Sex Estimation Using Humerus Volume of CT Images in Korean Population: A Metric Study / 대한법의학회지

This study aimed to explore the use of three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography images of the adult humerus for forensic anthropological sex estimation in the Korean population. In forensic anthropology, the skull and pelvic bone show high accuracy in sex estimation; however, when they are impaired, other bones should be available for sex estimation. Six hundred images of the right and left humerus pair were used. A logistic regression analysis was performed by measuring the volumes of 500 images and the remaining 100 images were used in the metric sex estimation. Both the logistic regression and metric measurements were performed separately on three regions of the right and left humerus: the head, mid-shaft, and digital regions, The accuracy of sex estimation in the right humerus was 93% (91% for men and 96% for women), 92% (93% for men and 91% for women), and 87% (85% for men and 89% for women) for the head, mid-shaft, and digital regions, respectively. Sex estimation accuracy in the left humerus was 92% (89% for men and 96% for women), 93% (96% for men and 89% for women), and 91% (91% for men and 91% for women) for the head, mid-shaft, and digital regions, respectively. These results contribute to high accuracy and reliability in sex estimation using three-dimensional images of the humerus in Koreans, whereas the two-dimensional metric method provided limited information on bone measurements.

Genetically engineered bacteriophage delivers a tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist coating on neural electrodes.

This paper reports a novel approach for the formation of anti-inflammatory surface coating on a neural electrode. The surface coating is realized using a recombinant f88 filamentous bacteriophage, which displays a short platinum binding motif and a tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist (TNF-α antagonist) on p3 and p8 proteins, respectively. The recombinant bacteriophages are immobilized on the platinum surface by a simple dip coating process. The selective and stable immobilization of bacteriophages on a platinum electrode is confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, atomic force microscope and fluorescence microscope. From the in vitro cell viability test, the inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) induced cell death was prevented by presenting recombinant bacteriophage coating, albeit with no significant cytotoxic effect. It is also observed that the bacteriophage coating does not have critical effects on the electrochemical properties such as impedance and charge storage capacities. Thus, this approach demonstrates a promising anti-apoptotic as well as anti-inflammatory surface coating for neural implant applications.

Lab-on-a-chip for multiplexed biosensing of residual antibiotics in milk.

A multiplexed immunoassay-based antibiotic sensing device integrated in a lab-on-a-chip format is described. The approach is multidisciplinary and involves the convergent development of a multi-antibiotic competitive immunoassay based on sensitive wavelength interrogated optical sensor (WIOS) technology and a polymer-based self-contained microfluidic cartridge. Immunoassay solutions are pressure-driven through external and concerted actuation of a single syringe pump and multiposition valve. Moreover, the use of a novel photosensitive material in a 'one step' fabrication process allowed the rapid fabrication of microfluidic components and interconnection port simultaneously. Pre-filled microfluidic cartridges were used as binary response rapid tests for the simultaneous detection of three antibiotic families - sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines - in raw milk. For test interpretation, any signal lower than the threshold value obtained for the corresponding Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) concentration (100 microg L(-1)) was considered negative for a given antibiotic. The reliability of the multiplexed detection system was assessed by way of a validation test carried out on a series of six blind milk samples. A test accuracy of 95% was calculated from this experiment. The whole immunoassay procedure is fast (less than 10 minutes) and easy to handle (automated actuation).