Name: handheld metal detector screening for metallic foreign body ingestion in children
Uploaded: 2018-09-11T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children at JoVE.com

The authors thank Dr. Lee Khai Pin, Head &#38; Senior Consultant, Children&#39;s Emergency, KK Women&#39;s and Children&#39;s Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore for the administrative support with the video article production.&#160;Article reproduced with permission from &#8220;Handheld Metal Detector for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Pediatric Emergency&#8221;; August 2018: 85(8):618&#8211;624; Hazwani Binte Hamzah, Vigil James, Suraj Manickam, Sashikumar Ganapathy: copyright The Indian Journal of Pediatrics.

The protocol follows the guidelines of Institutional Human Research Ethics committee. The central institutional review board provided the ethics approval for the study.
1. Participant Screening
<ol>
	<li>Recruit patients who present to the pediatric emergency department with history of foreign body ingestion.</li>
	<li>Exclude the patients who are in respiratory distress and has implanted devices like pace makers.</li>
</ol>
2. Prepare the Patient
<ol>
	<li>Dress th...

<ol>
	<li>Lee, J., Ahmad, S., Gale, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+of+coins+ingested+by+children+using+a+handheld+metal+detector:+a+systematic+review.">Detection of coins ingested by children using a handheld metal detector: a systematic review.</a> Emergency Medicine Journal. 22 (12), 839-844 (2005).</li><li>Hesham A-Kader, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Foreign+body+ingestion:+children+like+to+put+objects+in+their+mouth.">Foreign body ingestion: children like to put objects in their mouth.</a> World Journal of Pediatrics. 6 (4), 301-310 (2010).</li><li>Muensterer, O. J., Joppich, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+and+topographic+localization+of+metallic+foreign+bodies+by+metal+detector.">Identification and topographic localization of metallic foreign bodies by metal detector.</a> Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 39 (8), 1245-1248 (2004).</li><li>Nation, J., Jiang, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+utility+of+a+handheld+metal+detector+in+detection+and+localization+of+pediatric+metallic+foreign+body+ingestion.">The utility of a handheld metal detector in detection and localization of pediatric metallic foreign body ingestion.</a> International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 92, 1-6 (2017).</li><li>Arena, L., Baker, S. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+a+metal+detector+to+identify+ingested+metallic+foreign+bodies.">Use of a metal detector to identify ingested metallic foreign bodies.</a> American Journal of Roentgenology. 155 (4), 803-804 (1990).</li><li>Younger, R. M., Darrow, D. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Handheld+metal+detector+confirmation+of+radiopaque+foreign+bodies+in+the+esophagus.">Handheld metal detector confirmation of radiopaque foreign bodies in the esophagus.</a> Archives of Otolaryngology--Head &amp; Neck Surgery. 127 (11), 1371-1374 (2001).</li><li>Schalamon, J., Haxhija, E. Q., Ainoedhofer, H., G&#246;ssler, A., Schleef, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+use+of+a+hand-held+metal+detector+for+localisation+of+ingested+metallic+foreign+bodies+-+a+critical+investigation.">The use of a hand-held metal detector for localisation of ingested metallic foreign bodies - a critical investigation.</a> European Journal of Pediatrics. 163 (4-5), 257-259 (2004).</li><li>Kay, M., Wyllie, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pediatric+foreign+bodies+and+their+management.">Pediatric foreign bodies and their management.</a> Current Gastroenterology Reports. 7 (3), 212-218 (2005).</li><li>Rothmann, B. F., Boeckman, C. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Foreign+bodies+in+the+larynx+and+tracheobronchial+tree+in+children.+A+review+of+225+cases.">Foreign bodies in the larynx and tracheobronchial tree in children. A review of 225 cases.</a> The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. 89 (5), 434-436 (1980).</li><li>Pugmire, B. S., Lim, R., Avery, L. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Review+of+Ingested+and+Aspirated+Foreign+Bodies+in+Children+and+Their+Clinical+Significance+for+Radiologists.">Review of Ingested and Aspirated Foreign Bodies in Children and Their Clinical Significance for Radiologists.</a> Radiographics. 35 (5), 1528-1538 (2015).</li><li>Hodge, D., Tecklenburg, F., Fleisher, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Coin+ingestion:+does+every+child+need+a+radiograph.">Coin ingestion: does every child need a radiograph.</a> Annals of Emergency Medicine. 14 (5), 443-446 (1985).</li><li>Schunk, J. E., Harrison, A. M., Corneli, H. M., Nixon, G. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fluoroscopic+foley+catheter+removal+of+esophageal+foreign+bodies+in+children:+experience+with+415+episodes.">Fluoroscopic foley catheter removal of esophageal foreign bodies in children: experience with 415 episodes.</a> Pediatrics. 94 (5), 709-714 (1994).</li><li>Kerschner, J. E., Beste, D. J., Conley, S. F., Kenna, M. A., Lee, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mediastinitis+associated+with+foreign+body+erosion+of+the+esophagus+in+children.">Mediastinitis associated with foreign body erosion of the esophagus in children.</a> International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 59 (2), 89-97 (2001).</li><li>Ahn, D., Heo, S. J., Park, J. H., Sohn, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tracheoesophageal+fistula+with+tracheal+stenosis+resulting+from+retained+esophageal+foreign+body.">Tracheoesophageal fistula with tracheal stenosis resulting from retained esophageal foreign body.</a> Auris Nasus Larynx. 38 (6), 753-756 (2011).</li><li>Dahiya, M., Denton, J. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Esophagoaortic+perforation+by+foreign+body+(coin)+causing+sudden+death+in+a+3-year-old+child.">Esophagoaortic perforation by foreign body (coin) causing sudden death in a 3-year-old child.</a> The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology. 20 (2), 184-188 (1999).</li><li>O'Brien, G. C., Winter, D. C., Kirwan, W. O., Redmond, H. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ingested+foreign+bodies+in+the+paediatric+patient.">Ingested foreign bodies in the paediatric patient.</a> Irish Journal of Medical Science. 170 (2), 100-102 (2001).</li><li>Bassett, K. E., Schunk, J. E., Logan, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Localizing+ingested+coins+with+a+metal+detector.">Localizing ingested coins with a metal detector.</a> The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 17 (4), 338-341 (1999).</li><li>Gooden, E. A., Forte, V., Papsin, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+a+commercially+available+metal+detector+for+the+localization+of+metallic+foreign+body+ingestion+in+children.">Use of a commercially available metal detector for the localization of metallic foreign body ingestion in children.</a> The Journal of Otolaryngology. 29 (4), 218-220 (2000).</li><li>Sacchetti, A., Carraccio, C., Lichenstein, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hand-held+metal+detector+identification+of+ingested+foreign+bodies.">Hand-held metal detector identification of ingested foreign bodies.</a> Pediatric Emergency Care. 10 (4), 204-207 (1994).</li><li>Hamzah, H. B., James, V., Manickam, S., Ganapathy, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Handheld+Metal+Detector+for+Metallic+Foreign+Body+Ingestion+in+Pediatric+Emergency.">Handheld Metal Detector for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Pediatric Emergency.</a> Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 85 (8), 618-624 (2018).</li><li>Doraiswamy, N. V., Baig, H., Hallam, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Metal+detector+and+swallowed+metal+foreign+bodies+in+children.">Metal detector and swallowed metal foreign bodies in children.</a> Journal of Accident &amp; Emergency Medicine. 16 (2), 123-125 (1999).</li><li>Seikel, K., Primm, P. A., Elizondo, B. J., Remley, K. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Handheld+metal+detector+localization+of+ingested+metallic+foreign+bodies:+accurate+in+any+hands.">Handheld metal detector localization of ingested metallic foreign bodies: accurate in any hands.</a> Archives of Pediatrics &amp; Adolescent Medicine. 153 (8), 853-857 (1999).</li><li>Lemberg, P. S., Darrow, D. H., Holinger, L. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aerodigestive+tract+foreign+bodies+in+the+older+child+and+adolescent.">Aerodigestive tract foreign bodies in the older child and adolescent.</a> The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. 105 (4), 267-271 (1996).</li><li>Stack, L. B., Munter, D. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Foreign+bodies+in+the+gastrointestinal+tract.">Foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract.</a> Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 14 (3), 493-521 (1996).</li><li>Saz, E. U., Arikan, C., Ozgen&#231;, F., Duyu, M., Ozananar, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+utility+of+handheld+metal+detector+in+confirming+metallic+foreign+body+ingestion+in+the+pediatric+emergency+department.">The utility of handheld metal detector in confirming metallic foreign body ingestion in the pediatric emergency department.</a> The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology: The Official Journal of Turkish Society of Gastroenterology. 21 (2), 135-139 (2010).</li></ol>

Metallic foreign body ingestion in children is a common problem and in the majority of patients, this is managed conservatively7,16. Single or repeated radiographs can expose the radio-sensitive pediatric population to unwanted radiation risk while attempting to localize the ingested metallic foreign body. Several studies have described the use of metal detectors in MFB ingestion in children, with sensitivity more than 96% and specificity greater than 80%<sup cla...

Foreign body ingestion is a widespread problem among children presenting to the pediatric emergency department because of the natural inquisitive nature of infants and children to explore objects by tasting and swallowing them1,2. Previous studies have reported that metallic objects constituted 85% of all foreign body ingestions in their cohort of patients3,4. The goal of this protocol is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of using a handheld metal detector to detect ingested metallic foreign bodies in children. We propose that by introducing the handheld metal detector screening protocol early in the triage process of children with high suspicion of metallic foreign body ingestion, the number of radiographs being ordered to localize the metallic foreign body can be reduced in this radio-sensitive population.
Handheld metal detector (HHMD) is an inexpensive, easily accessible adjunct that can help expedite the management of ingested metallic foreign bodies. Metal detector is a very low frequency device, which has a receiver and a transmitter that detects the change in its electromagnetic field caused by the presence of a metallic object in its vicinity3. If a metallic object is within the field, the electromagnetic field is disrupted and the sensor will set off an audio-visual alarm on the device4. The metal detector examination can be thoroughly performed in less than 2 minutes5. Hence, the HHMD screening can be introduced early in the triage process of children with high suspicion of metallic foreign body ingestion for topographical localization.
Coins are the most common swallowed metallic foreign bodies1,4,6,7. Due to the lack of sharp edges and general non-toxic nature, the majority of coin ingestions are managed conservatively. Other types of materials commonly ingested include magnets, button batteries, small toys, peanuts, jewelry, buttons, bones, seeds, and popcorn8,9. Impaction of foreign bodies most commonly occurs in the esophagus at three sites, namely upper esophageal sphincter, mid-esophagus at the level of aortic arch, and lower esophageal sphincter10. Metallic foreign bodies (MFBs) located in the esophagus may be asymptomatic in 40% of patients11,12 and its prolonged impaction can lead to various complications like esophageal perforation, mediastinitis, tracheoesophageal fistula, tracheal stenosis, and aorto-esophageal fistulas1,13,14,15. Other locations of foreign body impaction include pylorus, duodenum, and ileo-caecal junction10.
Performing radiographs of neck, chest, and abdomen to diagnose suspected foreign body ingestion is a widespread practice in the emergency departments5. Among all types of the ingested foreign bodies, only 10% are radio-opaque10. The radiological tests are time-consuming and have a risk of radiation exposure in children. Precise topographical localization of ingested metal objects is very crucial to guide therapy. The introduction of HHMD screening early in the triage process can help mitigate extraneous ordering of radiographs by topographically localizing the ingested metallic foreign body.
This study evaluated the accuracy of HHMD to localize MFBs in a systematic topographic fashion and determined the effectiveness and feasibility of HHMD in the local Pediatric population. We also examined how well this radiation free screening tool was accepted by the patients and parents. Between May and July 2016, all the consecutive patients who presented to the pediatric emergency department with a history of foreign body ingestion were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained from the parent or legal guardian. Patients with alleged foreign body ingestion were systematically scanned using HHMD. The gold standard of care for identification and localization of ingested metallic foreign bodies is performing plain radiographs of the cervical area, thorax, and abdomen. To facilitate the conduct of the study, a standardized workflow was created (Figure 1). A log book specifically created based on the workflow was used to collect the initial data, which were subsequently transcribed to a spreadsheet (Figure 2). The data in the result section are depicted as the number of cases followed by percentages.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Hand held metal detector</td>
			<td>Garrett Super Scanner V</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>NA</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

handheld metal detector screening for metallic foreign body ingestion in children

Coins are the most common ingested metallic foreign bodies among children. The goal of this protocol is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of using a handheld metal detector to detect ingested metallic foreign bodies in children. We propose that by introducing handheld metal detector screening early in the triage process of children with high suspicion of metallic foreign body ingestion, the number of radiographs being ordered to localize the metallic foreign body can be reduced in this radio-sensitive population. The study protocol requires the screening of the participants for history of foreign body ingestion and exclusion of patients with respiratory distress or metallic implants. The patient changes to hospital gown and items that could contain metal like eyeglasses, earrings, pendants, and ornaments are removed. The patient is positioned in the center of the room away from other metallic interferences. The working status of the handheld metal detector is first confirmed by eliciting a positive audio-visual signal. Then the screening is done in an erect position with head in extension to expose the neck, from the level of the chin to the level of the hip joint, to cover the anatomical areas from neck to pelvis in a zig-zag manner both anteriorly and posteriorly. A positive audio-visual signal is carefully noted during the scanning for the presence of metallic foreign body. Relevant radiographs are ordered as per the area detected on the metal detector screening. The handheld metal detector was able to precisely identify all the coins among the ingested metallic foreign bodies in our study. The handheld metal detector could not consistently detect non-coin metallic foreign bodies. This protocol demonstrates the accuracy of handheld metal detector in the identification and localization of coins and coin like metallic foreign bodies.

The researchers recruited 36 patients for this observational study. These patients had presented to the pediatric emergency department with a history of foreign body ingestion. Among these, 28 patients had metallic foreign body ingestions (Figure 3). The remaining 8 patients had ingested non-metallic foreign bodies such as fish bones, satay stick, and plastic button. Coins were the most common type of foreign body ingested (Table 1), which co...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children at JoVE.com

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Here, we present a protocol to use the handheld metal detector, to screen for the presence of ingested metallic foreign bodies in children who present to the pediatric emergency medicine department with a history of foreign body ingestion.

Coins are the most common ingested metallic foreign bodies among children. The goal of this protocol is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of using a ...

This method can help answer key questions in the field of pediatric emergency medicine, such as screening for metallic foreign body ingestion in children. The main advantage of this technique is that it is a very effective, rapid screening tool and it uses a radiation-free equipment. The implications of this technique extend to its early analysis of metallic foreign body ingestion in children by introducing handheld metal detector screening early in the child's process.The number of radiographs being ordered to locate the metallic foreign body can be reduced in this radio-sensitive population. Though this method can provide insight into early detection of ingested metallic foreign bodies in children during the initial emergency department visit, it can also be applied to follow up on the course and passage of ingested metallic foreign bodies. Generally, individuals new to this method might struggle because all of the relevant anatomical areas must be scanned thoroughly.Visual demonstration of this method is critical as patient preparation and systematic metal detector screening can be difficult steps to learn. Inadequate patient preparation can lead to false negative results. After screening the patient according to the text protocol, dress the patient in a hospital gown.After this, remove all items from the patient that may contain metallic objects. Ensure that the patient is moved away from all metallic objects to avoid interference with metal detector screening. Place the patient in the center of the room away from any potential metallic interference.After this, remove all metallic accessories such as jewelry or watches. Then, instruct the patient's caregiver to remove any of their metallic accessories. First, confirm the working status of the handheld metal detector, or HHMD.Then, instruct the patient to stand up for the exam and hold the patient's hands up and away from the body. Next, position the patient's head to extend and expose the neck. Start the scan from the chin and end the scan at the level of the hip joint.Perform the scan in a zigzag manner across the body to ensure that every area has been scanned. It is of paramount importance to scan all the relevant anatomical areas thoroughly, so that no potential areas are missed. Take the thickness of the patient into consideration and scan both anteriorly and posteriorly.During the scan, note any positive audiovisual signals from the HHMD. After performing the HHMD scan, order the relevant neck, chest, and abdominal radiographs. Next, correlate the positive HHMD signal with the underlying bony landmark on the body by palpating the sternal notch, xiphisternum, pubic symphysis, and the bilateral iliac crest.Finally, record the test results in the logbook. In this study, 36 pediatric patients were recruited when they presented to the emergency department with a history of foreign body ingestion. Of the 36 patients, 28 had metallic foreign body ingestions with coins being the most common type of foreign body ingested.The overall sensitivity and specificity of the HHMD to detect ingested metallic objects was 100%as validated by plain radiographs. While attempting this procedure, it is important to remember to move the patient away from all metallic objects to avoid interference with the metal detector screening and scan all the relevant anatomical areas thoroughly so that no potential areas are missed. Following this procedure, other methods, like x-ray examination, can be carried out to determine the specific anatomical location of the metallic foreign body.After it's development, this technique will allow researchers in the field of emergency medicine to explore alternative methods for repeat trial screening of metallic foreign body ingestion in pediatric patients.

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Medicine

High Content Screening in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The functional annotation of genomes, construction of molecular networks and novel drug target identification, are important challenges that need to be addressed as a matter of great urgency1-4. Multiple complementary 'omics' approaches have provided clues as to the genetic risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms underlying numerous neurodegenerative diseases, but most findings still require functional validation5. For example, a recent genome wide association study for Parkinson's Disease (PD), identified many new loci as risk factors for the disease, but the underlying causative variant(s) or pathogenic mechanism is not known6, 7. As each associated region can contain several genes, the functional evaluation of each of the genes on phenotypes associated with the disease, using traditional cell biology techniques would take too long. 
	There is also a need to understand the molecular networks that link genetic mutations to the phenotypes they cause. It is expected that disease phenotypes are the result of multiple interactions that have been disrupted. Reconstruction of these networks using traditional molecular methods would be time consuming. Moreover, network predictions from independent studies of individual components, the reductionism approach, will probably underestimate the network complexity8. This underestimation could, in part, explain the low success rate of drug approval due to undesirable or toxic side effects. Gaining a network perspective of disease related pathways using HT/HC cellular screening approaches, and identifying key nodes within these pathways, could lead to the identification of targets that are more suited for therapeutic intervention.
	High-throughput screening (HTS) is an ideal methodology to address these issues9-12. but traditional methods were one dimensional whole-well cell assays, that used simplistic readouts for complex biological processes. They were unable to simultaneously quantify the many phenotypes observed in neurodegenerative diseases such as axonal transport deficits or alterations in morphology properties13, 14. This approach could not be used to investigate the dynamic nature of cellular processes or pathogenic events that occur in a subset of cells. To quantify such features one has to move to multi-dimensional phenotypes termed high-content screening (HCS)4, 15-17. HCS is the cell-based quantification of several processes simultaneously, which provides a more detailed representation of the cellular response to various perturbations compared to HTS. 
	HCS has many advantages over HTS18, 19, but conducting a high-throughput (HT)-high-content (HC) screen in neuronal models is problematic due to high cost, environmental variation and human error. In order to detect cellular responses on a 'phenomics' scale using HC imaging one has to reduce variation and error, while increasing sensitivity and reproducibility. 
	Herein we describe a method to accurately and reliably conduct shRNA screens using automated cell culturing20 and HC imaging in neuronal cellular models. We describe how we have used this methodology to identify modulators for one particular protein, DJ1, which when mutated causes autosomal recessive parkinsonism21. 
	Combining the versatility of HC imaging with HT methods, it is possible to accurately quantify a plethora of phenotypes. This could subsequently be utilized to advance our understanding of the genome, the pathways involved in disease pathogenesis as well as identify potential therapeutic targets.

We describe a methodology combining automated cell culturing with high-content imaging to visualize and quantify multiple cellular processes and structures, in a high-throughput manner. Such methods can aid in the further functional annotation of genomes as well as identify disease gene networks and potential drug targets.

The functional annotation of genomes, construction of molecular networks and novel drug target identification, are important challenges that need to be ...

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

The rise of accessible commercial eye-tracking systems has fueled a rapid increase in their use in psychological and psychiatric research. By providing a direct, detailed and objective measure of gaze behavior, eye-tracking has become a valuable tool for examining abnormal perceptual strategies in clinical populations and has been used to identify disorder-specific characteristics1, promote early identification2, and inform treatment3. In particular, investigators of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have benefited from integrating eye-tracking into their research paradigms4-7. Eye-tracking has largely been used in these studies to reveal mechanisms underlying impaired task performance8 and abnormal brain functioning9, particularly during the processing of social information1,10-11. While older children and adults with ASD comprise the preponderance of research in this area, eye-tracking may be especially useful for studying young children with the disorder as it offers a non-invasive tool for assessing and quantifying early-emerging developmental abnormalities2,12-13. Implementing eye-tracking with young children with ASD, however, is associated with a number of unique challenges, including issues with compliant behavior resulting from specific task demands and disorder-related psychosocial considerations. In this protocol, we detail methodological considerations for optimizing research design, data acquisition and psychometric analysis while eye-tracking young children with ASD. The provided recommendations are also designed to be more broadly applicable for eye-tracking children with other developmental disabilities. By offering guidelines for best practices in these areas based upon lessons derived from our own work, we hope to help other investigators make sound research design and analysis choices while avoiding common pitfalls that can compromise data acquisition while eye-tracking young children with ASD or other developmental difficulties.

Eye tracking has long been used to study gaze patterns in typically-developing individuals, but recent technological advancements have made its use with clinical populations, including autism, more feasible. While eye-tracking young children with autism can offer insight into early symptom manifestations, it involves methodological challenges. Suggestions for best practices are provided.

The rise of accessible commercial eye-tracking systems has fueled a rapid increase in their use in psychological and psychiatric research. By providing a ...

Protocol for Long Duration Whole Body Hyperthermia in Mice

Hyperthermia is a general term used to define the increase in core body temperature above normal. It is often used to describe the increased core body temperature that is observed during fever. The use of hyperthermia as an adjuvant has emerged as a promising procedure for tumor regression in the field of cancer biology. For this purpose, the most important requirement is to have reliable and uniform heating protocols. We have developed a protocol for hyperthermia (whole body) in mice. In this protocol, animals are exposed to cycles of hyperthermia for 90 min followed by a rest period of 15 min. During this period mice have easy access to food and water. High body temperature spikes in the mice during first few hyperthermia exposure cycles are prevented by immobilizing the animal. Additionally, normal saline is administered in first few cycles to minimize the effects of dehydration. This protocol can simulate fever like conditions in mice up to 12-24 hr. We have used 8-12 weeks old BALB/Cj female mice to demonstrate the protocol.

This paper describes a protocol for whole body hyperthermia in mice that can stimulate fever like conditions up to 12-24 hr.

Hyperthermia is a general term used to define the increase in core body temperature above normal. It is often used to describe the increased core body ...

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Children

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls mainly automatic bodily functions that are engaged in homeostasis, like heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, salivation, perspiration and renal function. The ANS has two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, preparing the human body for action in times of danger and stress, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates the resting state of the body.
ANS activity can be measured invasively, for instance by radiotracer techniques or microelectrode recording from superficial nerves, or it can be measured non-invasively by using changes in an organ's response as a proxy for changes in ANS activity, for instance of the sweat glands or the heart. Invasive measurements have the highest validity but are very poorly feasible in large scale samples where non-invasive measures are the preferred approach. Autonomic effects on the heart can be reliably quantified by the recording of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in combination with the impedance cardiogram (ICG), which reflects the changes in thorax impedance in response to respiration and the ejection of blood from the ventricle into the aorta. From the respiration and ECG signals, respiratory sinus arrhythmia can be extracted as a measure of cardiac parasympathetic control. From the ECG and the left ventricular ejection signals, the preejection period can be extracted as a measure of cardiac sympathetic control. ECG and ICG recording is mostly done in laboratory settings. However, having the subjects report to a laboratory greatly reduces ecological validity, is not always doable in large scale epidemiological studies, and can be intimidating for young children. An ambulatory device for ECG and ICG simultaneously resolves these three problems.
Here, we present a study design for a minimally invasive and rapid assessment of cardiac autonomic control in children, using a validated ambulatory device 1-5, the VU University Ambulatory Monitoring System (VU-AMS, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,<a href="http://www.vu-ams.nl" target="_blank"> www.vu-ams.nl</a>).

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Children

Measurement of autonomic nervous system activity usually confines the researcher and participant to the laboratory, which may provide an intimidating environment to children. The VU University Ambulatory Monitoring System (VU-AMS) device can record cardiac autonomic control in any setting. The VU-AMS proved very amenable to testing in children.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls mainly automatic bodily functions that are engaged in homeostasis, like heart rate, digestion, respiratory ...

Screening for Melanoma Modifiers using a Zebrafish Autochthonous Tumor Model

Genomic studies of human cancers have yielded a wealth of information about genes that are altered in tumors1,2,3. A challenge arising from these studies is that many genes are altered, and it can be difficult to distinguish genetic alterations that drove tumorigenesis from that those arose incidentally during transformation. To draw this distinction it is beneficial to have an assay that can quantitatively measure the effect of an altered gene on tumor initiation and other processes that enable tumors to persist and disseminate. Here we present a rapid means to screen large numbers of candidate melanoma modifiers in zebrafish using an autochthonous tumor model4 that encompasses steps required for melanoma initiation and maintenance. A key reagent in this assay is the miniCoopR vector, which couples a wild-type copy of the mitfa melanocyte specification factor to a Gateway recombination cassette into which candidate melanoma genes can be recombined5. The miniCoopR vector has a mitfa rescuing minigene which contains the promoter, open reading frame and 3'-untranslated region of the wild-type mitfa gene. It allows us to make constructs using full-length open reading frames of candidate melanoma modifiers. These individual clones can then be injected into single cell Tg(mitfa:BRAFV600E);p53(lf);mitfa(lf)zebrafish embryos. The miniCoopR vector gets integrated by Tol2-mediated transgenesis6 and rescues melanocytes. Because they are physically coupled to the mitfa rescuing minigene, candidate genes are expressed in rescued melanocytes, some of which will transform and develop into tumors. The effect of a candidate gene on melanoma initiation and melanoma cell properties can be measured using melanoma-free survival curves, invasion assays, antibody staining and transplantation assays.

A rapid way to screen for melanoma modifiers using a zebrafish autochthonous tumor model is presented. It takes advantage of the miniCoopR vector which allows for expression of candidate melanoma genes in melanocytes. A method to obtain melanoma-free survival curves, an invasion assay, a protocol for antibody staining of scale melanocytes and a melanoma transplantation assay are described.

Genomic studies of  human cancers have yielded a wealth of information about genes that are altered  in tumors1,2,3. A challenge arising from these ...

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders

Differentiation and activation of osteoclasts play a key role in the development of musculoskeletal diseases as these cells are primarily involved in bone resorption. Osteoclasts can be generated in vitro from monocyte/macrophage precursor cells in the presence of certain cytokines, which promote survival and differentiation. Here, both in vivo and in vitro techniques are demonstrated, which allow scientists to study different cytokine contributions towards osteoclast differentiation, signaling, and activation. The minicircle DNA delivery gene transfer system provides an alternative method to establish an osteoporosis-related model is particularly useful to study the efficacy of various pharmacological inhibitors in vivo. Similarly, in vitro culturing protocols for producing osteoclasts from human precursor cells in the presence of specific cytokines enables scientists to study osteoclastogenesis in human cells for translational applications. Combined, these techniques have the potential to accelerate drug discovery efforts for osteoclast-specific targeted therapeutics, which may benefit millions of osteoporosis and arthritis patients worldwide.

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders

Differentiation of precursor cells into osteoclasts is regulated by cytokines and growth factors. Here, a novel gene transfer technique for differentiation of osteoclasts in vivo and cell culture protocols for differentiating precursor cells into osteoclasts in vitro as a method to study the effects of cytokines on osteoclastogenesis are described.

Differentiation and activation of osteoclasts play a key role in the development of musculoskeletal diseases as these cells are primarily involved in bone ...

Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging

Candida albicans biofilm development on biotic and/or abiotic surfaces represents a specific threat for hospitalized patients. So far, C. albicans biofilms have been studied predominantly in vitro but there is a crucial need for better understanding of this dynamic process under in vivo conditions. We developed an in vivo subcutaneous rat model to study C. albicans biofilm formation. In our model, multiple (up to 9) Candida-infected devices are implanted to the back part of the animal. This gives us a major advantage over the central venous catheter model system as it allows us to study several independent biofilms in one animal. Recently, we adapted this model to study C. albicans biofilm development in BALB/c mice. In this model, mature C. albicans biofilms develop within 48 hr and demonstrate the typical three-dimensional biofilm architecture. The quantification of fungal biofilm is traditionally analyzed post mortem and requires host sacrifice. Because this requires the use of many animals to perform kinetic studies, we applied non-invasive bioluminescence imaging (BLI) to longitudinally follow up in vivo mature C. albicans biofilms developing in our subcutaneous model. C. albicans cells were engineered to express the Gaussia princeps luciferase gene (gLuc) attached to the cell wall. The bioluminescence signal is produced by the luciferase that converts the added substrate coelenterazine into light that can be measured. The BLI signal resembled cell counts obtained from explanted catheters. Non-invasive imaging for quantifying in vivo biofilm formation provides immediate applications for the screening and validation of antifungal drugs under in vivo conditions, as well as for studies based on host-pathogen interactions, hereby contributing to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of catheter-associated infections.

Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging

We present an experimental procedure of Candida albicans biofilm development in a mouse subcutaneous model. Fungal biofilms were quantified by determining the number of colony forming units and by a non-invasive bioluminescence imaging, where the amount of light that is produced corresponds with the number of viable cells.

Candida albicans biofilm development on biotic and/or abiotic surfaces represents a specific threat for hospitalized patients. So far, C. albicans ...

Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion for the Preservation of Kidney Grafts prior to Transplantation

Kidney transplantation has become a well-established treatment option for patients with end-stage renal failure. The persisting organ shortage remains a serious problem. Therefore, the acceptance criteria for organ donors have been extended leading to the usage of marginal kidney grafts. These marginal organs tolerate cold storage poorly resulting in increased preservation injury and higher rates of delayed graft function. To overcome the limitations of cold storage, extensive research is focused on alternative normothermic preservation methods.
Ex vivo normothermic organ perfusion is an innovative preservation technique. The first experimental and clinical trials for ex vivo lung, liver, and kidney perfusions demonstrated favorable outcomes.
In addition to the reduction of cold ischemic injury, the method of normothermic kidney storage offers the opportunity for organ assessment and repair. This manuscript provides information about kidney retrieval, organ preservation techniques, and isolated ex vivo normothermic kidney perfusion (NEVKP) in a porcine model. Surgical techniques, set up for the perfusion solution and the circuit, potential assessment options, and representative results are demonstrated.

Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion for the Preservation of Kidney Grafts prior to Transplantation

The severe organ shortage has resulted in increased use of marginal kidney grafts for transplantation. This has triggered interest in alternative storage methods, since marginal grafts especially tolerate cold storage poorly. The technique of normothermic ex vivo kidney perfusion (NEVKP) represents a novel preservation method for kidney grafts prior to &#160;transplantation.

Kidney transplantation has become a well-established treatment option for patients with end-stage renal failure. The persisting organ shortage remains a ...

Heterotopic Renal Autotransplantation in a Porcine Model: A Step-by-Step Protocol

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. It offers better life expectancy and higher quality of life when compared to dialysis. Although the last few decades have seen major improvements in patient outcomes following kidney transplantation, the increasing shortage of available organs represents a severe problem worldwide. To expand the donor pool, marginal kidney grafts recovered from extended criteria donors (ECD) or donated after circulatory death (DCD) are now accepted for transplantation. To further improve the postoperative outcome of these marginal grafts, research must focus on new therapeutic approaches such as alternative preservation techniques, immunomodulation, gene transfer, and stem cell administration.
Experimental studies in animal models are the final step before newly developed techniques can be translated into clinical practice. Porcine kidney transplantation is an excellent model of human transplantation and allows investigation of novel approaches. The major advantage of the porcine model is its anatomical and physiological similarity to the human body, which facilitates the rapid translation of new findings to clinical trials. This article offers a surgical step-by-step protocol for an autotransplantation model and highlights key factors to ensure experimental success. Adequate pre- and postoperative housing, attentive anesthesia, and consistent surgical techniques result in favorable postoperative outcomes. Resection of the contralateral native kidney provides the opportunity to assess post-transplant graft function. The placement of venous and urinary catheters and the use of metabolic cages allow further detailed evaluation. For long-term follow-up studies and investigation of alternative graft preservation techniques, autotransplantation models are superior to allotransplantation models, as they avoid the confounding bias posed by rejection and immunosuppressive medication.

Porcine models of organ transplantation provide an important platform to study mechanisms of organ preservation. This article describes a heterotopic porcine renal autotransplantation model, which allows investigating new approaches to improve the outcome of transplantation using marginal kidney grafts.

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. It offers better life expectancy and higher quality ...

Nerve-sparing Mid-urethral Obstruction (NeMO) in Female Small Rodents

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) has a high prevalence, causes significant patient burden, and immense health care costs. The most common animal model to investigate bladder remodeling in pBOO are female rodents undergoing partial obstruction at the proximal urethra. Variability in the degree of obstruction and animal mortality are major concerns with proximal obstruction. Furthermore, dissecting around the proximal urethra and bladder neck jeopardizes bladder innervation.
We developed a nerve-sparing mid-urethral obstruction (NeMO) model for pBOO avoiding the disadvantages of the traditional model. We approached the urethra just inferior to the pubic symphysis, which obviated the need for laparotomy as well as for dissection in this area; also, the striated urethral sphincter remained untouched. We performed NeMO in female Sprague-Dawley rats (12 obstructions, 6 sham animals) as well as in female C57/bl6 mice (20 obstructions, 18 sham animals). After two weeks, we evaluated bladder function, bladder mass, and body mass.
We had no mortalities among obstructed- or sham-operated female rats; as described for the traditional proximal pBOO-method, we tied the suture around the proximal urethra and a temporarily placed 0.9 mm metal rod. NeMO induced an 85% increase in bladder mass after two weeks, average residual urine volume was 0.4 mL in partially obstructed rats while only 0.03 mL in sham animals. In mice, we tested 3 sizes of cannulas that we placed along the urethra when tying the suture. We found that using a 27-gauge cannula resulted in over 50% animal mortality; placing the 25-gauge cannula did not yield the desired response in increasing bladder mass; utilizing a 26-gauge cannula yielded favorable results with minimal animal mortality (1/8) yet a significant 2-fold increase in bladder mass.

Nerve-sparing Mid-urethral Obstruction NeMO in Female Small Rodents

Traditional modeling of partial bladder outlet obstruction in rodents is fraught with animal mortality. A denervation injury from dissection around the proximal urethra and bladder neck is also of major concern. We developed and evaluated a safe and reliable mid-urethral obstruction model, avoiding the shortcomings of the traditional model.

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) has a high prevalence, causes significant patient burden, and immense health care costs. The most common animal ...