Object recognition in acquired and developmental prosopagnosia

Whether face and object recognition are dissociated in prosopagnosia continues to be debated: a recent review highlighted deficiencies in prior studies regarding the evidence for such a dissociation. Our goal was to study cohorts with acquired and developmental prosopagnosia with a complementary battery of tests of object recognition that address prior limitations, as well as evaluating for residual effects of object expertise. We studied 15 subjects with acquired and 12 subjects with developmental prosopagnosia on three tests: the Old/New Tests, the Cambridge Bicycle Memory Test, and the Expertise-adjusted Test of Car Recognition. Most subjects with developmental prosopagnosia were normal on the Old/New Tests: for acquired prosopagnosia, subjects with occipitotemporal lesions often showed impairments while those with anterior temporal lesions did not. Ten subjects showed a putative classical dissociation between the Cambridge Face and Bicycle Memory Tests, seven of whom had normal reaction times. Both developmental and acquired groups showed reduced car recognition on the expertise-adjusted test, though residual effects of expertise were still evident. Two subjects with developmental prosopagnosia met criteria for normal object recognition across all tests. We conclude that strong evidence for intact object recognition can be found in a few subjects but the majority show deficits, particularly those with the acquired form. Both acquired and developmental forms show residual but reduced object expertise effects.     

Diabetes mellitus,metabolic syndrome,and physical activity among Ethiopians: A systematic review

Background and aimsThe incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide, and there is growing appreciation for the impact of limited physical activity on the disease. This study aimed to determine whether the current research on DM in Ethiopia has sufficiently identified and focused on the importance of limited physical activity according to the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) in the disease etiology.MethodsThis was a systematic review, performed according to the PRISMA checklist. We searched primary studies of diabetes, diabetes-related complications, determinants, and magnitude of related morbidities in Ethiopia in PubMed, Medline, and ISI Web of Science databases. Reviews, editorial communications, reports, and letters were excluded.ResultsAmong 363 articles that were identified from all databases, 28 were included. It was found that 39% of the studies measured and included limited physical activity as a predisposing lifestyle factor in diabetes, while 17.86% either did not report or did not include this variable at all. Although 42.86% of the studies identified limited physical activity as an etiological factor in diabetes, it was not measured according to the GPAQ guidelines.ConclusionsThese data suggest that Ethiopian researchers do not give sufficient attention to the role of physical activity and its definition per GPAQ as a preventative factor for reducing the severity of diabetes symptoms. We suggest that physical activity research and promotion should be advocated in Ethiopia, and that researchers should seek advice on how to re-frame their work in the future.     

Regenerative potential of basic fibroblast growth factor contained in biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres applied following vocal fold injury: Early effect on tissue repair in a rabbit model

IntroductionPostoperative dysphonia is mostly caused by vocal fold scarring, and careful management of vocal fold surgery has been reported to reduce the risk of scar formation. However, depending on the vocal fold injury, treatment of postoperative dysphonia can be challenging.ObjectiveThe goal of the current study was to develop a novel prophylactic regenerative approach for the treatment of injured vocal folds after surgery, using biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres as a drug delivery system for basic fibroblast growth factor.MethodsVideoendoscopic laryngeal surgery was performed to create vocal fold injury in 14 rabbits. Immediately following this procedure, biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres with basic fibroblast growth factor were injected in the vocal fold. Two weeks after injection, larynges were excised for evaluation of vocal fold histology and mucosal movement.ResultsThe presence of poor vibratory function was confirmed in the injured vocal folds. Histology and digital image analysis demonstrated that the injured vocal folds injected with gelatin hydrogel microspheres with basic fibroblast growth factor showed less scar formation, compared to the injured vocal folds injected with gelatin hydrogel microspheres only, or those without any injection.ConclusionA prophylactic injection of basic fibroblast growth factor -containing biodegradable gelatin hydrogel microspheres demonstrates a regenerative potential for injured vocal folds in a rabbit model.     

Clinically oriented Alzheimer's biosensors: expanding the horizons towards point-of-care diagnostics and beyond

The development of minimally invasive and easy-to-use sensor devices is of current interest for ultrasensitive detection and signal recognition of Alzheimer''s disease (AD) biomarkers. Over the years, tremendous effort has been made on diagnostic platforms specifically targeting neurological markers for AD in order to replace the conventional, laborious, and invasive sampling-based approaches. However, the sophistication of analytical outcomes, marker inaccessibility, and material validity strongly limit the current strategies towards effectively predicting AD. Recently, with the promising progress in biosensor technology, the realization of a clinically applicable sensing platform has become a potential option to enable early diagnosis of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, various types of biosensors, which include electrochemical, fluorescent, plasmonic, photoelectrochemical, and field-effect transistor (FET)-based sensor configurations, with better clinical applicability and analytical performance towards AD are highlighted. Moreover, the feasibility of these sensors to achieve point-of-care (POC) diagnosis is also discussed. Furthermore, by grafting nanoscale materials into biosensor architecture, the remarkable enhancement in durability, functionality, and analytical outcome of sensor devices is presented. Finally, future perspectives on further translational and commercialization pathways of clinically driven biosensor devices for AD are discussed and summarized.

Advancements of clinically driven biosensors in current Alzheimer''s diagnosis are highlighted in both in vitro and in vivo applications.     

Clinical Utility of BRAF,NRAS, and TERT Promoter Mutation in Preoperative Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: A Diagnostic Study From Dharmais Cancer Hospital

Objective: Molecular testing of thyroid nodules becomes important for improving the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic utility of BRAF, NRAS, and TERT promoter mutation in thyroid nodules at Dharmais Cancer Hospital.Methods: We performed a prospective diagnostic study involving 50 patients with thyroid nodules who needed surgery between September 2013 and August 2014. Mutational hotspots in BRAF exon 15, NRAS exon 3, and TERT promoter region were analyzed by Sanger sequencing from FNAB specimens. Cytology and molecular data were compared to histopathology results.Result: Of the 50 cases included in the analysis, 39 cases (78%) were thyroid malignancies. Mutations of BRAF, NRAS, and TERT promoter were detected in 31% (12/39), 18% (7/39), and 13% (5/39) cases, respectively. BRAF and NRAS mutations were found mutually exclusive, while all of TERT promoter mutation was found coexistent either with BRAF (40%) or NRAS (60%). The combination of FNAB cytology and molecular testing resulted in 69% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 48% negative predictive value, and 76% accuracy.Conclusion: Molecular testing of BRAF, NRAS, and TERT mutations improve the sensitivity of thyroid FNAB and is beneficial for more definitive treatment in selective cases. However, the NPV is relatively low to avoid the need for diagnostic surgery. Therefore, further studies to identify more sensitive methods and more comprehensive molecular markers in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules are needed.     

In-depth study of bio-oil and biochar production from macroalgae Sargassum sp. via slow pyrolysis

Sargassum is undoubtedly one of the most predominant brown macroalgae, posing a significant disposal problem for coastal areas worldwide. The effective valorization of Sargassum sp. would be beneficial not only for environmental mitigation but also for producing high-value chemicals. However, the valorization of Sargassum sp. for bio-oil and biochar production via slow pyrolysis has not been well studied yet. Hence, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into bio-oil and biochar production from Sargassum sp. via slow pyrolysis to provide valuable data for further valorization. A batch reactor was employed, and the pyrolysis of Sargassum sp. was conducted in a temperature range of 400–600 °C and with retention times of 10–50 min. The results showed significant compounds could be identified in bio-oil from Sargassum sp., including carboxylic acids, furan derivatives, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and N-aromatic compounds. Based on the ultimate analysis, the H/C and O/C atomic ratios of biochar were lower than the feedstock, reflecting the occurrence of dehydration and decarboxylation reactions throughout the pyrolysis. Biochar exhibited calorific values in the range of 23.12–25.89 MJ kg⁻¹, indicating it has more potential to be used as a solid fuel than low-ranked coals. Surface morphological analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and showed a larger surface area in biochar than in the algal feedstock. Furthermore, a reaction model was deduced, and it was confirmed that the pyrolysis reaction obeyed the Arrhenius behaviour. Overall, the slow pyrolysis of Sargassum sp. provides an opportunity to obtain value-added chemicals and biochars, which could be further utilized for other applications.

Slow pyrolysis of brown macroalgae (Sargassum sp.) for bio-oil and biochar production.     

Low vision and blindness in adults in Gurage Zone,central Ethiopia

AIM: To determine the magnitude and causes of low vision and blindness in the Gurage zone, central Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional study using a multistage cluster sampling technique was used to identify the study subjects. Visual acuity was recorded for all adults 40 years and older. Subjects who had a visual acuity of <6/18 were examined by an ophthalmologist to determine the cause of low vision or blindness. RESULTS: From the enumerated population, 2693 (90.8%) were examined. The prevalence of blindness (<3/60 better eye presenting vision) was 7.9% (95% CI 6.9 to 8.9) and of low vision (6/24-3/60 better eye presenting vision) was 12.1% (95% CI 10.9 to 13.3). Monocular blindness was recorded in 16.3% of the population. Blindness and low vision increased with age. The odds of low vision and blindness in women were 1.8 times that of the men. The leading causes of blindness were cataract (46.1%), trachoma (22.9%), and glaucoma (7.6%). While the prevalence of vision reducing cataract increased with age, the prevalence of trachoma related vision loss did not increase with age, suggesting that trichiasis related vision loss in this population might not be cumulative. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of low vision and blindness is high in this zone and requires urgent intervention, particularly for women. Further investigation of the pattern of vision loss, particularly as a result of trachomatous trichiasis, is warranted.     

Association of core promoter mutations of hepatitis B virus and viral load is different in HBeAg（＋） and HBeAg（-） patients

AIM:To identify the prevalence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and to assess the association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core promoter mutations and viral load in Indonesian patients.METHODS:Sixty-four patients with chronic hepatitis,65 with liver cirrhosis and 50 with hepatocellular carcinoma were included in this study.HBeAg and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb) tests were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the mutations were analyzed by sequencing.Viral load was measured by real-time poly...     

What shape are the neural response functions underlying opponent coding in face space? A psychophysical investigation

Recent evidence has shown that face space represents facial identity information using two-pool opponent coding. Here we ask whether the shape of the monotonic neural response functions underlying such coding is linear (i.e. face space codes all equal-sized physical changes with equal sensitivity) or nonlinear (e.g. face space shows greater coding sensitivity around the average face). Using adaptation aftereffects and pairwise discrimination tasks, our results for face attributes of eye height and mouth height demonstrate linear shape; including for bizarre faces far outside the normal range. We discuss how linear coding explains some results in the previous literature, including failures to find that adaptation enhances face discrimination, and suggest possible reasons why face space can maintain detailed coding of values far outside the normal range. We also discuss specific nonlinear coding models needed to explain other findings, and conclude face space appears to use a mixture of linear and nonlinear representations.     

Solving the upside-down puzzle: Why do upright and inverted face aftereffects look alike?

Face aftereffects for upright faces have been widely assumed to derive from face space and to provide useful information about its properties. Yet remarkably similar aftereffects have consistently been reported for inverted faces, a problematic finding because other paradigms argue that inverted faces are processed by different mechanisms from upright faces. Here, we identify a qualitative difference between upright and inverted face aftereffects. Using eye-height aftereffects, we tested for opponent versus multichannel coding of face dimensions by manipulating distance of the adaptor from the average, and face-specific versus shape-generic contributions via transfer of aftereffects between faces and simple T-shapes. Our results argue that (i) inverted face aftereffects derive entirely from shape-generic mechanisms, (ii) upright face aftereffects derive partly from shape-generic mechanisms but also have a substantial face space component, and (iii) both face-specific and shape-generic multidimensional spaces use opponent coding.