Reorganization of functional connectivity as a correlate of cognitive recovery in acquired brain injury.

Cognitive processes require a functional interaction between specialized multiple, local and remote brain regions. Although these interactions can be strongly altered by an acquired brain injury, brain plasticity allows network reorganization to be principally responsible for recovery. The present work evaluates the impact of brain injury on functional connectivity patterns. Networks were calculated from resting-state magnetoencephalographic recordings from 15 brain injured patients and 14 healthy controls by means of wavelet coherence in standard frequency bands. We compared the parameters defining the network, such as number and strength of interactions as well as their topology, in controls and patients for two conditions: following a traumatic brain injury and after a rehabilitation treatment. A loss of delta- and theta-based connectivity and conversely an increase in alpha- and beta-band-based connectivity were found. Furthermore, connectivity parameters approached controls in all frequency bands, especially in slow-wave bands. A correlation between network reorganization and cognitive recovery was found: the reduction of delta-band-based connections and the increment of those based on alpha band correlated with Verbal Fluency scores, as well as Perceptual Organization and Working Memory Indexes, respectively. Additionally, changes in connectivity values based on theta and beta bands correlated with the Patient Competency Rating Scale. The current study provides new evidence of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying neuronal plasticity processes after brain injury, and suggests that these changes are related with observed changes at the behavioural leve

Human vs. Machine in Life Science Automation: Comparing Effectiveness of Manual and Automated 3-D Cell Culturing Processes

There is an ongoing shift from 2-D cell culturing to 3-D approaches, particularly because three dimensional cell cultures better simulate in vivo conditions. Thus, automation of 3-D culturing processes is a current issue in life science automation, as it is supposed to provide standard qualities and the potential of large-scaled production of 3-D tissues. In the traditional production process, human sensory-motor and evaluation skills are essential for successful 3-D cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of an semi-automated HeLa-cell culturing process compared to traditional manual processing. HeLa cells were manually and automatically encapsulated in alginate matrices and cultivated in media with (+P/S) and without antibiotic (-P/S). The manual steps were carried out by skilled laboratory staff. The automated procedures were performed by the Biomek® Cell Workstation. The proliferation rates and toxicities were evaluated on day 1, 14 and 35. Further, measurements of the duration of the processes and an expert interview as well as process observation of novice and expert staff have been carried out. The proliferation rates of manual produced alginate beads +P/S were significantly higher compared to the rates of the semi-automated produced beads. Average proliferation rates of the manually and semi-automatically produced alginate beads –P/S were similar on all post production days. Further, our results showed a significant increase of the cytotoxicity +P/S and –P/S from day 1 to day 35 for both types of production. On day 1, the cytotoxicity of manual produced beads was significantly higher compared to semi-automated produced beads. Particularly on day 35 toxicity of alginate beads +P/S was significantly increased compared to beads –P/S. Concluding, single process duration of the automated alginate bead production is higher and effectiveness and efficiency of the manual bead production is slightly worse compared to manual processing. However, the main benefits of automated processes are a stable quality, high reproducibility and increased absolute sample production (24/7-operation).</jats:p

Physiological Workload Response of Laboratory Staff during simulated Life Science Processes

High demands for new drug development and advances in robotic technologies have led to automation of compound screening and biological culturing processes in life sciences. Nevertheless, not only cognitive skills during planning, programming, supervision, and evaluation are mandatory but also human manual skills are still essential for system performance in highly automated life science laboratories. Aim of this study was to assess the physiological workload response during simulated cell culturing tasks.20 healthy volunteers underwent a standardized test protocol including typical cell laboratory tasks. Cardio-respiratory parameters including heart rate (HR), breathing frequency, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake (VO2) and blood pressure (DBP, SBP) were measured and analyzed.There were strong effects of task condition on blood pressure (SBP: F(10,210)=30.8, p&lt;0.001, η² = .618; DBP: F(10,210)=17.9, p=.000, η²= .485), HR (F(10,210)=34.5, p&lt;0.001; η²= .793) and VO2 (F(10,210)=253.5, p&lt;0.001; η²= .969). Especially during material transportation including static work components, SBP and DBP increased significantly, while HR and VO2 were significantly elevated during dynamic transportation tasks.We found significant increases of physiological activation during typical tasks in a modern life science laboratory. During transportation tasks including stepping stairs, average HR reached cut-offs for sustained effort (120 bpm), during all other tasks HR was well below these cut-offs. Episodes of static muscular work during charging and transportation where associated with blood pressure elevations. However, as these muscular loads occur only intermittent during a work shift these elevations seem to be uncritical. Nevertheless, individual assessment is advised for persons at risk.</jats:p