-
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports 2024The potential of ChatGPT in medical diagnosis has been explored in various medical conditions.
BACKGROUND
The potential of ChatGPT in medical diagnosis has been explored in various medical conditions.
OBJECTIVE
We assessed whether ChatGPT can contribute to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
METHODS
We provided ChatGPT with four generated cases (mild, moderate, or advanced stage AD dementia, or mild cognitive impairment), including descriptions of their complaints, physical examinations, as well as biomarker, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological data.
RESULTS
ChatGPT accurately diagnosed the test cases similarly to two blinded specialists.
CONCLUSIONS
While the use of generated cases can be a limitation to our study, our findings demonstrate that ChatGPT can be a useful tool for symptom assessment and the diagnosis of AD. However, while the use of ChatGPT in AD diagnosis is promising, it should be seen as an adjunct to clinical judgment rather than a replacement.
PubMed: 38549640
DOI: 10.3233/ADR-230191 -
Vaccines Mar 2024Immunization with various species lacking induces robust immunity against a homologous and heterologous virulent challenge, making mutants a putative candidate for a...
Immunization with various species lacking induces robust immunity against a homologous and heterologous virulent challenge, making mutants a putative candidate for a leishmaniasis vaccine. Centrin is a calcium-binding cytoskeletal protein involved in centrosome duplication in higher eukaryotes and spp. lacking centrin are unable to replicate and are non-pathogenic. We developed a -deficient () cell line and confirmed its impaired survival following phagocytosis by macrophages. Upon experimental inoculation into BALB/c mice, failed to induce lesions and parasites were rapidly eliminated. The immune response following inoculation with was characterized by a mixed IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 response and did not confer protection against infection, distinct from , , and centrin-deficient mutants. A prime-boost strategy also did not lead to a protective immune response against homologous challenge. On the contrary, immunization with -deficient () cross-protected against challenge, illustrating the ability of to induce the Th1-dominant protective immunity needed for leishmaniasis control. In conclusion, while deficiency in causes attenuation of virulence, and disrupts the ability to cause disease, it fails to stimulate a protective immune response.
PubMed: 38543944
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12030310 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Anomia, or difficulty naming common objects, is the most common, acquired impairment of language. Effective therapeutic interventions for anomia typically involve massed...
Anomia, or difficulty naming common objects, is the most common, acquired impairment of language. Effective therapeutic interventions for anomia typically involve massed practice at high doses. This requires significant investment from patients and therapists. Aphasia researchers have increasingly looked to neurostimulation to accelerate these treatment effects, but the evidence behind this intervention is sparse and inconsistent. Here, we hypothesised that group-level neurostimulation effects might belie a more systematic structure at the individual level. We sought to test the hypothesis by attempting to predict the immediate (online), individual-level behavioural effects of anodal and sham neurostimulation in 36 chronic patients with anomia, performing naming and size judgement tasks. Using clinical, (pre-stimulation) behavioural and MRI data, as well as Partial Least Squares regression, we attempted to predict neurostimulation effects on accuracies and reaction times of both tasks. Model performance was assessed via cross-validation. Predictive performances were compared to that of a null model, which predicted the mean neurostimulation effects for all patients. Models derived from pre-stimulation data consistently outperformed the null model when predicting neurostimulation effects on both tasks' performance. Notably, we could predict behavioural declines just as well as improvements. In conclusion, inter-patient variation in online responses to neurostimulation is, to some extent, systematic and predictable. Since declines in performance were just as predictable as improvements, the behavioural effects of neurostimulation in patients with anomia are unlikely to be driven by placebo effects. However, the online effect of the intervention appears to be as likely to interfere with task performance as to improve it.
PubMed: 38541656
DOI: 10.3390/life14030331 -
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation... May 2024Predicting motor outcomes after stroke based on clinical judgment alone is often inaccurate and can lead to inefficient and inequitable allocation of rehabilitation... (Review)
Review
Predicting motor outcomes after stroke based on clinical judgment alone is often inaccurate and can lead to inefficient and inequitable allocation of rehabilitation resources. Prediction tools are being developed so that clinicians can make evidence-based, accurate, and reproducible prognoses for individual patients. Biomarkers of corticospinal tract structure and function can improve prediction tool performance, particularly for patients with initially moderate to severe motor impairment. Being able to make accurate predictions for individual patients supports rehabilitation planning and communication with patients and families.
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Biomarkers; Prognosis; Pyramidal Tracts; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 38514217
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.06.003 -
European Heart Journal. Digital Health Mar 2024The spatiotemporal deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) helps reduce echocardiographic readers' erroneous 'judgement calls' on Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The aim of...
AIMS
The spatiotemporal deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) helps reduce echocardiographic readers' erroneous 'judgement calls' on Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The aim of this study was to improve the interpretability of the spatiotemporal DCNN to discover latent imaging features associated with causative TTS pathophysiology.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We applied gradient-weighted class activation mapping analysis to visualize an established spatiotemporal DCNN based on the echocardiographic videos to differentiate TTS (150 patients) from anterior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, 150 patients). Forty-eight human expert readers interpreted the same echocardiographic videos and prioritized the regions of interest on myocardium for the differentiation. Based on visualization results, we completed optical flow measurement, myocardial strain, and Doppler/tissue Doppler echocardiography studies to investigate regional myocardial temporal dynamics and diastology. While human readers' visualization predominantly focused on the apex of the heart in TTS patients, the DCNN temporal arm's saliency visualization was attentive on the base of the heart, particularly at the atrioventricular (AV) plane. Compared with STEMI patients, TTS patients consistently showed weaker peak longitudinal displacement (in pixels) in the basal inferoseptal (systolic: 2.15 ± 1.41 vs. 3.10 ± 1.66, < 0.001; diastolic: 2.36 ± 1.71 vs. 2.97 ± 1.69, = 0.004) and basal anterolateral (systolic: 2.70 ± 1.96 vs. 3.44 ± 2.13, = 0.003; diastolic: 2.73 ± 1.70 vs. 3.45 ± 2.20, = 0.002) segments, and worse longitudinal myocardial strain in the basal inferoseptal (-8.5 ± 3.8% vs. -9.9 ± 4.1%, = 0.013) and basal anterolateral (-8.6 ± 4.2% vs. -10.4 ± 4.1%, = 0.006) segments. Meanwhile, TTS patients showed worse diastolic mechanics than STEMI patients (E'/septal: 5.1 ± 1.2 cm/s vs. 6.3 ± 1.5 cm/s, < 0.001; S'/septal: 5.8 ± 1.3 cm/s vs. 6.8 ± 1.4 cm/s, < 0.001; E'/lateral: 6.0 ± 1.4 cm/s vs. 7.9 ± 1.6 cm/s, < 0.001; S'/lateral: 6.3 ± 1.4 cm/s vs. 7.3 ± 1.5 cm/s, < 0.001; E/E': 15.5 ± 5.6 vs. 12.5 ± 3.5, < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The spatiotemporal DCNN saliency visualization helps identify the pattern of myocardial temporal dynamics and navigates the quantification of regional myocardial mechanics. Reduced AV plane displacement in TTS patients likely correlates with impaired diastolic mechanics.
PubMed: 38505490
DOI: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztad077 -
JMIR Formative Research Mar 2024Alcohol misuse is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a significant problem in the US military. Brief alcohol interventions can reduce negative...
BACKGROUND
Alcohol misuse is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a significant problem in the US military. Brief alcohol interventions can reduce negative alcohol outcomes in civilian and military populations, but additional scalable interventions are needed to reduce binge and heavy drinking. SMS text messaging interventions could address this need, but to date, no programs exist for military populations.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to develop an SMS text messaging intervention to address binge and heavy drinking among Airmen in Technical Training in the US Air Force.
METHODS
We implemented a 2-phase, mixed methods study to develop the SMS text messaging intervention. In phase 1, a total of 149 respondents provided feedback about the persuasiveness of 49 expert-developed messages, preferences regarding message frequency, timing and days to receive messages, and suggested messages, which were qualitatively coded. In phase 2, a total of 283 respondents provided feedback about the persuasiveness of 77 new messages, including those developed through the refinement of messages from phase 1, which were coded and assessed based on the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (BCTT). For both phases, mean persuasiveness scores (range 1-5) were calculated and compared according to age (aged <21 or ≥21 years) and gender. Top-ranking messages from phase 2 were considered for inclusion in the final message library.
RESULTS
In phase 1, top-rated message themes were about warnings about adverse outcomes (eg, impaired judgment and financial costs), recommendations to reduce drinking, and invoking values and goals. Through qualitative coding of suggested messages, we identified themes related to warnings about adverse outcomes, recommendations, prioritizing long-term goals, team and belonging, and invoking values and goals. Respondents preferred to receive 1 to 3 messages per week (124/137, 90.5%) and to be sent messages on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (65/142, 45.8%). In phase 2, mean scores for messages in the final message library ranged from 3.31 (SD 1.29) to 4.21 (SD 0.90). Of the top 5 highest-rated messages, 4 were categorized into 2 behavior change techniques (BCTs): valued self-identity and information about health consequences. The final message library includes 28 BCTT-informed messages across 13 BCTs, with messages having similar scores across genders. More than one-fourth (8/28, 29%) of the final messages were informed by the suggested messages from phase 1. As Airmen aged <21 years face harsher disciplinary action for alcohol consumption, the program is tailored based on the US legal drinking age.
CONCLUSIONS
This study involved members from the target population throughout 2 formative stages of intervention development to design a BCTT-informed SMS text messaging intervention to reduce binge and heavy drinking, which is now being tested in an efficacy trial. The results will determine the impact of the intervention on binge drinking and alcohol consumption in the US Air Force.
PubMed: 38502165
DOI: 10.2196/55041 -
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology... Mar 2024Alcohol consumption has profound effects on behavior, such as impaired judgment, addiction or even death. It is estimated that alcohol contributes to around three...
Alcohol consumption has profound effects on behavior, such as impaired judgment, addiction or even death. It is estimated that alcohol contributes to around three million deaths worldwide, 13.5% of them in young people with ages between 20 and 39 years. Consequently, it is necessary to raise awareness among college and high school students of the risk related to alcohol drinking. The small nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an animal widely used as a model organism to study nearly all aspects of Biochemistry. It is a powerful tool to test the potential bioactivity and molecular mechanisms of natural compounds and drugs in vivo. Therefore, it is an interesting topic to include in an undergraduate course of Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Biology students among other scientific vocations. C. elegans is also used as a neurobiological model to evaluate substances´ neurotoxicity and behavioral effects. The proposed experiment introduces students to the handling of this preclinical model and to the evaluation of behavioral alterations induced by chemicals in scientific research. The effects of different doses of ethanol on C. elegans behavior are studied using a versatile chemotaxis assay. This laboratory experiment is suitable for an undergraduate course. The practical session can be used in the global strategies of information and awareness of educational centres to mitigate the impact of alcohol abuse among students, both in formal courses or in Science fairs or exhibitions.
PubMed: 38501696
DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21829 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Perceptual grouping is impaired following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This may affect visual size perception, a process influenced by perceptual grouping...
Perceptual grouping is impaired following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This may affect visual size perception, a process influenced by perceptual grouping abilities. We conducted two experiments to evaluate visual size perception in people with self-reported history of mTBI, using two different size-contrast illusions: the Ebbinghaus Illusion (Experiment 1) and the Müller-Lyer illusion (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, individuals with mTBI and healthy controls were asked to compare the size of two target circles that were either the same size or different sizes. The target circles appeared by themselves (no-context condition), or were surrounded by smaller or larger circles (context condition). Similar levels of accuracy were evident between the groups in the no-context condition. However, size judgements by mTBI participants were more accurate in the context condition, suggesting that they processed the target circles separately from the surrounding circles. In Experiment 2, individuals with mTBI and healthy controls judged the length of parallel lines that appeared with arrowheads (context condition) or without arrowheads (no context condition). Consistent with Experiment 1, size judgements by mTBI participants were more accurate than size judgements by control participants in the context condition. These findings suggest that mTBI influences size perception by impairing perceptual grouping of visual stimuli in near proximity.
Topics: Humans; Illusions; Optical Illusions; Brain Concussion; Visual Perception; Size Perception; Judgment
PubMed: 38499578
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56713-y -
Traffic Injury Prevention 2024The first aim of the study was to identify sex differences in the use of psychoactive substances among subjects with a previous driving under the influence (DUI)... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
The first aim of the study was to identify sex differences in the use of psychoactive substances among subjects with a previous driving under the influence (DUI) episode. The secondary objective was to propose specific strategies for medico-legal improvements.
METHODS
This was a retrospective observational study that took place between June 1, 2019, and August 31, 2023. It was conducted on DUI subjects examined for reinstatement of their driver's license using an integrated medico-legal and toxicological approach. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and illicit psychoactive substances were determined from hair samples. We performed descriptive statistical analyses for the entire sample as well as separately by sex. Additionally, we conducted binary logistic regression analyses separately for males and females to identify protective/risk factors associated with previous road accidents and judgments of unfitness to drive due to excessive alcohol consumption (EtG ≥ 30 pg/mg).
RESULTS
The study included 2,221 subjects, comprising 1,970 men and 251 women. Men exhibited a higher prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit psychoactive substance use. Women were more frequently co-users of alcohol and psychoactive substances and involved in road accidents at the time of DUI. Among the men, being married or having a partner was found to be a protective factor concerning past traffic accidents. For both sexes, a DUI episode with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding 1.5 g/L or the co-ingestion of alcohol and drugs was identified as a risk factor for road accident involvement. For men, smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day and, for women, having a DUI episode with a BAC over 1.5 g/L were the main factors indicating unfitness to drive, as determined through high hair EtG levels (> 30 pg/mg). Women with a previous history of road accidents were less likely to have EtG levels of 30 pg/mg or more.
CONCLUSIONS
The study confirmed sex differences in subjects with a previous DUI episode. A BAC exceeding 1.5 g/L or the simultaneous use of alcohol and drugs at the time of DUI necessitate careful assessment of both men and women seeking driver's license reinstatement. In women, a BAC exceeding 1.5 g/L is considered a risk factor for a subsequent judgment of unfitness to drive. The medico-legal assessment should also involve a thorough investigation of smoking habits in men, as these habits could be related to an increased risk of excessive alcohol consumption.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Accidents, Traffic; Automobile Driving; Blood Alcohol Content; Driving Under the Influence; Ethanol; Glucuronates; Sex Characteristics; Substance-Related Disorders; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38497827
DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2024.2325607