Informatics for Metabolomics.

Metabolome profiling of biological systems has the powerful ability to provide the biological understanding of their metabolic functional states responding to the environmental factors or other perturbations. Tons of accumulative metabolomics data have thus been established since pre-metabolomics era. This is directly influenced by the high-throughput analytical techniques, especially mass spectrometry (MS)- and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based techniques. Continuously, the significant numbers of informatics techniques for data processing, statistical analysis, and data mining have been developed. The following tools and databases are advanced for the metabolomics society which provide the useful metabolomics information, e.g., the chemical structures, mass spectrum patterns for peak identification, metabolite profiles, biological functions, dynamic metabolite changes, and biochemical transformations of thousands of small molecules. In this chapter, we aim to introduce overall metabolomics studies from pre- to post-metabolomics era and their impact on society. Directing on post-metabolomics era, we provide a conceptual framework of informatics techniques for metabolomics and show useful examples of techniques, tools, and databases for metabolomics data analysis starting from preprocessing toward functional interpretation. Throughout the framework of informatics techniques for metabolomics provided, it can be further used as a scaffold for translational biomedical research which can thus lead to reveal new metabolite biomarkers, potential metabolic targets, or key metabolic pathways for future disease therapy.

Effectiveness study of surface electromyography combined with spine 3D data system to evaluate scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of surface electromyography combined with a spine 3D data system. METHODS: 10 idiopathic scoliosis patients (age: 12.90±3.67 years, height: 155.90±20.07 cm, weight: 48.00±12.86 kg, 6 major thoracic lateral bends and 4 lumbar bends) who were selected to attend the outpatient clinic of Ruijin Rehabilitation Hospital, First diagnosed as scoliosis by imaging examination (EOS system), evaluation by using the surface electromyography monitoring system, the radiation-free 3D spine data acquisition and analysis system, the surface electromyography of the paravertebral muscles (root mean square value (RMS) of the resting standing and action position of the spine) and the Cobb angle of scoliosis were recorded. RESULTS: The RMS of the convex side was larger than that of the concave side in the two postures (P<0.05), and The RMS value of bilateral action position was significantly higher than that of rest position (P<0.05). There was no correlation between RMS ratio and Cobb angle in two positions of thoracic scoliosis (P>0.05). There was a significant correlation between the RMS ratio at rest position of lumbar scoliosis and Cobb angle. At rest, the RMS value of convex side was significantly correlated with the Cobb angle measured by the EOS system and the 3D data system (P<0.05, of which P<0.01). The Cobb angle measured by 3D data system and the EOS system was significantly correlated (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Surface EMG can be used to evaluate the motor function of paravertebral muscles on both sides of scoliosis patients. The new 3D data system has high accuracy in evaluating scoliosis. The combination of the two can dynamically evaluate scoliosis, which is more clinically effective.

Experimental methods in neuroscience: an undergraduate neuroscience laboratory course for teaching ethical issues, laboratory techniques, experimental design, and analysis.

We have developed and recently taught a 200 level undergraduate course entitled, 'Experimental Methods in Neuroscience'. This is a required course in an increasingly popular Neuroscience major at Smith College. Students are introduced initially to issues of animal ethics and experimentation, and are familiarized with our Animal Care Facility. Using an open field and rotarod apparatus, and the elevated plus and Barnes mazes, they conduct behavioral testing of two strains of mice, C57/BL/6J and 129S1/SvImJ, known to exhibit distinct behavioral traits. The group then employs histological techniques to prepare brain sections for observing neuroanatomical variation between strains (for example, 129S1/SvImJ mice are occasionally acallosal). In the final laboratory exercise, they assay the acetylcholinesterase activity in fore- and hindbrains from each strain. The experiments enable the students to gain confidence in collecting data, compiling large data sets, handling spreadsheets and graphing, applying appropriate statistics, and writing accurate and concise scientific reports in journal article format. The course concludes with pairs of students conducting self-designed independent projects using the acquired behavioral, histological or neurochemical techniques. Experimental Methods in Neuroscience is proving particularly successful as it is relatively straightforward for students to design interesting experiments, gain experience in neuroscience experimentation without excessive use of animals, gather substantial data sets, and develop skills in scientific report writing and presentation at an early stage in their neuroscience curricula. Furthermore, the course has emerged as a centralizing focus for our neuroscience program and is suitable for transfer to and adaptation by other institutions.