, InveStore, InvestGO) and association with a high risk. The method can be useful for investors and borrowers to justify their financial decisions; for the Bank of Russia to perform control and supervision procedures; and for professional community to outline directions for the development and promotion of the crowdfunding in Russia.

Combination of hyperspectral imaging and entropy weight method for the comprehensive assessment of antioxidant enzyme activity in Tan mutton

The antioxidant enzymes play the crucial role in inhibiting mutton spoilage. In this study, visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with entropy weight method (EWM) was developed for the first time to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Tan mutton. The comprehensive index of antioxidant enzymes (AECI) consisting of peroxidase (49.34%), catalase (37.97%) and superoxidase (12.69%) was constructed by the EWM. Partial least squares regression, least squares support vector machine and artificial neural networks (ANN) were developed based on characteristic wavelengths extracted by successful projections algorithm, uninformative variable selection, iteratively retains informative variables (IRIV), regression coefficient and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS). The textural features (TF) were extracted by the gray level co-occurrence matrix and fused with the spectral data to establish models. Visualization of the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity was constructed from the optimal model. In addition, two-dimensional correlation spectra (2D-COS) with AECI as a perturbation variable was used to identify spectral features, revealing chemical bond changes order under the characteristic peaks at 612–799–473–708–559 nm. The results showed that the IRIV-CARS-TF-ANN model performed the best, with prediction set coefficient of determination (RP2) of 0.8813, which improved 2.12%, 1.11% and 2.77% over the RP2 of full band, IRIV and IRIV-CARS, respectively. It was suggested that fusion data of HSI may effectively predict the activity of antioxidant enzymes in Tan mutton.

Physical Activity Levels during Therapeutic Camp Activities in Youth with Disabilities in the United States

Youth with developmental disabilities (DD) face challenges that may impact their participation in physical activity. One of the biggest challenges is the availability of opportunities to engage in activities that are adapted for youth with DD. In addition, due to challenges with current physical activity assessment methods for youth with DD, the activity levels during modified activities remain unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the activity levels of youth with DD during structured and unstructured activities offered during a therapeutic camp. This camp was a five-day, overnight experience in an outdoor camp center in the southeastern region of the U.S. Youth (n = 29; 14.6 ± 3.9 years) with more than one DD and with varying abilities wore accelerometers while they engaged in 13 activities of varying categories (functional/gross motor, game, sociodramatic, fine motor, free play) and contexts (ropes, horses, outdoor adventure, music and movement, yoga, come on down, sports and games, theatre, cabin challenge, arts, cooking, mad science, free play). Activity level varied by activity category and context and the intensity level of the majority of the camp activities was classified as either sedentary or light. There was a time course effect on activity; most activities resulted in a gradual decline over the session, except for cooking, sports and games, and free play. This therapeutic camp provided an opportunity for youth to engage in physical activity that would be classified as light intensity. The activities available at this camp were designed to address specific goals and objectives and provided enrichment opportunities (e.g., life skills, social skills) for youth to obtain multiple skills while using movement as a framework to deliver the content.

Оrganization of physical education for students in the distance learning settings

The article provides information on the peculiarities of the organization of physical education process for students in the distance learning settings. Methods: analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature and documentary materials, pedagogical research methods (pedagogical observation), physical activity assessment methods, and methods of mathematical statistics. The study was conducted at the Kyiv National Economic University. The study involved 48 first and second year male students. Certain shortcomings in the organization of physical education process in a distance learning format were emphasized. A decrease in the degree of student satisfaction with the physical education process was identified, which occurred due to a number of shortcomings of distance learning, namely, a decrease in the effectiveness of education as a result of a lack of practical knowledge and skills, a lack of live communication, undeveloped motivation, and an insufficient level of theoretical training. Furthermore, the difficulties in mastering the proper technique of exercises without special sports equipment were identified. It was found that the level of physical activity of students further deteriorated during the distance learning period. Recommendations were developed to increase the effectiveness of the organization of the physical education process during the distance learning period, which included interactive learning, keeping an electronic health journal, using a wide base of video lessons with accessible and interesting types of physical activity for students with different levels of fitness.

Validity Of A Sleep Accelerometer For Assessing Physical Activity In Toddlers

Research grade accelerometers that are valid for sleep assessment are rarely assessed for validity for physical activity assessment in pediatric populations, due to differences in recommended monitor placements and/or settings.1-2 The accelerometer used in this study is widely used in sleep research, but has not been validated for measuring physical activity in toddler populations.4-6 It is currently unknown if this accelerometer could be used as a valid method of measuring physical activity in toddlers. PURPOSE: To determine the validity of this accelerometer for measuring physical activity in toddlers. METHODS: An accelerometer was used to assess physical activity in eleven toddlers across different settings. Toddlers were recruited from a childcare center and from a registry of families with toddlers. Accelerometers were placed on the ankle of each toddler, and at least 30-minutes of both indoor and outdoor free-play activity were video-recorded for each toddler in either the childcare center or home setting. Activity level (1 - 5; 1 = sedentary, 5 = fast) was coded using direct observation, following the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children - Preschool (OSRAC-P).7 Accelerometer count data were sampled in 15-s epochs and aggregated to 60-s for analysis. Association with OSRAC-P was assessed using Spearman correlation (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Nine participants (5 males, 12 - 36 months) with 30 or more minutes of video data were included in analysis. Data were collected over 894 minutes (99 ± 44.2 minutes per toddler). A moderate correlation was found between OSRAC-P and the accelerometer (R = 0.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a moderate correlation between OSRAC-P activity levels and accelerometer counts. The correlation in this study was higher than previous results reported in toddlers between OSRAC-P activity levels and counts from a hip-worn accelerometer (R = 0.52).8 Another study using similar ankle placement in toddlers, reported a higher correlation between Child Activity Rating Scale (CARS) and accelerometer counts (R = 0.75).9 Preliminary data suggest that this device may be a valid method of physical activity assessment in a toddler population. Supported by NIH/NINR

The Mechanism of Cardiac Sympathetic Activity Assessment Methods: Current Knowledge.

This review has summarized the methods currently available for cardiac sympathetic assessment in clinical or under research, with emphasis on the principles behind these methodologies. Heart rate variability (HRV) and other methods based on heart rate pattern analysis can reflect the dominance of sympathetic nerve to sinoatrial node function and indirectly show the average activity level of cardiac sympathetic nerve in a period of time. Sympathetic neurotransmitters play a key role of signal transduction after sympathetic nerve discharges. Plasma or local sympathetic neurotransmitter detection can mediately display sympathetic nerve activity. Given cardiac sympathetic nerve innervation, i.e., the distribution of stellate ganglion and its nerve fibers, stellate ganglion activity can be recorded either directly or subcutaneously, or through the surface of the skin using a neurophysiological approach. Stellate ganglion nerve activity (SGNA), subcutaneous nerve activity (SCNA), and skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) can reflect immediate stellate ganglion discharge activity, i.e., cardiac sympathetic nerve activity. These cardiac sympathetic activity assessment methods are all based on the anatomy and physiology of the heart, especially the sympathetic innervation and the sympathetic regulation of the heart. Technological advances, discipline overlapping, and more understanding of the sympathetic innervation and sympathetic regulation of the heart will promote the development of cardiac sympathetic activity assessment methods.

Effectiveness and Power of Abdominal Ultrasonography in the Assessment of Crohn's Disease Activity: Comparison with Clinical, Endoscopic, and CT Enterography Findings.

Non-invasive methods play an important role in clinical assessment of Crohn's disease. Recent studies have highlighted the effectiveness and reliability of intestinal ultrasonography. We aimed to examine the relationship between intestinal ultrasonography and the clinical, endoscopic, and computed tomography enterography findings, and to assess the activity of Crohn's disease. This was a 1-year prospective study involving patients diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Clinical and endoscopic activity indi- ces, and intestinal ultrasonography and computed tomography enterography findings were evaluated. Intestinal wall thickness, mes- enteric inflammation, lymphadenopathy, and complications were evaluated by intestinal ultrasonograpy and computed tomography enterography, while the superior mesenteric artery flow velocity, resistive index, and Limberg score were assessed by Doppler intestinal ultrasonography. Seventy-nine patients with Crohn's disease were included. A significant correlation was found between intestinal wall thick- ness, mesenteric inflammation, and complications in intestinal ultrasonography and computed tomography enterography (P = .0001). According to the receiver operating curve analysis, the intestinal wall thickness, and mesenteric inflammation were correlated with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Harvey-Bradshaw Index, and SES-CD scores (P < .05), and they were very effective in distinguishing active from inactive disease. According to the Crohn's Disease Activity Index and SES-CD scores, Doppler flow velocity of the superior mesenteric artery was significantly higher in the active group than in the inactive group (P < .05). The Limberg score was very consistent with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index, Harvey-Bradshaw Index , and the results of the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (P < .0001). Our study showed that intestinal ultrasonography is an effective and reliable method for assessment of Crohn's disease activity compared to clinical, endoscopic, and CTE findings.

Feasibility and implementation fidelity of a co-designed intervention to promote in-hospital mobility among older medical patients\u2014the WALK-Copenhagen project (WALK-Cph)

BackgroundMobility interventions can prevent functional decline among older patients, but implementation of such interventions may be complicated by barriers in the clinical setting. The WALK-Copenhagen project (WALK-Cph) is aimed at promoting a 24-h mobility among older medical patients during hospitalization. The WALK-Cph intervention was co-designed by researchers and stakeholders to tailor the intervention to the clinical context. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and implementation fidelity of the WALK-Cph intervention before evaluating clinical effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03825497).MethodsThe WALK-Cph intervention consisted of six components: a welcome folder explaining the importance of in-hospital activity, a WALK-plan prescribing up to three daily walking sessions during and after hospitalization, a WALK-path in the hallway that patients were motivated to use daily, exercise posters in the hallways and bedrooms, self-service on beverages and clothes, and discharge with a WALK-plan. The present study reports on phase 2 of WALK-Cph and consists of a feasibility and a fidelity component. The study was conducted at the two WALK-Cph intervention departments after the initiation of the WALK-Cph intervention. A cohort of older medical patients (+65) was recruited for the feasibility study to assess recruitment and data collection procedures and the method for assessment of activity. Simultaneously, implementation fidelity was assessed by observing clinical practice and intervention delivery at the intervention departments.ResultsA feasibility cohort of 48 patients was included. Inclusion was considered feasible with recruitment rates between 62% and 70% of all eligible patients. Also, data collection was conducted without obstacles, and all patients accepted to wear activity monitors. The fidelity observations showed that three of the six intervention components were partially implemented as planned whereas three components were not implemented as planned.ConclusionThe WALK-Cph intervention was found feasible, and although the intervention was not implemented with fidelity, the level of fidelity was considered sufficient to continue with further testing of the WALK-Cph intervention in a large-scale trial.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03825497 (retrospectively registered). Protocol PubMed ID (PMID): 29523569.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) Essential Oil as a Food Preservative Source: Chemistry, Quality Control, Activity Assessment, and Applications to Olive Industry Products.

Essential oils (EOs) find application as flavoring agents in the food industry and are also desirable ingredients as they possess preservative properties. The Mediterranean diet involves the use of a lot of herbs and spices and their products (infusions, EOs) as condiments and for the preservation of foods. Application of EOs has the advantage of homogeneous dispersion in comparison with dry leaf use in small pieces or powder. Among them, Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) L. EO is an interesting source of volatiles, such as 1,8-cineole and eugenol, which are known for their preservative properties. Its flavor suits cooked red meat, poultry, and fish, as well as vegetarian dishes, according to Mediterranean recipes. The review is focused on its chemistry, quality control aspects, and recent trends in methods of analysis and activity assessment with a focus on potential antioxidant activity and applications to olive industry products. Findings indicate that this EO is not extensively studied in comparison with those from other Mediterranean plants, such as oregano EO. More work is needed to establish authenticity and activity methods, whereas the interest for using it for the preparation of flavored olive oil or for the aromatization and preservation of table oils must be further encouraged.

Integration of Report-Based Methods to Enhance the Interpretation of Monitor-Based Research: Results From the Free-Living Activity Study for Health Project

Accelerometry-based monitors are commonly utilized to evaluate physical activity behavior, but the lack of contextual information limits the interpretability and value of the data. Integration of report-based with monitor-based data allows the complementary strengths of the two approaches to be used to triangulate information and to create a more complete picture of free-living physical behavior. This investigation utilizes data collected from the Free-Living Activity Study for Health to test the feasibility of annotating monitor data with contextual information from the Activities Completed Over Time in 24-hr (ACT24) previous-day recall. The evaluation includes data from 134 adults who completed the 24-hr free-living monitoring protocol and retrospective 24-hr recall. Analyses focused on the relative agreement of energy expenditure estimates between ACT24 and two monitor-based methods (ActiGraph and SenseWear Armband). Daily energy expenditure estimates from ACT24 were equivalent to the reference device-based estimate. Minute-level agreement of energy expenditure between ACT24 and device-based methods was moderate and was similar to the agreement between two different monitor-based methods. This minute-level agreement between ACT24 and device-based methods demonstrates the feasibility and utility of integrating self-report with accelerometer data to provide richer context on the monitored behaviors. This type of integration offers promise for advancing the assessment of physical behavior by aiding in data interpretation and providing opportunities to improve physical activity assessment methods under free-living conditions.

Green Fluorescent Protein Tagged Polycistronic Reporter System Reveals Functional Editing Characteristics of CRISPR-Cas.

The green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based reporter system has been widely harnessed as a quick quantitative activity assessment method for characterizing CRISPR-Cas via flow cytometry. However, due to the small size (738 nt) of the GFP coding sequence, the targeting sites for certain CRISPR-Cas are greatly restricted. To address this, here we developed a GFP tagged polycistronic reporter system to determine the activity of CRISPR-Cas in human cells. Specifically, the system contains the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) gene, bacterial neomycin phosphotransferase (Neo) gene, and green fluorescent protein (GFP), named TNG gene, with a coding sequence of 2,577 nt. To investigate its performance, we generated a human cell line harboring the TNG expression cassette at the AAVS1 locus, and then we tested it with different Cas orthologs (SaCas9, St1Cas9, and AsCas12a). Our results demonstrated that using the TNG reporter system greatly expands the targeting site selection (3- to 13-fold) with CRISPR-Cas genome editing. The study therefore reports an additional method for the characterization of CRISPR-Cas technology.

Gastric Electrical Response Activity Assessment Method with Simple Multi Channel Electrogastrography

Gastric Electrical Response Activity Assessment Method with Simple Multi Channel Electrogastrography

Rules for a routine electroencephalogram recording

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the primary method for functional assessment of the brain bioelectrical activity. It is the most effective for epilepsy diagnosing, and also used for localization of the epileptogenic zone in presurgical evaluation for pharmaco-resistant epilepsy and in critical care medicine. In practice, the most common type is a 'routine' EEG, the informative value of which depends largely on the accuracy of its performance. The paper briefly outlines the rules for performing a routine EEG and lists the most common mistakes that can affect its interpretation.

Frequent, quantitative bone planar scintigraphy for determination of bone anabolism in growing mice.

BackgroundTo provide insight into bone turnover, quantitative measurements of bone remodeling are required. Radionuclide studies are widely used in clinical care, but have been rarely used in the exploration of the bone in preclinical studies. We describe a bone planar scintigraphy method for frequent assessment of bone activity in mice across the growing period. Since repeated venous radiotracer injections are hardly feasible in mice, we investigated the subcutaneous route.MethodsRepeated 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HMDP) tracer bone planar scintigraphy studies of the knee region and µCT to measure femur growth rate were performed in eight mice between week 6 and week 27 of life, i.e., during their growth period. Three independent investigators assessed the regions of interest (ROI). An index was calculated based on the counts in knees ROI (normalized by pixels and seconds), corrected for the activity administered, the decay between administration and imaging, and individual weights.ResultsA total of 93 scintigraphy studies and 85 µCT were performed. Repeated subcutaneous tracer injections were well tolerated and allowed for adequate radionuclide studies. Mean scintigraphic indexes in the knees ROI decreased from 87.4 ± 2.6 × 10−6 counts s−1 pixel−1 MBq−1 g−1 at week 6 to 15.0 ± 3.3 × 10−6 counts s−1 pixel−1 MBq−1 g−1 at week 27. The time constant of the fitted exponential decay was equal to 23.5 days. As control mean femur length assessed by µCT increased from 12.2 ± 0.8 mm at week 6 to 15.8 ± 0.2 mm at week 22. The time constant of the fitted Gompertz law was equal to 26.7 days. A correlation index of −0.97 was found between femur growth and decrease of bone tracer activity count between week 6 and 24.ConclusionThis methodological study demonstrates the potential of repeated bone planar scintigraphy in growing mice, with subcutaneous route for tracer administration, for quantitative assessment of bone remodeling.

Swim test for joint angles dispersion analysis during hind limb motor function assessment in SCI models

In the most of functional studies, various stress tests are used to assess functional improvement following spinal cord injury in animal models. However, available methods of motor function evaluation are not always accurate and unbiased. The main objective of the study was to create a new method of motor activity assessment in minor animal models of spinal cord injury. This method should provide an objective and accurate evaluation of limb motor function in models having severe neurological disorders following contusion spinal cord injury. The swimming test was used as the key behavioral test. To assess the motor function of swimming animals’ hind limbs, we measured angles of hind limbs movements adjusted to the motion direction axis. Then we calculated individual angles dispersion for each joint and limb using the parameters of angles sample dispersion and amplitude-depending dispersion. The current study included two groups of Sprague-Dawley rats: control group and a group of animals having moderate thoracic spinal cord contusion injury. Control animals demonstrated stable dispersion indicators for 6 weeks of follow-up. In the experimental group, a tendency to the improvement of motor function in hind limbs between 1 and 3 weeks was revealed followed by stabilization and preservation of both indicators between 3 and 6 weeks. Provided method based on the measurement of joint angles adjusted to the movement direction axis followed by calculation of indicators of variance of a random variable and amplitude-depending variance can be an effective and objective alternative for motor function evaluation.