Low-cost, multispectral imaging mini-microscope for longitudinal oximetry in small animals

We present a multispectral imaging mini-microscope for longitudinal oximetry in small animals. By replacing expensive and complex imaging systems using a low-cost imaging system

Multi-spectral vascular oximetry of rat dorsal spinal cord

We describe a visible-light multi-spectral system for vascular oximetry studies that can be implemented in lowand middle-income countries, using a low-cost electronics and optical elements, for instance a Raspberry Pi, a Pi camera under a resolution of 5-megapixel, 2592x1944-pixel resolution, and four different light sources at 480nm, 532nm, 593nm and 610nm on a singular structured illumination area. It is designed to quantify the vascular oxygen saturation change of the rat dorsal spinal cord, which uses a Phyton custom application that synchronize all elements to execute the imaging process in one system, powered by a portable rechargeable 5V battery pack. Aimed for drug discovery, tracking disease progression and understanding of progressive and degenerative diseases. By replacing expensive and bulky imaging systems

Integrative roles of transforming growth factor-α in the cytoprotection mechanisms of gastric mucosal injury

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Transforming growth factor α (TGFα) protects against gastric mucosal injury and facilitates wound healing. However, its overexpression is known to induce hypertrophic gastropathy resembling Menetrier's disease in transgenic (TG) mice on an FVB background, as one of the authors reported previously. We studied another TGFα-expressing mouse line on a CD1 background, whose gastric mucosa appears normal. Since this TG mouse had a strong resistance to ethanol-induced gastric injury, we considered the long-term effect of TGFα on several gastric protection mechanisms.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>TGFα-expressing transgenic (TG) mouse lines bearing human TGFα cDNA under the control of the mouse metallothionein gene I promoter were generated on a CD1 mouse background, and analyzed their ethanol injury-resistant phenotypes produced by TGFα.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the TG mucosa, blood flow was well maintained after ethanol injury. Further, neural and inducible types of NO synthases were consistently and widely expressed in the TG mucosa, compared with the limited distribution of neural type NO synthase in the luminal pit region of the wild-type (WT) mucosa. COX-2 and its upstream transcription factor NfkB were constitutively elevated in the TG mucosa even before ethanol administration, whereas they were induced in the same region of the WT mucosa only after ethanol injury. Two anti-apoptotic proteins, HSP70 and Bcl-2, were upregulated in the TG mucosa even before ethanol administration, while they were not expressed in the WT mucosa before the injury. Furthermore, pro-caspase 3 activation was inhibited in the TG mucosa, while it was converted to the active form in the WT mucosa following ethanol administration.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that TGFα maintains the gastric mucosal defense against gastric injury by integrating other cytoprotective mechanisms.</p

Using GRADE methodology for the development of public health guidelines for the prevention and treatment of HIV and other STIs among men who have sex with men and transgender people

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The World Health Organization (WHO) Department of HIV/AIDS led the development of public health guidelines for delivering an evidence-based, essential package of interventions for the prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people in the health sector in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this paper is to review the methodological challenges faced and solutions applied during the development of the guidelines.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The development of the guidelines followed the WHO guideline development process, which utilizes the GRADE approach. We identified, categorized and labeled the challenges identified in the guidelines development process and described the solutions through an interactive process of in-person and electronic communication.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We describe how we dealt with the following challenges: (1) heterogeneous and complex interventions; (2) paucity of trial data; (3) selecting outcomes of interest; (4) using indirect evidence; (5) integrating values and preferences; (6) considering resource use; (7) addressing social and legal barriers; (8) wording of recommendations; and (9) developing global guidelines.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We were able to successfully apply the GRADE approach for developing recommendations for public health interventions. Applying the general principles of the approach while carefully considering specific challenges can enhance both the process and the outcome of guideline development.</p