STATISTICAL VALIDATION OF TRIPLE COLOCALIZATION ANALYSIS
Background: in the last decades, colocalization analysis of fluorescently tagged biomolecules has proven to be a powerful approach to studying functional relationships between these biomolecules. However, in many cases, to give this analysis a biological meaning, colocalization coefficients must be tested statistically, comparing them with the colocalization expected by chance. Aim: It addressed the statistical significance of triple colocalization to distinguish real triple colocalization and classify different triple signal scenarios. Methods: we use biological and generated images of triple signal scenarios to contrast seven independent statistical facts with independent statistical tests. Three of these tests correspond to pairwise relationships (double scrambling tests), and the others correspond to triple relationships: single scrambling tests (red, green, and blue scrambling) and the triple scrambling test. The analysis and methodology proposed can be reproduced using the application developed in our laboratory. Results: In the study approach, we found true triple relationships ignored by using traditional methods of computing the statistical significance, while we could reinterpret cases of not significant triple colocalization wrongly considered as significant by traditional methods. Discussion: single scrambling tests can reveal significant triple colocalization for low levels of triple co-occurrence, even when all pairwise relationships were exclusion relationships. Moreover, on the other hand, single scrambling tests can reveal the absence of a significant triple colocalization for high levels of triple co-occurrence, even when all pairwise relationships were significant colocalization. Conclusion: all scrambling tests are useful to classify a specific scenario of a triple relationship. Dynamics like mitosis can be distinguished into their phases by triple signal relationships using these 7 independent statistical tests.
Read ArticleUNRAVELING THE COMPLEXITIES OF CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. PETER MCCULLOUGH (EXTENDED EN-US VERSION)
Background: This interview covers Dr. Peter McCullough’s medical career, experience as an editor of medical journals, and his expertise in areas such as cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Aims: The primary aim is to understand Dr. McCullough’s perspectives on various medical topics, including his journey as a cardiologist, the importance of peer review, the phenomenon of Pheidippides cardiomyopathy, the differences between myocarditis and pericarditis, and the significance of ethical principles like the Nuremberg Code and the Declaration of Helsinki. Additionally, the interview aims to explore his concerns about censorship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The interview follows a question-and-answer format, with the interviewer posing questions to Dr. McCullough on various topics related to his medical career, research interests, and ethical considerations. Results: Dr. McCullough shares his insights on topics such as cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and pericarditis, emphasizing the importance of peer review, identifying potential biases, and balancing scientific rigor with timely dissemination of findings. He also highlights the significance of the Nuremberg Code and the Declaration of Helsinki in ensuring informed consent and preventing coercion in medical research and treatment. Discussion: Dr. McCullough expresses concerns about censorship during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believes impacted the ability of medical professionals to freely discuss and disseminate health-related information. He also discusses the potential role of COVID-19 vaccines in causing myocarditis and the need for transparent communication about treatment options and potential complications. Conclusion: The interview provides valuable insights from Dr. McCullough’s extensive medical experience and expertise, covering a range of topics from cardiovascular conditions to ethical principles and the challenges posed by censorship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read ArticleASSESSMENT OF SERUM SCLEROSTIN LEVEL AS A BIOMARKER ASSOCIATED WITH BONE DISORDERS IN Β-THALASSEMIA PATIENTS IN AL- NAJAF CITY, IRAQ
Background: β-thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make hemoglobin normally. Aim: To assess serum sclerostin in female patients with beta-thalassemia and compare with the healthy controls and to predict its complication associated with the bone pathophysiology, for designed improvement the lifestyle goodliness for these patients. Material and methods: Sixty-nine female beta-thalassemia (βT) patients (54 βT major and 15 βT Intermedia), aged 8-40 years who dependent on transfused blood, and 20 healthy controls were evaluated serum sclerostin, and was examined the relationship with hematological parameters RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, PLT, BMI, splenic status, iron, and ferritin levels. The information of beta-thalassemia patients was collected and records by the questioner. Results: A significantly increased serum sclerostin level (mean 26.80±0.91) pg/ml was showed in βT patients compared with the healthy controls (10.03±0.68, p smaller than 0.001) pg/ml. Furthermore, a significant decrease (p smaller than 0.05) of the sclerostin level was observed in β-thalassemia major compared to intermedia β-thalassemia patients. Serum sclerostin level revealed a significant increase in progress age; it is highest in the age group (30-40) year as compared with age group (8-18) and (19-29) year respectively. Sclerostin showed no associations with the RBC, Hb, PCV, and significantly positively correlated (p smaller than 0.05) with serum iron, ferritin levels, WBC, and PLT count. Significantly higher sclerostin levels in splenectomized and underweight groups were observed compared to unsplenectomized and normal-weight groups (p smaller than 0.05) of βT patients. Conclusions: Sclerostin plays an important role in beta-thalassemia patients and can serve as a biomarker associated with the bone pathophysiology and indicator to prevent the continuation of such serious diseases caused by iron overload in these patients.
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