Standard Manual Method Research Articles

Surveillance analysis and microbiological profiles of nosocomial infections in a palliative care center

Objective: The growing geriatric population and increasing prevalence rates of chronic diseases increase the need for palliative care globally. Despite the wide availability of palliative care units in several countries, they have been founded in our country recently. This study aimed to contribute to the development of appropriate treatment protocols by determining the causes of hospitalizations, comorbidities, infection rates, and causative microorganisms in a palliative care center.
 Material and Method: A total of 457 patients admitted to palliative care were evaluated. Blood cultures were taken from the patients suspected to have developed nosocomial infections. Samples for cultures were taken from the foci that were thought to be the origin of infection. Identification of isolates was performed using automated systems and standard manual methods. The numbers of patients and patient days, and the numbers and rates of nosocomial infections were retrieved from the infection control unit data records and were analyzed. The rates and incidences of nosocomial infections in our hospital and the palliative care unit were calculated. 
 Results: Of the patients, 51% were men and 49% were women. The mean age was 72±12.6 years. Nosocomial infection rates were 6.3% in 2019, 9.1% in 2020, and 3.3% in the first six months of 2021. Urinary system infections ranked first with a rate of 58.6%. The most common cause of hospital admissions was malignancy with a rate of 25.9%. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Klebsiella spp with a rate of 27.5%.
 Conclusion: Palliative care is a multidisciplinary practice requiring strong coordination and collaboration. Palliative care aims to improve symptoms and the quality of life of patients. Our study has contributed to developing practical solutions by documenting prognostic factors, infections, causative microorganisms, and issues experienced in palliative care patients.

Effects of Antibiotics on Haemostatic Parameters during Pregnancy

An estimated 50,000 Nigerian women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, accounting for 10% of global estimates of pregnancy maternal death with about 2% resulting from drug induction. This cross-sectional study sets out to evaluate the Prothrombin time test (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time test (aPTT) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and Platelet count (PC) of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Oredo Health Centre in Benin City, Edo State. A total number of 130 subjects comprising 100 pregnant women and 30 non-pregnant women were recruited for the study. Prothrombin time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Platelet count and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) were studied using standard manual methods. The prothrombin time (sec) of the pregnant women 1st trimester (19.12±0.77b), 2nd trimester (19.90±1.02 b) and 3rd trimester (19.66±0.56 b), activated partial thromboplastin time (sec) 1st trimester (44.02±1.17 b), 2nd trimester (47.72±1.47 b) and 3rd trimester (45.88±1.10b), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/hr) 1st trimester (24.37±3.04 a), 2nd trimester (37.83±4.53 a) and 3rd trimester (43.25±5.24 a) and platelet count (X109/L) 1st trimester (248.29±23.18a), 2nd trimester (236.33±13.84 b) and 3rd trimester (239.10±16.07 a) were significantly higher than the prothrombin time (sec) 16.48±0.81 a, activated partial thromboplastin time (sec) 36.53±1.42 a, ESR (mm/hr) 29.83±4.14 a and platelet count (X109/L) 201±9.54 an of the non-pregnant women (p<0.05). The ESR (mm/hr) of the 3rd trimester (43.25±5.24) was observed to be significantly higher than that of the 1st trimester (24.37±3.04) and 2nd trimester (37.83±4.53) (p<0.05). Our investigation showed that antibiotics in pregnancy have a deleterious effect on PT, ESR, APTT and PC studied. We recommend that pregnant women should be given due attention throughout the course and events of pregnancy to prevent or reduce the risk of thrombotic episodes and possible disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with resultant better maternity/child safety and health outcome and educated on the effects of antibiotics to pregnancy.

A Novel Methodology for Semi-automatic Measurement of Arterial Stiffness by Doppler Ultrasound: Clinical Feasibility and Reproducibility

The conventional manual approach to measurement of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) by Doppler ultrasonography is time consuming and operator dependent. Here we report a new semi-automated methodology for more efficient and objective measurement of aortic PWV and results of tests of its clinical feasibility and reproducibility. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured in 50 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (aged 59.2 ± 10.0 y, 36 males) by three independent observers, including two experienced sonographers and one cardiologist without ultrasonographic experience. The cfPWV measured by the semi-automatic method (cfPWVA) was compared with reference values obtained by averaging measurements by two experienced sonographers using the conventional standard manual method (cfPWVM). Measurements of cfPWVA were feasible in all 50 patients and exhibited excellent agreement with averaged cfPWVM from the two experienced sonographers, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.915 (95% confidence interval: 0.876–0.942). The inexperienced observer-measured cfPWVA did not differ from the cfPWVM measured by the two experienced sonographers (8.04 ± 1.29 vs. 8.14 ± 1.32 m/s, p > 0.05), with a high consistency by ICC of 0.877 (0.793–0.928). Bland–Altman plots further illustrated the good agreement between the two methods and good intra- and inter-observer reproducibility. Time consumption for cfPWV measurement using the new method was significantly less than that for the manual method (122 ± 35 s vs. 455 ± 105 s, p < 0.0001), saving about 73% of the time. This new semi-automatic methodology for aortic PWV measurement not only has an accuracy similar to that of the conventional standard manual method but is also highly feasible and time saving. It may provide a reliable, simple and reproducible approach to arterial stiffness evaluation in clinical settings.

Высокоэффективные оксиды серебра: влияние концентрации кислорода на антибактериальную активность в отношении клинических штаммов Staphylococcus aureus

Aim of study. Comparative analysis of antibacterial activity of silver oxides (Ag0,2O, Ag1 O, Ag2 O) in relation to clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from patients with orthopaedic infection. Material and methods. Films of silver oxides were coated on paper surface in vacuum via the method of ion-plasma arc sputtering of the metallic target. Isolation of S.aureus was performed via standard manual methods from January to June 2021, identification was carried out via the MALDI-TOF-MS method. Sensitivity to antibiotics was evaluated according to EUCAST (2021, v.11.0) requirements. Antibacterial activity of the silver oxide samples obtained against 130 clinical strains of S.aureus was analysed in liquid nutrient broth with subsequent measurement of optical density. Results. Over 90% of the clinical strains of S.aureus isolated from patients with orthopaedic infection were sensitive to the silver oxides obtained. The amount of oxygen in the compound exerted almost no influence on the sensitivity to the oxides: even a minimum ratio between silver and oxygen provided a pronounced antibacterial effect. Additionally, the sensitivity to silver oxides did not depend on the MRSA resistance phenotype and the compounds were effective against XDR strains of S.aureus in 96.7% of the cases. Conclusion. All tested samples of silver oxides (Ag0,2O, Ag1 O, Ag2O) were characterised by pronounced antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The data obtained point to prospects in application of silver oxides for prevention and treatment of orthopaedic infection induced by Staphylococcus aureus without regard for the sensitivity phenotype of the pathogen.

Comparative study on the accuracy of Biosculptor’s Bioscanner system in transtibial residual limb circumference measurement

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the accuracy and validity of the Biosculptor’s Bioscanner shape capturing system as a portable measuring device by analysing the changes in transtibial residual limb circumference parameters while walking. Assessment on an amputee could also allow for the clinical usability of the digital scanner to be studied. Methods: To verify the accuracy of the system, the Bioscanner method was compared to the widely used standard anthropometric manual measurement technique (i.e., tape measure). One transtibial prosthetic user was recruited to conduct a walking activity at a normal walking pace for 5 to 15 minutes. Circumferential profiles of the participant were obtained digitally and manually during 2–5 minutes of resting walking intervals. The mean differences between the two methods were compared and percentage differences were calculated. The means were used to calculate the standard error measurement (SEM) and the 95% confidence intervals. Study of the limit of agreement between the two method was also used to validate the accuracy of Bioscanner. Results: The findings showed that both measurements gave a general comparable linear pattern. The averaged results from both methods resulted in only small distinctive differences especially at circumference near the mid-patella tendon. Similarly, the pressure-sensitive areas of the limb resulted in only an average of 2.28% differences between the two measurement techniques. The system showed high reliability and SEM with &lt; 1 of 95% CI values and repeatability study gave ICC &gt; 0.9. Conclusions: Bioscanner appeared to be comparable with the standard manual method. The Biosculptor system provides the portability, fast, reliable, and high accuracy measurements of the transtibial residual limb circumference, thus, it can be considered as a valuable tool for daily measurement of amputee’s residual limb and pre-prosthetic training.

Sistema de medición de patinaje de tractores agrícolas mediante codificadores

Introduction: Slippage is usually measured with a standard manual method, however, if it is required slippage information inline in extensive areas of cropland, mechanical and electronic equipment have to be developed. Objective: To design, assemble and evaluate (in laboratory and under field conditions) an encoder-based slippage measurement system. Methodology: The system was integrated and tested in the laboratory, where equations were generated to calculate the slippage. The system was installed in an agricultural tractor and its performance was evaluated on an asphalt track and working with tillage implements on various soil conditions. Results: The values obtained with the manual method and the encoder-based method showed very small differences. The results of field evaluation of the system are in congruence with the type of implement and with the moisture content in the soil. This indicates that the measurement of distances by the wheel turns and the calculation of the percentage of slippage are correct. Study limitations: The system was tested in short runs (up to 100 m). Still to be tested in at least 1 ha. Originality: Automated slippage measurement in extended crop areas. Conclusions: The slippage measurement system based on encoders is reliable for automatically measuring the slippage of agricultural tractor in different field conditions.

Manufacturing T cells in hollow fiber membrane bioreactors changes their programming and enhances their potency

ABSTRACT Engineered T cell therapies have revolutionized modern oncology, however processes for manufacturing T cell therapies vary and the impact of manufacturing processes On the cell product is poorly understood. Herein, we have used a commercially available hollow fiber membrane bioreactor (HFMBR) operated in a novel mode to demonstrate that T cells can be engineered with lentiviruses, grown to very high densities, and washed and harvested in a single, small volume bioreactor that is readily amenable to automation. Manufacturing within the HFMBR dramatically changed the programming of the T cells and yielded a product with greater therapeutic potency than T cells produced using the standard manual method. This change in programming was associated with increased resistance to cryopreservation, which is beneficial as T cell products are typically cryopreserved prior to administration to the patient. Transcriptional profiling of the T cells revealed a shift toward a glycolytic metabolism, which may protect cells from oxidative stress offering an explanation for the improved resistance to cryopreservation. This study reveals that the choice of bioreactor fundamentally impacts the engineered T cell product and must be carefully considered. Furthermore, these data challenge the premise that glycolytic metabolism is detrimental to T cell therapies.

An Instrument to Measure the Vertical Wicking of Fabrics by Non-Contact Method Using Color Sensors

ABSTRACT In this research paper, an instrument was designed and developed to measure the vertical wicking behavior of textile fabrics. This instrument measures the vertical wicking capability of the fabric samples with respect to time very precisely by the non-contact method using color sensors. It records the vertical wicking time of the fabric using color sensors which analyse the change of color in the fabric caused by the color solution used for wicking. The color sensors are arranged vertically at equal intervals. For validating the developed instrument, four types of woven and knitted fabric samples were tested at first using the standard manual test method and next using the developed instrument. The results were compared for its accuracy and repeatability. Results obtained from this developed instrument were highly correlated with the manual method and were reliable. This development can be used for the objective evaluation of vertical wicking characteristics of the fabric.

Mapping Invasive Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. in Semi-natural Grasslands Using Object-Based Image Analysis of UAV-borne Images

Knowledge on the spatio-temporal distribution of invasive plant species is vital to maintain biodiversity in grasslands which are threatened by the invasion of such plants and to evaluate the effect of control activities conducted. Manual digitising of aerial images with field verification is the standard method to create maps of the invasive Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. (Lupine) in semi-natural grasslands of the UNESCO biosphere reserve “Rhön”. As the standard method is labour-intensive, a workflow was developed to map lupine coverage using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne remote sensing (RS) along with object-based image analysis (OBIA). UAV-borne red, green, blue and thermal imaging, as well as photogrammetric canopy height modelling (CHM) were applied. Images were segmented by unsupervised parameter optimisation into image objects representing lupine plants and grass vegetation. Image objects obtained were classified using random forest classification modelling based on objects’ attributes. The classification model was employed to create lupine distribution maps of test areas, and predicted data were compared with manually digitised lupine coverage maps. The classification models yielded a mean prediction accuracy of 89%. The maximum difference in lupine area between classified and digitised lupine maps was 5%. Moreover, the pixel-wise map comparison showed that 88% of all pixels matched between classified and digitised maps. Our results indicated that lupine coverage mapping using UAV-borne RS data and OBIA provides similar results as the standard manual digitising method and, thus, offers a valuable tool to map invasive lupine on grasslands.

DESCRIPTION OF HEMATOLOGICAL VALUE IN LEOPARD GECKO (Eublepharis macularius)

The aim of this research was to explore the hematological value of leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius). Total of 20 samples were examined, its consists of 10 males and 10 females, blood samples were taken from vena ventral abdominal and deposited into EDTA tubes, fresh blood leaves little to make blood smear, total blood examination conducted with automatic hematological analyzer ABX MICROS 60 and for total leukocyte and differential leukocyte count used standard manual method. The mean result of hematological value of leopard gecko in this research are WBC (x103/mm3) 7,12 male, 8,09 female, Lymphocyte (%) 46,2 male, 38,4 female, Monocyte (%) 17 male, 17,3 female, Heterophil (%) 18,3 male, 21,8 female, Eosinophil (%) 10,8 male, 13,9 female, Basofil (%) 7,7 male, 8,6 female, RBC (106/mm3) 0,64 male, 0,65 female, HGB (g/dl) 8,95 male, 9,46 female, Hematocrit (%) 10,55 male and 9,26 female. In all parameters showed that hematology value of male gecko leopard was lower than female gecko except on two parameters which are hematocrit and lymphocyte which showed male gecko has the higher value than females, but the hematology value difference of both sexes leopard gecko is not significant except in heterophil value.

Gross tumour volume comparison in oropharynx carcinomas using different intelligent imaging software. A retrospective analysis.

PurposeTo compare gross tumour volume (GTV) in oropharynx carcinomas using different intelligent imaging software and to evaluate which method is more reliable for tumour volume definition in comparison with 3D ProSoma software.Material and methodsWe retrospectively studied 32 patients with histopathologically confirmed oropharynx carcinomas on dual-source computed tomography (CT) (all patients underwent multislice CT examination after applying 75 ml iodinated non-ionic contrast media). One radiologist calculated the tumour volume – manually measuring tumour length (L), width (W), and height (H) – and then calculated the tumour volume using the formula 0.5236 × L × W × H. The other radiologist used the syngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software to calculate the tumour volumes. Both volume measuring methods were compared with the 3D ProSoma software, which is used by radiotherapists to calculate tumour volumes. Graphpad Prism software was used for statistical data.Resultssyngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software for gross tumour volume determination has greater reliability than the standard manual method with Syngo Plaza in comparison with the 3D ProSoma software.Conclusionssyngo.CT-Liver-Analysis software is a reliable tool for GTV calculation, with a high correlation score, like that of radiotherapeutic 3D ProSoma software.

Automated measurement of liver attenuation to identify moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis from chest CT scans

PurposeDevelop and validate an automated method for measuring liver attenuation in non-contrast low-dose chest CT (LDCT) scans and compare it to the standard manual method for identifying moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis (HS). MethodThe automated method identifies a region below the right lung within the liver and uses statistical sampling techniques to exclude non-liver parenchyma. The method was used to assess moderate-to-severe HS on two IRB-approved cohorts: 1) 24 patients with liver disease examined between 1/2013–1/2017 with non-contrast chest CT and abdominal MRI scans obtained within three months of liver biopsy, and 2) 319 lung screening participants with baseline LDCT performed between 8/2011–1/2017. Agreement between the manual and automated CT methods, the manual MRI method, and pathology for determining moderate-to-severe HS was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa by applying a 40 HU threshold to the CT method and 17.4% fat fraction to MRI. Agreement between the manual and automated CT methods was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Variability was assessed using Bland-Altman limits of agreement (LoA). ResultsIn the first cohort, the manual and automated CT methods had almost perfect agreement (ICC = 0.97, κ = 1.00) with LoA of −7.6 to 4.7 HU. Both manual and automated CT methods had almost perfect agreement with MRI (κ = 0.90) and substantial agreement with pathology (κ = 0.77). In the second cohort, the manual and automated CT methods had almost perfect agreement (ICC = 0.94, κ = 0.87). LoA were −10.6 to 5.2 HU. ConclusionAutomated measurements of liver attenuation from LDCT scans can be used to identify moderate-to-severe HS on LDCT.

FaceSync: Open source framework for recording facial expressions with head-mounted cameras.

Advances in computer vision and machine learning algorithms have enabled researchers to extract facial expression data from face video recordings with greater ease and speed than standard manual coding methods, which has led to a dramatic increase in the pace of facial expression research. However, there are many limitations in recording facial expressions in laboratory settings. Conventional video recording setups using webcams, tripod-mounted cameras, or pan-tilt-zoom cameras require making compromises between cost, reliability, and flexibility. As an alternative, we propose the use of a mobile head-mounted camera that can be easily constructed from our open-source instructions and blueprints at a fraction of the cost of conventional setups. The head-mounted camera framework is supported by the open source Python toolbox FaceSync, which provides an automated method for synchronizing videos. We provide four proof-of-concept studies demonstrating the benefits of this recording system in reliably measuring and analyzing facial expressions in diverse experimental setups, including group interaction experiments.

Antimicrobial Synergy Testing by the Inkjet Printer-assisted Automated Checkerboard Array and the Manual Time-kill Method.

As rates of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens continue to rise, outpacing the development of new antimicrobials, novel approaches to treatment of MDR bacteria are increasingly becoming a necessity. One such approach is combination therapy, in which two or more antibiotics are used together to treat an infection against which one or both of the drugs may be ineffective alone. When two drugs, in combination, exert a greater than additive effect, they are considered synergistic. In vitro investigation of synergistic activity is an important first step in evaluating the possible efficacy of drug combinations. Two main in vitro synergy testing methods have been developed: the checkerboard array and the time-kill study. In this paper, we present an automated checkerboard array method that makes use of inkjet printing technology to increase the efficiency and accuracy of this technique, as well as a standard manual time-kill synergy method. The automated checkerboard array can serve as a high-throughput screening assay, while the manual time-kill study provides additional, complementary data on synergistic activity and killing. The checkerboard array is a modification of standard minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing, in which bacteria are incubated with antibiotics at different concentration combinations and evaluated for growth inhibition after overnight incubation. Manual performance of the checkerboard array requires a laborious and error-prone series of calculations and dilutions. In the automated method presented here, the calculation and dispensing of required antibiotic stock solution volumes are automated through the use of inkjet printer technology. In the time-kill synergy assay, bacteria are incubated with the antibiotics of interest, both together and individually, and sampled at intervals over the course of 24 h for quantitative culture. The results can determine whether a combination is synergistic and whether it is bactericidal, and provide data on inhibition and killing of bacteria over time.

A comparative analysis of black spot identification methods and road accident segmentation methods

Indicating road safety-related aspects in the phase of planning and operating is always a challenging task for experts. The success of any method applied in identifying a high-risk location or black spot (BS) on the road should depend fundamentally on how data is organized into specific homogeneous segments. The appropriate combination of black spot identification (BSID) method and segmentation method contributes significantly to the reduction in false positive (a site involved in safety investigation while it is not needed) and false negative (not involving a site in safety investigation while it is needed) cases in identifying BS segments. The purpose of this research is to study and compare the effect of methodological diversity of road network segmentation on the performance of different BSID methods. To do this, four commonly applied BS methods (empirical Bayesian (EB), excess EB, accident frequency, and accident ratio) have been evaluated against four different segmentation methods (spatial clustering, constant length, constant traffic volume, and the standard Highway Safety Manual segmentation method). Two evaluations have been used to compare the performance of the methods. The approach first evaluates the segmentation methods based on the accuracy of the developed safety performance function (SPF). The second evaluation applies consistency tests to compare the joint performances of the BS methods and segmentation methods. In conclusion, BSID methods showed a significant change in their performance depending on the different segmentation method applied. In general, the EB method has surpassed the other BSID methods in case of all segmentation approaches.

Nosocomial Infection Agents of Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital: Comparison of 1995 and 2017 Data.

Objectives:Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI), which are important causes of mortality and morbidity, are high cost but preventable infections. This study aimed to determine hospital infections and isolates in Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Hospital and to determine our local data. The changes in the distribution of the isolates in this process were evaluated by comparing the data of 1995 and today.Methods:Materials sent to the microbiology laboratory of our hospital in 1995 and 2017 from the patients hospitalized in the period between June 1-December 31 were evaluated concerning hospital infection. The standard manual methods were used in 1995, while in 2017, MALDI-TOF MS was used for identification and BD Phoenix automated system for antibiotic susceptibility.Results:In 1995, in total, 100 bacteria were isolated from pediatric and adult patients, of which 48 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (48/100), 37 Klebsiella spp (37/100). In 2017, Acinetobacter baumannii causing an important resistance problem was found to be increased in number. The main hospital infection causes were Acinetobacter baumannii (37/179), Klebsiella spp (41/179). In 2017, bacterial diversity was also increased.Conclusion:Isolated strains, as in the past, are gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas spp decreased in 2017, and Acinetobacter spp increased. The findings suggest that the automated systems used in microbiology laboratories may have a role in the detection of bacterial diversity.

Concurrent Validity of an Automated Footprint Detection Algorithm to Measure Plantar Contact Area During Walking

Monitoring footprints during walking can lead to better identification of foot structure and abnormalities. Current techniques for footprint measurements are either static or dynamic, with low resolution. This work presents an approach to monitor the plantar contact area when walking using high-speed videography. Footprint images were collected by asking the participants to walk across a custom-built acrylic walkway with a high-resolution digital camera placed directly underneath the walkway. This study proposes an automated footprint identification algorithm (Automatic Identification Algorithm) to measure the footprint throughout the stance phase of walking. This algorithm used coloration of the plantar tissue that was in contact with the acrylic walkway to distinguish the plantar contact area from other regions of the foot that were not in contact. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) demonstrated strong agreement between the proposed automated approach and the gold standard manual method (ICC = 0.939). Strong agreement between the two methods also was found for each phase of stance (ICC > 0.78). The proposed automated footprint detection technique identified the plantar contact area during walking with strong agreement with a manual gold standard method. This is the first study to demonstrate the concurrent validity of an automated identification algorithm to measure the plantar contact area during walking.

Optimizing Fractional Intensity Threshold for FSLBrain Extraction Tool (BET) and Comparing with FreeSurfer on 3D T1W MR Images

Objective: To find out the optimal Brain Extraction Tool (BET) parameter (fractional intensity threshold) for measuring the brain volume compared with the standard manual method in our institute and to compare with those of automated FreeSurfer software Methods: This retrospective study was performed in 10 healthy adult subjects with data of 3D-T1W on 3T MR machine. The manual gold standard brain volume measurements were done by two independent readers. The automated segmentations using BET with varied parameters and FreeSurfer software were also performed. Then, the two automated methods were compared with the manual tracing to make the optimal parameter by seeking for the highest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) using SPSS software. Results: The fractional intensity threshold for whole brain volume measurement of 0.1- 0.6 showed high ICC with the manual gold standard (ranging from 0.639 to 0.748). The best value was 0.1, showing highest ICC of 0.748 (p < 0.006) with confidence interval of 95% equal to (0.242; 0.932). There were no optimal parameters for right and left hippocampus volume measurement by BET due to very low ICC between BET and the reader (ICC ranging from 0.017 to 0.139 and from 0.012 to 0.110, for the right and left hippocampus volume, respectively). The ICC values of the automated FreeSurfer method with the manual tracing were also very low (0.063, 0.068, and 0.063 for right, left and bilateral hippocampi respectively). Conclusion: The optimal BET parameter (fractional intensity threshold) for automated brain volume measurement in our institute is 0.1 similar to the suggested value by prior study with high agreement (ICC=0.748) to the manual method.

Dissecting and Culturing Animal Cap Explants.

The animal cap explant is a simple but adaptable tool available to developmental biologists. The use of animal cap explants in demonstrating the presence of mesoderm-inducting activity in the Xenopus embryo vegetal pole is one of many elegant examples of their worth. Animal caps respond to a range of growth factors (e.g., Wnts, FGF, TGF-β), making them especially useful for studying signal transduction pathways and gene regulatory networks. Explants are also suitable for examining cell behavior and have provided key insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling vertebrate morphogenesis. In this protocol, we outline two methods to isolate animal cap explants from Xenopus laevis, both of which can be applied easily to Xenopus tropicalis The first method is a standard manual method that can be used in any laboratory equipped with a standard dissecting microscope. For labs planning on dissecting large numbers of explants on a regular basis, a second, high throughput method is described that uses a specialized microcautery surgical instrument.

Variations in activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time in individuals of A, B, AB, and O blood groups

Background: Differences in blood group have been associated with predisposition to some diseases. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) measures the efficiency of the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways, whereas prothrombin time (PT) test assesses the extrinsic and common coagulation pathways. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the variations in PT and APTT among individuals of different ABO blood groups. Materials and Methods: A research was conducted at College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, and a total of 200 students were recruited, consisting of 106 females and 94 males. Six milliliters of blood was withdrawn from each individual, after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent. ABO blood grouping was done by the tile method while APTT, and PT were analyzed using the standard manual methods. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Results: The result shows that blood group O was predominant among the test individuals (45%) followed by blood groups A (31%) and B (15%), while blood group AB has the least percentage (9%). Blood group O showed a significantly higher APTT value (44.24 ± 15.10 s) compared to blood groups A (39.35 ± 12.12 s), B (35.93 ± 9.78 s), and AB (37.22 ± 8.15 s) (P Conclusion: This study showed that APTT and PT levels differ among different ABO blood groups; therefore, variations in blood group of individuals may affect their intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation mechanisms.