scholarly journals Formalin Fixation of Human Healthy Autopsied Tissues: The Influence of Type of Tissue, Temperature and Incubation Time on the Quality of Isolated DNA

Author(s):  
Danijela Todorovic ◽  
Katarina Vitosevic ◽  
Milos Todorovic ◽  
Zivana Slovic

Abstract Formalin fixation is a widely used method in histopathology that has certain limits. Formalin often leads to the degradation of DNA molecules in cancer tissues, which makes tissues unusable for molecular analysis. The other factors may also affect the quality of DNA isolated from fixed tissues. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of the incubation time and temperature on the quality of DNA molecules isolated from various healthy human tissues. The brain, lung and kidney tissues, excluded during the forensic autopsies of people who died of violent death, were fixed in phosphate-buffered formalin from 24h to two months. After the completion of the incubation period, the DNA was isolated using phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol extraction method and the concentration and purity of the samples were determined spectrophotometrically. The degree of degradation of DNA was assessed by PCR reaction, by amplification of gene fragments which lengths were 150bp (GPD1) and 262bp (β-actin). The highest concentration, purity and preserved integrity of DNA were obtained from the brain samples. With prolonged tissue incubation times in formalin, the concentration and integrity of DNA decreased in all tissue samples, especially in the brain tissue, while the purity of DNA remained unchanged. Also, tissue fixation at +4°C contributed to a better quality of isolated DNA compared to DNA isolated from tissue fixed at room temperature. We can conclude that the type of human healthy tissue, temperature and the incubation time of formalin fixation have important influence on the concentration, purity and integrity of DNA during fixation of tissues excluded in the course of forensic autopsy.

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (06) ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Sims ◽  
Briunca Valdwell ◽  
Felicia Jefferson

Diabetes type II is a controllable condition, with a combination of medication and diet. The most important part of the combination is the information given to bring this all into balance. Education of this condition will enhance one’s quality of life. The information provided will assist in the following; 1) How insulin affects the brain. 2) Sleep patterns are impacted by this condition. 3) Blood pressures have problems with being elevated by this condition. 4) The impact on current healthcare costs. 5) Tools needed to assist in the management of this condition. 6) The tools needed to manage this medical condition. Technology begins to be more involved in the management of this condition. When one understands, what they are facing, it is easier to maintain or improve the quality of life one has to live. It will help the loved ones be supportive throughout managing this condition.


2021 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Leandro Emmanuel Vecchio Dezillio ◽  
David Emmanuel Romanin ◽  
Ivana Mariel Ivanoff Marinoff ◽  
Julieta Vernengo ◽  
Juan Cruz Abate Zárate ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margalida Esteva-Socias ◽  
María-Jesús Artiga ◽  
Olga Bahamonde ◽  
Oihana Belar ◽  
Raquel Bermudo ◽  
...  

Abstract The purpose of the present work is to underline the importance of obtaining a standardized procedure to ensure and evaluate both clinical and research usability of human tissue samples. The study, which was carried out by the Biospecimen Science Working Group of the Spanish Biobank Network, is based on a general overview of the current situation about quality assurance in human tissue biospecimens. It was conducted an exhaustive review of the analytical techniques used to evaluate the quality of human tissue samples over the past 30 years, as well as their reference values if they were published, and classified them according to the biomolecules evaluated: (i) DNA, (ii) RNA, and (iii) soluble or/and fixed proteins for immunochemistry. More than 130 publications released between 1989 and 2019 were analysed, most of them reporting results focused on the analysis of tumour and biopsy samples. A quality assessment proposal with an algorithm has been developed for both frozen tissue samples and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, according to the expected quality of sample based on the available pre-analytical information and the experience of the participants in the Working Group. The high heterogeneity of human tissue samples and the wide number of pre-analytic factors associated to quality of samples makes it very difficult to harmonize the quality criteria. However, the proposed method to assess human tissue sample integrity and antigenicity will not only help to evaluate whether stored human tissue samples fit for the purpose of biomarker development, but will also allow to perform further studies, such as assessing the impact of different pre-analytical factors on very well characterized samples or evaluating the readjustment of tissue sample collection, processing and storing procedures. By ensuring the quality of the samples used on research, the reproducibility of scientific results will be guaranteed.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 698
Author(s):  
Laura-Cristina Popa ◽  
Mihnea Costin Manea ◽  
Diana Velcea ◽  
Ion Șalapa ◽  
Mirela Manea ◽  
...  

Dementia is a general term for a series of medical conditions that affect the brain and evolve progressively. According to the literature, there are over 200 subtypes and causes of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being the most common in elderly people. AD is an irreversible progressive neurodegenerative condition that leads to a decline in mental function, enough to disrupt daily life. Thinking skills slowly deteriorate, which, in advanced stages, makes it impossible to perform simple tasks. Besides the change in the quality of life of AD patients and their families, there is a considerable alteration in the quality of life of their caregivers, whose health can be negatively affected by the development of mental and somatic disorders. This article reviews the literature in order to reveal the benefits of applying non-pharmacological interventions such as music and art therapy to improve quality of life. This article also aims to shed light on the impact of this disease on the caregiver’s life. Music and art therapy have produced reliable results in the treatment of patients with AD, and the best effects are related to increased socialization and the maintenance of social status.


2021 ◽  
pp. 644-653
Author(s):  
Daniel C. McFarland ◽  
Leah E. Walsh ◽  
Andrew H. Miller

Depression in cancer is common, often unrecognized and untreated, and has a significant impact on quality of life and morbidity and mortality. Increasing understanding of the impact of the immune system and inflammation on the brain has revealed that cancer patients are at an especially increased risk for inflammation-induced depression by virtue of the many sources of inflammation to which they are exposed. Treatments including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy as well as cancer itself are associated with increased inflammation that can drive brain changes and depression. This chapter will review the relationship between depression and inflammation in cancer patients with special attention paid to the data that support increased inflammatory markers in cancer patients with depression, the neurobiological mechanisms by which inflammation can impact neurotransmitters and neurocircuits in the brain, and the data addressing interventions that reduce inflammation and depression in cancer patients. Finally, the chapter addresses future directions regarding the translational implications of this work.


2011 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adele Costabile ◽  
Francesca Fava ◽  
Henna Röytiö ◽  
Sofia D. Forssten ◽  
Kaisa Olli ◽  
...  

In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover human feeding study, the effects of polydextrose (PDX; 8 g/d) on the colonic microbial composition, immune parameters, bowel habits and quality of life were investigated. PDX is a complex glucose oligomer used as a sugar replacer. The main goal of the present study was to identify the microbial groups affected by PDX fermentation in the colon. PDX was shown to significantly increase the known butyrate producerRuminococcus intestinalisand bacteria of theClostridiumclusters I, II and IV. Of the other microbial groups investigated, decreases in the faecalLactobacillus–Enterococcusgroup were demonstrated. Denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis analysis showed that bacterial profiles between PDX and placebo treatments were significantly different. PDX was shown to be slowly degraded in the colon, and the fermentation significantly reduced the genotoxicity of the faecal water. PDX also affected bowel habits of the subjects, as less abdominal discomfort was recorded and there was a trend for less hard and more formed stools during PDX consumption. Furthermore, reduced snacking was observed upon PDX consumption. This study demonstrated the impact of PDX on the colonic microbiota and showed some potential for reducing the risk factors that may be associated with colon cancer initiation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy M. Luu ◽  
Anand K. Sergeant ◽  
Sonia S. Anand ◽  
Dipika Desai ◽  
Karleen Schulze ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds (CAHHM) cohort, participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, heart, and abdomen, that generated incidental findings (IFs). The approach to managing these unexpected results remain a complex issue. Our objectives were to describe the CAHHM policy for the management of IFs, to understand the impact of disclosing IFs to healthy research participants, and to reflect on the ethical obligations of researchers in future MRI studies. Methods Between 2013 and 2019, 8252 participants (mean age 58 ± 9 years, 54% women) were recruited with a follow-up questionnaire administered to 909 participants (40% response rate) at 1-year. The CAHHM policy followed a restricted approach, whereby routine feedback on IFs was not provided. Only IFs of severe structural abnormalities were reported. Results Severe structural abnormalities occurred in 8.3% (95% confidence interval 7.7–8.9%) of participants, with the highest proportions found in the brain (4.2%) and abdomen (3.1%). The majority of participants (97%) informed of an IF reported no change in quality of life, with 3% of participants reporting that the knowledge of an IF negatively impacted their quality of life. Furthermore, 50% reported increased stress in learning about an IF, and in 95%, the discovery of an IF did not adversely impact his/her life insurance policy. Most participants (90%) would enrol in the study again and perceived the MRI scan to be beneficial, regardless of whether they were informed of IFs. While the implications of a restricted approach to IF management was perceived to be mostly positive, a degree of diagnostic misconception was present amongst participants, indicating the importance of a more thorough consent process to support participant autonomy. Conclusion The management of IFs from research MRI scans remain a challenging issue, as participants may experience stress and a reduced quality of life when IFs are disclosed. The restricted approach to IF management in CAHHM demonstrated a fair fulfillment of the overarching ethical principles of respect for autonomy, concern for wellbeing, and justice. The approach outlined in the CAHHM policy may serve as a framework for future research studies. Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02220582.


Author(s):  
Bjørn Grinde

AbstractSexual behavior is a core activity not only for our genes, but also for individual happiness. It is therefore important to assess how this aspect of life functions in industrialized nations. Adopting the idea that society should aim at maximizing happiness, the question is whether the present situation is optimal, or if we should strive toward cultural changes that may improve the impact of sex. Sex is associated with some of the strongest rewards the brain has to offer, and consequently should serve to improve quality of life. There are, however, numerous pitfalls in that sex easily elicits negative emotions. Certain aspects of sexuality may reflect what is referred to as a ‘disease of modernity’; that is, the present environment is causing an increase in the prevalence of sex-related misery. The text use both an evolutionary and a bioecological perspective to understand human behavior. Biological (nature) and ecological (environment or nurture) factors are considered in order to assess how to improve the impact of sex on quality of life.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 160.1-161
Author(s):  
J. Zurowski ◽  
C. Wright ◽  
N. Basu ◽  
M. Poyade ◽  
L. Bennett

Background:Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases are a group of devastating autoimmune disorders that all commonly share the debilitating symptom of fatigue. Despite the fact that fatigue can often cause some of the greatest impairments to quality of life, it is frequently reported by patients as the least successfully managed symptom of these conditions.Fatigue is routinely misunderstood within the general population, with many people using the word fatigue as a synonym for tired. Fatigue is not the same as tiredness, which is a normal state that is experienced by most of the population, therefore it is important to help the general public understand what fatigue actually is and how it imposes consequences and limitations on those who suffer from it. To aid this understanding an educational application has been created to reinforce the patient perspective of living with fatigue. Furthermore, this application will also aid the understanding of brain anatomy and function, using Augmented Reality (AR), as research has now shown that brain function may be altered in the state of fatigue.Currently, educational AR applications show great potential for increasing comprehension and understanding of complex concepts. AR expands user engagement by enhancing the learner’s enjoyment and enriching their learning environment. We hope to utilise this technology in the education of fatigue.Objectives:We aimed to create an AR application that has informative content designed to educate users on the topics of basic brain anatomy and function. Furthermore, we aimed to increase the users understanding of the complete impairment of fatigue by creating a short video that describes living with fatigue from the patient’s perspective.Methods:The application was created using medical scan dataset, a variety of 3D modelling software, and a game engine to create a functional and interactive augmented application. The short video regarding a patient’s perspective on living with fatigue was developed in collaboration with the Glasgow Arthritis Involvement Network patient partners. In order to determine if the application met its primary objectives a pilot test was conducted on 14 participants. After consenting to taking part in the study, individuals were guided through a pre-application test, the use of the application itself and finally a post-application test.Results:Initial results from the pilot test showed promise in the educational potential of the application. With regards to the questions pertaining to the brain anatomy, the percentage of questions answered correctly increased from 36% in the pre-test to 60% in the post-test. Furthermore, after using the application the participants reported a significant increase in their confidence for their answers. An additional six questions ascertained a participants perceptions of fatigue. From these questions, the answer that was most significantly changed after use of the application, was in relation to the impact that fatigue has on a patient’s quality of life (t-Test p=0.02). After use of the application participants’ opinions changed to reflect the fact that fatigue can completely impair a person’s quality of life, showing an increase in their understanding of the debilitating nature of fatigue.Conclusion:This research explored the development and effectiveness of an AR application that was centered around fatigue and basic neuroanatomy education within the general population. From the pilot test conducted we are able to report that the application was successful in delivering educational material about brain anatomy and was successful in increasing awareness about the impact that fatigue can have on an individual’s quality of life.Figure 1.Augmented brain model scene using brain model as triggerFigure 2.Example of material change upon selection of Occipital Lobe optionAcknowledgments:The Glasgow Arthritis Involvement Network (GAIN)Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2097-2108
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Croft ◽  
Courtney T. Byrd

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.


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