Methods in molecular biology
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Von Frey hairs are important tools for the study of mechanisms of cutaneous stimulation-induced sensory input. Mechanical force is exerted via application of a particular hair to the cutaneous receptive field until buckling of the hair occurs. The most commonly used Von Frey filaments are productive in evaluating behavioral responses of neuropathic pain in preclinical and clinical research. To reduce the potential experimenter bias, automated instruments are being developed for behavioral assessment.
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The diagnosis of sepsis, and especially its differentiation from sterile inflammation, may be challenging. TREM-1, the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1, is an amplifier of the innate immune response. ⋯ In this chapter, we review the numerous studies that have evaluated the usefulness of sTREM-1 concentration determination for the diagnosis and the prognosis evaluation of sepsis or localized infection. Nowadays, sandwich ELISA kits are available and the assay is described.
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In this first, introductory chapter, it is intended to summarize from a methodological point of view the state of the art in plant proteomics, focusing on mass spectrometry-based strategies. Thus, this chapter is mainly directed at beginners or at those trying to get into the field, rather than at those with real experience or a long trajectory in plant proteomics research. The different alternative workflows, methods, techniques, and protocols from the experimental design to the data analysis will be briefly commented, with cross references to previous monographs and reviews, as well as to the rest of the book chapters. ⋯ Furthermore, and even more important, we should move to data validation through other -omics or classical biochemical strategies, in an attempt to get a deeper, real, and more accurate view and understanding of cell biology. In the modern Systems Biology concept, proteomics must be considered as a part of a global, multidisciplinary approach. Making biological sense of a proteomics experiment requires a proper experimental design, data validation, interpretation, and publication policy.
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Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is a fundamental and ubiquitous technique in bioinformatics used to infer related residues among biological sequences. Thus alignment accuracy is crucial to a vast range of analyses, often in ways difficult to assess in those analyses. ⋯ We outline a set of desirable characteristics for effective benchmarking, and evaluate each strategy in light of them. We conclude that there is currently no universally applicable means of benchmarking MSA, and that developers and users of alignment tools should base their choice of benchmark depending on the context of application-with a keen awareness of the assumptions underlying each benchmarking strategy.
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Targeted intrathecal (IT) drug delivery systems (IDDS) are an option in algorithms for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic refractory pain when more conservative options fail. This therapy is well established and supported by several publications. ⋯ Recent technological advances, new therapeutic applications, reported complications, and the costs as well as maintenance required for this therapy require the need to stay up-to-date about new recommendations that may improve outcomes. This chapter reviews all technological issues regarding IDDS implantation with follow-up, and pharmacological recommendations published during recent years that provide evidence-based decision making process in the management of chronic pain and spasticity in patients.