Late Na+ current and protracted electrical recovery are critical determinants of the aging myopathy

PubMed Central

Signore, Sergio; Sorrentino, Andrea; Borghetti, Giulia; Cannata, Antonio; Meo, Marianna; Zhou, Yu; Kannappan, Ramaswamy; Pasqualini, Francesco; O'Malley, Heather; Sundman, Mark; Tsigkas, Nikolaos; Zhang, Eric; Arranto, Christian; Mangiaracina, Chiara; Isobe, Kazuya; Sena, Brena F.; Kim, Junghyun; Goichberg, Polina; Nahrendorf, Matthias; Isom, Lori L.; Leri, Annarosa; Anversa, Piero; Rota, Marcello

2015-01-01

The aging myopathy manifests itself with diastolic dysfunction and preserved ejection fraction. We raised the possibility that, in a mouse model of physiological aging, defects in electromechanical properties of cardiomyocytes are important determinants of the diastolic characteristics of the myocardium, independently from changes in structural composition of the muscle and collagen framework. Here we show that an increase in the late Na+ current (INaL) in aging cardiomyocytes prolongs the action potential (AP) and influences temporal kinetics of Ca2+ cycling and contractility. These alterations increase force development and passive tension. Inhibition of INaL shortens the AP and corrects dynamics of Ca2+ transient, cell contraction and relaxation. Similarly, repolarization and diastolic tension of the senescent myocardium are partly restored. Thus, INaL offers inotropic support, but negatively interferes with cellular and ventricular compliance, providing a new perspective of the biology of myocardial aging and the aetiology of the defective cardiac performance in the elderly. PMID:26541940

Serum uric acid level and cardiovascular risks in hemodialysis patients: an Algerian cohort study.

PubMed

Gouri, Adel; Dekaken, Aoulia; Bentorki, Ahmed Aimen; Touaref, Amel; Yakhlef, Amina; Kouicem, Nabila

2014-01-01

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) was usually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in the general population. However, there are few reports concerning the clinical impact and the pathogenic role of uric acid (UA) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between SUA and various cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in HD patients. This retrospective, observational cohort study includes 45 HD patients with a mean age of 51.26 +/- 15.21 years. The differences of the CV risk factors between the patients according to their SUA levels were investigated. Age, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), increased creatinine, fasting blood glucose (FBG), corrected calcium (cCa), phosphate (P), cCa x P product, and LDL cholesterol levels were associated with lower SUA levels, whereas a higher SUA level was associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and increased triglycerides level (p < 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, history of diabetes (beta = 0.360, p < 0.05), reduced corrected serum calcium (cCa) (beta = -1.456, p < 0.01), and phosphate (P) levels (beta = -1.752, p < 0.01) were predictive of an increased SUA concentration. Despite what has been demonstrated in the general population and DM patients, a lower SUA level in HD patients was associated with higher cardiovascular risk factors and high co-morbidity burden. Moreover, higher SUA concentrations may be cardioprotective in dialysis patients.

Serum uric acid level and cardiovascular risks in hemodialysis patients: an Algerian cohort study.

PubMed

Gouri, Adel; Dekaken, Aoulia; Bentorki, Ahmed Aimen; Touaref, Amel; Yekhlef, Amina; Sekkache, Fouzia; Kouicem, Nabila

2013-09-01

Elevated Serum Uric Acid (SUA) was usually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in general population. However, there are few reports concerning the clinical impact and the pathogenic role of Uric Acid (UA) in Hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between SUA and various Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in HD patients. This retrospective; observational cohort study includes 45 HD patients with a mean age of 51.26+/-15.21 years. The differences of the CV risk factors between the patients according to their SUA levels were investigated. Age, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), increased creatinine, Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Corrected Calcium (cCa), Phosphate (P), cCa x P product and LDL cholesterol levels were associated with lower SUA levels, whereas higher SUA level was associated with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), hypertension and increased triglycerides level (p<0.01). In multiple regression analysis, history of diabetes (beta= 0.360, p<0.05), reduced corrected serum calcium (cCa) (beta = -1.456, p<0.01) and Phosphate (P) levels (beta= -1.752, p<0.01) were predictive of an increased SUA concentration. Despite from what has been demonstrated in the general population and DM patients, a lower SUA level in HD patients was associated with higher cardiovascular risk factors and high co-morbidity burden. Moreover, higher SUA concentrations may be cardioprotective in dialysis patients.

Clinical course of asymmetric motor performance and deformational plagiocephaly in very preterm infants.

PubMed

Nuysink, Jacqueline; Eijsermans, Maria J C; van Haastert, Ingrid C; Koopman-Esseboom, Corine; Helders, Paul J M; de Vries, Linda S; van der Net, Janjaap

2013-09-01

To describe the clinical courses of positional preference and deformational plagiocephaly up to 6 months corrected age (CA) in infants born at gestational age <30 weeks or birth weight <1000 g, and to explore predictive factors for the persistence of these phenomena. A total of 120 infants were examined 3 times each. The presence of deformational plagiocephaly and a score of 0-6 on an asymmetry performance scale served as outcome measures at 6 months CA. Predictive factors were determined using regression analysis. The prevalence of a positional preference of the head was 65.8% (79 of 120) at term-equivalent age (TEA) and 36.7% (44 of 120) at 3 months CA and that of deformational plagiocephaly was 30% (36 of 120) at TEA and 50% (60 of 120) at 3 months CA. At 6 months CA, 15.8% of the infants (19 of 120) scored ≥ 2 of a possible 6 on the asymmetry performance scale and 23.3% (28 of 120) had deformational plagiocephaly. Sleeping in the supine position was predictive of an asymmetric motor performance at 6 months CA. Chronic lung disease and/or slow gross motor maturation at 3 months CA predicted the persistence of deformational plagiocephaly. Infants born very preterm may develop deformational plagiocephaly. A positional preference of the head at TEA seems to be a normal aspect of these infants' motor repertoire, with limited ability to predict persistence of an asymmetric motor performance. The decreased prevalence of deformational plagiocephaly between 3 and 6 months CA indicates an optimistic course. Infants with a history of chronic lung disease and/or slow gross motor maturation merit timely intervention. Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hierarchical accumulation of RyR post-translational modifications drives disease progression in dystrophic cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Kyrychenko, Sergii; Poláková, Eva; Kang, Chifei; Pocsai, Krisztina; Ullrich, Nina D; Niggli, Ernst; Shirokova, Natalia

2013-03-15

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle disease with serious cardiac complications. Changes in Ca(2+) homeostasis and oxidative stress were recently associated with cardiac deterioration, but the cellular pathophysiological mechanisms remain elusive. We investigated whether the activity of ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca(2+) release channels is affected, whether changes in function are cause or consequence and which post-translational modifications drive disease progression. Electrophysiological, imaging, and biochemical techniques were used to study RyRs in cardiomyocytes from mdx mice, an animal model of DMD. Young mdx mice show no changes in cardiac performance, but do so after ∼8 months. Nevertheless, myocytes from mdx pups exhibited exaggerated Ca(2+) responses to mechanical stress and 'hypersensitive' excitation-contraction coupling, hallmarks of increased RyR Ca(2+) sensitivity. Both were normalized by antioxidants, inhibitors of NAD(P)H oxidase and CaMKII, but not by NO synthases and PKA antagonists. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) load and leak were unchanged in young mdx mice. However, by the age of 4-5 months and in senescence, leak was increased and load was reduced, indicating disease progression. By this age, all pharmacological interventions listed above normalized Ca(2+) signals and corrected changes in ECC, Ca(2+) load, and leak. Our findings suggest that increased RyR Ca(2+) sensitivity precedes and presumably drives the progression of dystrophic cardiomyopathy, with oxidative stress initiating its development. RyR oxidation followed by phosphorylation, first by CaMKII and later by PKA, synergistically contributes to cardiac deterioration.

The relationship of community activities with cognitive impairment and depressive mood independent of mobility disorder in Japanese older adults.

PubMed

Okura, Mika; Ogita, Mihoko; Yamamoto, Miki; Nakai, Toshimi; Numata, Tomoko; Arai, Hidenori

This study aimed to examine the relationship of participating in community activities (CA) with cognitive impairment and depressive mood independent of mobility disorder (MD) among older Japanese people. Elderly residents in institutions or those requiring long-term care insurance services were excluded; questionnaires were mailed to 5401 older adults in 2013. The response rate was 94.3% (n=5094). We used multiple imputation to manage missing data. The questionnaire addressed physical fitness, memory, mood, and CA. Participants were divided into two groups (good and bad) based on the median scores for physical fitness, memory, and mood. We identified items related to periodically performed CA, cognitive impairment, and depressive mood, and examined correlations between scores on these sets of items. The mean age was 75.9 years; 58.4% of participants were women. The following CA significantly predicted reduced cognitive impairment and depressive mood independent of MD: volunteer activity, community activity, visiting friends at home, pursuing hobbies, paid work, farm work, and daily shopping. These results were corrected for age, sex, and response method (mail or home-visit). Higher CA scores were associated with lower cognitive impairment and lower depressive mood independent of MD. CA is negatively associated with cognitive impairment and depressive mood among community-dwelling elderly independent of MD; promoting CA may protect against cognitive impairment and depressive mood in this population. However, MD, cognitive impairment, and depressive mood may lead to reduced CA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Salinity bias on the foraminifera Mg/Ca thermometry: Correction procedure and implications for past ocean hydrographic reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathien-Blard, Elise; Bassinot, Franck

2009-12-01

Mg/Ca in foraminiferal calcite has recently been extensively used to estimate past oceanic temperatures. Here we show, however, that the Mg/Ca temperature relationship of the planktonic species Globigerinoides ruber is significantly affected by seawater salinity, with a +1 psu change in salinity resulting in a +1.6°C bias in Mg/Ca temperature calculations. If not accounted for, such a bias could lead, for instance, to systematic overestimations of Mg/Ca temperatures during glacial periods, when global ocean salinity had significantly increased compared to today. We present here a correction procedure to derive unbiased sea surface temperatures (SST) and δ18Osw from G. ruber TMg/Ca and δ18Of measurements. This correction procedure was applied to a sedimentary record to reconstruct hydrographic changes since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Western Pacific Warm Pool. While uncorrected TMg/Ca data indicate a 3°C warming of the Western Pacific Warm Pool since the LGM, the salinity-corrected SST result in a stronger warming of 4°C.

The Relationship between Motor Abilities and Early Social Development in a Preschool Cohort of Children with Cerebral Palsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whittingham, Koa; Fahey, Michael; Rawicki, Barry; Boyd, Roslyn

2010-01-01

Aim: To investigate the relationship between motor ability and early social development in a cohort of preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design: Population-based cohort study. Methods: Participants were 122 children with CP assessed at 18, 24 and 30 months, corrected age (ca). Motor ability was measured by the Gross Motor Function…

A five-patient satisfaction pilot study of calcium hydroxylapatite injection for treatment of aging hands.

PubMed

Marmur, Ellen S; Al Quran, Hanadi; De Sa Earp, Ana Paula; Yoo, Jane Y

2009-12-01

The process of skin aging is not limited to the face but involves every part of the body, including the hands. A common manifestation of aging of the hands is the loss of volume, which occurs as the skin loses its subcutaneous fat. Injectable dermal fillers have surfaced as a popular method to address such deficiencies. To report the use of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) to address lost volume. Five female subjects with soft tissue deficiency of the dorsa of the hands were enrolled at Mount Sinai Medical Center. A solution of CaHA with 2% lidocaine in amounts of 0.3 to 1.0 mL was injected interdigitally at each of three to five insertion sites; the sites were massaged and molded up to three times to ensure an optimal cosmetic end point. Subjects were seen for a follow-up visit after 1, 4, 16, and 24 weeks. With a single injection, all subjects reached their correction goals without requiring any touch-ups. At the 24-week visit, the subjects retained the filling effect, with no adverse events and high patient satisfaction. CaHA, a new, easily injectable, safe dermal filler, has emerged as an excellent option for soft tissue augmentation in aging hands.

Cortisol Levels in Relation to Maternal Interaction and Child Internalizing Behavior in Preterm and Full-Term Children at 18 Months Corrected Age

PubMed Central

Brummelte, Susanne; Grunau, Ruth E.; Zaidman-Zait, Anat; Weinberg, Joanne; Nordstokke, David; Cepeda, Ivan L.

2011-01-01

Cortisol levels were compared in children born preterm at extremely low gestational age (ELGA; 24–28 weeks), very low gestational age (VLGA; 29–32 weeks), and full-term in response to cognitive assessment at 18 months corrected age (CA). Further, we investigated the relationship between maternal interactive behaviors and child internalizing behaviors (rated by the mother) in relation to child cortisol levels. ELGA children had higher “pretest” cortisol levels and a different pattern of cortisol response to cognitive assessment compared to VLGA and full-terms. Higher cortisol levels in ELGA, but not full-term, children were associated with less optimal mother interactive behavior. Moreover, the pattern of cortisol change was related to internalizing behaviors among ELGA, and to a lesser degree VLGA children. In conclusion, our findings suggest altered programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in preterm children, as well as their greater sensitivity to environmental context such as maternal interactive behavior. PMID:21298633

A preliminary analysis of trace-elemental signatures in statoliths of different spawning cohorts for Dosidicus gigas off EEZ waters of Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bilin; Chen, Xinjun; Fang, Zhou; Hu, Song; Song, Qian

2015-12-01

We applied solution-based ICP-MS method to quantify the trace-elemental signatures in statoliths of jumbo flying squid, Dosidius gigas, which were collected from the waters off northern and central Chile during the scientific surveys carried out by Chinese squid jigging vessels in 2007 and 2008. The age and spawning date of the squid were back-calculated based on daily increments in statoliths. Eight elemental ratios (Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Mn/Ca, Na/Ca, Fe/Ca, Cu/Ca and Zn/Ca) were analyzed. It was found that Sr is the second most abundant element next to Ca, followed by Na, Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, Ba and Mn. There was no significant relationship between element/Ca and sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS), although weak negative or positive tendency was found. MANOVA analysis showed that multivariate elemental signatures did not differ among the cohorts spawned in spring, autumn and winter, and no significant difference was found between the northern and central sampling locations. Classification results showed that all individuals of each spawned cohorts were correctly classified. This study demonstrates that the elemental signatures in D. gigas statoliths are potentially a useful tool to improve our understanding of its population structure and habitat environment.

Age-dependent Impairment of HIF-1α̣Expression in Diabetic Mice: Correction with Electroporation-facilitated Gene Therapy Increases Wound Healing, Angiogenesis, and Circulating Angiogenic Cells

PubMed Central

Liu, Lixin; Marti, Guy P.; Wei, Xiaofei; Zhang, Xianjie; Zhang, Huafeng; Liu, Ye V.; Nastai, Manuel; Semenza, Gregg L.; Harmon, John W.

2009-01-01

Wound healing is impaired in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. We hypothesized that age-dependent impairment of cutaneous wound healing in db/db diabetic mice: (a) would correlate with reduced expression of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) as well as its downstream target genes; and (b) could be overcome by HIF-1α replacement therapy. Wound closure, angiogenesis, and mRNA expression in excisional skin wounds were analyzed and circulating angiogenic cells were quantified in db/db mice that were untreated or received electroporation-facilitated HIF-1α gene therapy. HIF-1α mRNA levels in wound tissue were significantly reduced in older (4–6 months) as compared to younger (1.5–2 months) db/db mice. Expression of mRNAs encoding the angiogenic cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), ANGPT2, platelet derived growth factor B (PDGF-B), and placental growth factor (PLGF) was also impaired in wounds of older db/db mice. Intradermal injection of plasmid gWIZ-CA5, which encodes a constitutively active form of HIF-1α, followed by electroporation, induced increased levels of HIF-1α mRNA at the injection site on day 3 and increased levels of VEGF, PLGF, PDGF-B, and ANGPT2 mRNA on day 7. Circulating angiogenic cells in peripheral blood increased 10-fold in mice treated with gWIZ-CA5. Wound closure was significantly accelerated in db/db mice treated with gWIZ-CA5 as compared to mice treated with empty vector. Thus, HIF-1α gene therapy corrects the age-dependent impairment of HIF-1α expression, angiogenic cytokine expression, and circulating angiogenic cells that contribute to the age-dependent impairment of wound healing in db/db mice. PMID:18506785

The impact of intrauterine and extrauterine weight gain in premature infants on later body composition.

PubMed

Saenz de Pipaon, Miguel; Dorronsoro, Izaskun; Álvarez-Cuervo, Laura; Butte, Nancy F; Madero, Rosario; Barrios, Vicente; Coya, Juan; Martínez-Biarge, Miriam; Martos-Moreno, Gabriel Á; Fewtrell, Mary S; Argente, Jesús; Quero, José

2017-10-01

BackgroundThe impact of intrauterine and extrauterine growth on later insulin resistance and fat mass (FM) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is not well established. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of intrauterine and early/late extrauterine growth on later insulin resistance and body composition in VLBW infants from 6 months' corrected age (CA) to 36 months.MethodsProspective measurements of body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) along with other fasting plasma biochemistries were made in 95 VLBW infants at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months' CA and 36 months' postnatal age. Mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the effects of age, sex, maturation status, and Δweight SD score on percentage FM (PFM), FM index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and HOMA-IR.ResultsPFM and FMI were negatively associated with a decrease in weight-SD scores from birth to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA; P=0.001) and from 36 weeks' PMA to 6 months' CA (P=0.003). PFM and FMI were higher in AGA than in small for gestational age (SGA) infants. HOMA-IR was not associated with the Δweight-SD scores in either period.ConclusionsCatch-down growth in terms of weight is associated with persistently lower adiposity but not insulin resistance up to 36 months of age.

Relationship between serum calcium and CA 19-9 levels in colorectal cancer

PubMed Central

Fuszek, Peter; Lakatos, Peter; Tabak, Adam; Papp, Janos; Nagy, Zsolt; Takacs, Istvan; Horvath, Henrik Csaba; Lakatos, Peter Laszlo; Speer, Gabor

2004-01-01

AIM: To examine the calcium metabolism of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with colorectal cancer and control patients. METHODS: Seventy newly diagnosed CRC patients were included. The healthy control group was age and gender matched (n = 32). Particular attention was devoted to the relationship between serum calcium of patients, and levels of AFP, CEA, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) (that could be considered as prognostic factors). Furthermore, the Ca-sensing receptor (CaSR) gene A986S polymorphism was investigated in these patients, as well as the relationship between different CaSR genotypes and the data stated above. RESULTS: A lower level of ionized calcium (also corrected for albumin) was found in the serum of CRC patients with normal 25 (OH) vitamin D levels. The ionized calcium concentration was inversely correlated with the serum level of CA 19-9. There was no difference in the distribution of CaSR genotypes, between CRC patients and general population. The genotypes did not correlate with other data examined. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, lower levels of serum calcium might be a pathogenic and prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. PMID:15222030

A Norwegian prospective study of preterm mother–infant interactions at 6 and 18 months and the impact of maternal mental health problems, pregnancy and birth complications

PubMed Central

Misund, Aud R; Bråten, Stein; Nerdrum, Per; Pripp, Are Hugo; Diseth, Trond H

2016-01-01

Objective Pregnancy, birth and health complications, maternal mental health problems following preterm birth and their possible impact on early mother–infant interaction at 6 and 18 months corrected age (CA) were explored. Predictors of mother–infant interaction at 18 months CA were identified. Design and methods This prospective longitudinal and observational study included 33 preterm mother–infant (<33 gestational age (GA)) interactions at 6 and 18 months CA from a socioeconomic low-risk, middle-class sample. The Parent–Child Early Relational Assessment (PCERA) scale was used to assess the mother–infant interaction. Results ‘Bleeding in pregnancy’ predicted lower quality in preterm mother–infant interaction in 6 PCERA scales, while high ‘maternal trait anxiety’ predicted higher interactional quality in 2 PCERA scales and ‘family size’ predicted lower interactional quality in 1 PCERA scale at 18 months CA. Mothers with symptoms of post-traumatic stress reactions, general psychological distress and anxiety at 2 weeks postpartum (PP) showed significantly better outcome than mothers without symptoms in 6 PCERA subscales at 6 months CA and 2 PCERA subscales at 18 months CA. Conclusions Our study detected a correspondence between early pregnancy complications and lower quality of preterm mother–infant interaction, and an association between high levels of maternal mental health problems and better quality in preterm mother–infant interaction. PMID:27147380

The Validity of Two Neuromotor Assessments for Predicting Motor Performance at 12 Months in Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Song, You Hong; Chang, Hyun Jung; Shin, Yong Beom; Park, Young Sook; Park, Yun Hee; Cho, Eun Sol

2018-04-01

To evaluate the validity of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) and general movements (GMs) assessment for predicting Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) score at 12 months in preterm infants. A total of 44 preterm infants who underwent the GMs and TIMP at 1 month and 3 months of corrected age (CA) and whose motor performance was evaluated using AIMS at 12 months CA were included. GMs were judged as abnormal on basis of poor repertoire or cramped-synchronized movements at 1 month CA and abnormal or absent fidgety movement at 3 months CA. TIMP and AIMS scores were categorized as normal (average and low average and >5th percentile, respectively) or abnormal (below average and far below average or <5th percentile, respectively). Correlations between GMs and TIMP scores at 1 month and 3 months CA and the AIMS classification at 12 months CA were examined. The TIMP score at 3 months CA and GMs at 1 month and 3 months CA were significantly correlated with the motor performance at 12 months CA. However, the TIMP score at 1 month CA did not correlate with the AIMS classification at 12 months CA. For infants with normal GMs at 3 months CA, the TIMP score at 3 months CA correlated significantly with the AIMS classification at 12 months CA. Our findings suggest that neuromotor assessment using GMs and TIMP could be useful to identify preterm infants who are likely to benefit from intervention.

Exploring the effects of transfers and readmissions on trends in population counts of hospital admissions for coronary heart disease: a Western Australian data linkage study.

PubMed

Lopez, Derrick; Nedkoff, Lee; Knuiman, Matthew; Hobbs, Michael S T; Briffa, Thomas G; Preen, David B; Hung, Joseph; Beilby, John; Mathur, Sushma; Reynolds, Anna; Sanfilippo, Frank M

2017-11-17

To develop a method for categorising coronary heart disease (CHD) subtype in linked data accounting for different CHD diagnoses across records, and to compare hospital admission numbers and ratios of unlinked versus linked data for each CHD subtype over time, and across age groups and sex. Cohort study. Person-linked hospital administrative data covering all admissions for CHD in Western Australia from 1988 to 2013. Ratios of (1) unlinked admission counts to contiguous admission (CA) counts (accounting for transfers), and (2) 28-day episode counts (accounting for transfers and readmissions) to CA counts stratified by CHD subtype, sex and age group. In all CHD subtypes, the ratios changed in a linear or quadratic fashion over time and the coefficients of the trend term differed across CHD subtypes. Furthermore, for many CHD subtypes the ratios also differed by age group and sex. For example, in women aged 35-54 years, the ratio of unlinked to CA counts for non-ST elevation myocardial infarction admissions in 2000 was 1.10, and this increased in a linear fashion to 1.30 in 2013, representing an annual increase of 0.0148. The use of unlinked counts in epidemiological estimates of CHD hospitalisations overestimates CHD counts. The CA and 28-day episode counts are more aligned with epidemiological studies of CHD. The degree of overestimation of counts using only unlinked counts varies in a complex manner with CHD subtype, time, sex and age group, and it is not possible to apply a simple correction factor to counts obtained from unlinked data. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Clinimetric properties of the alberta infant motor scale in infants born preterm.

PubMed

Pin, Tamis W; de Valle, Katy; Eldridge, Bev; Galea, Mary P

2010-01-01

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is a standardized motor assessment for young infants. This study aimed to examine the reliability of the AIMS in a group of infants born at or before 29 weeks of gestation. Fifty-nine infants born preterm were recruited. Two experienced pediatric physical therapists participated in this reliability study. Infants were assessed at 4, 8, 12, and 18 months corrected age (CA). Intrarater reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > or =0.99). The ICC for interrater reliability varied from 0.85 to 0.97. The ICC was low at 4 and 18 months CA. The AIMS is reliable in evaluating motor development in infants born preterm. Clinicians should be cautious about using the AIMS in infants at very young ages and those approaching independent ambulation. Accurate placement of the window on a movement repertoire is crucial. Attention is required when using the AIMS in infants developing atypically.

Novel insight into the natural history of short QT syndrome.

PubMed

Mazzanti, Andrea; Kanthan, Ajita; Monteforte, Nicola; Memmi, Mirella; Bloise, Raffaella; Novelli, Valeria; Miceli, Carlotta; O'Rourke, Sean; Borio, Gianluca; Zienciuk-Krajka, Agnieszka; Curcio, Antonio; Surducan, Andreea Elena; Colombo, Mario; Napolitano, Carlo; Priori, Silvia G

2014-04-08

This study intends to gain further insights into the natural history, the yield of familial and genetic screening, and the arrhythmogenic mechanisms in the largest cohort of short QT syndrome (SQTS) patients described so far. SQTS is a rare genetic disorder associated with life-threatening arrhythmias, and its natural history is incompletely ascertained. Seventy-three SQTS patients (84% male; age, 26 ± 15 years; corrected QT interval, 329 ± 22 ms) were studied, and 62 were followed for 60 ± 41 months (median, 56 months). Cardiac arrest (CA) was the most frequent presenting symptom (40% of probands; range, <1 month to 41 years). The rate of CA was 4% in the first year of life and 1.3% per year between 20 and 40 years; the probability of a first occurrence of CA by 40 years of age was 41%. Despite the male predominance, female patients had a risk profile superimposable to that of men (p = 0.49). The yield of genetic screening was low (14%), despite familial disease being present in 44% of kindreds. A history of CA was the only predictor of recurrences at follow-up (p < 0.0000001). Two patterns of onset of ventricular fibrillation were observed and were reproducible in patients with multiple occurrences of CA. Arrhythmias occurred mainly at rest. SQTS is highly lethal; CA is often the first manifestation of the disease with a peak incidence in the first year of life. Survivors of CA have a high CA recurrence rate; therefore, implantation of a defibrillator is strongly recommended in this group of patients. Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effective LA-ICP-MS dating of common-Pb bearing accessory minerals with new data reduction schemes in Iolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamber, Balz S.; Chew, David M.; Petrus, Joseph A.

2014-05-01

Compared to non-destructive geochemical analyses, LA-ICP-MS consumes ca. 0.1 μm of material per ablation pulse. It is therefore to be expected that the combined analyses of ca. 200 pulses will encounter geochemical and isotopic complexities in all but the most perfect minerals. Experienced LA-ICP-MS analysts spot down-hole complexities and choose signal integration areas accordingly. In U-Pb geochronology, the task of signal integration choice is complex as the analyst wants to avoid areas of common Pb and Pb-loss and separate true (concordant) age complexity. Petrus and Kamber (2012) developed VizualAge as a tool for reducing and visualising, in real time, U-Pb geochronology data obtained by LA-ICP-MS as an add-on for the freely available U-Pb geochronology data reduction scheme of Paton et al. (2010) in Iolite. The most important feature of VizualAge is its ability to display a live concordia diagram, allowing users to inspect the data of a signal on a concordia diagram as the integration area it is being adjusted, thus providing immediate visual feedback regarding discordance, uncertainty, and common lead for different regions of the signal. It can also be used to construct histograms and probability distributions, standard and Tera-Wasserburg style concordia diagrams, as well as 3D U-Th-Pb and total U-Pb concordia diagrams. More recently, Chew et al. (2014) presented a new data reduction scheme (VizualAge_UcomPbine) with much improved common Pb correction functionality. Common Pb is a problem for many U-bearing accessory minerals and an under-appreciated difficulty is the potential presence of (possibly unevenly distributed) common Pb in calibration standards, introducing systematic inaccuracy into entire datasets. One key feature of the new method is that it can correct for variable amounts of common Pb in any U-Pb accessory mineral standard as long as the standard is concordant in the U/Pb (and Th/Pb) systems after common Pb correction. Common Pb correction can be undertaken using either the 204Pb, 207Pb or 208Pb(no Th) methods. After common Pb correction to the user-selected age standard integrations, the scheme fits session-wide model U-Pb fractionation curves to the time-resolved U-Pb standard data. This down hole fractionation model is next applied to the unknowns and sample-standard bracketing (using a user specified interpolation method) is used to calculate final isotopic ratios and ages. 204Pb- and 208Pb(no Th)-corrected concordia diagrams and 204Pb-, 207Pb- and 208Pb(no Th)-corrected age channels can be calculated for user-specified initial Pb ratio(s). All other conventional common Pb correction methods (e.g. intercept or isochron methods on co-genetic analyses) can be performed offline. Apatite, titanite, rutile and very young zircon data will be presented, obtained using a Thermo Scientific iCAP-Qc (Q-ICP-MS) coupled to a Photon Machines Analyte Excite 193 nm ArF Excimer laser with a novel signal smoothing device Chew, D.M., Petrus, J.A., and Kamber, B.S. (2014); Chemical Geology, 363, 185-199. Paton C., Woodhead J.D., Hellstrom J.C., Hergt J.M., Greig A. and Maas R. (2010); Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, 11, 1-36. Petrus, J.A. and Kamber, B.S. (2012): Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 36, 247-270.

The influence of first near-spectacle reading correction on accommodation and its interaction with convergence.

PubMed

Vedamurthy, Indu; Harrison, Wendy W; Liu, Yue; Cox, Ian; Schor, Clifton M

2009-09-01

Accommodation and convergence can adapt to blur and disparity stimuli and to age-related changes in accommodative amplitude. Does this ability decline with age? The authors investigated short-term adaptation to first near-spectacle reading correction on the accommodative-stimulus response (ASR) function, accommodative amplitude (AA), AC/A, and CA/C ratios in a pre-presbyopic and an incipient presbyopic population and determined whether changes in these functions recovered after discontinuation of the use of near spectacles. Thirty subjects with normal vision participated; their ages ranged from 21 to 30 years (n = 15) and 38 to 44 years (n = 15). Oculomotor functions were measured before and after single-vision reading spectacles were worn for near tasks over a 2-month period and then 2 months after the use of near spectacles was discontinued. The slope of the ASR function and the AC/A and CA/C ratios did not change significantly after near spectacles were worn. There was a hyperopic shift of the ASR function that significantly reduced the near point of accommodation (NPA) and lowered the far-point refraction. These changes were age invariant and did not recover after 2 months of discontinuation of near spectacle wear. These results imply that the NPA may be enhanced normally by tonic bias of accommodation that elevates the entire ASR function and produces myopic refraction bias. When this bias relaxes after reading spectacles are worn, there is a hyperopic shift of the refractive state and a reduction of the NPA, specified from optical infinity.

The Influence of First Near-Spectacle Reading Correction on Accommodation and Its Interaction with Convergence

PubMed Central

Vedamurthy, Indu; Harrison, Wendy W.; Liu, Yue; Cox, Ian; Schor, Clifton M.

2010-01-01

PURPOSE Accommodation and convergence can adapt to blur and disparity stimuli and to age-related changes in accommodative amplitude. Does this ability decline with age? The authors investigated short-term adaptation to first near-spectacle reading correction on the accommodative-stimulus response (ASR) function, accommodative amplitude (AA), AC/A, and CA/C ratios in a pre-presbyopic and an incipient presbyopic population and determined whether changes in these functions recovered after discontinuation of the use of near spectacles. METHODS Thirty subjects with normal vision participated; their ages ranged from 21 to 30 years (n = 15) and 38 to 44 years (n = 15). Oculomotor functions were measured before and after single-vision reading spectacles were worn for near tasks over a 2-month period and then 2 months after the use of near spectacles was discontinued. RESULTS The slope of the ASR function and the AC/A and CA/C ratios did not change significantly after near spectacles were worn. There was a hyperopic shift of the ASR function that significantly reduced the near point of accommodation (NPA) and lowered the far-point refraction. These changes were age invariant and did not recover after 2 months of discontinuation of near spectacle wear. CONCLUSIONS These results imply that the NPA may be enhanced normally by tonic bias of accommodation that elevates the entire ASR function and produces myopic refraction bias. When this bias relaxes after reading spectacles are worn, there is a hyperopic shift of the refractive state and a reduction of the NPA, specified from optical infinity. PMID:19264892

The Clinical and Biochemical Predictors of Bone Mass in Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Czech-Kowalska, Justyna; Czekuc-Kryskiewicz, Edyta; Pludowski, Pawel; Zaniuk, Katarzyna; Jaworski, Maciej; Łuba, Anna; Grzybowska, Karolina; Piłat, Krystyna; Dobrzanska, Anna

2016-01-01

Metabolic bone disease of prematurity still occurs in preterm infants, although a significant improvement in neonatal care has been observed in recent decades. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the precise technique for assessing bone mineral content (BMC) in preterm infants, but is not widely available. To investigate the clinical and biochemical parameters, including bone metabolism markers as potential predictors of BMC, in preterm infants up to 3 months corrected age (CA). Ca-P homeostasis, iPTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, osteocalcin, N-terminal propeptide, cross-linked C-telopeptide and amino-terminal pro C-type natriuretic peptide and the DXA scans were prospectively performed in 184 preterm infants (≤ 34 weeks' gestation) between term age and 3 mo CA. Lower bone mass was defined as BMC below or equal to respective median value for the whole study group, rounded to the nearest whole number. The appropriate quality DXA scans were available for 160 infants (87%) examined at term and for 130 (71%) tested at 3 mo CA. Higher iPTH level was the only independent predictor of lower BMC at term, whereas lower BMC at 3 mo CA was associated both with lower urinary phosphate excretion and higher serum osteocalcin level. ROC analysis showed that iPTH >43.6 pg/mL provided 40% sensitivity and 88% specificity in identification of preterm infants with lower BMC at term. In turn, urinary phosphate excretion (TRP>97% or UP/Cr ≤0.74 mg/mg) and serum osteocalcin >172 ng/mL provided 40% sensitivity and 93% specificity in identification of infants with decreased BMC at 3 mo CA. Serum iPTH might to be a simple predictor of reduced BMC in preterm infants at term age, but urinary phosphate excretion and serum osteocalcin might predict reduced BMC at 3 mo CA. These results represent a promising diagnostic tool based on simple, widely available biochemical measurements for bone mass assessment in preterm infants.

Early and intensive nutritional strategy combining parenteral and enteral feeding promotes neurodevelopment and growth at 18months of corrected age and 3years of age in extremely low birth weight infants.

PubMed

Ohnishi, Satoshi; Ichiba, Hiroyuki; Tanaka, Yuko; Harada, Sayaka; Matsumura, Hisako; Kan, Ayako; Asada, Yuki; Shintaku, Haruo

2016-09-01

To evaluate whether aggressive nutrition can improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and growth in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). This single-center cohort study included 137 ELBW AGA infants born in two epochs. The first group received standard nutrition (SN; n=79) consisting of amino acids started at 0.5g/kg/day on Day 4 of life and increased to 1.0g/kg/day. The second aggressive nutrition (AN) group received amino acids started at 1.5-2.0g/kg/day within 24h of life and increased to 3.5g/kg/day. Parenteral and enteral feedings were combined in both groups. Neurodevelopmental outcomes by the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development and growth were followed up to 18months of corrected age or 3years of age and compared by univariate and multivariate analyses. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. At 3years of age, AN children had a significantly greater mean value of head circumference, but not length or weight, than SN children (49.1 vs 48.0cm, p=0.014). The cognitive-adaptive (C-A) score in the AN group was also significantly higher than that in the SN group (98.3 vs 91.9 at 18months, p=0.039 and 89.5 vs 83.1 at 3years, p=0.047). AN infants born ≥26weeks of gestation were less likely to develop borderline disability in C-A, language-social and overall developmental scores compared to gestational age-matched SN infants. Parenteral and enteral AN after birth improved the long-term cognitive neurodevelopment in ELBW AGA infants, especially in those born ≥26weeks of gestational age, however results need to be confirmed in a larger, multi-site randomized trial. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects on motor development of kicking and stepping exercise in preterm infants with periventricular brain injury: a pilot study.

PubMed

Campbell, Suzann K; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah; Zawacki, Laura; Clark, April; Boynewicz, Kara; deRegnier, Raye-Ann; Kuroda, Maxine M; Bhat, Rama; Yu, Jinsheng; Campise-Luther, Rose; Kale, Dipti; Bulanda, Michelle; Zhou, Xiaohong Joe

2012-01-01

Preterm infants with periventricular brain injury (PBI) have a high incidence of atypical development and leg movements. Determine whether kicking and treadmill stepping intervention beginning at 2 months corrected age (CA) in children with PBI improves motor function at 12 months CA when compared with control subjects. In a multi-center pilot study for a controlled clinical trial, sixteen infants with PBI were randomly assigned to home exercise consisting of kicking and treadmill stepping or a no-training control condition. Development was assessed at 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12 months CA with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). At 12 months children were classified as normal, delayed, or with cerebral palsy (CP). At 12 months CA 3 of 7 (43%) of the exercise group children walked alone or with one hand held versus 1 of 9 (11%) in the control group (p=0.262), but no significant differences in AIMS scores were found at any age. Half of the subjects had CP or delay; the outcomes of these infants were not improved by exercise. Compliance with the home program was lower than requested and may have affected results. Although not statistically significant with a small sample size, self-produced kicking and treadmill exercise may lower age at walking in infants with normal development following PBI, but improvements of the protocol to increase and document compliance are needed before a larger study is implemented.

Effects on Motor Development of Kicking and Stepping Exercise in Preterm Infants with Periventricular Brain Injury: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Campbell, Suzann K.; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah; Zawacki, Laura; Clark, April; Boynewicz, Kara; deRegnier, Raye-Ann; Kuroda, Maxine M.; Bhat, Rama; Yu, Jinsheng; Campise-Luther, Rose; Kale, Dipti; Bulanda, Michelle; Zhou, Xiaohong Joe

2013-01-01

Background Preterm infants with periventricular brain injury (PBI) have a high incidence of atypical development and leg movements. Objective Determine whether kicking and treadmill stepping intervention beginning at 2 months corrected age (CA) in children with PBI improves motor function at 12 months CA when compared with control subjects. Method In a multi-center pilot study for a controlled clinical trial, sixteen infants with PBI were randomly assigned to home exercise consisting of kicking and treadmill stepping or a no-training control condition. Development was assessed at 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12 months CA with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). At 12 months children were classified as normal, delayed, or with cerebral palsy (CP). Results At 12 months CA 3 of 7 (43%) of the exercise group children walked alone or with one hand held versus 1 of 9 (11%) in the control group (p=.262), but no significant differences in AIMS scores were found at any age. Half of the subjects had CP or delay; the outcomes of these infants were not improved by exercise. Compliance with the home program was lower than requested and may have affected results. Conclusion Although not statistically significant with a small sample size, self-produced kicking and treadmill exercise may lower age at walking in infants with normal development following PBI, but improvements of the protocol to increase and document compliance are needed before a larger study is implemented. PMID:22543889

Significance of the cosmogenic argon correction in deciphering the 40Ar/39Ar ages of the Nakhlite (Martian) meteorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, B. E.; Cassata, W.; Mark, D. F.; Tomkinson, T.; Lee, M. R.; Smith, C. L.

2015-12-01

All meteorites contain variable amounts of cosmogenic 38Ar and 36Ar produced during extraterrestrial exposure, and in order to calculate reliable 40Ar/39Ar ages this cosmogenic Ar must be removed from the total Ar budget. The amount of cosmogenic Ar has usually been calculated from the step-wise 38Ar/36Ar, minimum 36Ar/37Ar, or average 38Arcosmogenic/37Ar from the irradiated meteorite fragment. However, if Cl is present in the meteorite, then these values will be disturbed by Ar produced during laboratory neutron irradiation of Cl. Chlorine is likely to be a particular issue for the Nakhlite group of Martian meteorites, which can contain over 1000 ppm Cl [1]. An alternative method for the cosmogenic Ar correction uses the meteorite's exposure age as calculated from an un-irradiated fragment and step-wise production rates based on the measured Ca/K [2]. This calculation is independent of the Cl concentration. We applied this correction method to seven Nakhlites, analyzed in duplicate or triplicate. Selected samples were analyzed at both Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and SUERC to ensure inter-laboratory reproducibility. We find that the cosmogenic argon correction of [2] has a significant influence on the ages calculated for individual steps, particularly for those at lower temperatures (i.e., differences of several tens of million years for some steps). The lower-temperature steps are more influenced by the alternate cosmogenic correction method of [2], as these analyses yielded higher concentrations of Cl-derived 38Ar. As a result, the Nakhlite data corrected using [2] yields step-heating spectra that are flat or nearly so across >70% of the release spectra (in contrast to downward-stepping spectra often reported for Nakhlite samples), allowing for the calculation of precise emplacement ages for these meteorites. [1] Cartwright J. A. et al. (2013) GCA, 105, 255-293. [2] Cassata W. S., and Borg L. E. (2015) 46th LPSC, Abstract #2742.

Optically stimulated luminescence age controls on late Pleistocene and Holocene coastal lithosomes, North Carolina, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mallinson, D.; Burdette, K.; Mahan, S.; Brook, G.

2008-01-01

Luminescence ages from a variety of coastal features on the North Carolina Coastal Plain provide age control for shoreline formation and relative sea-level position during the late Pleistocene. A series of paleoshoreline ridges, dating to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5a and MIS 3 have been defined. The Kitty Hawk beach ridges, on the modern Outer Banks, yield ages of 3 to 2??ka. Oxygen-isotope data are used to place these deposits in the context of global climate and sea-level change. The occurrence of MIS 5a and MIS 3 shorelines suggests that glacio-isostatic adjustment (GIA) of the study area is large (ca. 22 to 26??m), as suggested and modeled by other workers, and/or MIS 3 sea level was briefly higher than suggested by some coral reef studies. Correcting the shoreline elevations for GIA brings their elevation in line with other sea-level indicators. The age of the Kitty Hawk beach ridges places the Holocene shoreline well west of its present location at ca. 3 to 2??ka. The age of shoreline progradation is consistent with the ages of other beach ridge complexes in the southeast USA, suggesting some regionally contemporaneous forcing mechanism. ?? 2007 University of Washington.

A Norwegian prospective study of preterm mother-infant interactions at 6 and 18 months and the impact of maternal mental health problems, pregnancy and birth complications.

PubMed

Misund, Aud R; Bråten, Stein; Nerdrum, Per; Pripp, Are Hugo; Diseth, Trond H

2016-05-04

Pregnancy, birth and health complications, maternal mental health problems following preterm birth and their possible impact on early mother-infant interaction at 6 and 18 months corrected age (CA) were explored. Predictors of mother-infant interaction at 18 months CA were identified. This prospective longitudinal and observational study included 33 preterm mother-infant (<33 gestational age (GA)) interactions at 6 and 18 months CA from a socioeconomic low-risk, middle-class sample. The Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment (PCERA) scale was used to assess the mother-infant interaction. 'Bleeding in pregnancy' predicted lower quality in preterm mother-infant interaction in 6 PCERA scales, while high 'maternal trait anxiety' predicted higher interactional quality in 2 PCERA scales and 'family size' predicted lower interactional quality in 1 PCERA scale at 18 months CA. Mothers with symptoms of post-traumatic stress reactions, general psychological distress and anxiety at 2 weeks postpartum (PP) showed significantly better outcome than mothers without symptoms in 6 PCERA subscales at 6 months CA and 2 PCERA subscales at 18 months CA. Our study detected a correspondence between early pregnancy complications and lower quality of preterm mother-infant interaction, and an association between high levels of maternal mental health problems and better quality in preterm mother-infant interaction. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

A Devil in the Details: Matrix-Dependent 40Ca42Ca++/42Ca+ and Its Effects on Estimates of the Initial 41Ca/40Ca in the Solar System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKeegan, K. D.; Liu, M.-C.

2015-07-01

Ian Hutcheon established that the molecular ion interference 40Ca42Ca++/42Ca+ on 41K+ is strongly dependent on the mineral analyzed. Correction for this "matrix effect" led to a downward revision of the initial 41Ca/40Ca of the solar system.

Parent behaviors moderate the relationship between neonatal pain and internalizing behaviors at 18 months corrected age in children born very prematurely

PubMed Central

Vinall, Jillian; Miller, Steven P.; Synnes, Anne R.; Grunau, Ruth E.

2013-01-01

Children born very preterm (≤32 weeks gestation) show greater internalizing (anxious/depressed) behaviors compared to term-born peers as early as 2 years corrected age (CA), however, the role of early stress in the etiology of internalizing problems in preterm children remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the relationship between neonatal pain and internalizing behavior at 18 months CA in children born very preterm, and examined whether parent behavior and stress moderated this relationship. Participants were 145 children (96 very preterm, 49 full-term) seen at 18 months CA. Neonatal data were obtained from medical and nursing chart review. Neonatal pain was defined as the number of skin-breaking procedures. Cognitive ability was measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II. Parents completed the Parenting Stress Index-III, Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5, and participated in a videotaped play session with their child, which was coded using the Emotional Availability Scale-IV. Very preterm children displayed greater Internalizing behaviors compared to full-term controls (P =0.02). Parent Sensitivity and Nonhostility moderated the relationship between neonatal pain and Internalizing behavior (all P <0.05); higher parent education (P <0.03), lower Parenting Stress (P =0.001), and fewer children in the home (P <0.01) were associated with lower Internalizing behavior in very preterm children, after adjusting for neonatal medical confounders, gender and child cognitive ability (all P >0.05). Parent Emotional Availability and stress were not associated with Internalizing behaviors in full-term controls. Positive parent interaction and lower stress appears to ameliorate negative effects of neonatal pain on stress-sensitive behaviors in this vulnerable population. PMID:23748079

Early prediction of typical outcome and mild developmental delay for prioritisation of service delivery for very preterm and very low birthweight infants: a study protocol

PubMed Central

Caesar, Rebecca; Boyd, Roslyn N; Colditz, Paul; Cioni, Giovani; Ware, Robert S; Salthouse, Kaye; Doherty, Julie; Jackson, Maxine; Matthews, Leanne; Hurley, Tom; Morosini, Anthony; Thomas, Clare; Camadoo, Laxmi; Baer, Erica

2016-01-01

Introduction Over 80% of very preterm (<32 weeks) and very low birthweight (<1500 g) infants will have either typical development (TD) or mild developmental delay (MDD) in multiple domains. As differentiation between TD and MDD can be difficult, infants with MDD often miss opportunities for intervention. For many clinicians, the ongoing challenge is early detection of MDD without over servicing the population. This study aims to: (1) identify early clinical biomarkers for use in this population to predict and differentiate between TD and MDD at 24 months corrected age. (2) Determine the extent to which family and caregiver factors will contribute to neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes. Methods and analysis Participants will be a prospective cohort of 90 infants (<32 weeks and/or <1500 g). Between 34 weeks gestational age and 16 weeks post-term, infants will have a series of 5 neurological, neuromotor, neurobehavioural and perceptual assessments including General Movement Assessment at preterm, writhing and fidgety age. Primary caregivers will complete questionnaires to identify social risk, maternal depression and family strain. Extensive perinatal data will be collected from the medical record. At 24 months, corrected age (c.a) infants will be assessed using standardised tools including the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development—Third Edition (Bayley III). Longitudinal trajectories of early assessment findings will be examined to determine any predictive relationship with motor and cognitive outcomes at 24 months c.a. Published data of a cohort of Australian children assessed with the Bayley III at 24 months c.a will provide a reference group of term-born controls. Ethics Ethical approval has been obtained from the Queensland Children's Health Services Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/13/QRCH/66), the University of Queensland (2013001019) and the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, SC-Research Governance (SSA/13/QNB/66). Publication of all study outcomes will be in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number ACTRN12614000480684; Pre-results. PMID:27377633

The tonic response to the infant knee jerk as an early sign of cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Hamer, Elisa G; La Bastide-Van Gemert, Sacha; Boxum, Anke G; Dijkstra, Linze J; Hielkema, Tjitske; Jeroen Vermeulen, R; Hadders-Algra, Mijna

2018-04-01

Early identification of infants at risk of cerebral palsy (CP) is desirable in order to provide early intervention. We previously demonstrated differences in knee jerk responses between 3-month-old high risk and typically developing infants. To improve early identification by investigating whether the presence of tonic responses (continuous muscle activity occurring after the typical phasic response), clonus or contralateral responses to the knee jerk during infancy is associated with CP. Longitudinal EMG-study. We included 34 high-risk infants (median gestational age 31.9 weeks) who participated in the LEARN2MOVE 0-2 years trial. Video-recorded knee jerk EMG-assessments were performed during infancy (1-4 times). Developmental outcome was assessed at 21 months corrected age (CA). Binomial generalized estimating equations models with repeated measurements were fitted using predictor variables. Infants who later were diagnosed with CP (n = 18) showed more often than infants who were not diagnosed with CP i) tonic responses - from 4 months CA onwards, ii) clonus - from 13 months CA onwards, and iii) contralateral responses - from 15 months CA onwards. The main limitation is the relatively small sample size. The assessment of tonic responses to the knee jerk using EMG may be a valuable add-on tool to appraise a high risk of CP. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

76 FR 5732 - Security Zones; Cruise Ships, Port of San Diego, CA; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-02

...-AA87 Security Zones; Cruise Ships, Port of San Diego, CA; Correction AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION... rule published in the Federal Register of January 27, 2011 (76 FR 4833), regarding security zones for... [email protected] . If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call...

Preterm infants fed nutrient-enriched formula until 6 months show improved growth and development.

PubMed

Jeon, Ga Won; Jung, Yu Jin; Koh, Sun Young; Lee, Yeon Kyung; Kim, Kyung Ah; Shin, Son Moon; Kim, Sung Shin; Shim, Jae Won; Chang, Yun Sil; Park, Won Soon

2011-10-01

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of feeding nutrient-enriched preterm formula to preterm infants until 6 months' corrected age (CA) on growth and development in the first 18 months of life. Very low-birthweight preterm infants were fed preterm formula until term (40 weeks CA). Infants were then assigned to one of three groups and were fed term formula until 6 months' CA (group 1, n= 29); preterm formula to 3 months' CA and then term formula to 6 months' CA (group 2, n= 30); or preterm formula until 6 months' CA (group 3, n= 31). Anthropometry was performed at term, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and at s18 months' CA. Mental and psychomotor development were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II at 18 months' CA. Although body weight, length, head circumference and z score for CA at term in group 3 were significantly lower than those of groups 1 and 2, growth rates of these parameters were significantly higher in group 3 up to 18 months CA', as compared to groups 1 and 2. The mental developmental index and psychomotor developmental index of the Bayley test were not significantly different between the three groups. Very low-birthweight preterm infants fed nutrient-enriched preterm formula until 6 months' CA demonstrated significantly improved growth rates for bodyweight, length and head circumference, and comparable mental and psychomotor development throughout the first 18 months of life. © 2011 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2011 Japan Pediatric Society.

Comparing pre- and post-chemical abrasion ages for Miocene Peach Springs Tuff zircon from ID-TIMS and SIMS analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lidzbarski, M. I.; Mundil, R.; Miller, J. S.; Vazquez, J. A.

2012-12-01

The Miocene Peach Spring Tuff (PST) is a voluminous (>600 km3), zoned ignimbrite (trachyte to high-SiO2 rhyolite) that is exposed widely in eastern California, western Arizona, and southernmost Nevada, which was erupted from the Silver Creek caldera in the southwestern Black Mountains, AZ. PST serves as a regionally widespread marker unit and its eruption age has been determined to 18.8 to 18.9 Ma by 40Ar/39Ar methods, when corrected for systematic bias and normalized to the U-Pb system (Renne et al., 2010,). We performed ion-microprobe (SIMS) U-Pb dating of zircon from individual pumice clasts from PST to evaluate the growth history of zircon in the PST magma system. Sectioned, polished zircon from conventional epoxy mounts allows dating of internal growth domains (e.g. cores, interiors, and near-rim), whereas mounting unpolished zircon in indium and analyzing unpolished crystal faces provides a means to selectively sample the final increments of crystal growth (Reid and Coath, 2000). Combining U-Pb ages of unpolished zircon rims with near-rim interior analyses on sectioned grains yields a mean age of ca. 18.3 Ma, whereas ages of cores of sectioned crystals yield a mean of ca. 18.9 Ma. Several zircons have rim and/or core ages that are several hundred thousand years older or younger than these means (up to 1 m.y. total spread), although the uncertainties for individual SIMS ages are 2 to 5% (2 sigma uncertainty). Therefore, the distribution of ages is challenging to resolve. A modest number of the older grains are plausibly recycled antecrysts, but we suspect that the youngest zircons may have experienced Pb-loss. Failure to account for the possibility of inheritance and Pb-loss may lead to erroneous interpretations about crystallization in the PST system. In order to evaluate and mitigate the effects of Pb-loss, we employed the chemical abrasion (CA) technique of Mattinson (2005), which effectively eliminates domains in zircon that have suffered Pb-loss, and removes micro-inclusions that typically contain common Pb. Thermal annealing followed by CA techniques were used for ID-TIMS dating of a sub-set of zircon crystals previously analyzed by SIMS. Prior to TIMS analyses, zircon crystals were imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the effects of CA on crystal domains sampled by SIMS. SEM images reveal that whole portions of crystals were removed by the CA technique, and a heterogeneous pattern of etching that was not confined to specific compositional zones visible in cathodoluminescence. Most of the SIMS sputter pits that yield spurious ages, are associated with etching and/or preferential annealing by the combined annealing and CA technique, suggesting that the young ages relative to the 40Ar/39Ar age may be due to Pb loss. ID-TIMS yields a coherent U-Pb age population of 18.8 Ma, with several older and younger crystals that might reflect xenocrysts, Pb-loss, and/or younger crystallization. In order to maintain spatial resolution and further evaluate the effects of Pb-loss in PST zircon, the annealing and CA-technique will be applied to zircon prior to SIMS dating. References: Reid and Coath, 2000, Geology 28: 443 Renne et al., 2010, GCA 78: 5349

Severe retinopathy of prematurity predicts delayed white matter maturation and poorer neurodevelopment.

PubMed

Glass, Torin J A; Chau, Vann; Gardiner, Jane; Foong, Justin; Vinall, Jillian; Zwicker, Jill G; Grunau, Ruth E; Synnes, Anne; Poskitt, Kenneth J; Miller, Steven P

2017-11-01

To determine whether severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is associated with (1) abnormal white matter maturation and (2) neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months' corrected age (CA) compared with neonates without severe ROP. We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort of extremely preterm neonates born 24-28 weeks' gestational age recruited between 2006 and 2013 with brain MRIs obtained both early in life and at term-equivalent age. Severe ROP was defined as ROP treated with retinal laser photocoagulation. Using diffusion tensor imaging and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS), white matter maturation was assessed by mean fractional anisotropy (FA) in seven predefined regions of interest. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III (Bayley-III) composite scores at 18 months' CA. Subjects were compared using Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis and generalised estimating equations. Families were recruited from the neonatal intensive care unit at BC Women's Hospital. Of 98 extremely preterm neonates (median: 26.0 weeks) assessed locally for ROP, 19 (19%) had severe ROP and 83 (85%) were assessed at 18 months' CA. Severe ROP was associated with lower FA in the posterior white matter, and with decreased measures of brain maturation in the optic radiations, posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) and external capsule on TBSS. Bayley-III cognitive and motor scores were lower in infants with severe ROP. Severe ROP is associated with maturational delay in the optic radiations, PLIC, external capsule and posterior white matter, housing the primary visual and motor pathways, and is associated with poorer cognitive and motor outcomes at 18 months' CA. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

59Ni Production Rates in Mesosiderites Measured with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fink, D.; Tuniz, C.; Herzog, G. F.; Albrecht, A.; Fifield, L. K.; Allan, G. L.; Paul, M.

1993-07-01

The cosmogenic radionuclide ^59Ni (t(sub)1/2 = 76 ky) has great potential as a monitor of thermal neutrons in metal-rich extraterrestrial materials. In deep samples from larger meteoroids (which can support a big neutron flux) containing >1% or so of nickel, thermal neutron capture on ^58Ni (sigma(sub)th = 4.6 b) is the dominant production mechanism. Near the surface of mm-size bodies production occurs via primary proton, fast neutron, and alpha reaction channels on Fe, Co, and Ni. We have applied AMS to the measurement of ^59Ni activities (see ref [1] for details) in four samples from the metal phase of the mesosiderites Estherville (fall, 1879) and Budulan, a find. The activities range from 1.5 to 3.5 dpm/g-Ni. Related work is described in refs. [2,3]. To discuss neutron fluxes in Budulan, we must correct the measured ^59Ni activities for terrestrial age. By using measured ^41Ca activities (13-19 dpm/kg-Fe [4]) and a maximum production rate, P(sub)Fe(^41Ca), in stony irons of 21 dpm/kg-Fe [5] we deduce a maximum terrestrial age of 35 ky. After correction for this terrestrial age and normalization to L-chondritic composition [6], the production rates of ^59Ni, P(sub)Fe(^59Ni), range from 5-13 dpm/g-Ni; these values are 2-3 times greater than those reported in [7] for large irons and ~10 times those for chondrites. References [4,8] present ^41Ca data in the silicate and metal phases from the same Estherville and Budulan samples. If thermal neutron production were solely responsible for P(sub)Fe(^59Ni) and P(sub)Sil(^41Ca) (the latter corrected for spallation of oxidized iron in pyroxene), then the thermal neutron fluxes, phi, inferred from each nuclide in a sample should be the same. We deduce ratios of phi(^59Ni)/phi(^41Ca) that range from 0.75 to 1.65. Differences in epithermal yields can account for only a minor fraction of this variation as the ratio of the total resonant neutron absorption integrals for ^40Ca and ^58Ni is within 10% of the ratio of the thermal neutron cross-sections alone. A twofold change in Budulan's terrestrial age alters the flux ratio by 10% at most. Like ^41Ca [9,10], P(sub)Fe(^59Ni) can be used to estimate shielding depths and lower limits on the pre-atmospheric radius. Calculations by [11] give a maximum value for P(sub)Fe(^59Ni) of 22 atoms/min/g-Ni at the center of an L-chondrite with a radius of 300 g/cm^2. The ^10Be and ^26Al activities in Estherville [5] and respective semi-empirical production rate formulas [12] set a maximum meteoroid radius of 300 g/cm^2. Our measured value for ^59Ni implies a lower radius limit of 150 g/cm^2 and shielding depths of 60-150 g/cm^2. Similarly for Budulan, we suggest a radius of 200 < R < 400 g/cm^2 and shielding depths from 40-200 g/cm^2. We infer that the above samples originated at relatively large depths (except for perhaps Budulan-2428) in meteoroids with preatmospheric radii > 30 cm, assuming a mesosiderite density of 5.5 g/cm^3. Interestingly, those samples (Budulan-2357 and Estherville-3311) having ^41Ca production rates that indicate a higher degree of shielding, have flux ratios equal to or less than 1; the other two samples have ^41Ca contents typical of near-surface exposure and have ratios phi(^59Ni)/phi(^41Ca) larger than unity. This correlation indicates that P(sub)59 from fast neutron reactions on ^60,61Ni enhances ^59Ni production at near surface regions. References: [1] Paul M. et al. (1993) Nucl. Inst. Meth., submitted. [2] Kutschera W. et al. (1992) Nucl. Inst. Meth., in press. [3] Klein J. et al.(1993) Meteoritics (this issue). [4] Albrecht A. et al. (1992) LPS XXIII, 5-6. [5] Vogt S. et al. (1991) Meteoritics, 26, 403. [6] Fink D. et al.(1992) LPS XXIII, 355-356. [7] Honda et al. (1967) Handb. Physik. 46(2), 613-632. [8] Fink D. et al. (1991) EPSL, 107, 115-128. [9] Fink D. et al. (1990) Nucl. Inst. Meth., B47, 79-96. [10] Klein J. et al. (1991) Meteoritics, 26, 358. [11] Spergel M. et al.(1986) Proc. LPS 16th; J. Geophys. Res., 91, D483-D494. [12] Graf et al. (1992) GCA, 54, 2521-2534.

(abstract) Mission Operations and Control Assurance: Flight Operations Quality Improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welz, Linda L.; Bruno, Kristin J.; Kazz, Sheri L.; Witkowski, Mona M.

1993-01-01

Mission Operations and Command Assurance (MO&CA), a recent addition to flight operations teams at JPL. provides a system level function to instill quality in mission operations. MO&CA's primary goal at JPL is to help improve the operational reliability for projects during flight. MO&CA tasks include early detection and correction of process design and procedural deficiencies within projects. Early detection and correction are essential during development of operational procedures and training of operational teams. MO&CA's effort focuses directly on reducing the probability of radiating incorrect commands to a spacecraft. Over the last seven years at JPL, MO&CA has become a valuable asset to JPL flight projects. JPL flight projects have benefited significantly from MO&CA's efforts to contain risk and prevent rather than rework errors. MO&CA's ability to provide direct transfer of knowledge allows new projects to benefit directly from previous and ongoing experience. Since MO&CA, like Total Quality Management (TQM), focuses on continuous improvement of processes and elimination of rework, we recommend that this effort be continued on NASA flight projects.

More falls in cerebellar ataxia when standing on a slow up-moving tilt of the support surface

PubMed Central

PAQUETTE, Caroline; FRANZÉN, Erika; HORAK, Fay B

2016-01-01

We investigated how subjects with cerebellar ataxia (CA) adapt their postural stability and alignment to a slow and small tilt of the support surface allowing for online postural corrections. Eight subjects with CA and eight age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. Subjects stood eyes closed for 1 minute after which the support surface was tilted 5° toes-up at a ramp velocity of 1°/s. The toes-up position was held for 2.5 minutes after which the surface rotated back down to level with identical tilt characteristics. As reflected by the large number of falls, subjects with CA had marked difficulty adapting their posture to the up-moving incline in contrast to control subjects. Subjects with CA who lost their balance had faster trunk velocity and excessive backward trunk reorientation beginning within the first second after onset of the tilting surface. In contrast, the down-moving tilt to level did not result in instability in CA subjects. These results suggest that instability and falls associated with CA derives from an inability to maintain trunk orientation to vertical while standing on a slow-moving or unstable surface. This study underscores the importance of the cerebellum in the online sensory control of the upper body orientation during small amplitude and slow velocity movements of the support surface. PMID:26202671

More Falls in Cerebellar Ataxia When Standing on a Slow Up-Moving Tilt of the Support Surface.

PubMed

Paquette, Caroline; Franzén, Erika; Horak, Fay B

2016-06-01

We investigated how subjects with cerebellar ataxia (CA) adapt their postural stability and alignment to a slow and small tilt of the support surface allowing for online postural corrections. Eight subjects with CA and eight age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. Subjects stood eyes closed for 1 min after which the support surface was tilted 5° toes-up at a ramp velocity of 1°/s. The toes-up position was held for 2.5 min after which the surface rotated back down to level with identical tilt characteristics. As reflected by the large number of falls, subjects with CA had marked difficulty adapting their posture to the up-moving incline in contrast to control subjects. Subjects with CA who lost their balance had faster trunk velocity and excessive backward trunk reorientation beginning within the first second after onset of the tilting surface. In contrast, the down-moving tilt to level did not result in instability in CA subjects. These results suggest that instability and falls associated with CA derive from an inability to maintain trunk orientation to vertical while standing on a slow-moving or unstable surface. This study underscores the importance of the cerebellum in the online sensory control of the upper body orientation during small amplitude and slow velocity movements of the support surface.

Dysregulation of lysosomal morphology by pathogenic LRRK2 is corrected by TPC2 inhibition

PubMed Central

Hockey, Leanne N.; Kilpatrick, Bethan S.; Eden, Emily R.; Lin-Moshier, Yaping; Brailoiu, G. Cristina; Brailoiu, Eugen; Futter, Clare E.; Schapira, Anthony H.; Marchant, Jonathan S.; Patel, Sandip

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Two-pore channels (TPCs) are endolysosomal ion channels implicated in Ca2+ signalling from acidic organelles. The relevance of these ubiquitous proteins for human disease, however, is unclear. Here, we report that lysosomes are enlarged and aggregated in fibroblasts from Parkinson disease patients with the common G2019S mutation in LRRK2. Defects were corrected by molecular silencing of TPC2, pharmacological inhibition of TPC regulators [Rab7, NAADP and PtdIns(3,5)P2] and buffering local Ca2+ increases. NAADP-evoked Ca2+ signals were exaggerated in diseased cells. TPC2 is thus a potential drug target within a pathogenic LRRK2 cascade that disrupts Ca2+-dependent trafficking in Parkinson disease. PMID:25416817

Ca(AlH4)2, CaAlH5, and CaH2+6LiBH4: Calculated dehydrogenation enthalpy, including zero point energy, and the structure of the phonon spectra.

PubMed

Marashdeh, Ali; Frankcombe, Terry J

2008-06-21

The dehydrogenation enthalpies of Ca(AlH(4))(2), CaAlH(5), and CaH(2)+6LiBH(4) have been calculated using density functional theory calculations at the generalized gradient approximation level. Harmonic phonon zero point energy (ZPE) corrections have been included using Parlinski's direct method. The dehydrogenation of Ca(AlH(4))(2) is exothermic, indicating a metastable hydride. Calculations for CaAlH(5) including ZPE effects indicate that it is not stable enough for a hydrogen storage system operating near ambient conditions. The destabilized combination of LiBH(4) with CaH(2) is a promising system after ZPE-corrected enthalpy calculations. The calculations confirm that including ZPE effects in the harmonic approximation for the dehydrogenation of Ca(AlH(4))(2), CaAlH(5), and CaH(2)+6LiBH(4) has a significant effect on the calculated reaction enthalpy. The contribution of ZPE to the dehydrogenation enthalpies of Ca(AlH(4))(2) and CaAlH(5) calculated by the direct method phonon analysis was compared to that calculated by the frozen-phonon method. The crystal structure of CaAlH(5) is presented in the more useful standard setting of P2(1)c symmetry and the phonon density of states of CaAlH(5), significantly different to other common complex metal hydrides, is rationalized.

Ca(AlH4)2, CaAlH5, and CaH2+6LiBH4: Calculated dehydrogenation enthalpy, including zero point energy, and the structure of the phonon spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marashdeh, Ali; Frankcombe, Terry J.

2008-06-01

The dehydrogenation enthalpies of Ca(AlH4)2, CaAlH5, and CaH2+6LiBH4 have been calculated using density functional theory calculations at the generalized gradient approximation level. Harmonic phonon zero point energy (ZPE) corrections have been included using Parlinski's direct method. The dehydrogenation of Ca(AlH4)2 is exothermic, indicating a metastable hydride. Calculations for CaAlH5 including ZPE effects indicate that it is not stable enough for a hydrogen storage system operating near ambient conditions. The destabilized combination of LiBH4 with CaH2 is a promising system after ZPE-corrected enthalpy calculations. The calculations confirm that including ZPE effects in the harmonic approximation for the dehydrogenation of Ca(AlH4)2, CaAlH5, and CaH2+6LiBH4 has a significant effect on the calculated reaction enthalpy. The contribution of ZPE to the dehydrogenation enthalpies of Ca(AlH4)2 and CaAlH5 calculated by the direct method phonon analysis was compared to that calculated by the frozen-phonon method. The crystal structure of CaAlH5 is presented in the more useful standard setting of P21/c symmetry and the phonon density of states of CaAlH5, significantly different to other common complex metal hydrides, is rationalized.

Stone size limits the use of Hounsfield units for prediction of calcium oxalate stone composition.

PubMed

Stewart, Gregory; Johnson, Lewis; Ganesh, Halemane; Davenport, Daniel; Smelser, Woodson; Crispen, Paul; Venkatesh, Ramakrishna

2015-02-01

To evaluate the role of stone size in predicting urinary calculus composition using Hounsfield units on noncontrasted computed tomography (CT) scan. A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy during a 1-year period, had a stone analysis performed, and had CT imaging available for review. All CT scans were reviewed by a board-certified radiologist. Variables evaluated included age, sex, body mass index, stone size, stone location, Hounsfield units (HUs), and stone composition. We identified a total of 91 patients (41 men and 50 women) with CT imaging and stone analysis available for review. Stone analysis showed 41 calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaOxMH), 13 calcium oxalate dihydrate, 29 calcium phosphate, 5 uric acid, 2 struvite, and 1 cystine stone. Average age was 46 years, and average body mass index was 32 kg/m2. Measured HUs varied significantly with size for CaOxMH and calcium oxalate dihydrate stones (P values <.05), but not for calcium phosphate stones (P = .126). Using a CaOxMH identification value of 700-1000 HUs, 28 of 41 stone compositions (68%) would not have been correctly identified, including all 10 (100%) small (<5 mm) stones, 13 of 22 (59%) medium (5-10 mm) stones, and 5 of 9 large (>10 mm) stones (55%). For calcium stones, the ability of CT HUs to predict stone composition was limited, likely due to the mixed stone composition. Within a cohort of CaOxMH stone formers, measured HUs varied linearly with stone size. All stones <5 mm were below thresholds for CaOxMH composition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental Determination of the Cosmogenic Ar Production Rate From Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedermann, S.; Schäfer, J. M.; Wieler, R.; Naumann, R.

2005-12-01

Cosmogenic 38Ar is produced in terrestrial surface rocks by spallation of target nuclides, in particular K and Ca. Though the presence of cosmogenic Ar in Ca-rich minerals has been demonstrated earlier [1], is has proven difficult to establish its production rate. To circumvent problems connected to 36Ar production by 35Cl neutron capture and different production rates from K and Ca, we have analyzed the noble gases in seven pyroxene separates (px) from the Antarctic Dry Valleys which are essentially free of Cl and K. The px were obtained from dolerite rocks, for which 3He and 21Ne exposure ages from 1.5 to 6.5 Ma have been reported [2]. The noble gases were extracted in two or three heating steps at GFZ Potsdam, yielding 38Ar/36Ar ratios up to 0.2283 ± 0.0008 (air: 0.1880). Ca (3.7-11.2 wt. %) is expected to be the only relevant target element for Ar production in the five pure px (<0.05% K); the production rate from Fe is at least two orders of magnitude lower than that from Ca [e.g. 3]. Assuming an 38Ar/36Ar production ratio of 1.5 ± 0.2, we obtain cosmogenic 38Ar concentrations between 130 and 530x106 atoms/g. The 38Ar production rate was calculated based on 21Ne exposure ages [2], corrected for elevated nuclide production in Antarctica due to prevailing low air pressure and for the revised 21Ne production rate from Si. We obtain values between 188 ± 17 and 243 +110/-24 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 at sea level and high (northern) latitudes for four out of the five pure px, while one yields a very high value of 348 ± 70 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1. Values above 250 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 are also obtained from two less pure px containing 0.3 and 0.9% K and from one feldspar/quartz accumulate, indicating that the production rate from K may be higher than that from Ca. The weighted mean (excluding the outlier) of ~200 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 is in excellent agreement with Lal's [3] theoretical estimate. [1] Renne et al., EPSL 188 (2001) 435. [2] Schäfer et al., EPSL 167 (1999) 215. [3] Lal, EPSL 104 (1991) 424.

Impaired Intracellular Ca2+ Dynamics in Live Cardiomyocytes Revealed by Rapid Line Scan Confocal Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plank, David M.; Sussman, Mark A.

2005-06-01

Altered intracellular Ca2+ dynamics are characteristically observed in cardiomyocytes from failing hearts. Studies of Ca2+ handling in myocytes predominantly use Fluo-3 AM, a visible light excitable Ca2+ chelating fluorescent dye in conjunction with rapid line-scanning confocal microscopy. However, Fluo-3 AM does not allow for traditional ratiometric determination of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and has required the use of mathematic correction factors with values obtained from separate procedures to convert Fluo-3 AM fluorescence to appropriate Ca2+ concentrations. This study describes methodology to directly measure intracellular Ca2+ levels using inactivated, Fluo-3-AM-loaded cardiomyocytes equilibrated with Ca2+ concentration standards. Titration of Ca2+ concentration exhibits a linear relationship to increasing Fluo-3 AM fluorescence intensity. Images obtained from individual myocyte confocal scans were recorded, average pixel intensity values were calculated, and a plot is generated relating the average pixel intensity to known Ca2+ concentrations. These standard plots can be used to convert transient Ca2+ fluorescence obtained with experimental cells to Ca2+ concentrations by linear regression analysis. Standards are determined on the same microscope used for acquisition of unknown Ca2+ concentrations, simplifying data interpretation and assuring accuracy of conversion values. This procedure eliminates additional equipment, ratiometric imaging, and mathematic correction factors and should be useful to investigators requiring a straightforward method for measuring Ca2+ concentrations in live cells using Ca2+-chelating dyes exhibiting variable fluorescence intensity.

Evaluation and Validation of Assembling Corrected PacBio Long Reads for Microbial Genome Completion via Hybrid Approaches.

PubMed

Lin, Hsin-Hung; Liao, Yu-Chieh

2015-01-01

Despite the ever-increasing output of next-generation sequencing data along with developing assemblers, dozens to hundreds of gaps still exist in de novo microbial assemblies due to uneven coverage and large genomic repeats. Third-generation single-molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology avoids amplification artifacts and generates kilobase-long reads with the potential to complete microbial genome assembly. However, due to the low accuracy (~85%) of third-generation sequences, a considerable amount of long reads (>50X) are required for self-correction and for subsequent de novo assembly. Recently-developed hybrid approaches, using next-generation sequencing data and as few as 5X long reads, have been proposed to improve the completeness of microbial assembly. In this study we have evaluated the contemporary hybrid approaches and demonstrated that assembling corrected long reads (by runCA) produced the best assembly compared to long-read scaffolding (e.g., AHA, Cerulean and SSPACE-LongRead) and gap-filling (SPAdes). For generating corrected long reads, we further examined long-read correction tools, such as ECTools, LSC, LoRDEC, PBcR pipeline and proovread. We have demonstrated that three microbial genomes including Escherichia coli K12 MG1655, Meiothermus ruber DSM1279 and Pdeobacter heparinus DSM2366 were successfully hybrid assembled by runCA into near-perfect assemblies using ECTools-corrected long reads. In addition, we developed a tool, Patch, which implements corrected long reads and pre-assembled contigs as inputs, to enhance microbial genome assemblies. With the additional 20X long reads, short reads of S. cerevisiae W303 were hybrid assembled into 115 contigs using the verified strategy, ECTools + runCA. Patch was subsequently applied to upgrade the assembly to a 35-contig draft genome. Our evaluation of the hybrid approaches shows that assembling the ECTools-corrected long reads via runCA generates near complete microbial genomes, suggesting that genome assembly could benefit from re-analyzing the available hybrid datasets that were not assembled in an optimal fashion.

Need for Supplemental Oxygen at Discharge in Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Is Not Associated with Worse Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 3 Years Corrected Age

PubMed Central

Lodha, Abhay; Sauvé, Reg; Bhandari, Vineet; Tang, Selphee; Christianson, Heather; Bhandari, Anita; Amin, Harish; Singhal, Nalini

2014-01-01

Objectives To determine if chronic oxygen dependency (discharge home on supplemental oxygen) in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; defined as requirement for supplemental O2 at 36 weeks postmenstrual age) predicts neurodevelopmental disability rates and growth outcomes at 36 months corrected age (CA). Study Design Longitudinal cohort study. Setting Southern Alberta regional center located at high altitude. Participants Preterm infants weighing ≤1250 grams with no BPD, BPD, and BPD with chronic oxygen dependency. Main outcome measures Neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes. Results Of 1563 preterm infants admitted from 1995–2007, 1212 survived. Complete follow-up data were available for 1030 (85%) children. Children in BPD and BPD with chronic oxygen dependency groups had significantly lower birth weights, gestational ages, prolonged mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation and received more postnatal steroids, compared to those without BPD. Children with BPD and BPD with chronic oxygen dependency were more likely to be below the 5th centile in weight and height compared to those without BPD but there was little difference between the BPD and BPD with chronic oxygen dependency groups. After controlling for confounding variables, children who had BPD and BPD with chronic oxygen dependency had higher odds of neurodevelopmental disability compared to those without BPD [OR (odds ratio) 1.9 (95%CI 1.1 to 3.5) and OR 1.8 (1.1 to 2.9), respectively], with no significant difference between BPD and BPD with chronic oxygen dependency [OR 0.9 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.5)]. Conclusions BPD and BPD with chronic oxygen dependency in children predicts abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes at 36 months CA. However, the neurodevelopmental disability rates were not significantly higher in BPD with chronic oxygen dependency children compared to children with BPD only. Compared to those without BPD, growth is impaired in children with BPD and BPD with chronic oxygen dependency, but no difference between the latter two groups. PMID:24646665

Strategies for Treating Compensatory Articulation in Patients with Cleft Palate

PubMed Central

Del Carmen Pamplona, Maria; Ysunza, Antonio; Morales, Santiago

2014-01-01

Patients with cleft palate frequently show compensatory articulation (CA). CA requires a prolonged period of speech intervention. Some scaffolding strategies can be useful for correcting placement and manner of articulation in these cases. The purpose of this paper was to study whether the use of specific strategies of speech pathology can be more effective if applied according to the level of severity of CA. Ninety patients with CA were studied in two groups. One group was treated using strategies specific for their level of severity of articulation, whereas in the other group all strategies were used indistinctively. The degree of severity of CA was compared at the end of the speech intervention. After the speech therapy intervention, the group of patients in which the strategies were used selectively, showed a significantly greater decrease in the severity of CA, as compared with the patients in whom all the strategies were used indistinctively. An assessment of the severity of CA can be useful for selecting the strategies, which can be more effective for correcting the compensatory errors. PMID:24711749

Parenting behavior at 2 years predicts school-age performance at 7 years in very preterm children.

PubMed

Treyvaud, Karli; Doyle, Lex W; Lee, Katherine J; Ure, Alexandra; Inder, Terrie E; Hunt, Rod W; Anderson, Peter J

2016-07-01

Parenting influences child development, but it is unclear whether early parenting behavior can influence school-age outcomes in very preterm (VPT) children, and/or if certain groups of VPT children may be more affected by early parenting behavior. These research questions were examined. Participants were 147 children born <30 weeks' gestation or birth weight <1250 g and their primary caregiver. At term corrected age (CA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to determine presence and severity of brain abnormality and medical data collected. High medical risk was defined as the presence of at least one of sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, moderate to severe white matter abnormality on MRI, or postnatal corticosteroids. At 2 years CA, parent-child interaction was assessed, and at 7 years CA, general intelligence (IQ), language, executive function, academic skills, and social-emotional functioning were assessed. Higher levels of parent-child synchrony, and parent facilitation, sensitivity and positive affect at 2 years were associated with better child outcomes at 7 years, while higher levels of intrusiveness and negative affect were associated with poorer outcomes. Many of these relationships remained after controlling for early child cognitive development. Interactions between child medical risk (higher/lower) and parenting were limited to child reading, math, and executive functioning outcomes, with stronger relationships for lower medical risk children. The contribution of early parenting to VPT children's school-age performance is significant, with stronger effects for lower medical risk children in some outcomes. These findings support the premise that parenting strategies should be included in the NICU and early interventions programs for VPT infants. © 2015 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Smaller Cerebellar Growth and Poorer Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants Exposed to Neonatal Morphine.

PubMed

Zwicker, Jill G; Miller, Steven P; Grunau, Ruth E; Chau, Vann; Brant, Rollin; Studholme, Colin; Liu, Mengyuan; Synnes, Anne; Poskitt, Kenneth J; Stiver, Mikaela L; Tam, Emily W Y

2016-05-01

To examine the relationship between morphine exposure and growth of the cerebellum and cerebrum in very preterm neonates from early in life to term-equivalent age, as well as to examine morphine exposure and brain volumes in relation to neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months corrected age (CA). A prospective cohort of 136 very preterm neonates (24-32 weeks gestational age) was serially scanned with magnetic resonance imaging near birth and at term-equivalent age for volumetric measurements of the cerebellum and cerebrum. Motor outcomes were assessed with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition and cognitive outcomes with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 18 months CA. Generalized least squares models and linear regression models were used to assess relationships between morphine exposure, brain volumes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. A 10-fold increase in morphine exposure was associated with a 5.5% decrease in cerebellar volume, after adjustment for multiple clinical confounders and total brain volume (P = .04). When infants exposed to glucocorticoids were excluded, the association of morphine was more pronounced, with an 8.1% decrease in cerebellar volume. Morphine exposure was not associated with cerebral volume (P = .30). Greater morphine exposure also predicted poorer motor (P < .001) and cognitive outcomes (P = .006) at 18 months CA, an association mediated, in part, by slower brain growth. Morphine exposure in very preterm neonates is independently associated with impaired cerebellar growth in the neonatal period and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood. Alternatives to better manage pain in preterm neonates that optimize brain development and functional outcomes are urgently needed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Smaller Cerebellar Growth and Poorer Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants exposed to morphine

PubMed Central

Zwicker, Jill G; Miller, Steven P; Grunau, Ruth E; Chau, Vann; Brant, Rollin; Studholme, Colin; Liu, Mengyuan; Synnes, Anne; Poskitt, Kenneth J; Stiver, Mikaela L; Tam, Emily WY

2017-01-01

Objective To examine the relationship between morphine exposure and growth of the cerebellum and cerebrum in very preterm neonates from early in life to term-equivalent age, as well as to examine morphine exposure and brain volumes in relation to neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months corrected age (CA). Study design A prospective cohort of 136 very preterm neonates (24–32 weeks gestational age) was serially scanned with MRI near birth and at term-equivalent age for volumetric measurements of the cerebellum and cerebrum. Motor outcomes were assessed with the Peabody Scales of Motor Development-2 and cognitive outcomes with the Bayley-III at 18 months CA. Generalized least squares models and linear regression models were used to assess relationships between morphine exposure, brain volumes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Results A 10-fold increase in morphine exposure was associated with a 5.5% decrease in cerebellar volume, after adjustment for multiple clinical confounders and total brain volume (P=0.04). When infants exposed to glucocorticoids were excluded, the association of morphine was more pronounced, with an 8.2% decrease in cerebellar volume. Morphine exposure was not associated with cerebral volume (P=0.30). Greater morphine exposure also predicted poorer motor (P<0.001) and cognitive outcomes (P=0.006) at 18 months CA, an association mediated, in part, by slower brain growth. Conclusions Morphine exposure in very preterm neonates is independently associated with impaired cerebellar growth in the neonatal period and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood. Alternatives to better manage pain in preterm neonates that optimize brain development and functional outcomes are urgently needed. PMID:26763312

Localization of insulinomas to regions of the pancreas by intraarterial calcium stimulation: the NIH experience.

PubMed

Guettier, Jean-Marc; Kam, Anthony; Chang, Richard; Skarulis, Monica C; Cochran, Craig; Alexander, H Richard; Libutti, Steven K; Pingpank, James F; Gorden, Phillip

2009-04-01

Selective intraarterial calcium injection of the major pancreatic arteries with hepatic venous sampling [calcium arterial stimulation (CaStim)] has been used as a localizing tool for insulinomas at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1989. The accuracy of this technique for localizing insulinomas was reported for all cases until 1996. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy and track record of the CaStim over time and in the context of evolving technology and to review issues related to result interpretation and procedure complications. CaStim was the only invasive preoperative localization modality used at our center. Endoscopic ultrasound (US) was not studied. We conducted a retrospective case review at a referral center. Twenty-nine women and 16 men (mean age, 47 yr; range, 13-78) were diagnosed with an insulinoma from 1996-2008. A supervised fast was conducted to confirm the diagnosis of insulinoma. US, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CaStim were used as preoperative localization studies. Localization predicted by each preoperative test was compared to surgical localization for accuracy. We measured the accuracy of US, CT, MRI, and CaStim for localization of insulinomas preoperatively. All 45 patients had surgically proven insulinomas. Thirty-eight of 45 (84%) localized to the correct anatomical region by CaStim. In five of 45 (11%) patients, the CaStim was falsely negative. Two of 45 (4%) had false-positive localizations. The CaStim has remained vastly superior to abdominal US, CT, or MRI over time as a preoperative localizing tool for insulinomas. The utility of the CaStim for this purpose and in this setting is thus validated.

Muscle aging is associated with compromised Ca2+ spark signaling and segregated intracellular Ca2+ release

PubMed Central

Weisleder, Noah; Brotto, Marco; Komazaki, Shinji; Pan, Zui; Zhao, Xiaoli; Nosek, Thomas; Parness, Jerome; Takeshima, Hiroshi; Ma, Jianjie

2006-01-01

Reduced homeostatic capacity for intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) movement may underlie the progression of sarcopenia and contractile dysfunction during muscle aging. We report two alterations to Ca2+ homeostasis in skeletal muscle that are associated with aging. Ca2+ sparks, which are the elemental units of Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum, are silent under resting conditions in young muscle, yet activate in a dynamic manner upon deformation of membrane structures. The dynamic nature of Ca2+ sparks appears to be lost in aged skeletal muscle. Using repetitive voltage stimulation on isolated muscle preparations, we identify a segregated [Ca2+]i reserve that uncouples from the normal excitation–contraction process in aged skeletal muscle. Similar phenotypes are observed in adolescent muscle null for a synaptophysin-family protein named mitsugumin-29 (MG29) that is involved in maintenance of muscle membrane ultrastructure and Ca2+ signaling. This finding, coupled with decreased expression of MG29 in aged skeletal muscle, suggests that MG29 expression is important in maintaining skeletal muscle Ca2+ homeostasis during aging. PMID:16943181

Dysregulation of lysosomal morphology by pathogenic LRRK2 is corrected by TPC2 inhibition.

PubMed

Hockey, Leanne N; Kilpatrick, Bethan S; Eden, Emily R; Lin-Moshier, Yaping; Brailoiu, G Cristina; Brailoiu, Eugen; Futter, Clare E; Schapira, Anthony H; Marchant, Jonathan S; Patel, Sandip

2015-01-15

Two-pore channels (TPCs) are endolysosomal ion channels implicated in Ca(2+) signalling from acidic organelles. The relevance of these ubiquitous proteins for human disease, however, is unclear. Here, we report that lysosomes are enlarged and aggregated in fibroblasts from Parkinson disease patients with the common G2019S mutation in LRRK2. Defects were corrected by molecular silencing of TPC2, pharmacological inhibition of TPC regulators [Rab7, NAADP and PtdIns(3,5)P2] and buffering local Ca(2+) increases. NAADP-evoked Ca(2+) signals were exaggerated in diseased cells. TPC2 is thus a potential drug target within a pathogenic LRRK2 cascade that disrupts Ca(2+)-dependent trafficking in Parkinson disease. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Long-term treatment with calcium-alpha-ketoglutarate corrects secondary hyperparathyroidism.

PubMed

Zimmermann, E; Wassmer, S; Steudle, V

1996-01-01

Calcium-alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-ket) is known as a highly effective phosphate (P) binder in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In addition, alpha-ketoglutarate has been shown to improve metabolic alterations. We investigated the effect of long-term P-binding therapy with Ca-ket to determine whether P accumulation is the main reason of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in HD patients or not. Ca-ket was prescribed to 14 HD patients as a soluble preparation in a mean dosage of 4.5 g/day (0.975 g elemental Ca) for a period of 36 months. Serum P continuously dropped from prestudy 2.6 +/- 0.1 (mean +/- SEM) to 1.9 +/- 0.07 mmol/l (p < 0.001), whereas serum Ca increased from 2.2 +/- 0.1 to 2.47 +/- 0.08 mmol/l (p < 0.05). Thus, Ca/P ratio in serum converted significantly from 0.91 +/- 0.02 (prestudy) to 1.28 +/- 0.01 (p < 0.001). Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) continuously normalized in all patients from 29 +/- 5 to 8 +/- 2 pmol/l (p < 0.001). The present data show that long-term treatment with Ca-ket normalizes secondary HPT by simultaneously P binding and correcting Ca/P ratio in serum without vitamin D treatment.

REACH: study protocol of a randomised trial of rehabilitation very early in congenital hemiplegia

PubMed Central

Boyd, Roslyn N; Ziviani, Jenny; Sakzewski, Leanne; Novak, Iona; Badawi, Nadia; Pannek, Kerstin; Elliott, Catherine; Greaves, Susan; Guzzetta, Andrea; Whittingham, Koa; Valentine, Jane; Morgan, Cathy; Wallen, Margaret; Eliasson, Ann-Christin; Findlay, Lisa; Ware, Robert; Fiori, Simona; Rose, Stephen

2017-01-01

Objectives Congenital hemiplegia is the most common form of cerebral palsy (CP). Children with unilateral CP show signs of upper limb asymmetry by 8 months corrected age (ca) but are frequently not referred to therapy until after 12 months ca. This study compares the efficacy of infant-friendly modified constraint-induced movement therapy (Baby mCIMT) to infant friendly bimanual therapy (Baby BIM) on upper limb, cognitive and neuroplasticity outcomes in a multisite randomised comparison trial. Methods and analysis 150 infants (75 in each group), aged between 3 and 6 months ca, with asymmetric brain injury and clinical signs of upper extremity asymmetry will be recruited. Children will be randomised centrally to receive equal doses of either Baby mCIMT or Baby BIM. Baby mCIMT comprises restraint of the unimpaired hand using a simple restraint (eg, glove, sock), combined with intensive parent implemented practice focusing on active use of the impaired hand in a play-based context. In contrast, Baby BIM promotes active play requiring both hands in a play-based context. Both interventions will be delivered by parents at home with monthly home visits and interim telecommunication support by study therapists. Assessments will be conducted at study entry; at 6, 12 months ca immediately postintervention (primary outcome) and 24 months ca (retention). The primary outcome will be the Mini-Assisting Hand Assessment. Secondary outcomes include the Bayley Scale for Infant and Toddler Development (cognitive and motor domains) and the Hand Assessment of Infants. A subset of children will undertake MRI scans at 24 months ca to evaluate brain lesion severity and brain (re)organisation after intervention. Ethics and dissemination Full ethical approvals for this study have been obtained from the relevant sites. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications. Trial registration number Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615000180516, Pre results. PMID:28928195

Restricted Ventilation Associated with Reduced Neurodevelopmental Impairment in Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Vliegenthart, Roseanne J S; Onland, Wes; van Wassenaer-Leemhuis, Aleid G; De Jaegere, Anne P M; Aarnoudse-Moens, Cornelieke S H; van Kaam, Anton H

2017-01-01

Restrictive use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in preterm infants reduces the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Our objective was to determine its effect on neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 24 months' corrected age (CA). This retrospective single-center cohort study included all patients with a gestational age <30 weeks born in 2004/2005 (epoch 1) and 2010/2011 (epoch 2). In epoch 2, we introduced a policy of restriction on IMV and liberalized the use of respiratory stimulants in the delivery room and neonatal intensive care. Data on patient characteristics, respiratory management, short-term outcomes, mortality, BPD, and NDI at 24 months' CA were collected. Four hundred and four preterm infants were included. Compared to those in epoch 1, infants in epoch 2 were less likely to be intubated and the duration of IMV was shorter. Other noninvasive adjuvant therapies such as caffeine, doxapram, and nasal ventilation were more often used during epoch 2. There was a trend to less BPD in epoch 2 compared to epoch 1 (17 vs. 23%, adjusted OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.48, 1.16). Mortality did not change over time. The combined outcome death or NDI at 24 months' CA was significantly lower in epoch 2 compared to epoch 1 (24.7 vs. 33.9%, adjusted OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.97). Restricted use of IMV is feasible in preterm infants and might be associated with a reduced risk of the combined outcome death or NDI at 24 months' CA. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. © 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Allergic diseases among very preterm infants according to nutrition after hospital discharge.

PubMed

Zachariassen, Gitte; Faerk, Jan; Esberg, Birgitte H; Fenger-Gron, Jesper; Mortensen, Sven; Christesen, Henrik T; Halken, Susanne

2011-08-01

To determine whether a cow's milk-based human milk fortifier (HMF) added to mother's milk while breastfeeding or a cow's milk-based preterm formula compared to exclusively mother's milk after hospital discharge, increases the incidence of developing allergic diseases among very preterm infants (VPI) during the first year of life. Of a cohort of 324 VPI (gestational age 24-32 wk), the exclusively breastfed VPI were shortly before discharge randomized to breastfeeding without fortification or supplementing with a fortifier. Those not breastfed were fed a preterm formula. The intervention period was from discharge until 4 months corrected age (CA). Follow-up was performed at 4 and 12 months CA including specific IgE to a panel of allergens at 4 months CA. The incidence during and prevalence at 12 months CA of recurrent wheezing (RW) was 39.2% and 32.7%, while atopic dermatitis (AD) was 18.0% and 12.1%, respectively. Predisposition to allergic disease increased the risk of developing AD (p=0.04) [OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.0-6.4)] and the risk of developing RW (p=0.02) [OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.2-6.3)]. Boys had an increased risk of developing RW (p=0.003) [OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.5-6.5)]. No difference was found between nutrition groups. None developed food allergy. Compared to exclusively breastfed, VPI supplemented with HMF or fed exclusively a preterm formula for 4 months did not have an increased risk of developing allergic diseases during the first year of life. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Attaining genetic height potential: Analysis of height outcomes from the ANSWER Program in children treated with growth hormone over 5 years.

PubMed

Ross, Judith L; Lee, Peter A; Gut, Robert; Germak, John

2015-12-01

This study aimed to assess attainment of genetic height potential after long-term growth hormone (GH) treatment in GH-naïve children diagnosed with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD), multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD), born small for gestational age (SGA), or idiopathic short stature (ISS) enrolled in the American Norditropin® Web-enabled Research (ANSWER) Program. Children with IGHD (n=2884), MPHD (n=200), SGA (n=481), or ISS (n=733) with baseline height standard deviation score (HSDS)≤-2 were assessed over 5 years of GH treatment for mean HSDS, change in HSDS (ΔHSDS), and corrected HSDS (HSDS-target HSDS). Mean HSDS and corrected HSDS significantly increased to close to target height across all diagnostic groups after 5 years of GH treatment (P<0.0001). ∆HSDS at year 5 increased for all groups (IGHD: 1.8; MPHD: 2.1; SGA: 1.8; ISS: 1.6). Among patients who continued GH for 5 years, mean insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) SDS increased to within normal range across all groups. Body mass index (BMI) SDS remained relatively stable in all diagnostic groups. Bone age (BA) increased, and the mean BA to chronological age (BA/CA) ratio reached or approached 1 across diagnostic groups over 5 years of GH treatment. Long-term GH therapy resulted in a significant increase in mean HSDS and corrected HSDS from baseline values in all diagnostic groups. The observed increase in mean corrected HSDS is consistent with growth that approached the patients' genetic height potential, although complete height gains will be evaluated at the attainment of final height. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contractors Road Heavy Equipment Area SWMU 055 Corrective Measures Implementation Progress Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorman, Lane

2015-01-01

This Corrective Measures Implementation (CMI) Progress Report, Revision 1, for Contractor's Road Heavy Equipment (CRHE) Area Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) Number 055 was prepared by Geosyntec Consultants (Geosyntec) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under contract number NNK09CA02B, Delivery Order NNK09CA62D and Project Number PCN ENV-2324. This CMI Progress Report documents: (i) activities conducted as part of supplemental assessment activities completed from June 2009 through November 2014; (ii) Engineering Evaluation (EE) Advanced Data Packages (ADPs); and (iii) recommendations for future activities related to corrective measures at the Site.

Final voluntary release assessment/corrective action report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1996-11-12

The US Department of Energy, Carlsbad Area Office (DOE-CAO) has completed a voluntary release assessment sampling program at selected Solid Waste Management Units (SWMUs) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). This Voluntary Release Assessment/Corrective Action (RA/CA) report has been prepared for final submittal to the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) Region 6, Hazardous Waste Management Division and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Hazardous and Radioactive Materials Bureau to describe the results of voluntary release assessment sampling and proposed corrective actions at the SWMU sites. The Voluntary RA/CA Program is intended to be the first phase in implementing the Resourcemore » Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Investigation (RFI) and corrective action process at the WIPP. Data generated as part of this sampling program are intended to update the RCRA Facility Assessment (RFA) for the WIPP (Assessment of Solid Waste Management Units at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant), NMED/DOE/AIP 94/1. This Final Voluntary RA/CA Report documents the results of release assessment sampling at 11 SWMUs identified in the RFA. With this submittal, DOE formally requests a No Further Action determination for these SWMUs. Additionally, this report provides information to support DOE`s request for No Further Action at the Brinderson and Construction landfill SWMUs, and to support DOE`s request for approval of proposed corrective actions at three other SWMUs (the Badger Unit Drill Pad, the Cotton Baby Drill Pad, and the DOE-1 Drill Pad). This information is provided to document the results of the Voluntary RA/CA activities submitted to the EPA and NMED in August 1995.« less

Purification of chicken carbonic anhydrase isozyme-III (CA-III) and its measurement in White Leghorn chickens.

PubMed

Nishita, Toshiho; Tomita, Yuichiro; Yorifuji, Daisuke; Orito, Kensuke; Ochiai, Hideharu; Arishima, Kazuyosi

2011-11-26

The developmental profile of chicken carbonic anhydrase-III (CA-III) blood levels has not been previously determined or reported. We isolated CA-III from chicken muscle and investigated age-related changes in the levels of CA-III in blood. CA-III was purified from chicken muscle. The levels of CA-III in plasma and erythrocytes from 278 female chickens (aged 1-93 weeks) and 68 male chickens (aged 3-59 weeks) were determined by ELISA. The mean level of CA-III in female chicken erythrocytes (1 week old) was 4.6 μg/g of Hb, and the CA-III level did not change until 16 weeks of age. The level then increased until 63 weeks of age (11.8 μg/g of Hb), decreased to 4.7 μg/g of Hb at 73 weeks of age, and increased again until 93 weeks of age (8.6 μg/g of Hb). The mean level of CA-III in erythrocytes from male chickens (3 weeks old) was 2.4 μg/g of Hb, and this level remained steady until 59 weeks of age. The mean plasma level of CA-III in 1-week-old female chickens was 60 ng/mL, and this level was increased at 3 weeks of age (141 ng/mL) and then remained steady until 80 weeks of age (122 ng/mL). The mean plasma level of CA-III in 3-week-old male chickens was 58 ng/mL, and this level remained steady until 59 weeks of age. We observed both developmental changes and sex differences in CA-III concentrations in White Leghorn (WL) chicken erythrocytes and plasma. Simple linear regression analysis showed a significant association between the erythrocyte CA-III level and egg-laying rate in WL-chickens 16-63 weeks of age (p < 0.01).

Prevention of pathology in mdx mice by expression of utrophin: analysis using an inducible transgenic expression system.

PubMed

Squire, S; Raymackers, J M; Vandebrouck, C; Potter, A; Tinsley, J; Fisher, R; Gillis, J M; Davies, K E

2002-12-15

Duchenne muscular dystrophy results from the absence of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein. Previously, we have shown in a transgenic mouse model of the disease (mdx) that high levels of expression of the dystrophin-related protein, utrophin can prevent pathology. We developed a new transgenic mouse model where muscle specific utrophin expression was conditioned by addition of tetracycline in water. Transgene expression was turned on at different time points: in utero, at birth, 10 and 30 days after birth. We obtained moderate levels of expression, variable from fibre to fibre (mosaicism) but sufficient to induce a correct localization of the dystro-sarcoglycan complex. Histology revealed a reduction of necrotic foci and of the percentage of centronucleated fibres, which remained still largely above the normal level. Isometric force was not improved but the resistance to eccentric contractions was significantly stronger. When utrophin expression was activated 30 days after birth, improvements were marginal, suggesting that the age at which utrophin therapy is initiated could be an important factor. Our results also provide an unexpected insight into the pathogenesis of the dystrophinopathies. We observed a complete normalization of the characteristics of the mechano-sensitive/voltage-independent Ca(2+) channels (occurrence, open probabilities and Ca(2+) currents), while the classical markers of dystrophy were still abnormal. These observations question the role of increased Ca(2+) channel activity in initiating the dystrophic process. The new model shows that utrophin therapy, initiated after birth, can be effective, but the extent of correction of the various symptoms of dystrophinopathy critically depends on the amount of utrophin expressed.

Use of CHROMagar Candida for genital specimens in the diagnostic laboratory.

PubMed Central

Houang, E T; Chu, K C; Koehler, A P; Cheng, A F

1997-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate CHROMagar Candida (CA), a new yeast differential medium, for yeast isolation in a clinical laboratory for the routine examination of high vaginal swabs. METHODS: Results of high vaginal swab cultures processed in a standard manner on plates containing equal halves of Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and CA were compared. Non-Candida albicans yeast isolates were further speciated with API 20C AUX or API 32C. To assess the ease of use of CA, laboratory staff lacking in experience of the medium were asked to identify 23 unlabelled yeast cultures on CA by referring to six labelled reference plates. RESULTS: Of the 1784 swab cultures processed, yeasts were isolated from 373 SDA and 368 CA. Of the 78 non-albicans isolates further speciated, CA identified correctly all cultures of C krusei and C tropicalis, and 82% of C glabrata. All the 38 inexperienced laboratory staff achieved 100% accuracy for C albicans and over 90% for C krusei and C tropicalis. CONCLUSIONS: CA is a satisfactory isolation medium for genital specimens, allowing immediate and correct identification of the commonly encountered yeasts and easy recognition of mixed cultures. Images PMID:9306935

Implementation of a Nutrition Program Reduced Post-Discharge Growth Restriction in Thai Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Japakasetr, Suchada; Sirikulchayanonta, Chutima; Suthutvoravut, Umaporn; Chindavijak, Busba; Kagawa, Masaharu; Nokdee, Somjai

2016-12-17

Very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants are vulnerable to growth restriction after discharge due to cumulative protein and energy deficits during their hospital stay and early post-discharge period. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of the preterm infant, post-discharge nutrition (PIN) program to reduce post-discharge growth restriction in Thai VLBW preterm infants. A prospective, non-randomized interventional cohort study was undertaken to assess the growth of 22 VLBW preterm infants who received the PIN program and compared them with 22 VLBW preterm infants who received conventional nutrition services. Infant's growth was recorded monthly until the infants reached six months' corrected age (6-moCA). Intervention infants had significantly greater body weights ( p = 0.013) and head circumferences ( p = 0.009). Also, a greater proportion of the intervention group recovered their weight to the standard weight at 4-moCA ( p = 0.027) and at 6-moCA ( p = 0.007) and their head circumference to the standard head circumference at 6-moCA ( p = 0.004) compared to their historical comparison counterparts. Enlistment in the PIN program thus resulted in significantly reduced post-discharge growth restriction in VLBW preterm infants. Further research on longer term effects of the program on infant's growth and development is warranted.

Does duration of caffeine therapy in preterm infants born ≤1250 g at birth influence neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes at 3 years of age?

PubMed

Lodha, A; Rabi, Y; Soraisham, A; Dobry, J; Lodha, Arijit; Amin, H; Awad, E Al; Tang, S; Sahai, A; Bhandari, V

2018-05-08

To evaluate the effect of duration of caffeine use on long-term neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes at 3 years corrected age (CA) in preterm infants with birthweights (BW) ≤ 1250 g. All surviving infants with BW ≤ 1250 g admitted to the Foothills Medical Center neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from January 2002 to December 2009 who received the first dose of caffeine in the first week of life and were followed up at three years CA were included in the study. Demographics and follow-up outcomes were compared based on early cessation of caffeine ≤ 14 days (ECC), intermediate cessation of caffeine 15-30 days (ICC), and late cessation of caffeine >30 days (LCC). The primary outcome of ND impairment was present if a child had any one of the following: cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, visual impairment, or hearing impairment or deafness. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Of the 508 eligible infants, 448 (88%) were seen at 3 years CA at follow-up. ECC (n = 139), ICC (n = 122) and LCC (n = 187) groups had a median (range) BW of 979 (560-1250), 1010 (530-1250), and 980 (520-1250) g (p = 0.524) and median (range) gestational age (GA) of 27 (23-33), 28 (24-33), and 27 (24-32) weeks, respectively (p = 0.034). In logistic regression models adjusting for GA, maternal smoking, and each neonatal risk factor separately (IVH, NEC, sepsis, blood transfusions, BPD, postnatal dexamethasone, SNAP-II, and ventilator days), none of the models showed a statistically significant association between caffeine duration and ND impairment. The duration of caffeine use in premature infants in the NICU does not impact on long-term ND outcomes at 3 years CA.

Relationship between mother-infant mutual dyadic responsiveness and premature infant development as measured by the Bayley III at 6 weeks corrected age.

PubMed

White-Traut, Rosemary C; Rankin, Kristin M; Yoder, Joe; Zawacki, Laura; Campbell, Suzann; Kavanaugh, Karen; Brandon, Debra; Norr, Kathleen F

2018-06-01

The quality of mother-preterm infant interaction has been identified as a key factor in influencing the infant's later development and language acquisition. The relationship between mother-infant responsiveness and later development may be evident early in infancy, a time period which has been understudied. Describe the relationship between mother-infant mutual dyadic responsiveness and premature infant development. This study employed a secondary analysis of data from the 6-week corrected age (CA) follow-up visit of the Hospital-Home Transition: Optimizing Prematures' Environment (H-HOPE) study, a randomized clinical trial testing the efficacy of a mother- and infant- focused intervention for improving outcomes among premature infants. Premature infants born between 29 and 34 weeks gestational age and their mothers who had social-environmental risks. At 6-weeks corrected age, a play session was coded for the quality of mutual responsiveness (Dyadic Mutuality Code). Development was assessed via the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition. Of 137 mother-infant dyads, high, medium and low mutual responsiveness was observed for 35.8%, 34.3% and 29.9%, respectively. Overall motor, language and cognitive scores were 115.8 (SD = 8.2), 108.0 (7.7) and 109.3 (7.9). Multivariable linear models showed infants in dyads with high versus low mutual responsiveness had higher scores on the motor (β = 3.07, p = 0.06) and language (β = 4.47, p = 0.006) scales. High mutual responsiveness in mother-premature infant dyads is associated with significantly better language development and marginally better motor development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

75 FR 7570 - Notice of Public Hearings for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Silver Strand...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-22

... Impact Statement for the Silver Strand Training Complex, San Diego, CA; Correction AGENCY: Department of... Impact Statement for the Silver Strand Training Complex, San Diego, CA. The document contained incorrect.... Kent Randall, SSTC EIS Project Manager, 1220 Pacific Highway, Building 1, 5th Floor, San Diego, CA...

Aging and CaMKII alter intracellular Ca2+ transients and heart rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Santalla, Manuela; Valverde, Carlos A; Harnichar, Ezequiel; Lacunza, Ezequiel; Aguilar-Fuentes, Javier; Mattiazzi, Alicia; Ferrero, Paola

2014-01-01

Aging is associated to disrupted contractility and rhythmicity, among other cardiovascular alterations. Drosophila melanogaster shows a pattern of aging similar to human beings and recapitulates the arrhythmogenic conditions found in the human heart. Moreover, the kinase CaMKII has been characterized as an important regulator of heart function and an arrhythmogenic molecule that participate in Ca2+ handling. Using a genetically engineered expressed Ca2+ indicator, we report changes in cardiac Ca2+ handling at two different ages. Aging prolonged relaxation, reduced spontaneous heart rate (HR) and increased the occurrence of arrhythmias, ectopic beats and asystoles. Alignment between Drosophila melanogaster and human CaMKII showed a high degree of conservation and indicates that relevant phosphorylation sites in humans are also present in the fruit fly. Inhibition of CaMKII by KN-93 (CaMKII-specific inhibitor), reduced HR without significant changes in other parameters. By contrast, overexpression of CaMKII increased HR and reduced arrhythmias. Moreover, it increased fluorescence amplitude, maximal rate of rise of fluorescence and reduced time to peak fluorescence. These results suggest that CaMKII in Drosophila melanogaster acts directly on heart function and that increasing CaMKII expression levels could be beneficial to improve contractility.

FK506-binding protein 1b/12.6: a key to aging-related hippocampal Ca2+ dysregulation?

PubMed Central

Gant, JC; Blalock, EM; K-C, Chen; Kadish, I; Porter, NM; Norris, CM; Thibault, O; Landfield, PW

2014-01-01

It has been recognized for some time that the Ca2+-dependent slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) is larger in hippocampal neurons of aged compared with young animals. In addition, extensive studies since have shown that other Ca2+-mediated electrophysiological responses are increased in hippocampus with aging, including Ca2+ transients, L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel activity, Ca2+ spike duration and action potential accommodation. Elevated Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release from ryanodine receptors (RyRs) appears to drive amplification of the Ca2+ responses. Components of this Ca2+ dysregulation phenotype correlate with deficits in cognitive function and plasticity, indicating they may play critical roles in aging-related impairment of brain function. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying aging-related Ca2+ dysregulation are not well understood. FK506-binding proteins 1a and 1b (FKBP1a/1b, also known as FKBP12/12.6) are immunophilin proteins that bind the immunosuppressant drugs FK506 and rapamycin. In muscle cells, FKBP1a/1b also bind RyRs and inhibits Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, but it is not clear whether FKBPs act similarly in brain cells. Recently, we found that selectively disrupting hippocampal FKBP1b function in young rats, either by microinjecting adeno-associated viral vectors containing siRNA, or by treatment with rapamycin, increases the sAHP and recapitulates much of the hippocampal Ca2+ dysregulation phenotype. Moreover, in microarray studies, we found FKBP1b gene expression was downregulated in hippocampus of aging rats and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease subjects. These results suggest the novel hypothesis that declining FKBP function is a key factor in aging-related Ca2+ dysregulation in the brain and point to potential new therapeutic targets for counteracting unhealthy brain aging. PMID:24291098

Evidence that convergence rather than accommodation controls intermittent distance exotropia.

PubMed

Horwood, Anna M; Riddell, Patricia M

2012-03-01

This study considered whether vergence drives accommodation or accommodation drives vergence during the control of distance exotropia for near fixation. High accommodative convergence to accommodation (AC/A) ratios are often used to explain this control, but the role of convergence to drive accommodation (the CA/C relationship) is rarely considered. Atypical CA/C characteristics could equally, or better, explain common clinical findings. Nineteen distance exotropes, aged 4-11 years, were compared while controlling their deviation with 27 non-exotropic controls aged 5-9 years. Simultaneous vergence and accommodation responses were measured to a range of targets incorporating different combinations of blur, disparity and looming cues at four fixation distances between 2 m and 33 cm. Stimulus and response AC/A and CA/C ratios were calculated. Accommodation responses for near targets (p = 0.017) and response gains (p = 0.026) were greater in the exotropes than in the controls. Despite higher clinical stimulus AC/A ratios, the distance exotropes showed lower laboratory response AC/A ratios (p = 0.02), but significantly higher CA/C ratios (p = 0.02). All the exotropes, whether the angle changed most with lenses ('controlled by accommodation') or on occlusion ('controlled by fusion'), used binocular disparity not blur as their main cue to target distance. Increased vergence demand to control intermittent distance exotropia for near also drives significantly more accommodation. Minus lens therapy is more likely to act by correcting overaccommodation driven by controlling convergence, rather than by inducing blur-driven vergence. The use of convergence as a major drive to accommodation explains many clinical characteristics of distance exotropia, including apparently high near stimulus AC/A ratios. © 2012 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica © 2012 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.

Evidence that convergence rather than accommodation controls intermittent distance exotropia

PubMed Central

Horwood, Anna M; Riddell, Patricia M

2015-01-01

Purpose This study considered whether vergence drives accommodation or accommodation drives vergence during the control of distance exotropia for near fixation. High accommodative convergence to accommodation (AC/A) ratios are often used to explain this control, but the role of convergence to drive accommodation (the CA/C relationship) is rarely considered. Atypical CA/C characteristics could equally, or better, explain common clinical findings. Methods 19 distance exotropes, aged 4-11 years, were compared while controlling their deviation with 27 non-exotropic controls aged 5-9 years. Simultaneous vergence and accommodation responses were measured to a range of targets incorporating different combinations of blur, disparity and looming cues at four fixation distances between 2m and 33cm. Stimulus and response AC/A and CA/C ratios were calculated. Results Accommodation responses for near targets (p=0.017) response gains (p=0.026) were greater in the exotropes than the controls. Despite higher clinical stimulus AC/A ratios, the distance exotropes showed lower laboratory response AC/A ratios (p=0.02), but significantly higher CA/C ratios (p=0.02). All the exotropes, whether the angle changed most with lenses (“controlled by accommodation”) or on occlusion (“controlled by fusion”), used binocular disparity not blur as their main cue to target distance. Conclusions Increased vergence demand to control intermittent distance exotropia for near also drives significantly more accommodation. Minus lens therapy is more likely to act by correcting over-accommodation driven by controlling convergence, rather than by inducing blur-driven vergence. The use of convergence as a major drive to accommodation explains many clinical characteristics of distance exotropia, including apparently high near stimulus AC/A ratios. PMID:22280437

Association of Hippocampal Substructure Resting-State Functional Connectivity with Memory Performance in Older Adults.

PubMed

Smagula, Stephen F; Karim, Helmet T; Rangarajan, Anusha; Santos, Fernando Pasquini; Wood, Sossena C; Santini, Tales; Jakicic, John M; Reynolds, Charles F; Cameron, Judy L; Vallejo, Abbe N; Butters, Meryl A; Rosano, Caterina; Ibrahim, Tamer S; Erickson, Kirk I; Aizenstein, Howard J

2018-06-01

Hippocampal hyperactivation marks preclinical dementia pathophysiology, potentially due to differences in the connectivity of specific medial temporal lobe structures. Our aims were to characterize the resting-state functional connectivity of medial temporal lobe sub-structures in older adults, and evaluate whether specific substructural (rather than global) functional connectivity relates to memory function. In 15 adults (mean age: 69 years), we evaluated the resting state functional connectivity of medial temporal lobe substructures: dentate/Cornu Ammonis (CA) 4, CA1, CA2/3, subiculum, the molecular layer, entorhinal cortex, and parahippocampus. We used 7-Tesla susceptibility weighted imaging and magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo sequences to segment substructures of the hippocampus, which were used as structural seeds for examining functional connectivity in a resting BOLD sequence. We then assessed correlations between functional connectivity with memory performance (short and long delay free recall on the California Verbal Learning Test [CVLT]). All the seed regions had significant connectivity within the temporal lobe (including the fusiform, temporal, and lingual gyri). The left CA1 was the only seed with significant functional connectivity to the amygdala. The left entorhinal cortex was the only seed to have significant functional connectivity with frontal cortex (anterior cingulate and superior frontal gyrus). Only higher left dentate-left lingual connectivity was associated with poorer CVLT performance (Spearman r = -0.81, p = 0.0003, Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate: 0.01) after multiple comparison correction. Rather than global hyper-connectivity of the medial temporal lobe, left dentate-lingual connectivity may provide a specific assay of medial temporal lobe hyper-connectivity relevant to memory in aging. Copyright © 2018 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Customized silicone implant for the correction of acquired and congenital chest wall deformities: A valuable option with pectus excavatum.

PubMed

Soccorso, Giampiero; Parikh, Dakshesh H; Worrollo, Steve

2015-07-01

Surgical remodeling and correction of congenital and acquired chest wall deformities (CWD) is undertaken many times for cosmesis. Although reportedly minimally invasive, commonly used Nuss procedure for correction of pectus excavatum (PE) is not without complications. Nuss procedure is also not suitable for complex deformities and Poland syndrome cases. Insertion of custom-made silicone implants for the reconstruction of defects has been adopted from adult plastic reconstructive surgery as primary repair of CWD or rescue procedure for recurrence of PE after recurrence or residual deformity. We present our experience with CWD reconstruction in children with customized silicone prosthesis made from a surgically implantable liquid silicone rubber (NuSil MED-4805, Ca). Since 2006 we treated 26 patients with CWD: six were children (age <17years, median 14.6) with PE. Implants were custom made for each patient's chest. The implants were inserted under general anesthesia. Postoperatively all patients were fully satisfied with the cosmetic result and subjective patient satisfaction remained excellent at follow-up in all the children. Only one child developed postoperative complications (seroma). Customized silicone implant for PE in the pediatric age is an alternative therapeutic method, as primary or rescue treatment, with equally good cosmetic outcome, fewer significant complications, less postoperative pain and a faster recovery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel Genetic Loci Control Calcium Absorption and Femur Bone Mass as well as Their Response to Low Calcium Intake in Male BXD Recombinant Inbred Mice†

PubMed Central

Reyes Fernandez, Perla C.; Replogle, Rebecca A.; Wang, Libo; Zhang, Min; Fleet, James C.

2016-01-01

Low dietary calcium (Ca) intake during growth limits peak bone mass but physiological adaptation can prevent this adverse effect. To assess the genetic control on the physiologic response to dietary Ca restriction (RCR) we conducted a study in 51 BXD lines fed either 0.5% (basal) or 0.25% (low) Ca diets from 4–12 wks of age (n=8/line/diet). Ca absorption (CaAbs), femur bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) were examined. ANCOVA with body size as covariate was used to detect significant line and diet main effects, and line-by-diet interactions. Body size-corrected residuals were used for linkage mapping and to estimate heritability (h2). Loci controlling the phenotypes were identified using composite interval mapping on each diet and for the RCR. h2 of basal phenotypes (0.37– 0.43) and their RCR (0.32–0.38) was moderate. For each phenotype we identified multiple QTL on each diet and for the RCR. Several loci affected multiple traits: Chr 1 (88.3–90.6 cM, CaAbs, BMC), Chr 4 (45.8–49.2 cM, CaAbs, BMD, BMC), Chr 8 (28.6–31.6 cM, CaAbs, BMD RCR), and Chr 15 (13.6–24 cM, BMD, BMC), and (32.3–36 cM, CaAbs RCR, BMD). This suggests that gene clusters may regulate interdependent bone-related phenotypes. Using in silico expression QTL (eQTL) mapping and bioinformatic tools we identified novel candidates for the regulation of bone under Ca stress (Ext1, Deptor), and for the first time, we report genes modulating Ca absorption (Inadl, Sc4mol, Sh3rf1 and Dennd3), and both Ca and bone metabolism (Tceanc2, Tll1 and Aadat). Our data reveal gene-by-diet interactions and the existence of novel relationships between bone and Ca metabolism during growth. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved PMID:26636428

Atrial remodelling in atrial fibrillation: CaMKII as a nodal proarrhythmic signal

PubMed Central

Mesubi, Olurotimi O.; Anderson, Mark E.

2016-01-01

CaMKII is a serine–threonine protein kinase that is abundant in myocardium. Emergent evidence suggests that CaMKII may play an important role in promoting atrial fibrillation (AF) by targeting a diverse array of proteins involved in membrane excitability, cell survival, calcium homeostasis, matrix remodelling, inflammation, and metabolism. Furthermore, CaMKII inhibition appears to protect against AF in animal models and correct proarrhythmic, defective intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in fibrillating human atrial cells. This review considers current concepts and evidence from animal and human studies on the role of CaMKII in AF. PMID:26762270

From early stress to 12-month development in very preterm infants: Preliminary findings on epigenetic mechanisms and brain growth.

PubMed

Fumagalli, Monica; Provenzi, Livio; De Carli, Pietro; Dessimone, Francesca; Sirgiovanni, Ida; Giorda, Roberto; Cinnante, Claudia; Squarcina, Letizia; Pozzoli, Uberto; Triulzi, Fabio; Brambilla, Paolo; Borgatti, Renato; Mosca, Fabio; Montirosso, Rosario

2018-01-01

Very preterm (VPT) infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at risk for altered brain growth and less-than-optimal socio-emotional development. Recent research suggests that early NICU-related stress contributes to socio-emotional impairments in VPT infants at 3 months through epigenetic regulation (i.e., DNA methylation) of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4). In the present longitudinal study we assessed: (a) the effects of NICU-related stress and SLC6A4 methylation variations from birth to discharge on brain development at term equivalent age (TEA); (b) the association between brain volume at TEA and socio-emotional development (i.e., Personal-Social scale of Griffith Mental Development Scales, GMDS) at 12 months corrected age (CA). Twenty-four infants had complete data at 12-month-age. SLC6A4 methylation was measured at a specific CpG previously associated with NICU-related stress and socio-emotional stress. Findings confirmed that higher NICU-related stress associated with greater increase of SLC6A4 methylation at NICU discharge. Moreover, higher SLC6A4 discharge methylation was associated with reduced anterior temporal lobe (ATL) volume at TEA, which in turn was significantly associated with less-than-optimal GMDS Personal-Social scale score at 12 months CA. The reduced ATL volume at TEA mediated the pathway linking stress-related increase in SLC6A4 methylation at NICU discharge and socio-emotional development at 12 months CA. These findings suggest that early adversity-related epigenetic changes might contribute to the long-lasting programming of socio-emotional development in VPT infants through epigenetic regulation and structural modifications of the developing brain.

Predictors of cognitive impairment in an early stage Parkinson's disease cohort.

PubMed

Hu, Michele T M; Szewczyk-Królikowski, Konrad; Tomlinson, Paul; Nithi, Kannan; Rolinski, Michal; Murray, Clara; Talbot, Kevin; Ebmeier, Klaus P; Mackay, Clare E; Ben-Shlomo, Yoav

2014-03-01

The impact of Parkinson's disease (PD) dementia is substantial and has major functional and socioeconomic consequences. Early prediction of future cognitive impairment would help target future interventions. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and fluency tests were administered to 486 patients with PD within 3.5 years of diagnosis, and the results were compared with those from 141 controls correcting for age, sex, and educational years. Eighteen-month longitudinal assessments were performed in 155 patients with PD. The proportion of patients classified with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia varied considerably, depending on the MoCA and MMSE thresholds used. With the MoCA total score at screening threshold, 47.7%, 40.5%, and 11.7% of patients with PD were classified with normal cognition, MCI, and dementia, respectively; by comparison, 78.7% and 21.3% of controls had normal cognition and MCI, respectively. Cognitive impairment was predicted by lower education, increased age, male sex, and quantitative motor and non-motor (smell, depression, and anxiety) measures. Longitudinal data from 155 patients with PD over 18 months showed significant reductions in MoCA scores, but not in MMSE scores, with 21.3% of patients moving from normal cognition to MCI and 4.5% moving from MCI to dementia, although 13.5% moved from MCI to normal; however, none of the patients with dementia changed their classification. The MoCA may be more sensitive than the MMSE in detecting early baseline and longitudinal cognitive impairment in PD, because it identified 25.8% of those who experienced significant cognitive decline over 18 months. Cognitive decline was associated with worse motor and non-motor features, suggesting that this reflects a faster progressive phenotype. © 2014 The Authors. International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Age-dependent changes in autophosphorylation of alpha calcium/calmodulin dependent kinase II in hippocampus and amygdala after contextual fear conditioning.

PubMed

Fang, Ton; Kasbi, Kamillia; Rothe, Stephanie; Aziz, Wajeeha; Giese, K Peter

2017-09-01

The hippocampus and amygdala are essential brain regions responsible for contextual fear conditioning (CFC). The autophosphorylation of alpha calcium-calmodulin kinase II (αCaMKII) at threonine-286 (T286) is a critical step implicated in long-term potentiation (LTP), learning and memory. However, the changes in αCaMKII levels with aging and training in associated brain regions are not fully understood. Here, we studied how aging and training affect the levels of phosphorylated (T286) and proportion of phosphorylated:total αCaMKII in the hippocampus and amygdala. Young and aged mice, naïve (untrained) and trained in CFC, were analysed by immunohistochemistry for the levels of total and phosphorylated αCaMKII in the hippocampus and amygdala. We found that two hours after CFC training, young mice exhibited a higher level of phosphorylated and increased ratio of phosphorylated:total αCaMKII in hippocampal CA3 stratum radiatum. Furthermore, aged untrained mice showed a higher ratio of phosphorylated:total αCaMKII in the CA3 region of the hippocampus when compared to the young untrained group. No effect of training or aging were seen in the central, lateral and basolateral amygdala regions, for both phosphorylated and ratio of phosphorylated:total αCaMKII. These results show that aging impairs the training-induced upregulation of autophosphorylated (T286) αCaMKII in the CA3 stratum radiatum of the hippocampus. This indicates that distinct age-related mechanisms underlie CFC that may rely more heavily on NMDA receptor-dependent plasticity in young age. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Skeletal age and age verification in youth sport.

PubMed

Malina, Robert M

2011-11-01

Problems with accurate chronological age (CA) reporting occur on a more or less regular basis in youth sports. As a result, there is increasing discussion of age verification. Use of 'bone age' or skeletal age (SA) for the purpose of estimating or verifying CA has been used in medicolegal contexts for many years and also in youth sport competitions. This article reviews the concept of SA, and the three most commonly used methods of assessment. Variation in SA within CA groups among male soccer players and female artistic gymnasts is evaluated relative to the use of SA as a tool for verification of CA. Corresponding data for athletes in several other sports are also summarized. Among adolescent males, a significant number of athletes will be identified as older than a CA cutoff because of advanced skeletal maturation when they in fact have a valid CA. SA assessments of soccer players are comparable to MRI assessments of epiphyseal-diaphyseal union of the distal radius in under-17 soccer players. Both protocols indicate a relatively large number of false negatives among youth players aged 15-17 years. Among adolescent females, a significant number of age-eligible artistic gymnasts will be identified as younger than the CA cutoff because of later skeletal maturation when in fact they have a valid CA. There is also the possibility of false positives-identifying gymnasts as younger than the CA cutoff because of late skeletal maturation when they have a valid CA. The risk of false negatives and false positives implies that SA is not a valid indicator of CA.

β-Cell Ca(2+) dynamics and function are compromised in aging.

PubMed

Barker, Christopher J; Li, Luosheng; Köhler, Martin; Berggren, Per-Olof

2015-01-01

Defects in pancreatic β-cell function and survival are key components in type 2 diabetes (T2D). An age-dependent deterioration in β-cell function has also been observed, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Our previous studies indicate that the regulation of cytoplasmic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) may be critical and that this is dependent on the proper function of the mitochondria. The [Ca(2+)]i dynamics of the pancreatic β-cell are driven by an interplay between glucose-induced influx of extracellular Ca(2+) via voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3)-mediated liberation of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. Our previous work has indicated a direct relationship between disruption of Ins(1,4,5)P3-mediated Ca(2+) regulation and loss of β-cell function, including disturbed [Ca(2+)]i dynamics and compromised insulin secretion. To investigate these processes in aging we used three mouse models, a premature aging mitochondrial mutator mouse, a mature aging phenotype (C57BL/6) and an aging-resistant phenotype (129). Our data suggest that age-dependent impairment in mitochondrial function leads to modest changes in [Ca(2+)]i dynamics in mouse β-cells, particularly in the pattern of [Ca(2+)]i oscillations. These changes are driven by modifications in both PLC/Ins(1,4,5)P3-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization from intracellular stores and decreased β-cell Ca(2+) influx over the plasma membrane. Our findings underscore an important concept, namely that even relatively small, time-dependent changes in β-cell signal-transduction result in compromised insulin release and in a diabetic phenotype. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aging and CaMKII Alter Intracellular Ca2+ Transients and Heart Rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Santalla, Manuela; Valverde, Carlos A.; Harnichar, Ezequiel; Lacunza, Ezequiel; Aguilar-Fuentes, Javier; Mattiazzi, Alicia; Ferrero, Paola

2014-01-01

Aging is associated to disrupted contractility and rhythmicity, among other cardiovascular alterations. Drosophila melanogaster shows a pattern of aging similar to human beings and recapitulates the arrhythmogenic conditions found in the human heart. Moreover, the kinase CaMKII has been characterized as an important regulator of heart function and an arrhythmogenic molecule that participate in Ca2+ handling. Using a genetically engineered expressed Ca2+ indicator, we report changes in cardiac Ca2+ handling at two different ages. Aging prolonged relaxation, reduced spontaneous heart rate (HR) and increased the occurrence of arrhythmias, ectopic beats and asystoles. Alignment between Drosophila melanogaster and human CaMKII showed a high degree of conservation and indicates that relevant phosphorylation sites in humans are also present in the fruit fly. Inhibition of CaMKII by KN-93 (CaMKII-specific inhibitor), reduced HR without significant changes in other parameters. By contrast, overexpression of CaMKII increased HR and reduced arrhythmias. Moreover, it increased fluorescence amplitude, maximal rate of rise of fluorescence and reduced time to peak fluorescence. These results suggest that CaMKII in Drosophila melanogaster acts directly on heart function and that increasing CaMKII expression levels could be beneficial to improve contractility. PMID:25003749

Maturational Patterns of Systolic Ventricular Deformation Mechanics by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Preterm Infants over the First Year of Age.

PubMed

Levy, Philip T; El-Khuffash, Afif; Patel, Meghna D; Breatnach, Colm R; James, Adam T; Sanchez, Aura A; Abuchabe, Cristina; Rogal, Sarah R; Holland, Mark R; McNamara, Patrick J; Jain, Amish; Franklin, Orla; Mertens, Luc; Hamvas, Aaron; Singh, Gautam K

2017-07-01

The aim of this study was to determine the maturational changes in systolic ventricular strain mechanics by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in extremely preterm neonates from birth to 1 year of age and discern the impact of common cardiopulmonary abnormalities on the deformation measures. In a prospective multicenter study of 239 extremely preterm infants (<29 weeks gestation at birth), left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global longitudinal systolic strain rate (GLSRs), interventricular septal wall (IVS) GLS and GLSRs, right ventricular (RV) free wall longitudinal strain and strain rate, and segmental longitudinal strain in the RV free wall, LV free wall, and IVS were serially measured on days 1, 2, and 5 to 7, at 32 and 36 weeks postmenstrual age, and at 1 year corrected age (CA). Premature infants who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia or had echocardiographic findings of pulmonary hypertension were analyzed separately. In uncomplicated preterm infants (n = 103 [48%]), LV GLS and GLSRs remained unchanged from days 5 to 7 to 1 year CA (P = .60 and P = .59). RV free wall longitudinal strain, RV free wall longitudinal strain rate, and IVS GLS and GLSRs significantly increased over the same time period (P < .01 for all measures). A significant base-to-apex (highest to lowest) segmental longitudinal strain gradient (P < .01) was seen in the RV free wall and a reverse apex-to-base gradient (P < .01) in the LV free wall. In infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and/or pulmonary hypertension (n = 119 [51%]), RV free wall longitudinal strain and IVS GLS were significantly lower (P < .01), LV GLS and GLSRs were similar (P = .56), and IVS segmental longitudinal strain persisted as an RV-dominant base-to-apex gradient from 32 weeks postmenstrual age to 1 year CA. This study tracks the maturational patterns of global and regional deformation by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in extremely preterm infants from birth to 1 year CA. The maturational patterns are ventricular specific. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension leave a negative impact on RV and IVS strain, while LV strain remains stable. Copyright © 2017 American Society of Echocardiography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cumulative Adversity Sensitizes Neural Response to Acute Stress: Association with Health Symptoms

PubMed Central

Seo, Dongju; Tsou, Kristen A; Ansell, Emily B; Potenza, Marc N; Sinha, Rajita

2014-01-01

Cumulative adversity (CA) increases stress sensitivity and risk of adverse health outcomes. However, neural mechanisms underlying these associations in humans remain unclear. To understand neural responses underlying the link between CA and adverse health symptoms, the current study assessed brain activity during stress and neutral-relaxing states in 75 demographically matched, healthy individuals with high, mid, and low CA (25 in each group), and their health symptoms using the Cornell Medical Index. CA was significantly associated with greater adverse health symptoms (P=0.01) in all participants. Functional magnetic resonance imaging results indicated significant associations between CA scores and increased stress-induced activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex, insula, striatum, right amygdala, hippocampus, and temporal regions in all 75 participants (p<0.05, whole-brain corrected). In addition to these regions, the high vs low CA group comparison revealed decreased stress-induced activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in the high CA group (p<0.01, whole-brain corrected). Specifically, hypoactive medial OFC and hyperactive right hippocampus responses to stress were each significantly associated with greater adverse health symptoms (p<0.01). Furthermore, an inverse correlation was found between activity in the medial OFC and right hippocampus (p=0.01). These results indicate that high CA sensitizes limbic–striatal responses to acute stress and also identifies an important role for stress-related medial OFC and hippocampus responses in the effects of CA on increasing vulnerability to adverse health consequences. PMID:24051900

Cumulative adversity sensitizes neural response to acute stress: association with health symptoms.

PubMed

Seo, Dongju; Tsou, Kristen A; Ansell, Emily B; Potenza, Marc N; Sinha, Rajita

2014-02-01

Cumulative adversity (CA) increases stress sensitivity and risk of adverse health outcomes. However, neural mechanisms underlying these associations in humans remain unclear. To understand neural responses underlying the link between CA and adverse health symptoms, the current study assessed brain activity during stress and neutral-relaxing states in 75 demographically matched, healthy individuals with high, mid, and low CA (25 in each group), and their health symptoms using the Cornell Medical Index. CA was significantly associated with greater adverse health symptoms (P=0.01) in all participants. Functional magnetic resonance imaging results indicated significant associations between CA scores and increased stress-induced activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex, insula, striatum, right amygdala, hippocampus, and temporal regions in all 75 participants (p<0.05, whole-brain corrected). In addition to these regions, the high vs low CA group comparison revealed decreased stress-induced activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in the high CA group (p<0.01, whole-brain corrected). Specifically, hypoactive medial OFC and hyperactive right hippocampus responses to stress were each significantly associated with greater adverse health symptoms (p<0.01). Furthermore, an inverse correlation was found between activity in the medial OFC and right hippocampus (p=0.01). These results indicate that high CA sensitizes limbic-striatal responses to acute stress and also identifies an important role for stress-related medial OFC and hippocampus responses in the effects of CA on increasing vulnerability to adverse health consequences.

Correlation Between Fractional Anisotropy and Motor Outcomes in One-Year-Old Infants with Periventricular Brain Injury

PubMed Central

Madhavan, Sangeetha; Campbell, Suzann K.; Campise-Luther, Rose; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah; Zawacki, Laura; Clark, April; Boynewicz, Kara; Kale, Dipti; Bulanda, Michelle; Yu, Jinsheng; Sui, Yi; Zhou, Xiaohong Joe

2014-01-01

Purpose To determine whether motor outcomes of an exercise intervention beginning at 2 months corrected age (CA) in children with periventricular brain injury (PBI) are correlated with fractional anisotropy (FA) measures derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at 12 months CA. Materials and Methods DTI was performed in eight infants with PBI who were randomly assigned to kicking and treadmill stepping exercise or a no-training condition. Development was assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). FA values were derived from regions of interest (ROI) in the middle third of the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) and the posterior thalamic radiation (PTR). Results Significant correlations were observed between motor development and FA measures. For PLIC, the correlation coefficients were 0.82 between FA and AIMS, and -0.92 between FA and GMFCS, while for PTR the corresponding correlation coefficients were 0.73 and -0.80, respectively. Conclusion Results of this study suggest that quantitative evaluation of white matter tracts using DTI at 12 months CA may be useful for assessment of brain plasticity in children. PMID:24136687

Correlation between fractional anisotropy and motor outcomes in one-year-old infants with periventricular brain injury.

PubMed

Madhavan, Sangeetha; Campbell, Suzann K; Campise-Luther, Rose; Gaebler-Spira, Deborah; Zawacki, Laura; Clark, April; Boynewicz, Kara; Kale, Dipti; Bulanda, Michelle; Yu, Jinsheng; Sui, Yi; Zhou, Xiaohong Joe

2014-04-01

To determine whether motor outcomes of an exercise intervention beginning at 2 months corrected age (CA) in children with periventricular brain injury (PBI) are correlated with fractional anisotropy (FA) measures derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at 12 months CA. DTI was performed in eight infants with PBI who were randomly assigned to kicking and treadmill stepping exercise or a no-training condition. Development was assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). FA values were derived from regions of interest (ROIs) in the middle third of the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) and the posterior thalamic radiation (PTR). Significant correlations were observed between motor development and FA measures. For PLIC, the correlation coefficients were 0.82 between FA and AIMS, and -0.92 between FA and GMFCS, while for PTR the corresponding correlation coefficients were 0.73 and -0.80, respectively. Results of this study suggest that quantitative evaluation of white matter tracts using DTI at 12 months CA may be useful for assessment of brain plasticity in children. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Wnt5a is essential for hippocampal dendritic maintenance and spatial learning and memory in adult mice

PubMed Central

Chen, Chih-Ming; Orefice, Lauren L.; Chiu, Shu-Ling; LeGates, Tara A.; Huganir, Richard L.; Zhao, Haiqing; Xu, Baoji; Kuruvilla, Rejji

2017-01-01

Stability of neuronal connectivity is critical for brain functions, and morphological perturbations are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. However, how neuronal morphology is maintained in the adult brain remains poorly understood. Here, we identify Wnt5a, a member of the Wnt family of secreted morphogens, as an essential factor in maintaining dendritic architecture in the adult hippocampus and for related cognitive functions in mice. Wnt5a expression in hippocampal neurons begins postnatally, and its deletion attenuated CaMKII and Rac1 activity, reduced GluN1 glutamate receptor expression, and impaired synaptic plasticity and spatial learning and memory in 3-mo-old mice. With increased age, Wnt5a loss caused progressive attrition of dendrite arbors and spines in Cornu Ammonis (CA)1 pyramidal neurons and exacerbated behavioral defects. Wnt5a functions cell-autonomously to maintain CA1 dendrites, and exogenous Wnt5a expression corrected structural anomalies even at late-adult stages. These findings reveal a maintenance factor in the adult brain, and highlight a trophic pathway that can be targeted to ameliorate dendrite loss in pathological conditions. PMID:28069946

Growth of preterm infants fed nutrient-enriched or term formula after hospital discharge.

PubMed

Carver, J D; Wu, P Y; Hall, R T; Ziegler, E E; Sosa, R; Jacobs, J; Baggs, G; Auestad, N; Lloyd, B

2001-04-01

At hospital discharge, preterm infants may have low body stores of nutrients, deficient bone mineralization, and an accumulated energy deficit. This double-blind, randomized study evaluated the growth of premature infants with birth weights <1800 g who were fed a 22 kcal/fl oz nutrient-enriched postdischarge formula (PDF) or a 20 kcal/fl oz term-infant formula (TF) from hospital discharge to 12 months' corrected age (CA). Infants were randomized to PDF or TF a few days before hospital discharge with stratification by gender and birth weight (<1250 g or >/=1250 g). The formulas were fed to 12 months' CA. Growth was evaluated using analysis of variance controlling for site, feeding, gender, and birth weight group. Interaction effects were also assessed. Secondary analyses included a repeated measures analysis and growth modeling. One hundred twenty-five infants were randomized; 74 completed to 6 months' CA and 53 to 12 months' CA. PDF-fed infants weighed more than TF-fed infants at 1 and 2 months' CA, gained more weight from study day 1 to 1 and 2 months' CA, and were longer at 3 months' CA. There were significant interactions between feeding and birth weight group-among infants with birth weights <1250 g, those fed PDF weighed more at 6 months' CA, were longer at 6 months' CA, had larger head circumferences at term 1, 3, 6, and 12 months' CA, and gained more in head circumference from study day 1 to term and to 1 month CA. The repeated measures and growth modeling analyses confirmed the analysis of variance results. The PDF formula seemed to be of particular benefit for the growth of male infants. Infants fed the PDF consumed less formula and had higher protein intakes at several time points. Energy intakes, however, were not different. Growth was improved in preterm infants fed a nutrient-enriched postdischarge formula after hospital discharge to 12 months' CA. Beneficial effects were most evident among infants with birth weights <1250 g, particularly for head circumference measurements.

The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) and its sub-scores: normative values in an Italian population sample.

PubMed

Siciliano, Mattia; Raimo, Simona; Tufano, Dario; Basile, Giuseppe; Grossi, Dario; Santangelo, Franco; Trojano, Luigi; Santangelo, Gabriella

2016-03-01

The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) is a rapid screening battery, including five sub-scales to explore different cognitive domains: attention/orientation, memory, fluency, language and visuospatial. ACE-R is considered useful in discriminating cognitively normal subjects from patients with mild dementia. The aim of present study was to provide normative values for ACE-R total score and sub-scale scores in a large sample of Italian healthy subjects. Five hundred twenty-six Italian healthy subjects (282 women and 246 men) of different ages (age range 20-93 years) and educational level (from primary school to university) underwent ACE-R and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age and education significantly influenced performance on ACE-R total score and sub-scale scores. A significant effect of gender was found only in sub-scale attention/orientation. From the derived linear equation, a correction grid for raw scores was built. Inferential cut-offs score were estimated using a non-parametric technique and equivalent scores (ES) were computed. Correlation analysis showed a good significant correlation between ACE-R adjusted scores with MoCA adjusted scores (r = 0.612, p < 0.001). The present study provided normative data for the ACE-R in an Italian population useful for both clinical and research purposes.

Comparing two motor assessment tools to evaluate neurobehavioral intervention effects in infants with very low birth weight at 1 year.

PubMed

Van Hus, Janeline W P; Jeukens-Visser, Martine; Koldewijn, Karen; Van Sonderen, Loekie; Kok, Joke H; Nollet, Frans; Van Wassenaer-Leemhuis, Aleid G

2013-11-01

Infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) are at increased risk for motor deficits, which may be reduced by early intervention programs. For detection of motor deficits and to monitor intervention, different assessment tools are available. It is important to choose tools that are sensitive to evaluate the efficacy of intervention on motor outcome. The purpose of this study was to compare the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Dutch Second Edition (BSID-II-NL) in their ability to evaluate effects of an early intervention, provided by pediatric physical therapists, on motor development in infants with VLBW at 12 months corrected age (CA). This was a secondary study in which data collected from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) were used. At 12 months CA, 116 of 176 infants with VLBW participating in an RCT on the effect of the Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program were assessed with both the AIMS and the PDI. Intervention effects on the AIMS and PDI were compared. Corrected for baseline differences, significant intervention effects were found for AIMS and PDI scores. The highest effect size was for the AIMS subscale sit. A significant reduction of abnormal motor development in the intervention group was found only with the AIMS. No Dutch norms are available for the AIMS. The responsiveness of the AIMS to detect intervention effects was better than that of the PDI. Therefore, caution is recommended in monitoring infants with VLBW only with the PDI, and the use of both the AIMS and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development is advised when evaluating intervention effects on motor development at 12 months CA.

Multicenter Evaluation of the Bruker MALDI Biotyper CA System for the Identification of Clinically Important Bacteria and Yeasts.

PubMed

Wilson, Deborah A; Young, Stephen; Timm, Karen; Novak-Weekley, Susan; Marlowe, Elizabeth M; Madisen, Neil; Lillie, Jennifer L; Ledeboer, Nathan A; Smith, Rebecca; Hyke, Josh; Griego-Fullbright, Christen; Jim, Patricia; Granato, Paul A; Faron, Matthew L; Cumpio, Joven; Buchan, Blake W; Procop, Gary W

2017-06-01

A report on the multicenter evaluation of the Bruker MALDI Biotyper CA System (MBT-CA; Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA) for the identification of clinically important bacteria and yeasts. In total, 4,399 isolates of medically important bacteria and yeasts were assessed in the MBT-CA. These included 2,262 aerobic gram-positive (AGP) bacteria, 792 aerobic gram-negative (AGN) bacteria 530 anaerobic (AnA) bacteria, and 815 yeasts (YSTs). Three processing methods were assesed. Overall, 98.4% (4,329/4,399) of all bacterial and yeast isolates were correctly identified to the genus and species/species complex level, and 95.7% of isolates were identified with a high degree of confidence. The percentage correctly identified and the percentage identified correctly with a high level of confidence, respectively, were as follows: AGP bacteria (98.6%/96.5%), AGN bacteria (98.5%/96.8%), AnA bacteria (98.5%/97.4%), and YSTs (97.8%/87.6%). The extended direct transfer method was only minimally superior to the direct transfer method for bacteria (89.9% vs 86.8%, respectively) but significantly superior for yeast isolates (74.0% vs 48.9%, respectively). The Bruker MALDI Biotyper CA System accurately identifies most clinically important bacteria and yeasts and has optional processing methods to improve isolate characterization. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Calcium Isotope Analysis with "Peak Cut" Method on Column Chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, H.; Zhang, Z.; Liu, F.; Li, X.

2017-12-01

To eliminate isobaric interferences from elemental and molecular isobars (e.g., 40K+, 48Ti+, 88Sr2+, 24Mg16O+, 27Al16O+) on Ca isotopes during mass determination, samples should be purified through ion-exchange column chemistry before analysis. However, large Ca isotopic fractionation has been observed during column chemistry (Russell and Papanastassiou, 1978; Zhu et al., 2016). Therefore, full recovery during column chemistry is greatly needed, otherwise uncertainties would be caused by poor recovery (Zhu et al., 2016). Generally, matrix effects could be enhanced by full recovery, as other elements might overlap with Ca cut during column chemistry. Matrix effects and full recovery are difficult to balance and both need to be considered for high-precision analysis of stable Ca isotopes. Here, we investigate the influence of poor recovery on δ44/40Ca using TIMS with the double spike technique. The δ44/40Ca values of IAPSO seawater, ML3B-G and BHVO-2 in different Ca subcats (e.g., 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, 80-100%) with 20% Ca recovery on column chemistry display limited variation after correction by the 42Ca-43Ca double spike technique with the exponential law. Notably, δ44/40Ca of each Ca subcut is quite consistent with δ44/40Ca of Ca cut with full recovery within error. Our results indicate that the 42Ca-43Ca double spike technique can simultaneously correct both of the Ca isotopic fractionation that occurred during column chemistry and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) determination properly, because both of the isotopic fractionation occurred during analysis follow the exponential law well. Therefore, we propose the "peak cut" method on Ca column chemistry for samples with complex matrix effects. Briefly, for samples with low Ca contents, we can add the double spike before column chemistry, and only collect the middle of the Ca eluate and abandon the both sides of Ca eluate that might overlap with other elements (e.g., K, Sr). This method would eliminate matrix effects and improve efficiency for the column chemistry.

Radiocarbon constraints on fossil thinolite tufa formation in the Mono Basin, CA, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leroy, S. L.; Zimmerman, S. R.; Hemming, S. R.; Stine, S.; Guilderson, T. P.

2009-12-01

Mono Lake is a terminal lake located at the western edge of the Great Basin, and is famous for its tufa towers. Thinolite, which is thought to be a CaCO3 pseudomorph of ikaite, is found around the Mono Basin in many fossil tufa towers, particularly at elevations above 2000 meters. The subaqueous parent mineral ikaite forms at low temperatures (< 6 °C) (Bischoff et al., 1993) and requires specific water chemistry. Previous radiocarbon dating of fossil tufa towers around the Mono Basin has yielded a rather small range of ages for the highest elevation towers, between 11.8 and 14.1 14C kyr BP (no corrections for reservoir effects have been made). A thinolite fan collected from outcrops in Mill Creek, just north of the current Mono Lake yielded an age of 10,690 ± 45 14C yr BP (12,750 ± 80 cal yr BP), consistent with a ca. 1000 year reservoir age and coincidence with thinolite crystals found in a core from the northwestern embayment of Mono Lake (Davis, 1999, QR), and thus correlating with the Younger Dryas cooling event as exhibited in the GISP2 δ18O record. While most of the thinolite textures are found at high elevations, we sampled a mound at 1955 meters (near the current shoreline, north of the lake and just east of Black Point) that has many concentric layers, some containing thinolite textures. Although tufa mounds can form very rapidly, the location at low elevation and the presence of at least 19 distinct layers led us to consider that this mound might represent a long term record of Mono Lake’s chemistry. The new data confirm that the mound formed over a long period within the last glacial cycle, with ages ranging beyond the current limits of measurement (>34 kyr) to as young as 15.5 14C kyr BP. In general there is a consistent stratigraphic trend of ages within the mound, but the thinolite ages are anomalously young and one thinolite sample shows a large age reversal. The best estimate of the age of the precipitation of this tufa mound is given by the non-thinolite textures. More work is needed to determine the best sampling and sample preparation strategies in order to get a reliable age model for this mound.

Cardiac Overexpression of Antioxidant Catalase Attenuates Aging-Induced Cardiomyocyte Relaxation Dysfunction

PubMed Central

Ren, Jun; Li, Qun; Wu, Shan; Li, Shi-Yan; Babcock, Sara A.

2007-01-01

Catalase, an enzyme which detoxifies H2O2, may interfere with cardiac aging. To test this hypothesis, contractile and intracellular Ca2+ properties were evaluated in cardiomyocytes from young (3–4 mo) and old (26–28 mo) FVB and transgenic mice with cardiac overexpression of catalase. Contractile indices analyzed included peak shortening (PS), time-to-90% PS (TPS90), time-to-90% relengthening (TR90), half-width duration (HWD), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (± dL/dt) and intracellular Ca2+ levels or decay rate. Levels of advanced glycation endproduct (AGE), Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a), phospholamban (PLB), myosin heavy chain (MHC), membrane Ca2+ and K+ channels were measured by western blot. Catalase transgene prolonged survival while did not alter myocyte function by itself. Aging depressed ± dL/dt, prolonged HWD, TR90 and intracellular Ca2+ decay without affecting other indices in FVB myocytes. Aged FVB myocytes exhibited a stepper decline in PS in response to elevated stimulus or a dampened rise in PS in response to elevated extracellular Ca2+ levels. Interestingly, aging-induced defects were nullified or significantly attenuated by catalase. AGE level was elevated by 5-fold in aged FVB compared with young FVB mice, which was reduced by catalase. Expression of SERCA2a, NCX and Kv1.2 K+ channel was significantly reduced although levels of PLB, L-type Ca2+ channel dihydropyridine receptor and β-MHC isozyme remained unchanged in aged FVB hearts. Catalase restored NCX and Kv1.2 K+ channel but not SERCA2a level in aged mice. In summary, our data suggested that catalase protects cardiomyocytes from aging-induced contractile defect possibly via improved intracellular Ca2+ handling. PMID:17250874

Redox modification of ryanodine receptors by mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species contributes to aberrant Ca2+ handling in ageing rabbit hearts

PubMed Central

Cooper, Leroy L; Li, Weiyan; Lu, Yichun; Centracchio, Jason; Terentyeva, Radmila; Koren, Gideon; Terentyev, Dmitry

2013-01-01

Ageing is associated with a blunted response to sympathetic stimulation and an increased risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Aberrant calcium (Ca2+) handling is an important contributor to the electrical and contractile dysfunction associated with ageing. Yet, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal Ca2+ handling in ageing heart remain poorly understood. In this study, we used ventricular myocytes isolated from young (5–9 months) and old (4–6 years) rabbit hearts to test the hypothesis that changes in Ca2+ homeostasis are caused by post-translational modification of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) by mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the ageing heart. Changes in parameters of Ca2+ handling were determined by measuring cytosolic and intra-sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ dynamics in intact and permeabilized ventricular myocytes using confocal microscopy. We also measured age-related changes in ROS production and mitochondria membrane potential using a ROS-sensitive dye and a mitochondrial voltage-sensitive fluorescent indicator, respectively. In permeablized myocytes, ageing did not change SERCA activity and spark frequency but decreased spark amplitude and SR Ca2+ load suggesting increased RyR activity. Treatment with the antioxidant dithiothreitol reduced RyR-mediated SR Ca2+ leak in permeabilized myocytes from old rabbit hearts to the level comparable to young. Moreover, myocytes from old rabbits had more depolarized mitochondria membrane potential and increased rate of ROS production. Under β-adrenergic stimulation, Ca2+ transient amplitude, SR Ca2+ load, and latency of pro-arrhythmic spontaneous Ca2+ waves (SCWs) were decreased while RyR-mediated SR Ca2+ leak was increased in cardiomyocytes from old rabbits. Additionally, with β-adrenergic stimulation, scavenging of mitochondrial ROS in myocytes from old rabbit hearts restored redox status of RyRs, which reduced SR Ca2+ leak, ablated most SCWs, and increased latency to levels comparable to young. These data indicate that an age-associated increase of ROS production by mitochondria leads to the thiol-oxidation of RyRs, which underlies the hyperactivity of RyRs and thereby shortened refractoriness of Ca2+ release in cardiomyocytes from the ageing heart. This mechanism probably plays an important role in the increased incidence of arrhythmia and sudden death in the ageing population. PMID:24042501

Timing of metamorphism and exhumation in the Nordøyane ultra-high-pressure domain, Western Gneiss Region, Norway: New constraints from complementary CA-ID-TIMS and LA-MC-ICP-MS geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, J. P.; Jamieson, R. A.; Dunning, G. R.; Pecha, M. E.; Robinson, P.; Steenkamp, H. M.

2018-06-01

We present the results of a combined CA-ID-TIMS and LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology study of zircon and associated rutile and titanite from the Nordøyane ultra-high-pressure (UHP) domain in the Western Gneiss Region (WGR) of Norway. The dated samples include 4 eclogite bodies, 2 host-rock migmatites, and 2 cross-cutting pegmatites and leucosomes, all from the island of Harøya. Zircon from a coesite eclogite yielded an age of ca. 413 Ma, interpreted as the time of UHP metamorphism in this sample. Zircon data from the other eclogite bodies yielded metamorphic ages of ca. 413 Ma, 407 Ma, and 406 Ma; zircon trace-element data associated with 413 Ma and 407 Ma ages are consistent with eclogite-facies crystallization. In all of the eclogites, U-Pb dates from zircon cores, interpreted as the times of protolith crystallization, range from ca. 1680-1586 Ma, consistent with Gothian ages from orthogneisses in Nordøyane and elsewhere in the WGR. A zircon core age of ca. 943 Ma from one sample agrees with Sveconorwegian ages of felsic gneisses and pegmatites in the western part of the area. Migmatites hosting the eclogite bodies yielded zircon core ages of ca. 1657-1591 Ma and rim ages of ca. 395-392 Ma, interpreted as the times of Gothian protolith formation and Scandian partial melt crystallization, respectively. Pegmatite in an eclogite boudin neck yielded a crystallization age of ca. 388 Ma, interpreted as the time of melt crystallization. Rutile and titanite from 3 samples (an eclogite and two migmatites) yielded concordant ID-TIMS ages of 378-376 Ma. The results are similar to existing U-Pb data from other Nordøyane eclogites (415-405 Ma). In combination with previous pressure-temperature data from the coesite eclogite, these ages indicate that peak metamorphic conditions of 3 GPa/760 °C were reached ca. 413 Ma, followed by decompression to 1 GPa/810 °C by ca. 397 Ma and cooling below ca. 600 °C by ca. 375 Ma. The results are compatible with protracted UHP metamorphism followed by relatively slow exhumation. The question of whether partial melting began at UHP conditions is not resolved by this study.

New Structured Laves Phase in the Mg-In-Ca System with Nontranslational Symmetry and Two Unit Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Hongbo; Pan, Hucheng; Ren, Yuping; Wang, Liqing; He, Yufeng; Qi, Xixi; Qin, Gaowu

2018-02-01

All of the A B2 Laves phases discovered so far satisfy the general crystalline structure characteristic of translational symmetry; however, we report here a new structured Laves phase directly precipitated in an aged Mg-In-Ca alloy by using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. The nanoprecipitate is determined to be a (Mg,In ) 2Ca phase, which has a C 14 Laves structure (hcp, space group: P 63/m m c , a =6.25 Å , c =10.31 Å ) but without any translational symmetry on the (0001) p basal plane. The (Mg,In ) 2Ca Laves phase contains two separate unit cells promoting the formation of five tiling patterns. The bonding of these patterns leads to the generation of the present Laves phase, followed by the Penrose geometrical rule. The orientation relationship between the Laves precipitate and Mg matrix is (0001) p//(0001) α and [11 ¯00 ] p//[112 ¯0 ] α . More specifically, in contrast to the traditional view that the third element would orderly replace other atoms in a manner of layer by layer on the close-packed (0001) L plane, the In atoms here have orderly occupied certain position of Mg atomic columns along the [0001] L zone axis. The finding would be interesting and important for understanding the formation mechanism of Laves phases, and even atom stacking behavior in condensed matter.

Pathological changes in hippocampal neuronal circuits underlie age-associated neurodegeneration and memory loss: positive clue toward SAD.

PubMed

Moorthi, P; Premkumar, P; Priyanka, R; Jayachandran, K S; Anusuyadevi, M

2015-08-20

Among vertebrates hippocampus forms the major component of the brain in consolidating information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Aging is considered as the major risk factor for memory impairment in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) like pathology. Present study thus aims at investigating whether age-specific degeneration of neuronal-circuits in hippocampal formation (neural-layout of Subiculum-hippocampus proper-dentate gyrus (DG)-entorhinal cortex (EC)) results in cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effect of Resveratrol (RSV) was attempted to study in the formation of hippocampal neuronal-circuits. Radial-Arm-Maze was conducted to evaluate hippocampal-dependent spatial and learning memory in control and experimental rats. Nissl staining of frontal cortex (FC), subiculum, hippocampal-proper (CA1→CA2→CA3→CA4), DG, amygdala, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, layers of temporal and parietal lobe of the neocortex were examined for pathological changes in young and aged wistar rats, with and without RSV. Hippocampal trisynaptic circuit (EC layerII→DG→CA3→CA1) forming new memory and monosynaptic circuit (EC→CA1) that strengthen old memories were found disturbed in aged rats. Loss of Granular neuron observed in DG and polymorphic cells of CA4 can lead to decreased mossy fibers disturbing neural-transmission (CA4→CA3) in perforant pathway. Further, intensity of nissl granules (stratum lacunosum moleculare (SLM)-SR-SO) of CA3 pyramidal neurons was decreased, disturbing the communication in schaffer collaterals (CA3-CA1) during aging. We also noticed disarranged neuronal cell layer in Subiculum (presubiculum (PrS)-parasubiculum (PaS)), interfering output from hippocampus to prefrontal cortex (PFC), EC, hypothalamus, and amygdala that may result in interruption of thought processes. We conclude from our observations that poor memory performance of aged rats as evidenced through radial arm maze (RAM) analysis was due to the defect in neuronal-circuits of hippocampus (DG-CA4-CA1-Sub) that were significantly damaged leading to memory impairment. Interestingly, RSV was observed to culminate pathological events in the hippocampal neuronal circuit during aging, proving them as potent therapeutic drug against age-associated neurodegeneration and memory loss. Copyright © 2015 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Putative Mechanism of Age-Related Synaptic Dysfunction Based on the Impact of IGF-1 Receptor Signaling on Synaptic CaMKIIα Phosphorylation.

PubMed

Ogundele, Olalekan M; Pardo, Joaquin; Francis, Joseph; Goya, Rodolfo G; Lee, Charles C

2018-01-01

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling regulates the activity and phosphorylation of downstream kinases linked to inflammation, neurodevelopment, aging and synaptic function. In addition to the control of Ca 2+ currents, IGF-1R signaling modulates the activity of calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase 2 alpha (CaMKIIα) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK/ErK) through multiple signaling pathways. These proteins (CaMKIIα and MAPK) regulate Ca 2+ movement and long-term potentiation (LTP). Since IGF-1R controls the synaptic activity of Ca 2+ , CaMKIIα and MAPK signaling, the possible mechanism through which an age-dependent change in IGF-1R can alter the synaptic expression and phosphorylation of these proteins in aging needs to be investigated. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between an age-dependent change in brain IGF-1R and phosphorylation of CaMKIIα/MAPK. Furthermore, we elucidated possible mechanisms through which dysregulated CaMKIIα/MAPK interaction may be linked to a change in neurotransmitter processing and synaptic function. Male C57BL/6 VGAT-Venus mice at postnatal days 80 (P80), 365 and 730 were used to study age-related neural changes in two brain regions associated with cognitive function: hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). By means of high throughput confocal imaging and quantitative immunoblotting, we evaluated the distribution and expression of IGF-1, IGF-1R, CaMKIIα, p-CaMKIIα, MAPK and p-MAPK in whole brain lysate, hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, we compared protein expression patterns and regional changes at P80, P365 and P730. Ultimately, we determined the relative phosphorylation pattern of CaMKIIα and MAPK through quantification of neural p-CaMKIIα and p-MAPK/ErK, and IGF-1R expression for P80, P365 and P730 brain samples. In addition to a change in synaptic function, our results show a decrease in neural IGF-1/IGF-1R expression in whole brain, hippocampus and cortex of aged mice. This was associated with a significant upregulation of phosphorylated neural MAPK (p-MAPK) and decrease in total brain CaMKIIα (i.e., CaMKIIα and p-CaMKIIα) in the aged brain. Taken together, we showed that brain aging is associated with a change in neural IGF-1/IGF-1R expression and may be linked to a change in phosphorylation of synaptic kinases (CaMKIIα and MAPK) that are involved in the modulation of LTP.

OLEM Center for Program Analysis Site Analysis Data

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This asset includes environmental justice-related analyses of population located within a mile of Superfund and RCRA Corrective Action sites. It characterizes demographics and socio-economic characteristics of near-site communities as compared to the average U.S. population. It also examined children of up to 17 years of age living within 1 mile of SF and RCRA CA sites where human health protective measures may not have been in place. It compared data on the health status of these children to the status of all children in the U.S. Information from this study contributed to the America's Children and the Environment (ACE) report for 2013.

Aging-Related Hyperexcitability in CA3 Pyramidal Neurons Is Mediated by Enhanced A-Type K+ Channel Function and Expression.

PubMed

Simkin, Dina; Hattori, Shoai; Ybarra, Natividad; Musial, Timothy F; Buss, Eric W; Richter, Hannah; Oh, M Matthew; Nicholson, Daniel A; Disterhoft, John F

2015-09-23

Aging-related impairments in hippocampus-dependent cognition have been attributed to maladaptive changes in the functional properties of pyramidal neurons within the hippocampal subregions. Much evidence has come from work on CA1 pyramidal neurons, with CA3 pyramidal neurons receiving comparatively less attention despite its age-related hyperactivation being postulated to interfere with spatial processing in the hippocampal circuit. Here, we use whole-cell current-clamp to demonstrate that aged rat (29-32 months) CA3 pyramidal neurons fire significantly more action potentials (APs) during theta-burst frequency stimulation and that this is associated with faster AP repolarization (i.e., narrower AP half-widths and enlarged fast afterhyperpolarization). Using a combination of patch-clamp physiology, pharmacology, Western blot analyses, immunohistochemistry, and array tomography, we demonstrate that these faster AP kinetics are mediated by enhanced function and expression of Kv4.2/Kv4.3 A-type K(+) channels, particularly within the perisomatic compartment, of CA3 pyramidal neurons. Thus, our study indicates that inhibition of these A-type K(+) channels can restore the intrinsic excitability properties of aged CA3 pyramidal neurons to a young-like state. Significance statement: Age-related learning deficits have been attributed, in part, to altered hippocampal pyramidal neuronal function with normal aging. Much evidence has come from work on CA1 neurons, with CA3 neurons receiving comparatively less attention despite its age-related hyperactivation being postulated to interfere with spatial processing. Hence, we conducted a series of experiments to identify the cellular mechanisms that underlie the hyperexcitability reported in the CA3 region. Contrary to CA1 neurons, we demonstrate that postburst afterhyperpolarization is not altered with aging and that aged CA3 pyramidal neurons are able to fire significantly more action potentials and that this is associated with faster action potential repolarization through enhanced expression of Kv4.2/Kv4.3 A-type K(+) channels, particularly within the cell bodies of CA3 pyramidal neurons. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/3513206-13$15.00/0.

Aging-Related Hyperexcitability in CA3 Pyramidal Neurons Is Mediated by Enhanced A-Type K+ Channel Function and Expression

PubMed Central

Simkin, Dina; Hattori, Shoai; Ybarra, Natividad; Musial, Timothy F.; Buss, Eric W.; Richter, Hannah; Oh, M. Matthew

2015-01-01

Aging-related impairments in hippocampus-dependent cognition have been attributed to maladaptive changes in the functional properties of pyramidal neurons within the hippocampal subregions. Much evidence has come from work on CA1 pyramidal neurons, with CA3 pyramidal neurons receiving comparatively less attention despite its age-related hyperactivation being postulated to interfere with spatial processing in the hippocampal circuit. Here, we use whole-cell current-clamp to demonstrate that aged rat (29–32 months) CA3 pyramidal neurons fire significantly more action potentials (APs) during theta-burst frequency stimulation and that this is associated with faster AP repolarization (i.e., narrower AP half-widths and enlarged fast afterhyperpolarization). Using a combination of patch-clamp physiology, pharmacology, Western blot analyses, immunohistochemistry, and array tomography, we demonstrate that these faster AP kinetics are mediated by enhanced function and expression of Kv4.2/Kv4.3 A-type K+ channels, particularly within the perisomatic compartment, of CA3 pyramidal neurons. Thus, our study indicates that inhibition of these A-type K+ channels can restore the intrinsic excitability properties of aged CA3 pyramidal neurons to a young-like state. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Age-related learning deficits have been attributed, in part, to altered hippocampal pyramidal neuronal function with normal aging. Much evidence has come from work on CA1 neurons, with CA3 neurons receiving comparatively less attention despite its age-related hyperactivation being postulated to interfere with spatial processing. Hence, we conducted a series of experiments to identify the cellular mechanisms that underlie the hyperexcitability reported in the CA3 region. Contrary to CA1 neurons, we demonstrate that postburst afterhyperpolarization is not altered with aging and that aged CA3 pyramidal neurons are able to fire significantly more action potentials and that this is associated with faster action potential repolarization through enhanced expression of Kv4.2/Kv4.3 A-type K+ channels, particularly within the cell bodies of CA3 pyramidal neurons. PMID:26400949

Evaluating the reliability of Late Quaternary landform ages: Integrating 10Be cosmogenic surface exposure dating with U-series dating of pedogenic carbonate on alluvial and fluvial deposits, Sonoran desert, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blisniuk, K.; Sharp, W. D.

2015-12-01

To assess the reliability of Quaternary age determinations of alluvial and fluvial deposits across the Sonoran Desert (Coachella Valley and Anza Borrego) in southern California, we applied both 10Be exposure age dating of surface clasts and U-series dating of pedogenic carbonate from subsurface clast-coatings to the same deposits. We consider agreement between dates from the two techniques to indicate reliable age estimates because each technique is subject to distinct assumptions and therefore their systematic uncertainties are largely independent. 10Be exposure dates should yield maximum ages when no correction is made for inheritance and post-depositional erosion is negligible. U-series dating, in contrast, provides minimum dates because pedogenic carbonate forms after deposition. Our results show that: (1) For deposits ca. 70 ka or younger, 10Be and U-series dates were generally concordant. We note, however, that in most cases U-series soil dates exceed 10Be exposure dates that are corrected for inheritance when using 10Be in modern alluvium. This suggests that 10Be concentrations of modern alluvium may exceed the 10Be acquired by late Pleistocene deposits during fluvial transport and hillslope residence (i.e., Pleistocene inherited 10Be). (2) For deposits older than ~70 ka, U-series dates are significantly younger than the 10Be dates. This implies that U-series dates in this region may significantly underestimate the depositional age of older alluvium, probably because of delayed onset of deposition, slow accumulation, or poor preservation of secondary carbonate in response to climatic controls. Thus, whenever possible, multiple dating methods should be applied to obtain reliable ages for late Quaternary deposits.

Acquisition of the syntax–discourse interface: The expression of point of view

PubMed Central

Lillo-Martin, Diane; de Quadros, Ronice Müller

2011-01-01

This study examines the proposal that the syntax–discourse interface is particularly vulnerable, and therefore components of this interface are acquired later than those of the syntax–semantics interface. The proposal is examined using data from the native language acquisition of markers of point of view in American Sign Language and Brazilian Sign Language, known as constructed action (CA). CA was observed in the spontaneous production of two case studies from as early as 1 year, 7 months of age, with the correct eye-gaze, facial expression, and manner of movement. However, the children sometimes failed to indicate the referent whose point of view was being expressed, and were not skilled at maintaining point of view marking across discourse. The results are interpreted as providing support for the vulnerability of the syntax–discourse interface, and for the interpretation of this vulnerability in connection with children’s relatively poor ability to assume an identical discourse context with their interlocutor. PMID:21528016

OCT Angiography Helps Distinguish Between Proliferative Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PubMed

Zheng, Fang; Motulsky, Elie H; de Oliveira Dias, João Rafael; de López, Edith Pérez; Gregori, Giovanni; Rosenfeld, Philip J

2018-05-01

To demonstrate the advantage of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) for the diagnosis and management of proliferative macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2) masquerading as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is an observational cases series. Three patients referred with the diagnosis of neovascular AMD were identified in this retrospective study. In addition to color fundus, fluorescein angiography, and spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) imaging, SD-OCTA (AngioPlex; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) was performed. SD-OCTA revealed bilateral parafoveal retinal microvascular changes in three patients and unambiguously confirmed the diagnosis of MacTel2. OCTA is an important tool for the correct diagnosis of MacTel2 in older patients with the concomitant or masquerading diagnosis of AMD. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:303-312.]. Copyright 2018, SLACK Incorporated.

Combined apatite fission track and U-Pb dating by LA-ICPMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chew, D. M.; Donelick, R. A.

2012-04-01

Apatite is a common accessory mineral in igneous, metamorphic and clastic sedimentary rocks. It is a nearly ubiquitous accessory phase in igneous rocks, is common in metamorphic rocks of pelitic, carbonate, basaltic, and ultramafic composition and is virtually ubiquitous in clastic sedimentary rocks. In contrast to the polycyclic behavior of the stable heavy mineral zircon, apatite is unstable in acidic groundwaters and has limited mechanical stability in sedimentary transport systems. Apatite has many potential applications in provenance studies, particularly as it likely represents first-cycle detritus. Fission track and U-Pb dating are very powerful techniques in apatite provenance studies. They yield complementary information, with the apatite fission-track system yielding low-temperature exhumation ages and the U-Pb system yielding high-temperature cooling ages which constrain the timing of apatite crystallization. This study focuses on integrating apatite fission track and U-Pb dating by the LA-ICPMS method. Our approach is intentionally broad in scope, and is applicable to any quadrupole or rapid-scanning magnetic-sector LA-ICPMS system. Calculating uranium concentrations in fission-track dating by LA-ICPMS increases the speed of analysis and sample throughput compared to the conventional external detector method and avoids the need for neutron irradiation (Hasebe et al., 2004). LA-ICPMS-based uranium measurements in apatite are measured relative to an internal concentration standard (typically 43Ca). Ca in apatite is not always stochiometric as minor cations (Mn2+, Sr2+, Ba2+ and Fe2+) and REE can substitute with Ca2+. These substitutions must be quantified by multi-elemental LA-ICPMS analyses. Such data are also useful for discriminating between different apatite populations in sedimentary or volcaniclastic rocks based on their trace-element chemistry. Low U, Th and radiogenic Pb concentrations, elevated common Pb / radiogenic Pb ratios and U-Pb elemental fractionation are challenges in apatite U-Pb dating by LA-ICPMS. Isochron-based approaches to common Pb correction require a significant spread in common Pb / radiogenic Pb ratios. This is not usually possible on individual detrital apatite grains and hence the 204Pb-, 207Pb- and 208Pb-correction methods are preferred. Uranium concentration measurements by ICPMS employ large peak jumps (the internal standard is a Ca isotope) which require a quadrupole or a rapid-scanning magnetic-sector LA-ICPMS system. These single-collector instruments require a prohibitively long dwell time on the low intensity 204Pb peak to measure it accurately and hence the 207Pb- and 208Pb-correction methods are preferred. Uranium-concentration measurements in fission-track dating require well-constrained ablation depths during analysis and hence spot analyses are preferred to rastering. Laser-induced U-Pb fractionation is corrected for by sample-standard bracketing using a variety of apatite standards (Durango, Emerald Lake, Fish Canyon Tuff, Kovdor, Otter Lake and McClure Mountain syenite). Of these, Emerald Lake (Chew et al., 2011) and McClure Mountain syenite apatite are recommended as primary standards with Durango apatite making a suitable secondary standard. Offline data-reduction uses custom-written software for ICPMS data processing (the UPbICP package of Ray Donelick) or the freeware IOLITE data-reduction package of Paton et al. (2010).

Calcium Hydroxylapatite Dermal Filler for Treatment of Dorsal Hand Volume Loss: Results From a 12-Month, Multicenter, Randomized, Blinded Trial.

PubMed

Goldman, Mitchel P; Moradi, Amir; Gold, Michael H; Friedmann, Daniel P; Alizadeh, Kaveh; Adelglass, Jeffrey M; Katz, Bruce E

2018-01-01

Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a carrier gel is an opaque dermal filler that has been used to provide immediate volume correction in the dorsal hands. To assess the safety and effectiveness of CaHA for the correction of volume loss in the hands up to 12 months. This multicenter, controlled, single-blind study (NCT01832090) included 114 subjects randomized 3:1 to CaHA treatment and untreated control groups. Effectiveness was assessed by blinded investigators using the validated Merz Hand Grading Scale (MHGS). Subject-reported improvement was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Effects of treatment on hand function were also assessed. A total of 75% of subjects achieved ≥1-point improvement on the MHGS (p < .0001) at 3 months (primary end point); this response was generally maintained through 12 months. Proportions of subjects reporting improvement ranged from 98% (3 months) to 86% (12 months). There were no clinically significant differences between control and CaHA-treated subjects in any hand function measure. Adverse events were generally expected, minor, short-lived, injection-related, and similar to those observed in previous CaHA clinical studies. Treatment with CaHA results in significant improvement in the appearance of the dorsal hand and is well tolerated.

African American men's understanding and perceptions about prostate cancer: why multiple dimensions of health literacy are important in cancer communication.

PubMed

Friedman, Daniela B; Corwin, Sara J; Dominick, Gregory M; Rose, India D

2009-10-01

Prostate cancer (PrCA) is the most diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, especially among African American (AA) men. The purpose of this formative study was to explore the implications of applying Nutbeam's multidimensional health literacy framework to AA men's understanding of PrCA information. Participants were 25 AA men aged 45 and older in South Carolina. Their functional health literacy was assessed using two modified Cloze tests and the Shortened Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Men also participated in interviews or focus groups during which they were asked questions about PrCA risk, prevention, and screening. Transcripts were reviewed for recurrent themes and analyzed qualitatively using NVivo7. Mean S-TOFHLA was 28.28 (+/-1.98), implying "adequate" comprehension. Mean Cloze was .71 (+/-.05) for a Grade 8 document and .66 (+/-.04) for a Grade 13 document, also showing "adequate" comprehension. Cloze scores for the Grade 8 resource were lower for participants with less education (P = .047). Despite having satisfactory literacy test scores, results from interviews and focus groups revealed participants' limited understanding and misconceptions about PrCA risk. Many wanted information about screening and family history delivered word-of-mouth by AA women and church pastors as few of them had ever received or actively sought out PrCA resources. Using Nutbeam's framework, gaps in health literacy which were not adequately captured by the validated tools emerged during the interviews and focus groups. Study findings provide important implications for PrCA communication with AA men to correct misperceptions about cancer risk and motivate preventive behaviors.

Serum ionized calcium, intact PTH and novel markers of bone turnover in bedridden elderly patients.

PubMed

Sorva, A; Välimäki, M; Risteli, J; Risteli, L; Elfving, S; Takkunen, H; Tilvis, R

1994-12-01

Chronic immobilization could markedly affect calcium and bone metabolism in elderly people. To investigate this, and to test the theory of 'type II' osteoporosis in bedridden elderly patients with low vitamin D status, 55 such subjects were examined. Serum concentrations of ionized calcium (Ca++), intact parathyrin (PTH) and two novel markers of bone collagen formation (carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen; PICP) and resorption (carboxyterminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen; ICTP) were measured. The effects on these parameters after 40 weeks of supplementation with vitamin D (1000 IU d-1) and/or calcium (1 g d-1) were subsequently prospectively evaluated. Despite low (mean 11.6 nmoll-1) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (25-OHD), those of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D) were mostly normal. Neither correlated with Ca++ or PTH. PTH correlated negatively not only with Ca++ (r = -0.328, P < 0.05) but also with ICTP (r = -0.306, P < 0.05). Mean PICP was normal but ICTP was elevated and tended to correlate positively with Ca++ (r = 0.268, P = 0.06). Vitamin D supplementation did not change PICP or ICTP considerably, despite slightly increased 1,25-(OH)2D and slightly decreased PTH. Ca++ values were normal and remained stable. In conclusion, Ca++ and PTH are poor indicators of vitamin D status in chronically immobilized elderly subjects. Furthermore, the results suggest that the increased bone resorption is not due to 'type II' secondary hyperparathyroidism; rather the resorption is primarily increased. Correction of vitamin D deficiency does not seem to benefit ageing bones unless adequate mechanical loading is provided.

Effects of a high dose of microbial phytase and myo-inositol supplementation on growth performance, tibia mineralization, nutrient digestibility, litter moisture content, and foot problems in broiler chickens fed phosphorus-deficient diets.

PubMed

Farhadi, D; Karimi, A; Sadeghi, Gh; Rostamzadeh, J; Bedford, M R

2017-10-01

A total of 660 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into eleven dietary treatments. Treatments included a maize-soybean meal-based diet with recommended calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) (positive control; PC), an nPP-deficient diet (negative control; NC), NC diets supplemented with different levels of phytase (0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, and 6,000 FTU/kg), a NC diet plus 0.15% myo-inositol, and a NC diet with reduced Ca level (Ca to nPP ratio same as PC). Feeding the NC diet had no effects on birds' body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), but decreased (P < 0.05) tibia P contents, crude protein (CP) digestibility, and serum P, but increased (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 21 d of age. Phytase supplementation at ≥4,000 FTU/kg improved (P < 0.05) BW, WG and digestibility of nutrients. Feeding the NC diet resulted in greater (P < 0.05) litter moisture content (42 d) and poorer gait score (21 d), but 4,000 and 6,000 FTU/kg phytase returned (P < 0.05) these parameters to that of the PC. Supplemental myo-inositol increased (P < 0.05) serum total protein, P retention, and decreased (P < 0.05) litter moisture at 42 d of age. Feeding the low Ca NC diet increased (P < 0.05) serum total protein, ileum Ca, P, and CP digestibility and decreased serum ALP activity, litter moisture and gait score compared to the NC group. In conclusion, phytase in a dose-dependent manner, especially at ≥4,000 FTU/kg levels, was effective in overcoming the negative consequences of NC diets, primarily due to the ability to improve nutrient utilization. In addition, reducing the Ca level or supplementation of inositol of NC diet can correct some the negative effects of feeding a NC diet confirming the negative effect of a wide Ca: P ratio in a P-deficient diet and suggesting that inositol may play a role in the response to phytase addition. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Community-acquired Acute Kidney Injury Among Children Seen in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

PubMed

Bernardo, Erika O; Cruz, Andrea T; Buffone, Gregory J; Devaraj, Sridevi; Loftis, Laura L; Arikan, Ayse Akcan

2018-04-06

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality in children. Little is known about community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI) in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Early recognition of AKI allows for nephroprotective measures. The goal of this investigation was to determine the incidence of CA-AKI and the frequency of clinician identified CA-AKI to better inform future nephroprotective interventions. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study in the PED of a children's hospital. Children 1 month to 18 years of age seen in the PED from January 1 to December 31, 2015, and in whom at least one creatinine level was obtained were included. Patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease or who died in the PED were excluded. Patients had CA-AKI based on modified Kidney Disease-Improving Global Outcomes criteria using the creatinine obtained in the PED compared to age-specific norms. Patients were considered identified if the PED clinician diagnosed AKI. The primary outcome was the incidence of CA-AKI. Secondary outcomes included frequency of AKI identification, nephrotoxic medication use, hospital length of stay, renal replacement therapy, and death. Fisher exact test or Pearson's chi-square test was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs); multivariable analyses were performed using logistic regression. In 2015 there were 119,151 PED visits; 15,486 met inclusion criteria. CA-AKI was present in 239 of 15,486 (1.5%) encounters. AKI was identified by PED clinicians in 46 of 239 (19%) of encounters and by the inpatient team in 123 of 199 (62%) of the encounters admitted. AKI was never recognized by a PED or inpatient clinician in 74 of 199 (37%) encounters. Encounters with AKI correctly diagnosed were older (13 years old vs. 10 years old, p = 0.0114), had more severe (stage 2 or 3) AKI (OR = 5.5, 95% CI = 2.6-11.8), and were more likely to be admitted (OR = 10.3, 95% CI = 1.38-77.4) than encounters with missed AKI. CA-AKI remains an underrecognized entity in the PED. Better tools for early recognition of AKI in the busy PED environment are needed. © 2018 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

76 FR 69608 - Modification of Class E Airspace; Blythe, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-09

... Blythe, CA, to accommodate aircraft using Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Blythe Airport. This action also corrects geographic coordinates in the regulatory text. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the...

Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE) Contributes to Normal Skeletal Muscle Contractility in young but not in aged skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Brotto, Leticia S.; Bougoin, Sylvain; Nosek, Thomas M.; Reid, Michael; Hardin, Brian; Pan, Zui; Ma, Jianjie; Parness, Jerome

2011-01-01

Muscle atrophy alone is insufficient to explain the significant decline in contractile force of skeletal muscle during normal aging. One contributing factor to decreased contractile force in aging skeletal muscle could be compromised excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, without sufficient available Ca2+ to allow for repetitive muscle contractility, skeletal muscles naturally become weaker. Using biophysical approaches, we previously showed that store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is compromised in aged skeletal muscle but not in young ones. While important, a missing component from previous studies is whether or not SOCE function correlates with contractile function during aging. Here we test the contribution of extracellular Ca2+ to contractile function of skeletal muscle during aging. First, we demonstrate graded coupling between SR Ca2+ release channel-mediated Ca2+ release and activation of SOCE. Inhibition of SOCE produced significant reduction of contractile force in young skeletal muscle, particularly at high frequency stimulation, and such effects were completely absent in aged skeletal muscle. Our data indicate that SOCE contributes to the normal physiological contractile response of young healthy skeletal muscle and that defective extracellular Ca2+ entry through SOCE contributes to the reduced contractile force characteristic of aged skeletal muscle. PMID:21666285

Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) contributes to normal skeletal muscle contractility in young but not in aged skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Thornton, Angela M; Zhao, Xiaoli; Weisleder, Noah; Brotto, Leticia S; Bougoin, Sylvain; Nosek, Thomas M; Reid, Michael; Hardin, Brian; Pan, Zui; Ma, Jianjie; Parness, Jerome; Brotto, Marco

2011-06-01

Muscle atrophy alone is insufficient to explain the significant decline in contractile force of skeletal muscle during normal aging. One contributing factor to decreased contractile force in aging skeletal muscle could be compromised excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, without sufficient available Ca(2+) to allow for repetitive muscle contractility, skeletal muscles naturally become weaker. Using biophysical approaches, we previously showed that store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) is compromised in aged skeletal muscle but not in young ones. While important, a missing component from previous studies is whether or not SOCE function correlates with contractile function during aging. Here we test the contribution of extracellular Ca(2+) to contractile function of skeletal muscle during aging. First, we demonstrate graded coupling between SR Ca(2+) release channel-mediated Ca(2+) release and activation of SOCE. Inhibition of SOCE produced significant reduction of contractile force in young skeletal muscle, particularly at high frequency stimulation, and such effects were completely absent in aged skeletal muscle. Our data indicate that SOCE contributes to the normal physiological contractile response of young healthy skeletal muscle and that defective extracellular Ca(2+) entry through SOCE contributes to the reduced contractile force characteristic of aged skeletal muscle.

Differences between biological and chronological age-at-death in human skeletal remains: A change of perspective.

PubMed

Couoh, Lourdes R

2017-08-01

This analysis seeks to determine whether differences between real and estimated chronological age (CA) with biological age (BA) in skeletal individuals reflect variability in aging. A total of 87 individuals of two samples, ranging from 20 to 94 years old, were analyzed. One, partially documented, belongs to a Mexican skeletal collection dating to the 20th century; the other is an assemblage of prehispanic individuals from different archaeological sites. In all specimens, the tooth annulation method (TCA) was applied to estimate CA, while-excluding individuals older than 80 years-auricular surface (AS) and pubic symphysis (PS) methods were used to estimate BA. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify correlations and significance of the differences between CA vs. TCA, CA vs. AS/PS, TCA vs. AS/PS. Sex of individuals was assessed for its influence in aging. The use of TCA to estimate CA was successful for most individuals. A strong correlation was found between CA vs. TCA, CA vs. AS/PS, TCA vs. AS/PS and their differences were significant but variation in these were found when assessed by separate age groups. Sex did not influence such differences. TCA can be used to estimate CA and its differences with BA, being less than 10 years, are similar to those found in living populations. Differences between CA and BA are due to intra-population variability, which could be the consequence of individual differences in aging. More research is needed to have confidence that under- and overestimations of BA are indicators of aging variability at the level of the individual. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A reference time scale for Site U1385 (Shackleton Site) on the SW Iberian Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodell, D.; Lourens, L.; Crowhurst, S.; Konijnendijk, T.; Tjallingii, R.; Jiménez-Espejo, F.; Skinner, L.; Tzedakis, P. C.; Abrantes, Fatima; Acton, Gary D.; Alvarez Zarikian, Carlos A.; Bahr, André; Balestra, Barbara; Barranco, Estefanìa Llave; Carrara, Gabriela; Ducassou, Emmanuelle; Flood, Roger D.; Flores, José-Abel; Furota, Satoshi; Grimalt, Joan; Grunert, Patrick; Hernández-Molina, Javier; Kim, Jin Kyoung; Krissek, Lawrence A.; Kuroda, Junichiro; Li, Baohua; Lofi, Johanna; Margari, Vasiliki; Martrat, Belen; Miller, Madeline D.; Nanayama, Futoshi; Nishida, Naohisa; Richter, Carl; Rodrigues, Teresa; Rodríguez-Tovar, Francisco J.; Roque, Ana Cristina Freixo; Sanchez Goñi, Maria F.; Sierro Sánchez, Francisco J.; Singh, Arun D.; Sloss, Craig R.; Stow, Dorrik A. V.; Takashimizu, Yasuhiro; Tzanova, Alexandrina; Voelker, Antje; Xuan, Chuang; Williams, Trevor

2015-10-01

We produced a composite depth scale and chronology for Site U1385 on the SW Iberian Margin. Using log(Ca/Ti) measured by core scanning XRF at 1-cm resolution in all holes, a composite section was constructed to 166.5 meter composite depth (mcd) that corrects for stretching and squeezing in each core. Oxygen isotopes of benthic foraminifera were correlated to a stacked δ18O reference signal (LR04) to produce an oxygen isotope stratigraphy and age model. Variations in sediment color contain very strong precession signals at Site U1385, and the amplitude modulation of these cycles provides a powerful tool for developing an orbitally-tuned age model. We tuned the U1385 record by correlating peaks in L* to the local summer insolation maxima at 37°N. The benthic δ18O record of Site U1385, when placed on the tuned age model, generally agrees with other time scales within their respective chronologic uncertainties. The age model is transferred to down-core data to produce a continuous time series of log(Ca/Ti) that reflect relative changes of biogenic carbonate and detrital sediment. Biogenic carbonate increases during interglacial and interstadial climate states and decreases during glacial and stadial periods. Much of the variance in the log(Ca/Ti) is explained by a linear combination of orbital frequencies (precession, tilt and eccentricity), whereas the residual signal reflects suborbital climate variability. The strong correlation between suborbital log(Ca/Ti) variability and Greenland temperature over the last glacial cycle at Site U1385 suggests that this signal can be used as a proxy for millennial-scale climate variability over the past 1.5 Ma. Millennial climate variability, as expressed by log(Ca/Ti) at Site U1385, was a persistent feature of glacial climates over the past 1.5 Ma, including glacial periods of the early Pleistocene ('41-kyr world') when boundary conditions differed significantly from those of the late Pleistocene ('100-kyr world'). Suborbital variability was suppressed during interglacial stages and enhanced during glacial periods, especially when benthic δ18O surpassed 3.3-3.5‰. Each glacial inception was marked by appearance of strong millennial variability and each deglaciation was preceded by a terminal stadial event. Suborbital variability may be a symptomatic feature of glacial climate or, alternatively, may play a more active role in the inception and/or termination of glacial cycles.

Validation of a T1 and T2* leakage correction method based on multi-echo DSC-MRI using MION as a reference standard

PubMed Central

Stokes, Ashley M.; Semmineh, Natenael; Quarles, C. Chad

2015-01-01

Purpose A combined biophysical- and pharmacokinetic-based method is proposed to separate, quantify, and correct for both T1 and T2* leakage effects using dual-echo DSC acquisitions to provide more accurate hemodynamic measures, as validated by a reference intravascular contrast agent (CA). Methods Dual-echo DSC-MRI data were acquired in two rodent glioma models. The T1 leakage effects were removed and also quantified in order to subsequently correct for the remaining T2* leakage effects. Pharmacokinetic, biophysical, and combined biophysical and pharmacokinetic models were used to obtain corrected cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF), and these were compared with CBV and CBF from an intravascular CA. Results T1-corrected CBV was significantly overestimated compared to MION CBV, while T1+T2*-correction yielded CBV values closer to the reference values. The pharmacokinetic and simplified biophysical methods showed similar results and underestimated CBV in tumors exhibiting strong T2* leakage effects. The combined method was effective for correcting T1 and T2* leakage effects across tumor types. Conclusions Correcting for both T1 and T2* leakage effects yielded more accurate measures of CBV. The combined correction method yields more reliable CBV measures than either correction method alone, but for certain brain tumor types (e.g., gliomas) the simplified biophysical method may provide a robust and computationally efficient alternative. PMID:26362714

Smart Aging Platform for Evaluating Cognitive Functions in Aging: A Comparison with the MoCA in a Normal Population

PubMed Central

Bottiroli, Sara; Tassorelli, Cristina; Lamonica, Marialisa; Zucchella, Chiara; Cavallini, Elena; Bernini, Sara; Sinforiani, Elena; Pazzi, Stefania; Cristiani, Paolo; Vecchi, Tomaso; Tost, Daniela; Sandrini, Giorgio

2017-01-01

Background: Smart Aging is a Serious games (SGs) platform in a 3D virtual environment in which users perform a set of screening tests that address various cognitive skills. The tests are structured as 5 tasks of activities of daily life in a familiar environment. The main goal of the present study is to compare a cognitive evaluation made with Smart Aging with those of a classic standardized screening test, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Methods: One thousand one-hundred thirty-one healthy adults aged between 50 and 80 (M = 64.3 ± 8.3) were enrolled in the study. They received a cognitive evaluation with the MoCA and the Smart Aging platform. Participants were grouped according to their MoCA global and specific cognitive domain (i.e., memory, executive functions, working memory, visual spatial elaboration, language, and orientation) scores and we explored differences among these groups in the Smart Aging indices. Results: One thousand eighty-six older adults (M = 64.0 ± 8.0) successfully completed the study and were stratified according to their MoCA score: Group 1 with MoCA < 27 (n = 360); Group 2 with 27 ≥ MoCA < 29 (n = 453); and Group 3 with MoCA ≥ 29 (n = 273). MoCA groups significantly differed in most of the Smart Aging indices considered, in particular as concerns accuracy (ps < 0.001) and time (ps < 0.001) for completing most of the platform tasks. Group 1 was outperformed by the other two Groups and was slower than them in these tasks, which were those supposed to assess memory and executive functions. In addition, significant differences across groups also emerged when considering the single cognitive domains of the MoCA and the corresponding performances in each Smart Aging task. In particular, this platform seems to be a good proxy for assessing memory, executive functions, working memory, and visual spatial processes. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the validity of Smart Aging for assessing cognitive functions in normal aging. Future studies will validate this platform also in the clinical aging populations. PMID:29209200

Age-dependent changes in diastolic Ca{sup 2+} and Na{sup +} concentrations in dystrophic cardiomyopathy: Role of Ca{sup 2+} entry and IP{sub 3}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mijares, Alfredo; Altamirano, Francisco; Kolster, Juan

2014-10-03

Highlights: • Age-dependent increase in [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} in mdx cardiomyocytes. • Gadolinium significantly reduced both [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} at all ages. • IP{sub 3}-pathway inhibition reduced cations concentrations in dystrophic cardiomyocytes. - Abstract: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal X-inherited disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Besides the relatively well characterized skeletal muscle degenerative processes, DMD is also associated with a dilated cardiomyopathy that leads to progressive heart failure at the end of the second decade. The aim of the present study was to characterize the diastolic Ca{sup 2+} concentration ([Ca{supmore » 2+}]{sub d}) and diastolic Na{sup +} concentration ([Na{sup +}]{sub d}) abnormalities in cardiomyocytes isolated from 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month old mdx mice using ion-selective microelectrodes. In addition, the contributions of gadolinium (Gd{sup 3+})-sensitive Ca{sup 2+} entry and inositol triphosphate (IP{sub 3}) signaling pathways in abnormal [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} were investigated. Our results showed an age-dependent increase in both [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} in dystrophic cardiomyocytes compared to those isolated from age-matched wt mice. Gd{sup 3+} treatment significantly reduced both [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} at all ages. In addition, blockade of the IP{sub 3}-pathway with either U-73122 or xestospongin C significantly reduced ion concentrations in dystrophic cardiomyocytes. Co-treatment with U-73122 and Gd{sup 3+} normalized both [Ca{sup 2+}]{sub d} and [Na{sup +}]{sub d} at all ages in dystrophic cardiomyocytes. These data showed that loss of dystrophin in mdx cardiomyocytes produced an age-dependent intracellular Ca{sup 2+} and Na{sup +} overload mediated at least in part by enhanced Ca{sup 2+} entry through Gd{sup 3+} sensitive transient receptor potential channels (TRPC), and by IP{sub 3} receptors.« less

Phase Equilibria and Crystal Chemistry in Portions of the System SrO-CaO-Bi2O3-CuO, Part IV— The System CaO-Bi2O3-CuO

PubMed Central

Burton, B. P.; Rawn, C. J.; Roth, R. S.; Hwang, N. M.

1993-01-01

New data are presented on the phase equilibria and crystal chemistry of the binary systems CaO-Bi2O3 and CaO-CuO and the ternary CaO-Bi2O3-CuO. Symmetry data and unit cell dimensions based on single crystal and powder x-ray diffraction measurements are reported for several of the binary CaO-Bi2O3 phases, including corrected compositions for Ca4Bi6O13 and Ca2Bi2O5. The ternary system contains no new ternary phases which can be formed in air at ~700–900 °C. PMID:28053484

Aging Enables Ca2+ Overload and Apoptosis Induced by Amyloid-β Oligomers in Rat Hippocampal Neurons: Neuroprotection by Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and R-Flurbiprofen in Aging Neurons.

PubMed

Calvo-Rodríguez, María; García-Durillo, Mónica; Villalobos, Carlos; Núñez, Lucía

2016-07-22

The most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is aging. Neurotoxicity in AD has been linked to dyshomeostasis of intracellular Ca2+ induced by small aggregates of the amyloid-β peptide 1-42 (Aβ42 oligomers). However, how aging influences susceptibility to neurotoxicity induced by Aβ42 oligomers is unknown. In this study, we used long-term cultures of rat hippocampal neurons, a model of neuronal in vitro aging, to investigate the contribution of aging to Ca2+ dishomeostasis and neuron cell death induced by Aβ42 oligomers. In addition, we tested whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and R-flurbiprofen prevent apoptosis acting on subcellular Ca2+ in aged neurons. We found that Aβ42 oligomers have no effect on young hippocampal neurons cultured for 2 days in vitro (2 DIV). However, they promoted apoptosis modestly in mature neurons (8 DIV) and these effects increased dramatically after 13 DIV, when neurons display many hallmarks of in vivo aging. Consistently, cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ responses induced by Aβ42 oligomers increased dramatically with culture age. At low concentrations, NSAIDs and the enantiomer R-flurbiprofen lacking anti-inflammatory activity prevent Ca2+ overload and neuron cell death induced by Aβ42 oligomers in aged neurons. However, at high concentrations R-flurbiprofen induces apoptosis. Thus, Aβ42 oligomers promote Ca2+ overload and neuron cell death only in aged rat hippocampal neurons. These effects are prevented by low concentrations of NSAIDs and R-flurbiprofen acting on mitochondrial Ca2+ overload.

Adjusting CA19-9 values to predict malignancy in obstructive jaundice: Influence of bilirubin and C-reactive protein

PubMed Central

La Greca, Gaetano; Sofia, Maria; Lombardo, Rosario; Latteri, Saverio; Ricotta, Agostino; Puleo, Stefano; Russello, Domenico

2012-01-01

AIM: To find a possible relationship between inflammation and CA19-9 tumor marker by analyzing data from patients with benign jaundice (BJ) and malignant jaundice (MJ). METHODS: All patients admitted for obstructive jaundice, in the period 2005-2009, were prospectively enrolled in the study, obtaining a total of 102 patients. On admission, all patients underwent complete standard blood test examinations including C-reactive protein (CRP), bilirubin, CA19-9. Patients were considered eligible for the study when they presented obstructive jaundice confirmed by instrumental examinations and increased serum bilirubin levels (total bilirubin > 2.0 mg/dL). The standard cut-off level for CA19-9 was 32 U/mL, whereas for CRP this was 1.5 mg/L. The CA19-9 level was adjusted by dividing it by the value of serum bilirubin or by the CRP value. The patients were divided into 2 groups, MJ and BJ, and after the adjustment a comparison between the 2 groups of patients was performed. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values were calculated before and after the adjustment. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients, 51 were affected by BJ and 51 by MJ. Pathologic CA19-9 levels were found in 71.7% of the patients. In the group of 51 BJ patients there were 29 (56.9%) males and 22 (43.1%) females with a median age of 66 years (range 24-96 years), whereas in the MJ group there were 24 (47%) males and 27 (53%) females, with a mean age of 70 years (range 30-92 years). Pathologic CA19-9 serum level was found in 82.3% of MJ. CRP levels were pathologic in 66.6% of the patients with BJ and in 49% with MJ. Bilirubin and CA19-9 average levels were significantly higher in MJ compared with BJ (P = 0.000 and P = 0.02), while the CRP level was significantly higher in BJ (P = 0.000). Considering a CA19-9 cut-off level of 32 U/mL, 82.3% in the MJ group and 54.9% in the BJ group were positive for CA19-9 (P = 0.002). A CA19-9 cut-off of 100 U/mL increases the difference between the two groups: 35.3% in BJ and 68.6% in MJ (P = 0.0007). Adjusting the CA19-9 value by dividing it by serum bilirubin level meant that 21.5% in the BJ and 49% in the MJ group remained with a positive CA19-9 value (P = 0.003), while adjusting the CA19-9 value by dividing it by serum CRP value meant that 31.4% in the BJ group and 76.5% in the MJ group still had a positive CA19-9 value (P = 0.000004). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values of CA19-9 > 32 U/mL were 82.3%, 45% and 59.1%; when the cut-off was CA19-9 > 100 U/mL they were, respectively, 68.6%, 64.7% and 66%. When the CA19-9 value was adjusted by dividing it by the bilirubin or CRP values, these became 49%, 78.4%, 69.4% and 76.5%, 68.6%, 70.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study proposes CRP as a new and useful correction factor to improve the diagnostic value of the CA19-9 tumor marker in patients with cholestatic jaundice. PMID:22919247

Neutron-capture Cl-36, Ca-41, Ar-36, and Sm-150 in large chondrites: Evidence for high fluences of thermalized neutrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogard, D. D.; Nyquist, L. E.; Bansal, B. M.; Garrison, D. H.; Wiesmann, H.; Herzog, G. F.; Albrecht, A. A.; Vogt, S.; Klein, J.

1995-01-01

We have measured significant concentrations of Cl-36, Ca-41, Ar-36 from decay of Cl-36, and Sm-150 produced from the capture of thermalized neutrons in the large Chico L6 chondrite. Activities of Cl-36 and Ca-41, corrected for a high-energy spallogenic component and a terrestrial age of approximately 50 ka, give average neutron-capture production rates of 208 atoms/min/g-Cl and 1525 atoms/min/kg-Ca, which correspond to thermal neutron (n) fluxes of 6.2 n/sq cm/s and 4.3 n/sq cm/s, respectively. If sustained for the approximately 65 Ma single-stage, cosmic ray exposure age of Chico, these values correspond to thermal neutron fluences of approximately 1.3 x 10(exp 16) and 0.8 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm for Cl-36 and Ca-41, respectively. Stepwise temperature extraction of Ar in Chico impact melt shows Ar-36/Ar-38 ratios as large as approximately 9. The correlation of high Ar-36/Ar-38 with high Cl/Ca phases in neutron-irradiated Chico indicates that the excess Ar-36 above that expected from spallation is due to decay of neutron-produced Cl-36. Excess Ar-36 in Chico requires a thermal neutron fluence of 0.9-1.7 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. Decreases in Sm-149/Sm-152 due to neutron-capture by Sm-149 correlate with increases in Sm-150/Sm-152 for three samples of Chico, and one of the Torino H-chondrite. The 0.08% decrease in Sm-149 shown by Chico corresponds to a neutron fluence of 1.23 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. This fluence derived from Sm considers capture of epithermal neutrons and effects of chemical composition on the neutron energy distribution. Excess Ar-36 identified in the Arapahoe, Bruderheim, and Torino chondrites and the Shallowater aubrite suggest exposure to neutron fluences of approximately 0.2-0.2 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm. Depletion of Sm-149 in Torino and the LEW86010 angrite suggest neutron fluences of 0.8 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm and 0.25 x 10(exp 16) n/sq cm, respectively. Neutron fluences of approximately 10(exp 16) n/sq cm in Chico are almost as large as those previously observed for some lunar soils. Consideration of exposure ages suggests that the neutron flux in Chico may have been greater than that in many lunar soils.

Determination of the Mg/Mn ratio in foraminiferal coatings: An approach to correct Mg/Ca temperatures for Mn-rich contaminant phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasenfratz, Adam P.; Martínez-García, Alfredo; Jaccard, Samuel L.; Vance, Derek; Wälle, Markus; Greaves, Mervyn; Haug, Gerald H.

2017-01-01

The occurrence of manganese-rich coatings on foraminifera can have a significant effect on their bulk Mg/Ca ratios thereby biasing seawater temperature reconstructions. The removal of this Mn phase requires a reductive cleaning step, but this has been suggested to preferentially dissolve Mg-rich biogenic carbonate, potentially introducing an analytical bias in paleotemperature estimates. In this study, the geochemical composition of foraminifera tests from Mn-rich sediments from the Antarctic Southern Ocean (ODP Site 1094) was investigated using solution-based and laser ablation ICP-MS in order to determine the amount of Mg incorporated into the coatings. The analysis of planktonic and benthic foraminifera revealed a nearly constant Mg/Mn ratio in the Mn coating of ∼0.2 mol/mol. Consequently, the coating Mg/Mn ratio can be used to correct for the Mg incorporated into the Mn phase by using the down core Mn/Ca values of samples that have not been reductively cleaned. The consistency of the coating Mg/Mn ratio obtained in this study, as well as that found in samples from the Panama Basin, suggests that spatial variation of Mg/Mn in foraminiferal Mn overgrowths may be smaller than expected from Mn nodules and Mn-Ca carbonates. However, a site-specific assessment of the Mg/Mn ratio in foraminiferal coatings is recommended to improve the accuracy of the correction.

Vitamin D levels and menopause-related symptoms

PubMed Central

LeBlanc, Erin S.; Desai, Manisha; Perrin, Nancy; Wactawski-Wende, Jean; Manson, JoAnn E.; Cauley, Jane A.; Michael, Yvonne L.; Tang, Jean; Womack, Catherine; Song, Yiqing; Johnson, Karen C.; O’Sullivan, Mary J.; Woods, Nancy; Stefanick, Marcia L.

2015-01-01

Objective To determine whether vitamin D levels are associated with menopause-related symptoms in older women. Methods A randomly selected subset of 1,407 women, among 26,104 potentially eligible participants of the Women’s Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D (CaD) trial of postmenopausal women aged 51-80 years, had 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels measured at the CaD trial baseline visit. Information about menopause-related symptoms at baseline was obtained by questionnaire and included overall number of symptoms and composite measures of sleep disturbance, emotional well-being, and energy/fatigue, as well as individual symptoms. After exclusions for missing data, 530 women [mean age 66.2 years (SD 6.8)] were included in these analyses. Results There were borderline significant associations between 25(OH)D levels and total number of menopausal symptoms (p values ranging from 0.05 to 0.06 for fully adjusted models); however, the effect was clinically insignificant and disappeared with correction for multiple testing. There were no associations between 25(OH)D levels and composite measures of sleep disturbance, emotional well-being, or energy/fatigue (p’s > 0.10 for fully adjusted models). Conclusions There was no evidence of a clinically important association between serum 25(OH)D levels and menopause-related symptoms in postmenopausal women. PMID:24736200

Evaluation of Corrective Action Team (CAT) Leader Training in Aeronautical Systems Division

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

00A DI EVALUATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION TEAM ( CAT ) LEADER TRAINING IN AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS DIVISION CA THESIS Kirk J. Streitrater, Captain, USAF AFIT...EVALUATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION TEAM ( CAT ) LEADER TRAINING IN AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS DIVISION THESIS Kirk J. Streitmater, Captain, USAF AFIT/GSM/LSR/91S-25...8217, , C- s :C AFIT/GSM/LSR/91S-25 EVALUATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION TEAM ( CAT ) LEADER TRAINING IN AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS DIVISION THESIS Presented to the

Revisiting carbonate chemistry controls on planktic foraminifera Mg / Ca: implications for sea surface temperature and hydrology shifts over the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum and Eocene-Oligocene transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, David; Wade, Bridget S.; Henehan, Michael; Erez, Jonathan; Müller, Wolfgang

2016-04-01

Much of our knowledge of past ocean temperatures comes from the foraminifera Mg / Ca palaeothermometer. Several nonthermal controls on foraminifera Mg incorporation have been identified, of which vital effects, salinity, and secular variation in seawater Mg / Ca are the most commonly considered. Ocean carbonate chemistry is also known to influence Mg / Ca, yet this is rarely examined as a source of uncertainty, either because (1) precise pH and [CO32-] reconstructions are sparse or (2) it is not clear from existing culture studies how a correction should be applied. We present new culture data of the relationship between carbonate chemistry and Mg / Ca for the surface-dwelling planktic species Globigerinoides ruber and compare our results to data compiled from existing studies. We find a coherent relationship between Mg / Ca and the carbonate system and argue that pH rather than [CO32-] is likely to be the dominant control. Applying these new calibrations to data sets for the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT) enables us to produce a more accurate picture of surface hydrology change for the former and a reassessment of the amount of subtropical precursor cooling for the latter. We show that pH-adjusted Mg / Ca and δ18O data sets for the PETM are within error of no salinity change and that the amount of precursor cooling over the EOT has been previously underestimated by ˜ 2 °C based on Mg / Ca. Finally, we present new laser-ablation data of EOT-age Turborotalia ampliapertura from St. Stephens Quarry (Alabama), for which a solution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) Mg / Ca record is available (Wade et al., 2012). We show that the two data sets are in excellent agreement, demonstrating that fossil solution and laser-ablation data may be directly comparable. Together with an advancing understanding of the effect of Mg / Casw, the coherent picture of the relationship between Mg / Ca and pH that we outline here represents a step towards producing accurate and quantitative palaeotemperatures using this proxy.

mTOR pathway and Ca2+ stores mobilization in aged smooth muscle cells

PubMed Central

Martín-Cano, Francisco E; Camello-Almaraz, Cristina; Hernandez, David; Pozo, Maria J; Camello, Pedro J

2013-01-01

Aging is considered to be driven by the so called senescence pathways, especially the mTOR route, although there is almost no information on its activity in aged tissues. Aging also induces Ca2+ signal alterations, but information regarding the mechanisms for these changes is almost inexistent. We investigated the possible involvement of the mTOR pathway in the age-dependent changes on Ca2+ stores mobilization in colonic smooth muscle cells of young (4 month old) and aged (24 month old) guinea pigs. mTORC1 activity was enhanced in aged smooth muscle, as revealed by phosphorylation of mTOR and its direct substrates S6K1 and 4E-BP1. Mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores through IP3R or RyR channels was impaired in aged cells, and it was facilitated by mTOR and by FKBP12, as indicated by the inhibitory effects of KU0063794 (a direct mTOR inhibitor), rapamycin (a FKBP12-mediated mTOR inhibitor) and FK506 (an FKBP12 binding immunosuppressant). Aging suppressed the facilitation of the Ca2+ mobilization by FKBP12 but not by mTOR, without changing the total expression of FKBP12 protein. In conclusion, or study shows that in smooth muscle aging enhances the constitutive activity of mTORC1 pathway and impairs Ca2+ stores mobilization by suppression of the FKBP12-induced facilitation of Ca2+ release. PMID:23661091

Radiological responses of different types of Egyptian Mediterranean coastal sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Gamal, A.; Rashad, M.; Ghatass, Z.

2010-08-01

The aim of this study was to identify gamma self-absorption correction factors for different types of Egyptian Mediterranean coastal sediments. Self-absorption corrections based on direct transmission through different thicknesses of the most dominant sediment species have been tested against point sources with gamma-ray energies of 241Am, 137Cs and 60Co with 2% uncertainties. Black sand samples from the Rashid branch of the Nile River quantitatively absorbed the low energy of 241Am through a thickness of 5 cm. In decreasing order of gamma energy self-absorption of 241Am, the samples under investigation ranked black sand, Matrouh sand, Sidi Gaber sand, shells, Salloum sand, and clay. Empirical self-absorption correction formulas were also deduced. Chemical analyses such as pH, CaCO 3, total dissolved solids, Ca 2+, Mg 2+, CO 32-, HCO 3- and total Fe 2+ have been carried out for the sediments. The relationships between self absorption corrections and the other chemical parameters of the sediments were also examined.

Age-dependent differences in myelin basic protein expression in the hippocampus of young, adult and aged gerbils

PubMed Central

Ahn, Ji Hyeon; Lee, Tae-Kyeong; Park, Joon Ha; Cho, Jeong Hwi; Kim, In Hye; Lee, Jae Chul; Hong, Seongkweon; Jeon, Yong Hwan; Kang, Il Jun; Lee, Young Joo

2017-01-01

Myelin degeneration is one of the characteristics of aging and degenerative diseases. This study investigated age-related alterations in expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the hippocampal subregions (dentate gyrus, CA2/3 and CA1 areas) of gerbils of various ages; young (1 month), adult (6 months) and aged (24 months), using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Western blot results showed tendencies of age-related reductions of MBP levels. MBP immunoreactivity was significantly decreased with age in synaptic sites of trisynaptic loops, perforant paths, mossy fibers, and Schaffer collaterals. In particular, MBP immunoreactive fibers in the dentate molecular cell layer (perforant path) was significantly reduced in adult and aged subjects. In addition, MBP immunoreactive mossy fibers in the dentate polymorphic layer and in the CA3 striatum radiatum was significantly decreased in the aged group. Furthermore, we observed similar age-related alterations in the CA1 stratum radiatum (Schaffer collaterals). However, the density of MBP immunoreactive fibers in the dentate granular cell layer and CA stratum pyramidale was decreased with aging. These findings indicate that expression of MBP is age-dependent and tissue specific according to hippocampal layers. PMID:29046699

New Ca-Tims and La-Icp Analyses of GJ-1, Plesovice, and FC1 Reference Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feldman, J. D.; Möller, A.; Walker, J. D.

2014-12-01

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb zircon geochronology relies on external reference standards to monitor and correct for different mass fractionation effects and instrument drift. Common zircon reference materials used within the community, including the KU Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, are GJ-1 (207Pb/206Pb age: 608.53 +/- 0.37Ma; Jackson et al., 2004), Plesovice (337.13 +/- 0.37 Ma; Slama et al., 2008), and FC-1 (1099.0 +/-0.6 Ma; Paces and Miller, 1993). The age distribution of zircon reference material varies slightly from sample fraction to sample fraction, and the published results for GJ-1 are slightly discordant. As a result, using the published data for the distributed standard splits can lead to small systematic variations when comparing datasets from different labs, and more high precision data are needed to evaluate potential inhomogeneity of sample splits used in different laboratories. Here we characterize these reference materials with cathodoluminescence, LA-ICP-MS traverses across grains, and high precision CA-TIMS to better constrain the ages and assess zoning of these standards, and present the data for comparison with other laboratories. Reducing systematic error by dating our own reference material lends confidence to our analyses and allows for inter-laboratory age reproducibility of unknowns. Additionally, the reduction in propagated uncertainties (especially in GJ-1, for which both the red and yellow variety will be analyzed) will be used to improve long-term reproducibility, comparisons between samples of similar age, detrital populations and composite pluton zircons. Jackson, S.E., et al., 2004, Chemical Geology, v. 211, p. 47-69. Paces, J.B. & Miller, J.D., 1993, Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 80, p. 13997-14013. Slama, J., et al., 2008, Chemical Geology, v. 249. p. 1-35.

NWA 7034 Martian breccia: Ar/Ar ages of ca. 1.2 to 1.4 Ga

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, B. E.; Mark, D. F.; Cassata, W.; Lee, M. R.; Smith, C. L.

2015-12-01

NWA 7034 and its paired stones are some of the oldest and most diverse of the Martian meteorites. They are complex polymict breccias of impact, igneous, and sedimentary clasts set in a dark grey matrix [1; 2]. The rock also contains angular mineral fragments, including K-feldspar, plagioclase feldspar, and pyroxene [1; 2]. Mineral fragments are often > 1 mm wide, and clasts can be > 1 cm. This diverse breccia assemblage indicates formation via repeated impact events, supported by Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd and U-Pb ages ranging from 1.3 to 4.4 Ga [1, 2, and references therein]. In this study we investigate the distribution of ages yielded by Ar/Ar, with nine aliquots analyzed to date, and additional analyses planned. In order to analyze only single phases, chips of matrix/clasts were restricted to visibly monomict fragments < 1 mm diameter, while mineral separates were analyzed as single crystals. Cosmogenic Ar corrections are from [3]. Analyses were undertaken at SUERC and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the results pooled. The bulk of aliquots (n = 8) yielded ages of ca. 1.2-1.4 Ga indicating a major thermal event occurred at around the same time as crystallization of the Nakhlite group of meteorites. Select step ages are considerably older (> 2 Ga), supporting results of other chronometers that much older material is present in this sample. These results also demonstrate that some older fragments retained Ar during breccia formation. [1] Wittmann A. et al. (2015) Meteoritics & Planet. Sci., 50, 326-352. [2] Santos A. R. et al. (2015) GCA, 157, 56-85. [3] Cassata W. S., and Borg L. E. (2015) 46th LPSC, Abstract #2742.

Outcomes of Small for Gestational Age Infants < 27 Weeks’ Gestation

PubMed Central

De Jesus, Lilia C.; Pappas, Athina; Shankaran, Seetha; Li, Lei; Das, Abhik; Bell, Edward F.; Stoll, Barbara J.; Laptook, Abbot R.; Walsh, Michele C.; Hale, Ellen C.; Newman, Nancy S.; Bara, Rebecca; Higgins, Rosemary D.

2014-01-01

Objective To determine whether small for gestational age (SGA) infants <27 weeks gestation is associated with mortality, morbidity, growth and neurodevelopmental impairment at 18–22 months’ corrected age (CA). Study design This was a retrospective cohort study from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network’s Generic Database and Follow-up Studies. Infants born at <27 weeks’ gestation from January 2006 to July 2008 were included. SGA was defined as birth weight <10th percentile for gestational age by the Olsen growth curves. Infants with birth weight ≥10th percentile for gestational age were classified as non-SGA. Maternal and infant characteristics, neonatal outcomes and neurodevelopmental data were compared between the groups. Neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as any of the following: cognitive score <70 on BSID III, moderate or severe cerebral palsy, bilateral hearing loss (+/− amplification) or blindness (vision <20/200). Logistic regression analysis evaluated the association between SGA status and death or neurodevelopmental impairment. Results There were 385 SGA and 2586 non-SGA infants. Compared with the non-SGA group, mothers of SGA infants were more likely to have higher level of education, prenatal care, cesarean delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension and antenatal corticosteroid exposure. SGA infants were more likely to have postnatal growth failure, a higher mortality and to have received prolonged mechanical ventilation and postnatal steroids. SGA status was associated with higher odds of death or neurodevelopmental impairment [OR 3.91 (95% CI: 2.91–5.25), P<0.001]. Conclusion SGA status among infants <27 weeks’ gestation was associated with an increased risk for postnatal steroid use, mortality, growth failure and neurodevelopmental impairment at 18–22 months’ CA. PMID:23415614

Caffeine alleviates the deterioration of Ca2+ release mechanisms and fragmentation of in vitro aged mouse eggs

PubMed Central

Zhang, Nan; Wakai, Takuya; Fissore, Rafael. A.

2011-01-01

The developmental competence of mammalian eggs is compromised by postovulatory aging. We and others found that in these eggs the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) responses required for egg activation and initiation of development are altered. Nevertheless, the mechanism(s) underlying this defective Ca2+ release is not well known. Here, we investigated if the function of IP3R1, the major Ca2+ release channel at fertilization, was undermined in in vitro aged mouse eggs. We found that in aged eggs IP3R1 displayed reduced function, as many of the changes acquired during maturation that enhance IP3R1 Ca2+ conductivity such as phosphorylation, receptor reorganization and increased Ca2+ store content ([Ca2+]ER) were lost with increasing postovulatory time. IP3R1 fragmentation, possibly associated with the activation of caspase-3, was also observed in these eggs. Many of these changes were prevented when the postovulatory aging of eggs was carried out in the presence of caffeine, which minimized the decline in IP3R1 function and maintained [Ca2+]ER content. Caffeine also maintained mitochondrial membrane potential as measured by JC-1 fluorescence. We therefore conclude that [Ca2+]i responses in aged eggs are undermined by reduced IP3R1 sensitivity, decreased [Ca2+]ER and compromised mitochondrial function, and that addition of caffeine ameliorates most of these aging-associated changes. Understanding the molecular basis of the protective effects of caffeine will be useful in elucidating, and possibly reversing, the signaling pathway(s) compromised by in vitro culture of eggs. PMID:22095868

Age-related Changes in Lateral Entorhinal and CA3 Neuron Allocation Predict Poor Performance on Object Discrimination

PubMed Central

Maurer, Andrew P.; Johnson, Sarah A.; Hernandez, Abbi R.; Reasor, Jordan; Cossio, Daniela M.; Fertal, Kaeli E.; Mizell, Jack M.; Lubke, Katelyn N.; Clark, Benjamin J.; Burke, Sara N.

2017-01-01

Age-related memory deficits correlate with dysfunction in the CA3 subregion of the hippocampus, which includes both hyperactivity and overly rigid activity patterns. While changes in intrinsic membrane currents and interneuron alterations are involved in this process, it is not known whether alterations in afferent input to CA3 also contribute. Neurons in layer II of the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) project directly to CA3 through the perforant path, but no data are available regarding the effects of advanced age on LEC activity and whether these activity patterns update in response to environmental change. Furthermore, it is not known the extent to which age-related deficits in sensory discrimination relate to the inability of aged CA3 neurons to update in response to new environments. Young and aged rats were pre-characterized on a LEGO© object discrimination task, comparable to behavioral tests in humans in which CA3 hyperactivity has been linked to impairments. The cellular compartment analysis of temporal activity with fluorescence in situ hybridization for the immediate-early gene Arc was then used to identify the principal cell populations that were active during two distinct epochs of random foraging in different environments. This approach enabled the extent to which rats could discriminate two similar objects to be related to the ability of CA3 neurons to update across different environments. In both young and aged rats, there were animals that performed poorly on the LEGO object discrimination task. In the aged rats only, however, the poor performers had a higher percent of CA3 neurons that were active during random foraging in a novel environment, but this is not related to the ability of CA3 neurons to remap when the environment changed. Afferent neurons to CA3 in LEC, as identified with the retrograde tracer choleratoxin B (CTB), also showed a higher percentage of cells that were positive for Arc mRNA in aged poor performing rats. This suggests that LEC contributes to the hyperactivity seen in CA3 of aged animals with object discrimination deficits and age-related cognitive decline may be the consequence of dysfunction endemic to the larger network. PMID:28713251

Carbachol-induced long-term synaptic depression is enhanced during senescence at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses.

PubMed

Kumar, Ashok

2010-08-01

Dysregulation of the cholinergic transmitter system is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and contributes to an age-associated decline in memory performance. The current study examined the influence of carbachol, a cholinergic receptor agonist, on synaptic transmission over the course of aging. Extracellular excitatory postsynaptic field potentials were recorded from CA3-CA1 synapses in acute hippocampal slices obtained from young adult (5-8 mo) and aged (22-24 mo) male Fischer 344 rats. Bath application of carbachol elicited a transient depression of synaptic transmission, which was followed by a long-lasting depression (CCh-LTD) observed 90 min after carbachol cessation in both age groups. However, the magnitude of CCh-LTD was significantly larger in senescent animals and was attenuated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockade in aged animals. Blockade of L-type Ca(2+) channels inhibited CCh-LTD to a greater extent in aged animals compared to young adults. Finally, the expression of CCh-LTD was dependent on protein synthesis. The results indicate that altered Ca(2+) homeostasis or muscarinic activation of Ca(2+) signaling contribute to the enhanced CCh-LTD during senescence.

Chemical abrasion-SIMS (CA-SIMS) U-Pb dating of zircon from the late Eocene Caetano caldera, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Watts, Kathryn E.; Coble, Matthew A.; Vazquez, Jorge A.; Henry, Christopher D.; Colgan, Joseph P.; John, David A.

2016-01-01

Zircon geochronology is a critical tool for establishing geologic ages and time scales of processes in the Earth's crust. However, for zircons compromised by open system behavior, achieving robust dates can be difficult. Chemical abrasion (CA) is a routine step prior to thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) dating of zircon to remove radiation-damaged parts of grains that may have experienced open system behavior and loss of radiogenic Pb. While this technique has been shown to improve the accuracy and precision of TIMS dating, its application to high-spatial resolution dating methods, such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), is relatively uncommon. In our efforts to U-Pb date zircons from the late Eocene Caetano caldera by SIMS (SHRIMP-RG: sensitive high resolution ion microprobe, reverse geometry), some grains yielded anomalously young U-Pb ages that implicated Pb-loss and motivated us to investigate with a comparative CA and non-CA dating study. We present CA and non-CA 206Pb/238U ages and trace elements determined by SHRIMP-RG for zircons from three Caetano samples (Caetano Tuff, Redrock Canyon porphyry, and a silicic ring-fracture intrusion) and for R33 and TEMORA-2 reference zircons. We find that non-CA Caetano zircons have weighted mean or bimodal U-Pb ages that are 2–4% younger than CA zircons for the same samples. CA Caetano zircons have mean U-Pb ages that are 0.4–0.6 Myr older than the 40Ar/39Ar sanidine eruption age (34.00 ± 0.03 Ma; error-weighted mean, 2σ), whereas non-CA zircons have ages that are 0.7–1.3 Myr younger. U-Pb ages do not correlate with U (~ 100–800 ppm), Th (~ 50–300 ppm) or any other measured zircon trace elements (Y, Hf, REE), and CA and non-CA Caetano zircons define identical trace element ranges. No statistically significant difference in U-Pb age is observed for CA versus non-CA R33 or TEMORA-2 zircons. Optical profiler measurements of ion microprobe pits demonstrate consistent depths of ~ 1.6 μm for CA and non-CA Caetano, R33 and TEMORA-2 zircons, and do not indicate variations in secondary ion sputtering rates due to chemical or structural changes from the CA treatment. Our new data underscore the potential for cryptic Pb-loss to go unrecognized in other geologically young magmatic centers that do not have zircons with high U, statistically discordant isotope ratios, high common Pb, or metamict textures.

Inactivation of the Na-Cl co-transporter (NCC) gene is associated with high BMD through both renal and bone mechanisms: analysis of patients with Gitelman syndrome and Ncc null mice.

PubMed

Nicolet-Barousse, Laurence; Blanchard, Anne; Roux, Christian; Pietri, Laurence; Bloch-Faure, May; Kolta, Sami; Chappard, Christine; Geoffroy, Valérie; Morieux, Caroline; Jeunemaitre, Xavier; Shull, Gary E; Meneton, Pierre; Paillard, Michel; Houillier, Pascal; De Vernejoul, Marie-Christine

2005-05-01

Chronic thiazide treatment is associated with high BMD. We report that patients and mice with null mutations in the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) have higher renal tubular Ca reabsorption, higher BMD, and lower bone remodeling than controls, as well as abnormalities in Ca metabolism, mainly caused by Mg depletion. Chronic thiazide treatment decreases urinary Ca excretion (UVCa) and increases BMD. To understand the underlying mechanisms, Ca and bone metabolism were studied in two models of genetic inactivation of the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC): patients with Gitelman syndrome (GS) and Ncc knockout (Ncc(-/-)) mice. Ca metabolism was analyzed in GS patients and Ncc(-/-) mice under conditions of low dietary Ca. BMD was measured by DXA in patients and mice, and bone histomorphometry was analyzed in mice. GS patients had low plasma Mg. They exhibited reduced UVCa, but similar serum Ca and GFR as control subjects, suggesting increased renal Ca reabsorption. Blood PTH was lower despite lower serum ionized Ca, and Mg repletion almost corrected both relative hypoparathyroidism and low UVCa. BMD was significantly increased in GS patients at both lumbar (+7%) and femoral (+16%) sites, and osteocalcin was reduced. In Ncc(-/-) mice, serum Ca and GFR were unchanged, but UVCa was reduced and PTH was elevated; Mg repletion largely corrected both abnormalities. Trabecular and cortical BMD were higher than in Ncc(+/+) mice (+4% and +5%, respectively), and despite elevated PTH, were associated with higher cortical thickness and lower endosteal osteoclastic surface. Higher BMD is observed in GS patients and Ncc(-/-) mice. Relative hypoparathyroidism (human) and bone resistance to PTH (mice), mainly caused by Mg depletion, can explain the low bone remodeling and normal/low serum Ca despite increased renal Ca reabsorption.

Environmental Controls on Mg/Ca in Neogloboquadrina incompta: A Core-Top Study From the Subpolar North Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morley, Audrey; Babila, Tali L.; Wright, James; Ninnemann, Ulysses; Kleiven, Kikki; Irvali, Nil; Rosenthal, Yair

2017-12-01

Magnesium/calcium paleothermometry is an established tool for reconstructing past surface and deep-sea temperatures. However, our understanding of nonthermal environmental controls on the uptake of Mg into the calcitic lattice of foraminiferal tests remains limited. Here we present a combined analysis of multiple trace element/calcium ratios and stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) geochemistry on the subpolar planktonic foraminifera Neogloboquadrina incompta to assess the validity of Mg/Ca as a proxy for surface ocean temperature. We identify small size-specific offsets in Mg/Ca and δ18Oc values for N. incompta that are consistent with depth habitat migration patterns throughout the life cycle of this species. Additionally, an assessment of nonthermal controls on Mg/Ca values reveals that (1) the presence of volcanic ash, (2) the addition of high-Mg abiotic overgrowths, and (3) ambient seawater carbonate chemistry can have a significant impact on the Mg/Ca-to-temperature relationship. For carbonate-ion concentrations of values > 200 μmol kg-1, we find that temperature exerts the dominant control on Mg/Ca values, while at values < 200 μmol kg-1 the carbonate-ion concentration of seawater increases the uptake of Mg, thereby resulting in higher-than-expected Mg/Ca values at low temperatures. We propose two independent correction schemes to remove the effects of volcanic ash and carbonate-ion concentration on Mg/Ca values in N. incompta within the calibration data set. Applying the corrections improves the fidelity of past ocean temperature reconstructions.

New Method for the Approximation of Corrected Calcium Concentrations in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

PubMed

Kaku, Yoshio; Ookawara, Susumu; Miyazawa, Haruhisa; Ito, Kiyonori; Ueda, Yuichirou; Hirai, Keiji; Hoshino, Taro; Mori, Honami; Yoshida, Izumi; Morishita, Yoshiyuki; Tabei, Kaoru

2016-02-01

The following conventional calcium correction formula (Payne) is broadly applied for serum calcium estimation: corrected total calcium (TCa) (mg/dL) = TCa (mg/dL) + (4 - albumin (g/dL)); however, it is inapplicable to chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. A total of 2503 venous samples were collected from 942 all-stage CKD patients, and levels of TCa (mg/dL), ionized calcium ([iCa(2+) ] mmol/L), phosphate (mg/dL), albumin (g/dL), and pH, and other clinical parameters were measured. We assumed corrected TCa (the gold standard) to be equal to eight times the iCa(2+) value (measured corrected TCa). Then, we performed stepwise multiple linear regression analysis by using the clinical parameters and derived a simple formula for corrected TCa approximation. The following formula was devised from multiple linear regression analysis: Approximated  corrected TCa (mg/dL) = TCa + 0.25 × (4 - albumin) + 4 × (7.4 - p H) + 0.1 × (6 - phosphate) + 0.3. Receiver operating characteristic curves analysis illustrated that area under the curve of approximated corrected TCa for detection of measured corrected TCa ≥ 8.4 mg/dL and ≤ 10.4 mg/dL were 0.994 and 0.919, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated superior agreement using this new formula compared to other formulas (new formula: 0.826, Payne: 0.537, Jain: 0.312, Portale: 0.582, Ferrari: 0.362). In CKD patients, TCa correction should include not only albumin but also pH and phosphate. The approximated corrected TCa from this formula demonstrates superior agreement with the measured corrected TCa in comparison to other formulas. © 2016 International Society for Apheresis, Japanese Society for Apheresis, and Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy.

Associations Between Hormonal Biomarkers and Cognitive, Motor, and Language Developmental Status in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

PubMed

Cho, June; Holditch-Davis, Diane; Su, Xiaogang; Phillips, Vivien; Biasini, Fred; Carlo, Waldemar A

Male infants are more prone to health problems and developmental delays than female infants. On the basis of theories of gender differences in brain development and social relationships, we explored associations between testosterone and cortisol levels with infant cognitive, motor, and language development ("infant development") in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, controlling for mother-infant interactions, characteristics of mothers and infants, and days of saliva collection after birth. A total of 62 mother-VLBW infant pairs were recruited from the newborn intensive care unit of a tertiary medical center in the Southeast United States. Data were collected through infant medical record review, biochemical measurement, observation of mother-infant interactions, and standard questionnaires. Infant development was assessed at 6 months corrected age (CA), and mother-infant interactions were observed at 3 and 6 months CA. General linear regression with separate analyses for each infant gender showed that high testosterone levels were positively associated with language development of male infants after controlling for mother-infant interactions and other covariates, whereas high cortisol levels were negatively associated with motor development of female infants after controlling for mother-infant interactions. Steroid hormonal levels may well be more fundamental factors for assessing infant development than infant gender or mother-infant interactions at 6 months CA.

Efficiency of microbial phytase supplementation in diets formulated with different calcium:phosphorus ratios, supplied to broilers from 22 to 33 days old.

PubMed

Naves, L de P; Rodrigues, P B; Teixeira, L do V; de Oliveira, E C; Saldanha, M M; Alvarenga, R R; Corrêa, A D; Lima, R R

2015-02-01

An experiment was conducted with broilers from 22 to 33 days of age to evaluate the efficiency of six microbial phytases supplemented in diets (1500 FTU/kg) that were formulated with three different calcium:available phosphorus (Ca:P(avail)) ratios (4.5:1.0, 6.0:1.0 and 7.5:1.0). A positive control diet without phytase was formulated with a Ca:P(avail) ratio of 7.5:3.4 to meet the nutritional requirements of the broilers. The P and ash contents of the tibia, magnesium in the plasma, performance, balance and retention of phytate phosphorus (P(phyt)), intake of total P and nitrogen (N), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy and apparent digestibility of dry matter of the diets were not influenced (p > 0.05) by the type of phytase or the dietary Ca:P(avail) ratio. However, there was an interaction (p < 0.05) between the phytase type and the Ca:P(avail) ratio for the retention coefficients of total P, Ca and N. Phytase B resulted in the highest Ca deposition in the tibia (p < 0.01). Phytases D, E and F reduced the Ca concentrations in the tibia (p < 0.01) and plasma (p < 0.05). Phytase D increased the P level in the plasma and decreased the total P excretion (p < 0.01). Phytases E and F increased Ca excretion, while phytase A reduced it (p < 0.01). Regardless of the phytase type, increasing the dietary Ca:P(avail) ratio reduced (p < 0.05) the plasma P concentration and the excretion of total P and N and, conversely, increased (p < 0.05) the plasma concentration, intake and excretion of Ca. For the rearing period evaluated, it is possible to reduce the P(avail) of the diet to 1.0 g/kg when Ca is maintained at 7.5 g/kg, and the diet is supplemented with 1500 FTU of phytase A, C, D or E/kg. This diet allows the maintenance of performance and adequate bone mineralization, and it improves the Ca, total P and P(phyt) utilization in addition to reducing the excretion of N and P into the environment. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The Influence of Non-spectral Matrix Effects on the Accuracy of Isotope Ratio Measurement by MC-ICP-MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barling, J.; Shiel, A.; Weis, D.

2006-12-01

Non-spectral interferences in ICP-MS are caused by matrix elements effecting the ionisation and transmission of analyte elements. They are difficult to identify in MC-ICP-MS isotopic data because affected analyses exhibit normal mass dependent isotope fractionation. We have therefore investigated a wide range of matrix elements for both stable and radiogenic isotope systems using a Nu Plasma MC-ICP-MS. Matrix elements commonly enhance analyte sensitivity and change the instrumental mass bias experienced by analyte elements. These responses vary with element and therefore have important ramifications for the correction of data for instrumental mass bias by use of an external element (e.g. Pb and many non-traditional stable isotope systems). For Pb isotope measurements (Tl as mass bias element), Mg, Al, Ca, and Fe were investigated as matrix elements. All produced signal enhancement in Pb and Tl. Signal enhancement varied from session to session but for Ca and Al enhancement in Pb was less than for Tl while for Mg and Fe enhancement levels for Pb and Tl were similar. After correction for instrumental mass fractionation using Tl, Mg effected Pb isotope ratios were heavy (e.g. ^{208}Pb/204Pbmatrix > ^{208}Pb/204Pbtrue) for both moderate and high [Mg] while Ca effected Pb showed little change at moderate [Ca] but were light at high [Ca]. ^{208}Pb/204Pbmatrix - ^{208}Pb/204Pbtrue for all elements ranged from +0.0122 to - 0.0177. Isotopic shifts of similar magnitude are observed between Pb analyses of samples that have seen either one or two passes through chemistry (Nobre Silva et al, 2005). The double pass purified aliquots always show better reproducibility. These studies show that the presence of matrix can have a significant effect on the accuracy and reproducibility of replicate Pb isotope analyses. For non-traditional stable isotope systems (e.g. Mo(Zr), Cd(Ag)), the different responses of analyte and mass bias elements to the presence of matrix can result in del/amu for measured & mass bias corrected data that disagree outside of error. Either or both values can be incorrect. For samples, unlike experiments, the correct del/amu is not known in advance. Therefore, for sample analyses to be considered accurate, both measured and exponentially corrected del/amu should agree.

77 FR 11583 - Notice of Inventory Completion for Native American Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-27

... Native American Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects From Arizona in the Possession of San Diego State University, San Diego, CA; Correction AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice... funerary objects in the possession of San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. The human remains and...

Investigation of Continuous Assessment of Correctness in Introductory Programming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferreira, Deller James; da Silva, Hebert Coelho; Melo, Tatiane F. N.; Ambrósio, Ana Paula

2017-01-01

Teachers usually expect that any form of a continuous assessment (CA) should contribute significantly to the student learning process in introductory programming courses. To foster teachers to go beyond the current practices of a CA applied when to programming, from 2011 to 2014, we investigated the use of the Boca Online Contest Administrator…

Effect of metabolic syndrome and aging on Ca2+ dysfunction in coronary smooth muscle and coronary artery disease severity in Ossabaw miniature swine.

PubMed

Badin, Jill K; Bruning, Rebecca S; Sturek, Michael

2018-05-03

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and aging are prevalent risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) and contribute to the etiology of CAD, including dysregulation of Ca 2+ handling mechanisms in coronary smooth muscle (CSM). The current study tested the hypothesis that CAD severity and CSM Ca 2+ dysregulation were different in MetS-induced CAD compared to aging-induced CAD. Young (2.5 ± 0.2 years) and old (8.8 ± 1.2 years) Ossabaw miniature swine were fed an atherogenic diet for 11 months to induce MetS and were compared to lean age-matched controls. The metabolic profile was confirmed by body weight, plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, and intravenous glucose tolerance test. CAD was measured with intravascular ultrasound and histology. Intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) was assessed with fura-2 imaging. CAD severity was similar between MetS young and lean old swine, with MetS old swine exhibiting the most severe CAD. Compared to CSM [Ca 2+ ] i handling in lean young, the MetS young and lean old swine exhibited increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ store release, increased Ca 2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels, and attenuated sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase activity. MetS old and MetS young swine had similar Ca 2+ dysregulation. Ca 2+ dysregulation, mainly the SR Ca 2+ store, in CSM is more pronounced in lean old swine, which is indicative of mild, proliferative CAD. MetS old and MetS young swine exhibit Ca 2+ dysfunction that is typical of late, severe disease. The more advanced, complex plaques in MetS old swine suggest that the "aging milieu" potentiates effects of Ca 2+ handling dysfunction in CAD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CT coronary angiography and exercise ECG in a population with chest pain and low-to-intermediate pre-test likelihood of coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Maffei, Erica; Seitun, Sara; Martini, Chiara; Palumbo, Alessandro; Tarantini, Giuseppe; Berti, Elena; Grilli, Roberto; Tedeschi, Carlo; Messalli, Giancarlo; Guaricci, Andrea; Weustink, Annick C; Mollet, Nico Ra; Cademartiri, Filippo

2010-12-01

To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of exercise ECG (ex-ECG) versus 64-slice CT coronary angiography (CT-CA) for the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis in a population with low-to-intermediate pre-test likelihood of coronary artery disease (CAD). Retrospective single centre. Tertiary academic hospital. 177 consecutive patients (88 men, 89 women, mean age 53.5±7.6 years) with chest pain and low-to-intermediate pre-test likelihood of CAD were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent ex-ECG, CT-CA and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). A lumen diameter reduction of ≥50% was considered as significant stenosis for CT-CA. Ex-ECG was classified as positive, negative or non-diagnostic. were compared with ICA. Diagnostic accuracy of CT-CA and ex-ECG was calculated using ICA as the reference standard. A parallel comparative analysis using a cut-off value of 70% for significant lumen reduction was also performed too. Results ICA disclosed an absence of significant stenosis (≥50% luminal narrowing) in 85.3% (151/177) patients, single-vessel disease in 9.0% (16/177) patients and multivessel disease in 5.6% (10/177) patients. Prevalence of obstructive disease at ICA was 14.7% (26/177). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at the patient level were 100.0%, 98.7%, 92.9%, 100%, respectively, for CT-CA and 46.2%, 16.6%, 8.7%, 64.1%, respectively, for ex-ECG. Agreement between CT-CA and ex-ECG was 20.9%. CT-CA performed equally well in men and women, while ex-ECG had a better performance in men. After considering the cut-off value of 70% for significant stenosis, the difference between CT-CA and ex-ECG remained significant (p<0.01), with a low agreement (21.5%). CT-CA provides optimal diagnostic performance in patients with atypical chest pain and low-to-intermediate risk of CAD. Ex-ECG has poor diagnostic accuracy in this population. Concerns are related to risk of radiation dose versus the benefits of correct disease stratification.

Sediment size fractionation and focusing in the equatorial Pacific: Effect on 230Th normalization and paleoflux measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyle, Mitchell; Marcantonio, Franco; Moore, Willard S.; Murray, Richard W.; Huh, Chih-An; Finney, Bruce P.; Murray, David W.; Mix, Alan C.

2014-07-01

We use flux, dissolution, and excess 230Th data from the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study and Manganese Nodule Project equatorial Pacific study Site C to assess the extent of sediment focusing in the equatorial Pacific. Measured mass accumulation rates (MAR) from sediment cores were compared to reconstructed MAR by multiplying the particulate rain caught in sediment traps by the 230Th focusing factor and subtracting measured dissolution. CaCO3 MAR is severely overestimated when the 230Th focusing factor correction is large but is estimated correctly when the focusing factor is small. In contrast, Al fluxes in the sediment fine fraction are well matched when the focusing correction is used. Since CaCO3 is primarily a coarse sediment component, we propose that there is significant sorting of fine and coarse sediments during lateral sediment transport by weak currents. Because CaCO3 does not move with 230Th, normalization typically overcorrects the CaCO3 MAR; and because CaCO3 is 80% of the total sediment, 230Th normalization overestimates lateral sediment flux. Fluxes of 230Th in particulate rain caught in sediment traps agree with the water column production-sorption model, except within 500 m of the bottom. Near the bottom, 230Th flux measurements are as much as 3 times higher than model predictions. There is also evidence for lateral near-bottom 230Th transport in the bottom nepheloid layer since 230Th fluxes caught by near-bottom sediment traps are higher than predicted by resuspension of surface sediments alone. Resuspension and nepheloid layer transport under weak currents need to be better understood in order to use 230Th within a quantitative model of lateral sediment transport.

Who's your momma? Recognizing maternal origin of juvenile steelhead using injections of strontium chloride to create transgenerational marks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shippentower, Gene E.; Schreck, Carl B.; Heppell, Scott A.

2011-01-01

We sought to determine whether a strontium chloride injection could be used to create a transgenerational otolith mark in steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss. Two strontium injection trials and a survey of strontium: calcium (Sr:Ca) ratios in juvenile steelhead from various steelhead hatcheries were conducted to test the feasibility of the technique. In both trials, progeny of fish injected with strontium had significantly higher Sr:Ca ratios in the primordial region of their otoliths, as measured by an electron wavelength dispersive microprobe. In trial 1, the 5,000-mg/L treatment level showed that 56.8% of the otoliths were correctly classified, 12.2% being misclassified as belonging to the 0-mg/L treatment. In trial 2, the 20,000-mg/L treatment level showed that 30.8% of the otoliths were correctly classified, 13.5% being misclassified as belonging to the 0-mg/L treatment. There were no differences in the fertilization rates of eggs or survival rates of fry between the treatment and control groups. The Sr:Ca ratios in otoliths collected from various hatchery populations of steelhead varied and were greater than those found in otoliths from control fish in both of our injection trials. This study suggests that the marking technique led to recognizable increases in Sr:Ca ratios in some otoliths collected from fry produced by injected females. Not all progeny showed such increases, however, suggesting that the method holds promise but requires further refinement to reduce variation. Overall, there was a correct classification of about 40% across all treatments and trials; the variation in Sr:Ca ratios found among experimental trials and hatcheries indicates that care must be taken if the technique is employed where fish from more than one hatchery could be involved.

[The Outpatient Health Care Package for the very premature infant: application of the program to follow-up services for the Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatrics Department, Università "La Sapienza" I Facoltà, Roma (June 2008-March 2010)].

PubMed

Colarizi, P; De Luca, T; Ruggeri, A; Cerasaro, C

2010-06-01

Fifty-nine children were enrolled in the Outpatient Health Care Package (OHCP) from 01/06/2008 to 31/03/2010. All children, except two, attended entirely the follow-up appointments; a satisfactory result, considering also that 30% of family were living outside the urban area and more than a third of the families was originated in a foreign country. At 3 months corrected age(CA) Haemoglobin mean values of 47 infants, all in iron treatment, were: 12.26 (10.1-14-1) g/dL; 25% had values between 10.1 and 12 g/dL. Mean values for Calcium were 10.75 (9.50-15.26) mg/dL Mean values for ALP were 393 (179-1075) UI/L, values >1000 UI/L were found in two infants who suspended Vitamin D treatment. At 3 months CA 50 infants performed ABR, 12 of these showing abnormalities. To date 9 infants repeated ABR at 6-9 months CA, 4 of these showed again abnormal results. Overall were found 4 ABR abnormalities among 47 children (8.5%). Outcome of 23 children at 12 months CA: no moderate or severe neurologic abnormalities were found, 4 children (17.4%) presented mild abnormalities, 2 were referred for rehabilitation. No QSM <80% was found (mean QSM 93.7%) in 10 children evaluated. One child presented growth retardation <5 degrees; 2 underwent laser treatment for ROP with normal vision, 7 (30.4%)had sistolic BP > or = 95 degrees; 6 (26%) were rehospitalized. This experience was positive: OHCP promoted a better compliance and standardization of follow-up. It would be desirable to prolong OHCP until school-age, including renal and cardiac functions monitoring.

Genetically enhancing mitochondrial antioxidant activity improves muscle function in aging

PubMed Central

Umanskaya, Alisa; Santulli, Gaetano; Andersson, Daniel C.; Reiken, Steven R.; Marks, Andrew R.

2014-01-01

Age-related skeletal muscle dysfunction is a leading cause of morbidity that affects up to half the population aged 80 or greater. Here we tested the effects of increased mitochondrial antioxidant activity on age-dependent skeletal muscle dysfunction using transgenic mice with targeted overexpression of the human catalase gene to mitochondria (MCat mice). Aged MCat mice exhibited improved voluntary exercise, increased skeletal muscle specific force and tetanic Ca2+ transients, decreased intracellular Ca2+ leak and increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load compared with age-matched wild type (WT) littermates. Furthermore, ryanodine receptor 1 (the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel required for skeletal muscle contraction; RyR1) from aged MCat mice was less oxidized, depleted of the channel stabilizing subunit, calstabin1, and displayed increased single channel open probability (Po). Overall, these data indicate a direct role for mitochondrial free radicals in promoting the pathological intracellular Ca2+ leak that underlies age-dependent loss of skeletal muscle function. This study harbors implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, including mitochondria-targeted antioxidants for treatment of mitochondrial myopathies and other healthspan-limiting disorders. PMID:25288763

Improvement of the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of biodegradable β-Ca3(PO4)2/Mg-Zn composites prepared by powder metallurgy: the adding β-Ca3(PO4)2, hot extrusion and aging treatment.

PubMed

Yan, Yang; Kang, Yijun; Li, Ding; Yu, Kun; Xiao, Tao; Deng, Youwen; Dai, Han; Dai, Yilong; Xiong, Hanqing; Fang, Hongjie

2017-05-01

In this study, 10%β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-6%Zn (wt.%) composites with Mg-6%Zn alloy as control were prepared by powder metallurgy. After hot extrusion, the as-extruded composites were aged for 72h at 150°C. The effects of the adding β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , hot extrusion and aging treatment on their microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were investigated. The XRD results identified α-Mg, MgZn phase and β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 phase in these composites. After hot extrusion, grains were significantly refined, and the larger-sized β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 particles and coarse MgZn phases were broken into linear-distributed β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and MgZn phases along the extrusion direction. After aging treatment, the elements of Zn, Ca, P and O presented a more homogeneous distribution. The compressive strengths of the β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-Zn composites were approximately double those of natural bone, and their densities and elastic moduli matched those of natural bone. The immersion tests and electrochemical tests revealed that the adding β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , hot extrusion and aging treatment could promote the formation of protective corrosion product layer on the sample surface in Ringer's solution, which improved corrosion resistance of the β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-Zn composites. The XRD results indicated that the corrosion product layer contained Mg(OH) 2 , β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and hydroxyapatite (HA). The cytotoxicity assessments showed the as-extruded β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-Zn composite aged for 72h was harmless to L-929 cells. These results suggested that the β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-Zn composites prepared by powder metallurgy were promising to be used for bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aging-related impairments of hippocampal mossy fibers synapses on CA3 pyramidal cells.

PubMed

Villanueva-Castillo, Cindy; Tecuatl, Carolina; Herrera-López, Gabriel; Galván, Emilio J

2017-01-01

The network interaction between the dentate gyrus and area CA3 of the hippocampus is responsible for pattern separation, a process that underlies the formation of new memories, and which is naturally diminished in the aged brain. At the cellular level, aging is accompanied by a progression of biochemical modifications that ultimately affects its ability to generate and consolidate long-term potentiation. Although the synapse between dentate gyrus via the mossy fibers (MFs) onto CA3 neurons has been subject of extensive studies, the question of how aging affects the MF-CA3 synapse is still unsolved. Extracellular and whole-cell recordings from acute hippocampal slices of aged Wistar rats (34 ± 2 months old) show that aging is accompanied by a reduction in the interneuron-mediated inhibitory mechanisms of area CA3. Several MF-mediated forms of short-term plasticity, MF long-term potentiation and at least one of the critical signaling cascades necessary for potentiation are also compromised in the aged brain. An analysis of the spontaneous glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated currents on CA3 cells reveal a dramatic alteration in amplitude and frequency of the nonevoked events. CA3 cells also exhibited increased intrinsic excitability. Together, these results demonstrate that aging is accompanied by a decrease in the GABAergic inhibition, reduced expression of short- and long-term forms of synaptic plasticity, and increased intrinsic excitability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cyclostratigraphic constraints on the duration of the Datangpo Formation and the onset age of the Nantuo (Marinoan) glaciation in South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Xiujuan; Zhang, Shihong; Jiang, Ganqing; Wu, Huaichun; Li, Haiyan; Wang, Xinqiang; An, Zhengze; Yang, Tianshui

2018-02-01

Constructing an accurate timeline is critical for reconstructing the Earth systems through critical transitions in climate, geochemistry, and life. Existing dates constrain synchronous initiation (ca. 717 Ma) and termination (ca. 660 Ma) of the Sturtian glaciation from multiple continents. The termination of the younger Marinoan glaciation is also well dated at ca. 635 Ma, but the onset of this glaciation is only roughly constrained as ≤ ca. 654 Ma (South China) and ≥ ca. 639 Ma (Namibia). To test if the Marinoan glaciation started close to ca. 654 Ma or ca. 639 Ma, we have conducted a cyclostratigraphic study on the Cryogenian non-glacial Datangpo Formation that conformably overlies and underlies Sturtian and Marinoan glacial diamictites, respectively, in a deep-water basin section in South China. A total of 28,765 magnetic susceptibility (MS) measurements from a drillcore of the 292-m-thick, muddy siltstone- and shale-dominated Datangpo Formation are used for cyclostratigraphic analysis. The results reveal significant decameter- to meter-scale sedimentary cycles of 16-12 m, 3.6-3.0 m, 1.0-0.8 m, and 0.6-0.4 m. The ratios of these cycle wavelengths match well with those of the Milankovitch cycles calibrated for the Cryogenian Period. The established astrochronologic time scale suggests that the duration of the Datangpo Formation is about 9.8 million years. Together with the radiometric age of ca. 660 Ma for the termination of the Sturtian glaciation, the cyclostratigraphic data suggest that the Nantuo (Marinoan) glaciation in South China initiated at ca. 650 Ma, which is slightly younger than but consistent with the ca. 654 Ma U-Pb age from the top of the Datangpo Formation in shelf sections. This age, however, is significantly older than the ages obtained from Marinoan-age glacial diamictites in South China (ca. 636 Ma) and Namibia (ca. 639 Ma). Given that most of the shelf sections may have suffered from glacial erosion, obtaining the onset age of the Marinoan glaciation should focus on relatively complete, deep-water successions.

Ionized hypercalcemia in dogs: a retrospective study of 109 cases (1998-2003).

PubMed

Messinger, J S; Windham, W R; Ward, C R

2009-01-01

Serum hypercalcemia in dogs has been reported in association with a variety of diseases. Serum-ionized calcium (iCa) concentration is a more accurate measure of hypercalcemia than total serum calcium or corrected serum calcium concentrations. The severity of hypercalcemia has been utilized to suggest the most likely differential diagnosis for the hypercalcemia. Diseases causing ionized hypercalcemia may be different than those that cause increases in total or corrected serum calcium concentrations. The severity of ionized hypercalcemia in specific diseases cannot be used to determine the most likely differential diagnosis for ionized hypercalcemia. One-hundred and nine client-owned dogs with a definitive cause for their ionized hypercalcemia evaluated between 1998 and 2003 were included in this study. Retrospective, medical records review. Neoplasia, specifically lymphosarcoma, followed by renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoadrenocorticism were the most common causes of ionized hypercalcemia. Dogs with lymphoma and anal sac adenocarcinoma have higher serum iCa concentrations than those with renal failure, hypoadrenocorticism, and other types of neoplasia. The magnitude of serum-ionized hypercalcemia did not predict specific disease states. Serum-ionized hypercalcemia was most commonly associated with neoplasia, specifically lymphosarcoma. Although dogs with lymphosarcoma and anal sac adenocarcinoma had higher serum iCa concentrations than dogs with other diseases, the magnitude of the serum iCa concentration could not be used to predict the cause of hypercalcemia. Total serum calcium and corrected calcium concentrations did not accurately reflect the calcium status of the dogs in this study.

The somatic FAH C.1061C>A change counteracts the frequent FAH c.1062+5G>A mutation and permits U1snRNA-based splicing correction.

PubMed

Scalet, Daniela; Sacchetto, Claudia; Bernardi, Francesco; Pinotti, Mirko; van de Graaf, Stan F J; Balestra, Dario

2018-05-01

In tyrosinaemia type 1(HT1), a mosaic pattern of fumarylacetoacetase (FAH) immunopositive or immunonegative nodules in liver tissue has been reported in many patients. This aspect is generally explained by a spontaneous reversion of the mutation into a normal genotype. In one HT1 patient carrying the frequent FAH c.1062+5G>A mutation, a second somatic change (c.1061C>A) has been reported in the same allele, and found in immunopositive nodules. Here, we demonstrated that the c.1062+5G>A prevents usage of the exon 12 5' splice site (ss), even when forced by an engineered U1snRNA specifically designed on the FAH 5'ss to strengthen its recognition. Noticeably the new somatic c.1061C>A change, in linkage with the c.1062+5G>A mutation, partially rescues the defective 5'ss and is associated to trace level (~5%) of correct transcripts. Interestingly, this combined genetic condition strongly favored the rescue by the engineered U1snRNA, with correct transcripts reaching up to 60%. Altogether, these findings elucidate the molecular basis of HT1 caused by the frequent FAH c.1062+5G>A mutation, and demonstrate the compensatory effect of the c.1061C>A change in promoting exon definition, thus unraveling a rare mechanism leading to FAH immune-reactive mosaicism.

Dual effect of cell-cell contact disruption on cytosolic calcium and insulin secretion.

PubMed

Jaques, Fabienne; Jousset, Hélène; Tomas, Alejandra; Prost, Anne-Lise; Wollheim, Claes B; Irminger, Jean-Claude; Demaurex, Nicolas; Halban, Philippe A

2008-05-01

Cell-to-cell interactions play an important role in insulin secretion. Compared with intact islets, dispersed pancreatic beta-cells show increased basal and decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In this study, we used mouse MIN6B1 cells to investigate the mechanisms that control insulin secretion when cells are in contact with each other or not. RNAi-mediated silencing of the adhesion molecule E-cadherin in confluent cells reduced glucose-stimulated secretion to the levels observed in isolated cells but had no impact on basal secretion. Dispersed cells presented high cytosolic Ca(2+) activity, depolymerized cytoskeleton and ERK1/2 activation in low glucose conditions. Both the increased basal secretion and the spontaneous Ca(2+) activity were corrected by transient removal of Ca(2+) or prolonged incubation of cells in low glucose, a procedure that restored the ability of dispersed cells to respond to glucose (11-fold stimulation). In conclusion, we show that dispersed pancreatic beta-cells can respond robustly to glucose once their elevated basal secretion has been corrected. The increased basal insulin secretion of dispersed cells is due to spontaneous Ca(2+) transients that activate downstream Ca(2+) effectors, whereas engagement of cell adhesion molecules including E-cadherin contributes to the greater secretory response to glucose seen in cells with normal intercellular contacts.

Mass-spectrometric mining of Hadean zircons by automated SHRIMP multi-collector and single-collector U/Pb zircon age dating: The first 100,000 grains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holden, Peter; Lanc, Peter; Ireland, Trevor R.; Harrison, T. Mark; Foster, John J.; Bruce, Zane

2009-09-01

The identification and retrieval of a large population of ancient zircons (>4 Ga; Hadean) is of utmost priority if models of the early evolution of Earth are to be rigorously tested. We have developed a rapid and accurate U-Pb zircon age determination protocol utilizing a fully automated multi-collector ion microprobe, the ANU SHRIMP II, to screen and date these zircons. Unattended data acquisition relies on the calibration of a digitized sample map to the Sensitive High Resolution Ion MicroProbe (SHRIMP) sample-stage co-ordinate system. High precision positioning of individual grains can be produced through optical image processing of a specified mount location. The focal position of the mount can be optimized through a correlation between secondary-ion steering and the spot position on the target. For the Hadean zircon project, sample mounts are photographed and sample locations (normally grain centers) are determined off-line. The sample is loaded, reference points calibrated, and the target positions are then visited sequentially. In SHRIMP II multiple-collector mode, zircons are initially screened (ca. 5 s data acquisition) through their 204Pb corrected 207Pb/206Pb ratio; suitable candidates are then analyzed in a longer routine to obtain better measurement statistics, U/Pb, and concentration data. In SHRIMP I and SHRIMP RG, we have incorporated the automated analysis protocol to single-collector measurements. These routines have been used to analyze over 100,000 zircons from the Jack Hills quartzite. Of these, ca. 7%, have an age greater than 3.8 Ga, the oldest grain being 4372 +/- 6 Ma (2[sigma]), and this age is part of a group of analyses around 4350 Ma which we interpret as the age when continental crust first began to coalesce in this region. In multi-collector mode, the analytical time taken for a single mount with 400 zircons is approximately 6 h; whereas in single-collector mode, the analytical time is ca. 17 h. With this productivity, we can produce significant numbers of zircons for statistically limited studies including correlations between age and morphology, mineral-inclusion paragenesis, as well as isotopic studies including Hf and O isotopic compositions, Pu-Xe, and Sm-Nd isotopes.

Compromised store-operated Ca2+ entry in aged skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiaoli; Weisleder, Noah; Thornton, Angela; Oppong, Yaa; Campbell, Rachel; Ma, Jianjie; Brotto, Marco

2008-08-01

In aged skeletal muscle, changes to the composition and function of the contractile machinery cannot fully explain the observed decrease in the specific force produced by the contractile machinery that characterizes muscle weakness during aging. Since modification in extracellular Ca(2+) entry in aged nonexcitable and excitable cells has been recently identified, we evaluated the functional status of store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) in aged mouse skeletal muscle. Using Mn(2+) quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence and confocal-microscopic imaging of Ca(2+) movement from the transverse tubules, we determined that SOCE was severely compromised in muscle fibers isolated from aged mice (26-27 months) as compared with those from young (2-5 months) mice. While reduced SOCE in aged skeletal muscle does not appear to result from altered expression levels of STIM1 or reduced expression of mRNA for Orai, this reduction in SOCE is mirrored in fibers isolated from young mice null for mitsugumin-29, a synaptophysin-related protein that displays decreased expression in aged skeletal muscle. Our data suggest that decreased mitsugumin-29 expression and reduced SOCE may contribute to the diminished intracellular Ca(2+) homeostatic capacity generally associated with muscle aging.

Compromised store-operated Ca2+ entry in aged skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

Zhao, Xiaoli; Weisleder, Noah; Thornton, Angela; Oppong, Yaa; Campbell, Rachel; Ma, Jianjie; Brotto, Marco

2010-01-01

Summary In aged skeletal muscle, changes to the composition and function of the contractile machinery cannot fully explain the observed decrease in the specific force produced by the contractile machinery that characterizes muscle weakness during aging. Since modification in extracellular Ca2+ entry in aged nonexcitable and excitable cells has been recently identified, we evaluated the functional status of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in aged mouse skeletal muscle. Using Mn2+ quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence and confocal-microscopic imaging of Ca2+ movement from the transverse tubules, we determined that SOCE was severely compromised in muscle fibers isolated from aged mice (26–27 months) as compared with those from young (2–5 months) mice. While reduced SOCE in aged skeletal muscle does not appear to result from altered expression levels of STIM1 or reduced expression of mRNA for Orai, this reduction in SOCE is mirrored in fibers isolated from young mice null for mitsugumin-29, a synaptophysin-related protein that displays decreased expression in aged skeletal muscle. Our data suggest that decreased mitsugumin-29 expression and reduced SOCE may contribute to the diminished intracellular Ca2+ homeostatic capacity generally associated with muscle aging. PMID:18505477

Integrated multi-site U-Th chronology of the last glacial Lake Lisan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torfstein, Adi; Goldstein, Steven L.; Kagan, Elisa J.; Stein, Mordechai

2013-03-01

We present a new integrated multi-site chronology for Lake Lisan, which occupied the Dead Sea basin and Jordan Valley during the last glacial period (70-14 kka, Marine Isotope Stages 4, 3, 2). The Dead Sea basin lacustrine deposits are unique among closed basin sediments in that they formed in a deep, hypersaline water body that precipitated primary aragonite which is amenable to radiometric dating by U-series, providing a solid basis for studies of the relationship of Middle East climate to other changes in the high latitudes or the tropics. The application of U-Th dating for lacustrine carbonates requires corrections for detrital U and Th and hydrogenous ("initial") 230Th. Here we followed an iterative approach, in which we evaluate the composition of the detrital contamination independently for every set of coeval samples to determine the corrected ages. These were further filtered and combined with lithological-limnological considerations, which were used to construct age-height models for all studied stratigraphic sections. Finally, the ages of stratigraphic tie-points were used to integrate the individual age-height models into a unified chronology. The resulting chronological framework indicates that the ages of several primary gypsum units associated with catastrophic lake level drops correspond with the timing of Heinrich events in the North Atlantic. Thus, a final iterative step involves refining the ages of "Lisan-gypsum events" based on the ages of Heinrich events 6, 5, 5a, 4, and 1. This approach yields an unprecedented basin-wide, unified, event-anchored chronology for the Lisan Formation, with typical age uncertainties ca. 1000-2000 years (95% confidence limit) across the entire last glacial, well below those typically related to individual U-Th and radiocarbon dating of "dirty" carbonates from similar time intervals. The results can be further extrapolated to new sites and serve as a geochronometric reference for the reconstruction of the limnological history of Lake Lisan.

Utilization of Forward Error Correction (FEC) Techniques With Extensible Markup Language (XML) Schema-Based Binary Compression (XSBC) Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-12-01

NY 7. Erik Chaum NUWC Newport, RI 8. David Bellino NPRI Newport, RI 9. Dick Nadolink NUWC Newport, RI 10. VADM Roger Bacon (Ret...Science Advisor Pearl Harbor, HI 16. LT Andrew Hurvitz, USN FNMOC Monterey, CA 17. ENS Darin Keeter, USN FNMOC Monterey, CA 18. CAPT David

76 FR 53913 - Award of an Urgent Single-Source Grant to Survivors of Torture International (SOTI) in San Diego...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-30

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of Refugee Resettlement Award of an Urgent Single-Source Grant to Survivors of Torture International (SOTI) in San Diego, CA; Correction AGENCY: Office of... (SOTI), San Diego, CA. The document contained incorrect information in citing the statutory authority...

77 FR 71492 - Amendment of Area Navigation Route Q-1; CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-03

...-1049; Airspace Docket No. 12-ANM-12] RIN 2120-AA66 Amendment of Area Navigation Route Q-1; CA AGENCY...) route Q-1. This action corrects the spelling of the TOCOS waypoint. DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC... published a final rule, technical amendment in the Federal Register amending the description of RNAV route Q...

Correction of both spontaneous and DEB-induced chromosome instability in Fanconi anemia FA-C cells by FACC cDNA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stavropoulos, D.J.; Tomkins, D.J.; Allingham-Hawkins, D.J.

1994-09-01

Cells from all four Fanconi anemia complementation groups show hypersensitivity to cell-killing by mitomycin C (MMC), diepoxybutane (DEB) and other DNA cross-linking agents, and increased spontaneous and DEB-induced chromosome aberrations (CA). The extent of these phenotypes varies between lymphoblastoid cell lines from different complementation groups. Our data showed that the difference in MMC hypersensitivity and DEB-CA was not always coupled. While 230N (FA-B) had higher DEB-induced CA/cell than 536N (FA-C) (7.42 vs. 4.46 respectively), that latter was much more sensitive to cell-killing by MMC (dose at 10% survival, D{sub 10}: 5.2 vs. 1.2 ng/ml respectively). Strathdes et al. (1992) clonedmore » a cDNA Fanconi anemia complementation group C (FACC) which complemented the hypersensitivity to MMC and DEB cell-killing of FA-C cells (536N) but not cells from the other three complementation groups. The present study was initiated to determine whether chromosome instability in 536N is also complemented by the FACC (FAC3) cDNA. The pREP4-FAC3 vector was transfected into 536N and transfectants selected with hygromycin B. The DEB D{sub 10} of 536N (1.0 {mu}M) was corrected to the control level (16.2 {mu}M for 3TO) by FACC (15.1 {mu}M for 536N-FACC), as previously demonstrated. Chromosome instability (cab, cse, ctb, cte) was determined without and with 0.1 {mu}g/ml DEB treatment. Spontaneous CA of 536N (0.30 aberrations/cell) was corrected to the control level (0.04 for 3TO) by FACC (0.06 for 536N-FACC). Similarly, the DEB-induced CA was corrected (2.74 for 536N vs. 0.06 and 0.02 for 3TO and 536N-FACC respectively). Thus, at least for FA complementation group C, hypersensitivity to cell-killing and chromosome instability are not dissociated and are most likely caused by the same gene defect.« less

Poststroke QEEG informs early prognostication of cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Schleiger, Emma; Wong, Andrew; Read, Stephen; Rowland, Tennille; Finnigan, Simon

2017-02-01

Cognitive impairment is a common consequence of stroke, but remains difficult to predict. We investigate the ability of early QEEG assessment to inform such prediction, using binary logistic regression. Thirty-five patients (12 female, ages 18-87) suffering middle cerebral artery, ischemic stroke were studied. Resting-state EEG was recorded 48-239 h after symptom onset. Relative power for delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands, delta:alpha ratio, and peak alpha frequency were analyzed. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was administered, where possible, on day of EEG and at median 99 days (range 69-138) poststroke. Eight patients could not complete the baseline MoCA, and four the follow-up MoCA, for varying reasons (most commonly, stroke symptoms). Fifteen patients (48%) had cognitive impairment (MoCA score ≤25) at follow-up. One QEEG index was able to correctly predict presence/absence of cognitive impairment in 24/31 patients (77.4%), whereas predischarge MoCA did so in 23 patients. This index, relative theta frequency (4-7.5 Hz) power, was computed from only three posterior electrodes over the stroke-affected hemisphere. Its predictive accuracy (three electrodes) was higher than that of any "global" QEEG measure (averaged over 19 electrodes). These results may signify association between poststroke alpha slowing and cognitive impairment, which may be mediated by attentional (dys)function, which warrants further investigation. Pending further studies, QEEG measure(s)-from a few electrodes-could inform early prognostication of poststroke cognitive outcomes (and clinical decisions), particularly when cognitive function cannot be adequately assessed (due to symptoms, language, or other issues) or when assessment is equivocal. © 2016 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Equilibrium folding of pro-HlyA from Escherichia coli reveals a stable calcium ion dependent folding intermediate.

PubMed

Thomas, Sabrina; Bakkes, Patrick J; Smits, Sander H J; Schmitt, Lutz

2014-09-01

HlyA from Escherichia coli is a member of the repeats in toxin (RTX) protein family, produced by a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria and secreted by a dedicated Type 1 Secretion System (T1SS). RTX proteins are thought to be secreted in an unfolded conformation and to fold upon secretion by Ca(2+) binding. However, the exact mechanism of secretion, ion binding and folding to the correct native state remains largely unknown. In this study we provide an easy protocol for high-level pro-HlyA purification from E. coli. Equilibrium folding studies, using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, revealed the well-known fact that Ca(2+) is essential for stability as well as correct folding of the whole protein. In the absence of Ca(2+), pro-HlyA adopts a non-native conformation. Such molecules could however be rescued by Ca(2+) addition, indicating that these are not dead-end species and that Ca(2+) drives pro-HlyA folding. More importantly, pro-HlyA unfolded via a two-state mechanism, whereas folding was a three-state process. The latter is indicative of the presence of a stable folding intermediate. Analysis of deletion and Trp mutants revealed that the first folding transition, at 6-7M urea, relates to Ca(2+) dependent structural changes at the extreme C-terminus of pro-HlyA, sensed exclusively by Trp914. Since all Trp residues of HlyA are located outside the RTX domain, our results demonstrate that Ca(2+) induced folding is not restricted to the RTX domain. Taken together, Ca(2+) binding to the pro-HlyA RTX domain is required to drive the folding of the entire protein to its native conformation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the measurement of calcium and lead isotope ratios in packaging for discriminatory purposes.

PubMed

Santamaria-Fernandez, Rebeca; Wolff, Jean-Claude

2010-07-30

The potential of high-precision calcium and lead isotope ratio measurements using laser ablation coupled to multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) to aid distinction between four genuine and five counterfeit pharmaceutical packaging samples and further classification of counterfeit packaging samples has been evaluated. We highlight the lack of reference materials for LA-MC-ICP-MS isotope ratio measurements in solids. In this case the problem is minimised by using National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material (NIST SRM) 915a calcium carbonate (as solid pellets) and NIST SRM610 glass disc for sample bracketing external standardisation. In addition, a new reference material, NIST SRM915b calcium carbonate, has been characterised in-house for Ca isotope ratios and is used as a reference sample. Significant differences have been found between genuine and counterfeit samples; the method allows detection of counterfeits and aids further classification of packaging samples. Typical expanded uncertainties for measured-corrected Ca isotope ratio values ((43)Ca/(44)Ca and (42)Ca/(44)Ca) were found to be below 0.06% (k = 2, 95% confidence) and below 0.2% for measured-corrected Pb isotope ratios ((207)Pb/(206)Pb and (208)Pb/(206)Pb). This is the first time that Ca isotope ratios have been measured in packaging materials using LA coupled to a multicollector (MC)-ICP-MS instrument. The use of LA-MC-ICP-MS for direct measurement of Ca and Pb isotopic variations in cardboard/ink in packaging has definitive potential to aid counterfeit detection and classification. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Neurophysiological prediction of neurological good and poor outcome in post-anoxic coma.

PubMed

Grippo, A; Carrai, R; Scarpino, M; Spalletti, M; Lanzo, G; Cossu, C; Peris, A; Valente, S; Amantini, A

2017-06-01

Investigation of the utility of association between electroencephalogram (EEG) and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) for the prediction of neurological outcome in comatose patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest (CA) treated with therapeutic hypothermia, according to different recording times after CA. Glasgow Coma Scale, EEG and SEPs performed at 12, 24 and 48-72 h after CA were assessed in 200 patients. Outcome was evaluated by Cerebral Performance Category 6 months after CA. Within 12 h after CA, grade 1 EEG predicted good outcome and bilaterally absent (BA) SEPs predicted poor outcome. Because grade 1 EEG and BA-SEPs were never found in the same patient, the recording of both EEG and SEPs allows us to correctly prognosticate a greater number of patients with respect to the use of a single test within 12 h after CA. At 48-72 h after CA, both grade 2 EEG and BA-SEPs predicted poor outcome with FPR=0.0%. When these neurophysiological patterns are both present in the same patient, they confirm and strengthen their prognostic value, but because they also occurred independently in eight patients, poor outcome is predictable in a greater number of patients. The combination of EEG/SEP findings allows prediction of good and poor outcome (within 12 h after CA) and of poor outcome (after 48-72 h). Recording of EEG and SEPs in the same patients allows always an increase in the number of cases correctly classified, and an increase of the reliability of prognostication in a single patient due to concordance of patterns. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

326 Lung Age/Chronological Age Index as Indicator of Clinical Improvement or Severity in Asthma Patients

PubMed Central

Castrejon-Vázquez, Isabel; Vargas, Maria Eugenia; Sabido, Raúl Cicero; Tapía, Jorge Galicia

2012-01-01

Background Spirometry is a very useful clinical test to evaluate pulmonary function in asthma. However pulmonary function could be affected by the sex, time of clinical evolution, lung age (LA) and chronological age (CA). The aim of this study was to evaluate LA/CA as index of clinical improvement or severity in asthma patients. Methods The tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki were followed, and all patients gave their informed consent to participate in this study. Asthma severity was evaluated according with GINA classification. Spirometry was performed at the beginning of this study, at 46 days, 96 days, 192 days and after 8 months. Statistical analysis was performed using t test, 2-way ANOVA test, correlation and multiple regression models as well as ROC curves were also performed, a P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results 70 asthma patients were included (22 male and 48 female), mean CA was 35-years old; mean LA was 48-years with a LA/CA index = 1.4, time of clinical evolution was 13 years. A LA/CA index = 1 (range 0.5 to 0.9) was observed in asymptomatic patients. LA/CA index over 1 were related with airway inflammation, and a LA/CA index more than 2 correlated with GINA step 3. Interestingly when we analyzed CA and LA, we observed that in female group more than 10 years of difference between CA and LA, (GINA Step2 and 3); while in male we observed (GINA Step1, Step2 and Step3). LA/CA index ≤ 1 was considered as normal. Conclusions LA/CA index is a good as clinical indicator of clinical improvement or severity in asthma patients in with excellent correlation of pulmonary function and age.

75 FR 35079 - Notice of Correction to Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Staff...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-21

...) Project, San Bernardino County, CA AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Correction. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management published a Notice of Availability of the Draft... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CACA 49537, LLCAD08000, L51030000.FX0000...

75 FR 11881 - Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-12

..., Draft EIS, BLM, CA, Stirling Energy Systems (SES) Solar 2 Project, Construct and Operate, Electric.../2010: Correction to Comment Period from 04/12/2010 to 04/26/2010. EIS No. 20100054, Draft EIS, NASA, VA... FR Notice Published 02/26/2010: Correction to Document Agency from NOAA to NASA. Dated: March 9, 2010...

Choline-modulated arsenic trioxide-induced prolongation of cardiac repolarization in Guinea pig.

PubMed

Sun, Hong-Li; Chu, Wen-Feng; Dong, De-Li; Liu, Yan; Bai, Yun-Long; Wang, Xiao-Hui; Zhou, Jin; Yang, Bao-Feng

2006-04-01

Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) has been found to be effective for relapsed or refractory acute promyelocytic leukaemia, but its clinical use is burdened by QT prolongation, Torsade de pointes tachycardias, and sudden cardiac death. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the ionic mechanisms of As(2)O(3)-induced abnormalities of cardiac electrophysiology and the therapeutic action of choline on As(2)O(3)-caused QT prolongation in guinea pig. Intravenous administration of As(2)O(3) prolonged the QT interval in a dose- and time-dependent manner in guinea pig hearts, and the QT prolongation could be modulated by choline. By using whole-cell patch clamp technique and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found that As(2)O(3) significantly lengthened action potential duration measured at 50 and 90% of repolarization, enhanced L-type calcium currents (I(Ca-L)), inhibited delayed rectifier potassium currents (I(K)), and increased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. Choline corrected As(2)O(3)-mediated alterations of action potential duration, I(Ca-L) and [Ca(2+)](i), but had no effect on the I(K) inhibition. As(2)O(3) markedly disturbed the normal equilibrium of transmembrane currents (increasing I(Ca-L) and suppressing I(K)) in guinea pig cardiomyocyte, and induced prolongation of action potential duration, further degenerated into QT prolongation. Choline normalized QT interval abnormality and corrected lengthened action potential duration by inhibiting the elevated I(Ca-L) and [Ca(2+)](i) in ventricular myocytes during As(2)O(3) application.

Age and adaptation to Ca and P deficiencies: 2. Impacts on amino acid digestibility and phytase efficacy in broilers.

PubMed

Li, W; Angel, R; Kim, S-W; Jiménez-Moreno, E; Proszkowiec-Weglarz, M; Plumstead, P W

2015-12-01

A total of 1,152 straight-run hatchling Heritage 56M×fast feathering Cobb 500F broiler birds were used to determine Ca, age, and adaptation effects on apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein (AID of CP), amino acids (AID of AA) and phytase efficacy. Twelve treatments with 8 replicates, each were fed from 7 to 9 d (6 birds per replicate), 7 to 21 d (6 birds per replicate) and 19 to 21 d (3 birds per replicate) d of age. Diets were prepared with 3 Ca (0.65, 0.80, and 0.95%) and 2 non-phytate P, (0.20 and 0.40%) concentrations. A 6-phytase was added at 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg to the 0.20% nPP diet at each Ca concentration. The age and adaptation effects were determined by comparing the responses between birds fed from 7 to 9 and 19 to 21 d of age, 19 to 21, and 7 to 21 d of age, respectively. An age effect was observed regardless of Ca, nPP, or phytase concentration, with older birds (19 to 21 d) having greater apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) and CP than younger birds (7 to 9 d; P<0.05). Response to adaptation varied depending on Ca, nPP, and phytase concentrations. Constant lower AID of CP and AA was seen in adapted birds (7 to 21 d) compared to unadapted bird (19 to 21 d) when 0.20% nPP diets were fed at 0.95% Ca concentrations (P<0.05). At 0.40% nPP, there was no effect of adaptation on AID of CP and AA at any Ca concentration. Phytase efficacy was significantly lower in younger (7 to 9 d) compared to older birds (19 to 21 d; P<0.05), except at 0.65% Ca. Phytase inclusion increased AID of CP and AA regardless of Ca (P<0.05). In conclusion, the AID of CP and AA can be affected by diet, age, and adaptation. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Age of menopause and fracture risk in postmenopausal women randomized to calcium + vitamin D, hormone therapy, or the combination: results from the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trials.

PubMed

Sullivan, Shannon D; Lehman, Amy; Nathan, Nisha K; Thomson, Cynthia A; Howard, Barbara V

2017-04-01

We previously reported that in the absence of hormone therapy (HT) or calcium/vitamin D (Ca/D) supplementation, earlier menopause age was associated with decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk in healthy postmenopausal women. Treatment with HT and Ca/D is protective against fractures after menopause. In this analysis, we asked if the age of menopause onset alters fracture risk in healthy postmenopausal women receiving HT, Ca/D, or a combination. Hazard ratios (HRs) for any fracture among 21,711 healthy postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trial, who were treated with HT, Ca/D, or HT + Ca/D, and who reported age of nonsurgical menopause of <40, 40 to 49, and ≥50 years, were compared. Women with menopause <40 years had significantly higher HR for fracture than women with menopause 40 to 49 or ≥50 years, regardless of treatment intervention (HR [95% CI]: menopause <40 y vs ≥50 y, 1.36 [1.11-1.67]; menopause <40 y vs 40-49 y, 1.30 [1.06-1.60]). In the overall Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trial cohort and within each treatment group, women with younger menopause age (<40 y) had a higher risk of any fracture than women reporting older menopause ages. The effect of menopause age on fracture risk was not altered by any of the treatment interventions (HT, Ca/D, HT + Ca/D), suggesting that early age of menopause is an independent contributor to postmenopausal fracture risk.

[Application of multivariate analysis to the serum mineral and trace element content on differentiation of healthy subjects].

PubMed

Rodríguez Rodríguez, E; Henríquez Sánchez, P; López Blanco, F; Díaz Romero, C; Serra Majem, L

2004-01-01

Serum concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn and P were determined in apparently health individuals representing of the population of the Canary Islands. Multivariate analysis was applied on the data matrix in order to differentiate the individuals according several criteria such as gender, age, island and province of residence, smoking and drinking habits and physical exercise. 395 serum samples (187 men and 208 women) were analyzed mean age of 38.4 +/- 20.0 years. Individuals data about age, gender, weight, height, alcohol consumption, smoking habits and physical exercise were recorded using standardized questionnaires. The determination of minerals was carried out by flame emission spectrometry (Na and K) and atomic absorption spectrometry with flame air/acetylene (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn), hybride generation (Se) and graphite furnace (Mn). The P was determined by a colorimetric method. The sex and age of individuals influenced on the serum concentrations of some minerals, Cu and Fe, and P and Se, respectively. The island of residence influenced the mean concentrations of the most the minerals analysed. The smoking and drinking habits do not seem to influence the mean contents of the minerals in an important manner. Physical exercise had significant influence on the P, Cu and Mn concentrations in serum. The water for consumption influenced on the serum concentrations of the electrolytes and Ca and Mg, but it did not affect the concentrations of the trace elements. Applying discriminant analysis the individuals lower 18 years were reasonably well differentiated (89% of the individuals correctly classified) from the rest of individuals. A tendency for differentiation of individuals according to the island of residence was also observed. A low differentiation of the individuals according to the sex, province or island or residence and habits or life style was observed after application of multivariate analysis techniques. However, the adults were reasonably differentiated from the children and adolescent, and the inhabitants of Lanzarote and La Palma tend to separate from the rest of the individuals of their province.

Developmental changes in autonomic emotional response during an executive functional task: A pupillometric study during Wisconsin card sorting test.

PubMed

Ohyama, Tetsuo; Kaga, Yoshimi; Goto, Yusuke; Aoyagi, Kakuro; Ishii, Sayaka; Kanemura, Hideaki; Sugita, Kanji; Aihara, Masao

2017-03-01

The autonomic nervous system has a deep relationship with the cognitive network when performing cognitive tasks. We hypothesize that autonomic emotional responses can affect cognitive function, especially executive function. The aim of this study was to clarify the involvement of the autonomic system during an executive functional task via developmental changes assessed using pupillometry. Subjects were 16 healthy children and 9 healthy adults. Children were divided into 3 groups (Group A, 7-9years; Group B, 10-14years; Group C, 15-17years). Pupil diameter was recorded using an eye mark recorder during cognitive shift (CS) during the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST). The rate of pupil variations was integrated and compared within each group, focusing on performance during CS. Categories achieved (CA) in the behavioral results of WCST increased with age, with significant differences between Group A and other groups. The change of pupillary diameter was increased with CS and decreased at the correct answers after CS in adults. Changes of pupillary diameter with CS showed a linear increase with age, and the pattern of the pupillary response at the age of 10-14years was comparable to adults. The integrated rate of pupil diameter with CS increased with age, and there was a significant difference between Group A and adults. In addition, the degree of mydriasis correlated with the number of CA. These findings suggest that autonomic emotional response play an important role as a part of the process for executive function. Copyright © 2016 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chromosomal abnormalities: subgroup analysis by maternal age and perinatal features in zhejiang province of China, 2011-2015.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao-Hui; Qiu, Li-Qian; Ye, Ying-Hui; Xu, Jian

2017-05-12

Recently, the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities (CA) increased as the increasing proportion of mothers with advanced age. We aimed to explore the prevalence of CA in relation to maternal age and perinatal features. A retrospective study was performed based on provincial birth defects surveillance data. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to calculate maternal age-specific rates of CA. Socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and perinatal features were listed. The total prevalence of CA was 6.38 per 10,000 births, which increased per 10,000 births linearly from 4.02 in 2011 to 9.13 in 2015 (x 2 line-trend =52.69, p < 0.001). During this period, the prevalence for CA per 10,000 births among women over 35 years old increased from 15.34 in 2011 to 33.82 in 2015 (x 2 line-trend =115121.6, p < 0.001). The RR for overall CA, trisomy 21(T21), trisomy 18(T18) and others in mothers 35 years or older were 6.64 (95% CI 5.55 ~ 7.93), 6.83 (95% CI 5.63 ~ 8.30), 4.06 (95% CI 2.09 ~ 7.90) and 7.54 (95% CI 4.02 ~ 14.11) respectively in comparison to mothers aged 25-29 years old. The stillbirths rate for total CA was 76.45%. T21 and T18 were strongly associated with multiple anomalies, especially congenital heart abnormalities. The prevalence of CA increased as maternal age increased. Cases with CA were associated with other congenital defects and high mortality risk.

Understanding the Effects of Dissolution on the Mg/Ca Paleothermometer in Planktic Foraminifera: Evidence From a Novel Individual Foraminifera Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rongstad, Brigitta L.; Marchitto, Thomas M.; Herguera, Juan Carlos

2017-12-01

It is well documented that partial dissolution of planktic foraminiferal tests results in a reduction of Mg/Ca ratios, and hence of inferred calcification temperatures; however, traditional analysis techniques have made it difficult to identify the exact mechanism through which Mg is lost. Three hypotheses have been proposed as models for Mg loss for a given extent of dissolution: (1) a percent loss of Mg in individuals, (2) a molar loss of Mg in individuals, and (3) a loss of the highest-Mg (warmest) individuals from a population. It is vital to better constrain these models as they have very different implications for Mg/Ca paleotemperature dissolution corrections. Here we use a novel individual foraminifera Mg/Ca method to examine the effects of dissolution on the Mg/Ca paleothermometer in three species of planktic foraminifera, Globigerinoides ruber, Neogloboquadrina dutertrei, and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata, from a depth transect of core tops on the Ontong Java Plateau in the western equatorial Pacific. With the exception of the most heavily dissolved population of P. obliquiloculata, our data best support a percent Mg loss model as indicated by the preservation of inferred temperature distribution shapes among the sampled populations and the close fit of the simulated percent Mg loss model to the observed data. Coupled with estimates for foraminiferal dissolution, identification of the percent Mg loss model will allow for more accurate dissolution corrections in Mg/Ca paleothermometry work.

Age correction in monitoring audiometry: method to update OSHA age-correction tables to include older workers

PubMed Central

Dobie, Robert A; Wojcik, Nancy C

2015-01-01

Objectives The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Noise Standard provides the option for employers to apply age corrections to employee audiograms to consider the contribution of ageing when determining whether a standard threshold shift has occurred. Current OSHA age-correction tables are based on 40-year-old data, with small samples and an upper age limit of 60 years. By comparison, recent data (1999–2006) show that hearing thresholds in the US population have improved. Because hearing thresholds have improved, and because older people are increasingly represented in noisy occupations, the OSHA tables no longer represent the current US workforce. This paper presents 2 options for updating the age-correction tables and extending values to age 75 years using recent population-based hearing survey data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Both options provide scientifically derived age-correction values that can be easily adopted by OSHA to expand their regulatory guidance to include older workers. Methods Regression analysis was used to derive new age-correction values using audiometric data from the 1999–2006 US NHANES. Using the NHANES median, better-ear thresholds fit to simple polynomial equations, new age-correction values were generated for both men and women for ages 20–75 years. Results The new age-correction values are presented as 2 options. The preferred option is to replace the current OSHA tables with the values derived from the NHANES median better-ear thresholds for ages 20–75 years. The alternative option is to retain the current OSHA age-correction values up to age 60 years and use the NHANES-based values for ages 61–75 years. Conclusions Recent NHANES data offer a simple solution to the need for updated, population-based, age-correction tables for OSHA. The options presented here provide scientifically valid and relevant age-correction values which can be easily adopted by OSHA to expand their regulatory guidance to include older workers. PMID:26169804

Age correction in monitoring audiometry: method to update OSHA age-correction tables to include older workers.

PubMed

Dobie, Robert A; Wojcik, Nancy C

2015-07-13

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Noise Standard provides the option for employers to apply age corrections to employee audiograms to consider the contribution of ageing when determining whether a standard threshold shift has occurred. Current OSHA age-correction tables are based on 40-year-old data, with small samples and an upper age limit of 60 years. By comparison, recent data (1999-2006) show that hearing thresholds in the US population have improved. Because hearing thresholds have improved, and because older people are increasingly represented in noisy occupations, the OSHA tables no longer represent the current US workforce. This paper presents 2 options for updating the age-correction tables and extending values to age 75 years using recent population-based hearing survey data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Both options provide scientifically derived age-correction values that can be easily adopted by OSHA to expand their regulatory guidance to include older workers. Regression analysis was used to derive new age-correction values using audiometric data from the 1999-2006 US NHANES. Using the NHANES median, better-ear thresholds fit to simple polynomial equations, new age-correction values were generated for both men and women for ages 20-75 years. The new age-correction values are presented as 2 options. The preferred option is to replace the current OSHA tables with the values derived from the NHANES median better-ear thresholds for ages 20-75 years. The alternative option is to retain the current OSHA age-correction values up to age 60 years and use the NHANES-based values for ages 61-75 years. Recent NHANES data offer a simple solution to the need for updated, population-based, age-correction tables for OSHA. The options presented here provide scientifically valid and relevant age-correction values which can be easily adopted by OSHA to expand their regulatory guidance to include older workers. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Cloud condensation nucleation activities of calcium carbonate and its atmospheric ageing products.

PubMed

Tang, M J; Whitehead, J; Davidson, N M; Pope, F D; Alfarra, M R; McFiggans, G; Kalberer, M

2015-12-28

Aerosol particles can serve as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to form cloud droplets, and its composition is a main factor governing whether an aerosol particle is an effective CCN. Pure mineral dust particles are poor CCN; however, changes in chemical composition of mineral dust aerosol particles, due to heterogeneous reactions with reactive trace gases in the troposphere, can modify their CCN properties. In this study we investigated the CCN activities of CaCO3 (as a surrogate for mineral dust) and its six atmospheric ageing products: Ca(NO3)2, CaCl2, CaSO4, Ca(CH3SO3)2, Ca(HCOO)2, and Ca(CH3COO)2. CaCO3 has a very low CCN activity with a hygroscopicity parameter (κ) of 0.001-0.003. The CCN activities of its potential atmospheric ageing products are significantly higher. For example, we determined that Ca(NO3)2, CaCl2 and Ca(HCOO)2 have κ values of ∼0.50, similar to that of (NH4)2SO4. Ca(CH3COO)2 has slightly lower CCN activity with a κ value of ∼0.40, and the κ value of CaSO4 is around 0.02. We further show that exposure of CaCO3 particles to N2O5 at 0% relative humidity (RH) significantly enhances their CCN activity, with κ values increasing to around 0.02-0.04. Within the experimental uncertainties, it appears that the variation in exposure to N2O5 from ∼550 to 15,000 ppbv s does not change the CCN activities of aged CaCO3 particles. This observation indicates that the CaCO3 surface may be already saturated at the shortest exposure. We also discussed the atmospheric implications of our study, and suggested that the rate of change in CCN activities of mineral dust particles in the troposphere is important to determine their roles in cloud formation.

Testing the Perey effect

DOE PAGES

Titus, L. J.; Nunes, Filomena M.

2014-03-12

Here, the effects of non-local potentials have historically been approximately included by applying a correction factor to the solution of the corresponding equation for the local equivalent interaction. This is usually referred to as the Perey correction factor. In this work we investigate the validity of the Perey correction factor for single-channel bound and scattering states, as well as in transfer (p, d) cross sections. Method: We solve the scattering and bound state equations for non-local interactions of the Perey-Buck type, through an iterative method. Using the distorted wave Born approximation, we construct the T-matrix for (p,d) on 17O, 41Ca,more » 49Ca, 127Sn, 133Sn, and 209Pb at 20 and 50 MeV. As a result, we found that for bound states, the Perey corrected wave function resulting from the local equation agreed well with that from the non-local equation in the interior region, but discrepancies were found in the surface and peripheral regions. Overall, the Perey correction factor was adequate for scattering states, with the exception of a few partial waves corresponding to the grazing impact parameters. These differences proved to be important for transfer reactions. In conclusion, the Perey correction factor does offer an improvement over taking a direct local equivalent solution. However, if the desired accuracy is to be better than 10%, the exact solution of the non-local equation should be pursued.« less

Can calcium chloride injection facilitate the ageing-derived improvement in the quality of meat from culled dairy cows?

PubMed

Bunmee, T; Jaturasitha, S; Kreuzer, M; Wicke, M

2014-04-01

This study investigated whether the positive effects of ageing on tenderness of meat from culled dairy cows can be facilitated by CaCl₂. Injections of 250 mM CaCl₂ solution (10% wt/wt) were performed on Longissimus dorsi samples from 32 7-yrs old cows. Samples were vacuum packaged and aged for 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. Ageing alone produced lighter and less red meat with lower shear force, higher myofibrillar fragmentation and tenderness scores but also elevated lipid oxidation. For most traits investigated, CaCl₂-injected meat exhibited similar ageing effects, but drip loss increased with age. The CaCl₂-injected meat had a lower shear force and myofibrillar fragmentation increased more rapidly, but drip loss, off-flavour scores, colour stability and oxidative stability were inferior to untreated meat. Overall, it was found possible to accelerate tenderisation of such meat with CaCl₂, but only at the cost of adverse effects in some other quality traits. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Caspase-6 activity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus induces age-dependent memory impairment

PubMed Central

LeBlanc, A C; Ramcharitar, J; Afonso, V; Hamel, E; Bennett, D A; Pakavathkumar, P; Albrecht, S

2014-01-01

Active Caspase-6 is abundant in the neuropil threads, neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer disease brains. However, its contribution to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease is unclear. Here, we show that higher levels of Caspase-6 activity in the CA1 region of aged human hippocampi correlate with lower cognitive performance. To determine whether Caspase-6 activity, in the absence of plaques and tangles, is sufficient to cause memory deficits, we generated a transgenic knock-in mouse that expresses a self-activated form of human Caspase-6 in the CA1. This Caspase-6 mouse develops age-dependent spatial and episodic memory impairment. Caspase-6 induces neuronal degeneration and inflammation. We conclude that Caspase-6 activation in mouse CA1 neurons is sufficient to induce neuronal degeneration and age-dependent memory impairment. These results indicate that Caspase-6 activity in CA1 could be responsible for the lower cognitive performance of aged humans. Consequently, preventing or inhibiting Caspase-6 activity in the aged may provide an efficient novel therapeutic approach against Alzheimer disease. PMID:24413155

Near Heterophoria in Early Childhood

PubMed Central

Babinsky, Erin; Sreenivasan, Vidhyapriya; Candy, T. Rowan

2015-01-01

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to measure near heterophoria in young children to determine the impact of early growth and development on the alignment of the eyes. Methods. Fifty young children (≥2 and <7 years of age; range of spherical equivalent refractive error −1.25 diopters [D] to +3.75 D) and 13 adults participated. Their eye position and accommodation responses, in the absence of optical correction, were measured using simultaneous Purkinje image tracking and photorefraction technology (MCS PowerRefractor, PR). The resulting heterophorias, and both accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) and convergence accommodation/convergence (CA/C) ratios were then computed as a function of age, refractive error, and an alternating cover test. Results. The mean heterophoria after approximately 60 seconds of dissociation at a 33-cm viewing distance was 5.0 prism diopters (pd) of exophoria (SD ± 3.7) in the children (78% of children > 2 pd exophoric) and 5.6 pd of exophoria (SD ± 4.7) in adults (69% of adults > 2pd exophoric; a nonsignificant difference), with no effect of age between 2 and 6 years. In these children, heterophoria was not significantly correlated with AC/A (r = 0.25), CA/C (r = 0.12), or refractive error (r = 0.21). The mean difference between heterophoria measurements from the PR and the clinical cover test was −2.4 pd (SD = ±3.4), with an exophoric bias in the PR measurements. Conclusions. Despite developmental maturation of interpupillary distance, refractive error, and AC/A, in a typical sample of young children the predominant dissociated position is one of exophoria. PMID:25634983

Focused Attention, Heart Rate Deceleration, and Cognitive Development in Preterm and Full-Term Infants

PubMed Central

Petrie Thomas, Julianne H.; Whitfield, Michael F.; Oberlander, Tim F.; Synnes, Anne R.; Grunau, Ruth E.

2012-01-01

The majority of children who are born very preterm escape major impairment, yet more subtle cognitive and attention problems are very common in this population. Previous research has linked infant focused attention during exploratory play to later cognition in children born full-term and preterm. Infant focused attention can be indexed by sustained decreases in heart rate (HR). However there are no preterm studies that have jointly examined infant behavioral attention and concurrent HR response during exploratory play in relation to developing cognition. We recruited preterm infants free from neonatal conditions associated with major adverse outcomes, and further excluded infants with developmental delay (Bayley Mental Development Index [MDI < 70]) at 8 months corrected age (CA). During infant exploratory play at 8 months CA, focused attention and concurrent HR response were compared in 83 preterm infants (born 23–32 weeks gestational age [GA]) who escaped major impairment to 46 full-term infants. Focused attention and HR response were then examined in relation to Bayley MDI, after adjusting for neonatal risk. MDI did not differ by group, yet full-term infants displayed higher global focused attention ratings. Among the extremely preterm infants born <29 weeks, fewer days on mechanical ventilation, mean longest focus, and greater HR deceleration during focused attention episodes, accounted for 49% of adjusted variance in predicting concurrent MDI. There were no significant associations for later-born gestational age (29–32 weeks) or full-term infants. Among extremely preterm infants who escape major impairment, our findings suggest unique relationships between focused attention, HR deceleration, and developing cognition. PMID:22487941

An analysis of root cause identification and continuous quality improvement in public health H1N1 after-action reports.

PubMed

Singleton, Christa-Marie; Debastiani, Summer; Rose, Dale; Kahn, Emily B

2014-01-01

To identify the extent to which the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program's (HSEEP) After Action Report/Improvement Plan (AAR/IP) template was followed by public health entities and facilitated the identification of detailed corrective actions and continuous improvement. Data were drawn from the US H1N1 Public Health Emergency Response (PHER) federal grant awardees (n = 62). After action report/improvement plan text was examined to identify the presence of AAR/IP HSEEP elements and characterized as "minimally complete," "partially complete," or "complete." Corrective actions (CA) and recommendations within the IP focusing on performance deficits were coded as specific, measurable, and time-bound, and whether they were associated with a problem that met root cause criteria and whether the CA/recommendation was intended to address or fix the root cause. A total of 2619 CA/recommendations were identified. More than half (n = 1480, 57%) addressed root causes. Corrective actions/recommendations associated with complete AARs more frequently addressed root cause (58% vs 51%, χ = 9.1, P < 0.003) and were more specific (34% vs 23%, χ = 32.3, P < 0.0001), measurable (30% vs 18%, χ = 37.9, P < 0.0001), and time-bound (38% vs 15%, χ = 115.5, P < 0.0001) than partially complete AARs. The same pattern was not observed with completeness of IPs. Corrective actions and recommendations were similarly specific and measurable. Recommendations significantly addressed root cause more than CAs. Our analysis indicates a possible lack of awardee distinction between CA and recommendations in AARs. As HSEEP adapts to align with the 2011 National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness System, future HSEEP documents should emphasize the importance of root cause analysis as a required element within AAR documents and templates in the exercise and real incident environment, as well as the need for specific and measurable CAs.

Ionised concentrations in calcium and magnesium buffers: Standards and precise measurement are mandatory.

PubMed

McGuigan, John A S; Kay, James W; Elder, Hugh Y

2016-09-01

In Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) buffer solutions the ionised concentrations ([X(2+)]) are either calculated or measured. Calculated values vary by up to a factor of seven due to the following four problems: 1) There is no agreement amongst the tabulated constants in the literature. These constants have usually to be corrected for ionic strength and temperature. 2) The ionic strength correction entails the calculation of the single ion activity coefficient, which involves non-thermodynamic assumptions; the data for temperature correction is not always available. 3) Measured pH is in terms of activity i.e. pHa. pHa measurements are complicated by the change in the liquid junction potentials at the reference electrode making an accurate conversion from H(+) activity to H(+) concentration uncertain. 4) Ligands such as EGTA bind water and are not 100% pure. Ligand purity has to be measured, even when the [X(2+)] are calculated. The calculated [X(2+)] in buffers are so inconsistent that calculation is not an option. Until standards are available, the [X(2+)] in the buffers must be measured. The Ligand Optimisation Method is an accurate and independently verified method of doing this (McGuigan & Stumpff, Anal. Biochem. 436, 29, 2013). Lack of standards means it is not possible to compare the published [Ca(2+)] in the nmolar range, and the apparent constant (K(/)) values for Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) binding to intracellular ligands amongst different laboratories. Standardisation of Ca(2+)/Mg(2+) buffers is now essential. The parameters to achieve this are proposed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Age-dependent reductions in mitochondrial respiration are exacerbated by calcium in the female rat heart.

PubMed

Hunter, J Craig; Machikas, Alexandra M; Korzick, Donna H

2012-06-01

Cardiovascular disease mortality increases rapidly after menopause by poorly defined mechanisms. Because mitochondrial function and Ca(2+) sensitivity are important regulators of cell death after myocardial ischemia, we sought to determine whether aging and/or estrogen deficiency (ovariectomy) increased mitochondrial Ca(2+) sensitivity. Mitochondrial respiration was measured in ventricular mitochondria isolated from adult (6 months; n = 26) and aged (24 months; n = 25), intact or ovariectomized female rats using the substrates α-ketoglutarate/malate (complex I); succinate/rotenone (complex II); ascorbate/N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine/antimycin (complex IV). State 2 and 3 respiration was initiated by sequential addition of mitochondria and adenosine diphosphate. Ca(2+) sensitivity was assessed by Ca(2+)-induced swelling of de-energized mitochondria and reduction in state 3 respiration. Propylpyrazole triol (PPT) was administered intraperitoneally 45 minutes before euthanasia to assess mitochondrial protective effects through estrogen receptor (ER) α activation. Aging decreased the respiratory control index (RCI; state 3/state 2) for complexes I and II by 12% and 8%, respectively, independent of ovary status (P < 0.05). Of interest, Ca(2+) induced a greater decrease (18%-30%; P < 0.05) in complex I state 3 respiration in aged and ovariectomized animals, and mitochondrial swelling occurred twice as quickly in aged (vs adult) female rats (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with PPT increased RCI by 8% and 7% at complexes I and II, respectively (P < 0.05) but surprisingly increased Ca(2+) sensitivity. Age-dependent decreases in RCI and sensitization to Ca(2+) may explain in part the age-associated reductions in female ischemic tolerance; however, protection afforded by ER agonism involves more complex mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Age-Dependent Reductions in Mitochondrial Respiration are Exacerbated by Calcium in the Female Rat Heart

PubMed Central

Hunter, J. Craig; Machikas, Alexandra M.; Korzick, Donna H.

2012-01-01

Cardiovascular disease mortality increases rapidly following menopause by poorly defined mechanisms. Since mitochondrial function and Ca2+ sensitivity are important regulators of cell death following myocardial ischemia, we sought to determine if aging and/or estrogen deficiency (ovx) increased mitochondrial Ca2+ sensitivity. Mitochondrial respiration was measured in ventricular mitochondria isolated from adult (6mo; n=26) and aged (24mo; n=25), intact or ovariectomized female rats using the substrates: α-ketoglutarate/malate (Complex I); succinate/rotenone (Complex II); ascorbate/TMPD/Antimycin (Complex IV). State 2 and State 3 respiration was initiated by sequential addition of mitochondria and ADP. Ca2+ sensitivity was assessed by Ca2+-induced swelling of de-energized mitochondria and reduction in state 3 respiration. Propylpyrazole triol (PPT) was administered i.p. 45 min prior to euthanasia to assess mitochondrial protective effects through estrogen receptor (ER) α activation. Aging decreased the respiratory control index (RCI; state 3/state 2) for Complexes I and II by 12% and 8%, respectively, independent of ovary status (p<0.05). Of interest, Ca2+ induced a greater decrease (18–30%; p<0.05) in Complex I state 3 respiration in aged and ovx animals, and mitochondrial swelling occurred twice as quickly in aged (vs. adult) female rats (p<0.05). Pretreatment with PPT increased RCI by 8% and 7% at Complexes I and II, respectively (p<0.05) but surprisingly increased Ca2+ sensitivity. Age-dependent decreases in RCI and sensitization to Ca2+ may explain in part the age-associated reductions in female ischemic tolerance; however protection afforded by ER agonism involves more complex mechanisms. PMID:22555015

Age of Menopause and Fracture Risk in Post-Menopausal Women Randomized to Calcium + Vitamin D, Hormone Therapy, or the combination: Results from the Women’s Health Initiative Clinical Trials

PubMed Central

Sullivan, Shannon D.; Lehman, Amy; Nathan, Nisha K.; Thomson, Cynthia A.; Howard, Barbara V.

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE We previously reported that in the absence of hormone therapy (HT) or calcium/vitamin D (Ca/D) supplementation, earlier menopause age was associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk in healthy post-menopausal women. Treatment with HT and Ca/D are protective against fractures after menopause. In this analysis, we asked if age of menopause onset alters fracture risk in healthy post-menopausal women receiving HT, Ca/Vit D, or the combination. METHODS Hazard ratios (HR) for any fracture among 21,711 healthy post-menopausal women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Clinical Trial (WHI-CT), who were treated with HT, Ca/Vit D, or HT + Ca/D, and who reported age of non-surgical menopause of <40, 40-49, and ≥50 years, were compared. RESULTS Women with menopause <40 y had significantly higher HR for fracture compared to women with menopause 40-49 or ≥50, regardless of treatment intervention [HR (95% CI): menopause < 40 y vs. ≥50 y, 1.36 (1.11, 1.67); menopause < 40 y vs. 40-49 y, 1.30 (1.06, 1.60). CONCLUSIONS In the overall WHI-CT cohort and within each treatment group, women with younger menopause age (<40) had a higher risk of any fracture compared to women reporting older menopause ages. The effect of menopause age on fracture risk was not altered by any of the treatment interventions (HT, Ca/D, HT+Ca/D), suggesting that early age of menopause is an independent contributor to postmenopausal fracture risk. PMID:27801706

Aging and amyloid β oligomers enhance TLR4 expression, LPS-induced Ca2+ responses, and neuron cell death in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Calvo-Rodríguez, María; de la Fuente, Carmen; García-Durillo, Mónica; García-Rodríguez, Carmen; Villalobos, Carlos; Núñez, Lucía

2017-01-31

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane pattern-recognition receptors of the innate immune system recognizing diverse pathogen-derived and tissue damage-related ligands. It has been suggested that TLR signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related, neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is associated to oligomers of the amyloid β peptide (Aβo) that cause intracellular Ca 2+ dishomeostasis and neuron cell death in rat hippocampal neurons. Here we assessed the interplay between inflammation and Aβo in long-term cultures of rat hippocampal neurons, an in vitro model of neuron aging and/or senescence. Ca 2+ imaging and immunofluorescence against annexin V and TLR4 were applied in short- and long-term cultures of rat hippocampal neurons to test the effects of TLR4-agonist LPS and Aβo on cytosolic [Ca 2+ ] and on apoptosis as well as on expression of TLR4. LPS increases cytosolic [Ca 2+ ] and promotes apoptosis in rat hippocampal neurons in long-term culture considered aged and/or senescent neurons, but not in short-term cultured neurons considered young neurons. TLR4 antagonist CAY10614 prevents both effects. TLR4 expression in rat hippocampal neurons is significantly larger in aged hippocampal cultures. Treatment of aged hippocampal cultures with Aβo increases TLR4 expression and enhances LPS-induced Ca 2+ responses and neuron cell death. Aging and amyloid β oligomers, the neurotoxin involved in Alzheimer's disease, enhance TLR4 expression as well as LPS-induced Ca 2+ responses and neuron cell death in rat hippocampal neurons aged in vitro.

Developmental assessment of preterm infants: Chronological or corrected age?

PubMed

Harel-Gadassi, Ayelet; Friedlander, Edwa; Yaari, Maya; Bar-Oz, Benjamin; Eventov-Friedman, Smadar; Mankuta, David; Yirmiya, Nurit

2018-06-12

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of age correction on the developmental assessment scores of preterm infants, using for the first time, the Mullen scales of early learning (MSEL) test. Participants included 110 preterm infants (born at a gestational age of ≤ 34 weeks) at ages 1, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. The corrected age-based MSEL composite score and each of the five MSEL scale scores were significantly higher than chronological age-based scores at all ages. These corrected scores were significantly higher than the chronological scores regardless of gestational age whether weight was, or adequate or small for gestational age. Larger differences between corrected and chronological age-based scores significantly correlated with earlier gestational age and with lower birth weight between 1 and 24 months but not at 36 months. Using chronological age-based scores yielded significantly more infants identified with developmental delays than using corrected age-based scores. The findings indicate that clinicians and researchers, as well as family members, should be aware of and acknowledge the distinction between corrected and chronological ages when evaluating preterm infants in research and clinical practices. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and provenance of the Carboniferous-Permian glaciomarine pebbly slates in the Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Q.; Zhu, D.; Zhao, Z.; Chung, S.; Li, C.; Sui, Q.; Fu, X.; Mo, X.

2011-12-01

Glaciomarine diamictites (including pebbly slate, pebbly siltstone, and pebbly sandstone) in the Tibetan Plateau are widely interpreted to have been associated with the deglaciation of the Indian continent. Guiding by zircon cathodoluminescence images, we determined U-Pb ages for detrital zircons from five typical Carboniferous-Permian pebbly slate samples from the Qiangtang, Lhasa, and Tethyan Himalaya of the Tibetan Plateau. The age distributions of detrital zircons from two samples (180 analyses) from Qiwu and Gangma Tso of the Qiangtang Terrane are similar, with two main age peaks ca. 579 and ca. 816 Ma and one minor age peak ca. 2490 Ma. Two samples (177 analyses) from Jiangrang and Damxung of the Lhasa Terrane define similar age distributions with two main age peaks ca. 539 and ca. 1175 Ma. Ages of detrital zircons from one sample (110 analyses) from Kangmar of the Tethyan Himalaya display main age peaks ca. 535, ca. 949, and ca. 2490 Ma. The ca. 816-Ma detrital zircons from the Qiangtang Terrane were most likely derived from the Lesser Himalaya, and the ca. 950-Ma detrital zircons from the Tethyan Himalaya might have been sourced from the High Himalaya, Eastern Ghats Province of the Indian plate and the Rayner Province of East Antarctica. The distinctive ca. 1175-Ma age population characteristic of zircons in the pebbly slates from the Lhasa Terrane is identical to the detrital zircons from the late Paleozoic sandstones (Zhu et al., 2011a) and the inherited zircons from the Mesozoic peraluminous granites (Zhu et al., 2011b) in this terrane, but significantly absent in the pebbly slates from both the Qiangtang and the Tethyan Himalayan terranes. The ca. 1175-Ma detrital zircons in the Lhasa Terrane were most likely sourced from the Albany-Fraser-Wilkes in southwestern Australia and East Antarctica. These new data obtained in this study reveal a distinct difference of detrital zircon provenance for the coeval Carboniferous-Permian glaciomarine pebbly slates from different terranes of the Tibetan Plateau. Such difference may have been associated primarily with the different paleogeographical positions of the Lhasa Terrane that was adjacent to northern Australia and of the Qiangtang and Tethyan Himalaya terranes that were situated in the northern margin of the Indian continent, respectively. [Financially supported by the National Key Project for Basic Research of China (2011CB403102), the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation (41073013 and 40830317), and the Programme of the China Geological Survey (1212011121260 and 1212011121066)]. Zhu, D.C., et al., 2011a. Geology 39, 727-730. Zhu, D.C., et al., 2011b. Acta Petrologica Sinica 27, 1917-1930.

Perceptual Development on the Rorschach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Neill, Patrick; And Others

1976-01-01

The Rorschach was given to 60 school children in two designs: chronological age (CA) and mental age (MA) orthogonal and CA=MA. Responses were scored for Form Accuracy, Complexity, Movement and Friedman's Developmental Level (DL) Scoring System. The results suggest that the DL system does assess MA independently of CA. (Author/DEP)

Behaviorally activated mRNA expression profiles produce signatures of learning and enhanced inhibition in aged rats with preserved memory.

PubMed

Haberman, Rebecca P; Colantuoni, Carlo; Koh, Ming Teng; Gallagher, Michela

2013-01-01

Aging is often associated with cognitive decline, but many elderly individuals maintain a high level of function throughout life. Here we studied outbred rats, which also exhibit individual differences across a spectrum of outcomes that includes both preserved and impaired spatial memory. Previous work in this model identified the CA3 subfield of the hippocampus as a region critically affected by age and integral to differing cognitive outcomes. Earlier microarray profiling revealed distinct gene expression profiles in the CA3 region, under basal conditions, for aged rats with intact memory and those with impairment. Because prominent age-related deficits within the CA3 occur during neural encoding of new information, here we used microarray analysis to gain a broad perspective of the aged CA3 transcriptome under activated conditions. Behaviorally-induced CA3 expression profiles differentiated aged rats with intact memory from those with impaired memory. In the activated profile, we observed substantial numbers of genes (greater than 1000) exhibiting increased expression in aged unimpaired rats relative to aged impaired, including many involved in synaptic plasticity and memory mechanisms. This unimpaired aged profile also overlapped significantly with a learning induced gene profile previously acquired in young adults. Alongside the increased transcripts common to both young learning and aged rats with preserved memory, many transcripts behaviorally-activated in the current study had previously been identified as repressed in the aged unimpaired phenotype in basal expression. A further distinct feature of the activated profile of aged rats with intact memory is the increased expression of an ensemble of genes involved in inhibitory synapse function, which could control the phenotype of neural hyperexcitability found in the CA3 region of aged impaired rats. These data support the conclusion that aged subjects with preserved memory recruit adaptive mechanisms to retain tight control over excitability under both basal and activated conditions.

Maternal Education Level Predicts Cognitive, Language, and Motor Outcome in Preterm Infants in the Second Year of Life.

PubMed

Patra, Kousiki; Greene, Michelle M; Patel, Aloka L; Meier, Paula

2016-07-01

Objective To evaluate the relative impact of maternal education level (MEL) on cognitive, language, and motor outcomes at 20 months' corrected age (CA) in preterm infants. Study Design A total of 177 preterm infants born between 2008 and 2010 were tested at 20 months' CA using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III. Multiple regression analyses were done to determine the relative impact of MEL on cognitive, language, and motor scores. Results Infants born to mothers with high school MEL were 3.74 times more likely to have a subnormal motor index, while those born to mothers with some college and graduate school MEL had reduced odds (0.36 and 0.12, respectively) of having subnormal language index at 20 months. In linear regression, MEL was the strongest predictor of cognitive, language, and motor scores, and graduate school MEL was associated with increases in cognitive, motor, and language scores of 8.49, 8.23, and 15.74 points, respectively. Conclusions MEL is the most significant predictor of cognitive, language, and motor outcome at 20 months' CA in preterm infants. Further research is needed to evaluate if targeted interventions that focus on early childhood learning and parenting practices can ameliorate the impact of low MEL. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Two-marker combinations for preoperative discrimination of benign and malignant ovarian masses.

PubMed

Freydanck, Maj Kristin; Laubender, Ruediger Paul; Rack, Brigitte; Schuhmacher, Lan; Jeschke, Udo; Scholz, Christoph

2012-05-01

When caring for patients with ovarian neoplasms, correct preoperative discrimination of benign and malignant disease is deemed vital. In this study, we tested serum biomarkers' alone and in combination, to achieve this aim. We measured the concentrations of Cancer Antigen (CA)-125, CA15-3, CA27-29, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), CA19-9, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), Placental Protein (PP)1490, CA72-4, galectin-3, galectin-1 and Human epididymis protein (HE)4 in sera of 133 patients with pelvic masses by ELISA and correlated the results to subsequent histology. We used the area under the curve (AUC) of biomarkers and their combinations and calculated the 95% confidence intervals by using casewise resampling. The best single biomarkers were CA-125 (sensitivity and AUC) and HE4 (specificity). Combinations with HE4 and CA19-9 improved the predictive power of CA-125. The best discrimination was achieved by the combination of CA-125 and HE4, with an AUC of 0.961. A combination of CA-125 with HE4 could facilitate the identification of women at risk for ovarian cancer.

Sparse and Specific Coding during Information Transmission between Co-cultured Dentate Gyrus and CA3 Hippocampal Networks

PubMed Central

Poli, Daniele; Thiagarajan, Srikanth; DeMarse, Thomas B.; Wheeler, Bruce C.; Brewer, Gregory J.

2017-01-01

To better understand encoding and decoding of stimulus information in two specific hippocampal sub-regions, we isolated and co-cultured rat primary dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3 neurons within a two-chamber device with axonal connectivity via micro-tunnels. We tested the hypothesis that, in these engineered networks, decoding performance of stimulus site information would be more accurate when stimuli and information flow occur in anatomically correct feed-forward DG to CA3 vs. CA3 back to DG. In particular, we characterized the neural code of these sub-regions by measuring sparseness and uniqueness of the responses evoked by specific paired-pulse stimuli. We used the evoked responses in CA3 to decode the stimulation sites in DG (and vice-versa) by means of learning algorithms for classification (support vector machine, SVM). The device was placed over an 8 × 8 grid of extracellular electrodes (micro-electrode array, MEA) in order to provide a platform for monitoring development, self-organization, and improved access to stimulation and recording at multiple sites. The micro-tunnels were designed with dimensions 3 × 10 × 400 μm allowing axonal growth but not migration of cell bodies and long enough to exclude traversal by dendrites. Paired-pulse stimulation (inter-pulse interval 50 ms) was applied at 22 different sites and repeated 25 times in each chamber for each sub-region to evoke time-locked activity. DG-DG and CA3-CA3 networks were used as controls. Stimulation in DG drove signals through the axons in the tunnels to activate a relatively small set of specific electrodes in CA3 (sparse code). CA3-CA3 and DG-DG controls were less sparse in coding than CA3 in DG-CA3 networks. Using all target electrodes with the three highest spike rates (14%), the evoked responses in CA3 specified each stimulation site in DG with optimum uniqueness of 64%. Finally, by SVM learning, these evoked responses in CA3 correctly decoded the stimulation sites in DG for 43% of the trials, significantly higher than the reverse, i.e., how well-recording in DG could predict the stimulation site in CA3. In conclusion, our co-cultured model for the in vivo DG-CA3 hippocampal network showed sparse and specific responses in CA3, selectively evoked by each stimulation site in DG. PMID:28321182

Endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomal Ca²⁺ stores are remodelled in GBA1-linked Parkinson disease patient fibroblasts.

PubMed

Kilpatrick, Bethan S; Magalhaes, Joana; Beavan, Michelle S; McNeill, Alisdair; Gegg, Matthew E; Cleeter, Michael W J; Bloor-Young, Duncan; Churchill, Grant C; Duchen, Michael R; Schapira, Anthony H; Patel, Sandip

2016-01-01

Mutations in β-glucocerebrosidase (encoded by GBA1) cause Gaucher disease (GD), a lysosomal storage disorder, and increase the risk of developing Parkinson disease (PD). The pathogenetic relationship between the two disorders is unclear. Here, we characterised Ca(2+) release in fibroblasts from type I GD and PD patients together with age-matched, asymptomatic carriers, all with the common N370S mutation in β-glucocerebrosidase. We show that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) release was potentiated in GD and PD patient fibroblasts but not in cells from asymptomatic carriers. ER Ca(2+) signalling was also potentiated in fibroblasts from aged healthy subjects relative to younger individuals but not further increased in aged PD patient cells. Chemical or molecular inhibition of β-glucocerebrosidase in fibroblasts and a neuronal cell line did not affect ER Ca(2+) signalling suggesting defects are independent of enzymatic activity loss. Conversely, lysosomal Ca(2+) store content was reduced in PD fibroblasts and associated with age-dependent alterations in lysosomal morphology. Accelerated remodelling of Ca(2+) stores by pathogenic GBA1 mutations may therefore feature in PD. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Concordant ages for the Lava Creek Tuff from high-spatial-resolution U-Pb dating of zircon rim faces and single-crystal sanidine 40Ar/39Ar dating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthews, N. E.; Vazquez, J. A.; Calvert, A. T.

2013-12-01

The last great explosive supereruption from the Yellowstone Plateau formed present-day Yellowstone caldera and ejected the >1000 km3 of rhyolite that composes the Lava Creek Tuff (LCT). The LCT eruption blanketed much of the western United States in ash, and consequently is a key chronostratigraphic marker bed for delimiting Quaternary uplift rates, the age of middle Pleistocene glacial and pluvial deposits, and tephra correlation in North America. Previous 40Ar/39Ar dating of the two mineralogically distinct LCT members (A & B) yield ages ranging from ca. 600 ka (Gansecki et al., 1998) to ca. 640 ka (Lanphere et al., 2002). To resolve the timing of eruption and crystallization timescale for the LCT magma, we dated both LCT members using a dual-method approach as follows: (1) ion microprobe (SHRIMP-RG) U-Pb dating and trace-element characterization of the final few micrometers of zircon crystallization by analysis of unpolished rims on indium-mounted crystals, and dating of the onset of zircon crystallization by traditional analysis of sectioned crystal interiors, and (2) laser-fusion 40Ar/39Ar dating of single sanidine crystals from bulk LCT ignimbrite and pumice. The unpolished rims of zircon from LCT members A & B yield indistinguishable ages, with a mean age of 621.8 × 2.5 ka (1σ) after correction for initial 230Th disequilibrium as constrained by ion-probe analyses of LCT melt inclusions. Single sanidine crystals from LCT-B yield a mean age of 624.9 × 2.6 ka (FCT=28.17 Ma) that is indistinguishable from the zircon rim ages for both members. These results indicate that LCT members A & B erupted over a geologically brief interval, which is supported by the direct and gradational contact of their equivalent fallout in distal lacustrine deposits and a lack of field evidence for a significant time-break between the LCT A & B in proximal deposits (Christiansen, 2001), but contrasts with older Yellowstone ignimbrite (e.g., Huckleberry Ridge) that may have erupted as multiple pulses over tens of kyr (Ellis et al., 2012). Both LCT members contain zircon whose interiors yield U-Pb ages that are mostly ca. 40 kyr older than their rims, suggesting a short timescale for assembly of the LCT magma chamber relative to some other voluminous bodies of silicic magma (e.g., Fish Canyon). Trace-element concentrations in zircon from Members A and B appear diagnostic, with the former containing higher U and REE concentrations. Our concordant results from U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar dating indicating a ca. 625 ka age for the LCT eruption are supported by the stratigraphic position of LCT-B tephra at or near the top of Great Basin pluvial lake bed sequences associated with Marine Isotope Stage 16, whose termination is astronomically dated at 621 ka. Christiansen, 2001, USGS Prof. Pap. 729-G; Ellis et al., 2012, Quat Geochron 9: 31-41; Gansecki et al., 1998, Geology 26(4): 343-346; Lanphere et al., 2002, GSA Bull. 114(5): 559-568.

Association of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms with blood lipids and their interaction with dietary factors.

PubMed

Shatwan, Israa M; Winther, Kristian Hillert; Ellahi, Basma; Elwood, Peter; Ben-Shlomo, Yoav; Givens, Ian; Rayman, Margaret P; Lovegrove, Julie A; Vimaleswaran, Karani S

2018-04-30

Several candidate genes have been identified in relation to lipid metabolism, and among these, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms are major sources of genetically determined variation in lipid concentrations. This study investigated the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at LPL, seven tagging SNPs at the APOE gene, and a common APOE haplotype (two SNPs) with blood lipids, and examined the interaction of these SNPs with dietary factors. The population studied for this investigation included 660 individuals from the Prevention of Cancer by Intervention with Selenium (PRECISE) study who supplied baseline data. The findings of the PRECISE study were further replicated using 1238 individuals from the Caerphilly Prospective cohort (CaPS). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in PRECISE and a validated semi-quantitative FFQ in the CaPS. Interaction analyses were performed by including the interaction term in the linear regression model adjusted for age, body mass index, sex and country. There was no association between dietary factors and blood lipids after Bonferroni correction and adjustment for confounding factors in either cohort. In the PRECISE study, after correction for multiple testing, there was a statistically significant association of the APOE haplotype (rs7412 and rs429358; E2, E3, and E4) and APOE tagSNP rs445925 with total cholesterol (P = 4 × 10 - 4 and P = 0.003, respectively). Carriers of the E2 allele had lower total cholesterol concentration (5.54 ± 0.97 mmol/L) than those with the E3 (5.98 ± 1.05 mmol/L) (P = 0.001) and E4 (6.09 ± 1.06 mmol/L) (P = 2 × 10 - 4 ) alleles. The association of APOE haplotype (E2, E3, and E4) and APOE SNP rs445925 with total cholesterol (P = 2 × 10 - 6 and P = 3 × 10 - 4 , respectively) was further replicated in the CaPS. Additionally, significant association was found between APOE haplotype and APOE SNP rs445925 with low density lipoprotein cholesterol in CaPS (P = 4 × 10 - 4 and P = 0.001, respectively). After Bonferroni correction, none of the cohorts showed a statistically significant SNP-diet interaction on lipid outcomes. In summary, our findings from the two cohorts confirm that genetic variations at the APOE locus influence plasma total cholesterol concentrations, however, the gene-diet interactions on lipids require further investigation in larger cohorts.

Cyclosporin A is unable to inhibit carboxyatractyloside-induced permeability transition in aged mitochondria.

PubMed

García, Noemí; Zazueta, Cecilia; Martínez-Abundis, Eduardo; Pavón, Natalia; Chávez, Edmundo

2009-04-01

We studied the effect of mitochondrial ageing on membrane permeability transition. The results obtained indicate that aged mitochondria are neither able to retain Ca2+ nor to maintain a high transmembrane electric gradient. In addition, aged mitochondria undergo a large amplitude swelling. These dysfunctions were circumvented by the addition of cyclosporin A. Furthermore, it is shown that ageing-induced permeability transition causes oxidative damage on the matrix enzyme aconitase. The observed damage in aged mitochondria requires Ca2+ addition; therefore, it was not seen when Sr2+ replaced Ca2+. Two important findings in this work were the fact that despite of the presence of cyclosporin A, carboxyatractyloside was still able to induce permeability transition, and that ageing induced mitochondrial DNA disruption and release of cytochrome c. It is likely that the membrane's increased permeability is due to the effect of fatty acids, since bovine serum albumin makes mitochondria able to retain Ca2+. However, the possibility that the damage might be the result of oxidative stress cannot be discarded.

Incidence of esophageal cancer in Sri Lanka: Analysis of cancer registry data and comparison with other South Asian populations.

PubMed

Wickramasinghe, Dakshitha P; Samarasekera, Dharmabandhu N

2017-10-01

The objectives of this study were to report the incidence of Carcinoma of Esophagus (CaE) in Sri Lanka and to compare these values with other cancer registry data of the region and with migrant populations. We compared the data published by the National Cancer Control Program over the last two decades with data from the National Cancer Registry Programme of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Karachi Cancer Registry. SEERstat was used to analyze the surveillance, epidemiology and end results database to analyze data on Indian migrant population. CaE was the fourth most common cancer overall and among females and third most common cancer among males. The incidence of CaE rises with age in both sexes, with a peak in the 70-74 year age group. There was a disproportionately higher number of CaE in the Tamil population (chi-square test, P < 0.00001). The commonest type of CaE in Sri Lanka was squamous cell carcinoma, Not otherwise specified (NOS) (n = 750, 70.5%), followed by adenocarcinoma, NOS (n = 83, 7.8%). India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comparable age-adjusted incidence and age distribution of CaE. All migrant populations had lower incidence of CaE than original population or population in their present country. Both cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are more prevalent in Sri Lankan males than females. The incidence of CaE and its distribution among age groups in Sri Lanka was comparable to other countries of the region. Persons of Tamil ethnicity have a higher risk of developing CaE. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Analysis and prediction of calcium-binding pockets from apo-protein structures exhibiting calcium-induced localized conformational changes

PubMed Central

Wang, Xue; Zhao, Kun; Kirberger, Michael; Wong, Hing; Chen, Guantao; Yang, Jenny J

2010-01-01

Calcium binding in proteins exhibits a wide range of polygonal geometries that relate directly to an equally diverse set of biological functions. The binding process stabilizes protein structures and typically results in local conformational change and/or global restructuring of the backbone. Previously, we established the MUG program, which utilized multiple geometries in the Ca2+-binding pockets of holoproteins to identify such pockets, ignoring possible Ca2+-induced conformational change. In this article, we first report our progress in the analysis of Ca2+-induced conformational changes followed by improved prediction of Ca2+-binding sites in the large group of Ca2+-binding proteins that exhibit only localized conformational changes. The MUGSR algorithm was devised to incorporate side chain torsional rotation as a predictor. The output from MUGSR presents groups of residues where each group, typically containing two to five residues, is a potential binding pocket. MUGSR was applied to both X-ray apo structures and NMR holo structures, which did not use calcium distance constraints in structure calculations. Predicted pockets were validated by comparison with homologous holo structures. Defining a “correct hit” as a group of residues containing at least two true ligand residues, the sensitivity was at least 90%; whereas for a “correct hit” defined as a group of residues containing at least three true ligand residues, the sensitivity was at least 78%. These data suggest that Ca2+-binding pockets are at least partially prepositioned to chelate the ion in the apo form of the protein. PMID:20512971

A NLTE line formation for neutral and singly ionized calcium in model atmospheres of B-F stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitnova, T. M.; Mashonkina, L. I.; Ryabchikova, T. A.

2018-07-01

We present non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) line formation calculations for Ca I and Ca II in B-F stars. The sign and the magnitude of NLTE abundance corrections depend on line and stellar parameters. We determine calcium abundances for nine stars with reliable stellar parameters. For all stars, where the lines of both species could be measured, the NLTE abundances are found to be consistent within the error bars. We obtain consistent NLTE abundances from Ca II lines in the visible and near infra-red (IR, 8912-27, 9890 Å) spectrum range, in contrast with LTE, where the discrepancy between the two groups of lines ranges from -0.5 to 0.6 dex for different stars. Our NLTE method reproduces the Ca II 8912-27, 9890 Å lines observed in emission in the late B-type star HD 160762 with the classical plane-parallel and LTE model atmosphere. NLTE abundance corrections for lines of Ca I and Ca II were calculated in a grid of model atmospheres with 7000 ≤ Teff ≤ 13 000 K, 3.2 ≤ log g ≤ 5.0, -0.5 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤0.5, ξt = 2.0 km s-1. Our NLTE results can be applied for calcium NLTE abundance determination from Gaia spectra, given that accurate continuum normalization and proper treatment of the hydrogen Paschen lines are provided. The NLTE method can be useful to refine calcium underabundances in Am stars and to provide accurate observational constraints on the models of diffusion.

Aqueous Extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill Prevents Age-Related Changes in the Myenteric Plexus of the Jejunum in Rats

PubMed Central

de Santi-Rampazzo, Ana Paula; Schoffen, João Paulo Ferreira; Cirilo, Carla Possani; Zapater, Mariana Cristina Vicente Umada; Vicentini, Fernando Augusto; Soares, Andréia Assunção; Peralta, Rosane Marina; Bracht, Adelar; Buttow, Nilza Cristina; Natali, Maria Raquel Marçal

2015-01-01

This study evaluated the effects of the supplementation with aqueous extract of Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM) on biometric and blood parameters and quantitative morphology of the myenteric plexus and jejunal wall in aging Wistar rats. The animals were euthanized at 7 (C7), 12 (C12 and CA12), and 23 months of age (C23 and CA23). The CA12 and CA23 groups received a daily dose of ABM extract (26 mg/animal) via gavage, beginning at 7 months of age. A reduction in food intake was observed with aging, with increases in the Lee index, retroperitoneal fat, intestinal length, and levels of total cholesterol and total proteins. Aging led to a reduction of the total wall thickness, mucosa tunic, villus height, crypt depth, and number of goblet cells. In the myenteric plexus, aging quantitatively decreased the population of HuC/D+ neuronal and S100+ glial cells, with maintenance of the nNOS+ nitrergic subpopulation and increase in the cell body area of these populations. Supplementation with the ABM extract preserved the myenteric plexus in old animals, in which no differences were detected in the density and cell body profile of neurons and glial cells in the CA12 and CA23 groups, compared with C7 group. The supplementation with the aqueous extract of ABM efficiently maintained myenteric plexus homeostasis, which positively influenced the physiology and prevented the death of the neurons and glial cells. PMID:25960748

The signaling pathways by which the Fas/FasL system accelerates oocyte aging.

PubMed

Zhu, Jiang; Lin, Fei-Hu; Zhang, Jie; Lin, Juan; Li, Hong; Li, You-Wei; Tan, Xiu-Wen; Tan, Jing-He

2016-02-01

In spite of great efforts, the mechanisms for postovulatory oocyte aging are not fully understood. Although our previous work showed that the FasL/Fas signaling facilitated oocyte aging, the intra-oocyte signaling pathways are unknown. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which oxidative stress facilitates oocyte aging and the causal relationship between Ca2+ rises and caspase-3 activation and between the cell cycle and apoptosis during oocyte aging need detailed investigations. Our aim was to address these issues by studying the intra-oocyte signaling pathways for Fas/FasL to accelerate oocyte aging. The results indicated that sFasL released by cumulus cells activated Fas on the oocyte by increasing reactive oxygen species via activating NADPH oxidase. The activated Fas triggered Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum by activating phospholipase C-γ pathway and cytochrome c pathway. The cytoplasmic Ca2+ rises activated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and caspase-3. While activated CaMKII increased oocyte susceptibility to activation by inactivating maturation-promoting factor (MPF) through cyclin B degradation, the activated caspase-3 facilitated further Ca2+releasing that activates more caspase-3 leading to oocyte fragmentation. Furthermore, caspase-3 activation and fragmentation were prevented in oocytes with a high MPF activity, suggesting that an oocyte must be in interphase to undergo apoptosis.

The effect of crack cocaine addiction and age on the microstructure and morphology of the human striatum and thalamus using shape analysis and fast diffusion kurtosis imaging.

PubMed

Garza-Villarreal, E A; Chakravarty, M M; Hansen, B; Eskildsen, S F; Devenyi, G A; Castillo-Padilla, D; Balducci, T; Reyes-Zamorano, E; Jespersen, S N; Perez-Palacios, P; Patel, R; Gonzalez-Olvera, J J

2017-05-09

The striatum and thalamus are subcortical structures intimately involved in addiction. The morphology and microstructure of these have been studied in murine models of cocaine addiction (CA), showing an effect of drug use, but also chronological age in morphology. Human studies using non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown inconsistencies in volume changes, and have also shown an age effect. In this exploratory study, we used MRI-based volumetric and novel shape analysis, as well as a novel fast diffusion kurtosis imaging sequence to study the morphology and microstructure of striatum and thalamus in crack CA compared to matched healthy controls (HCs), while investigating the effect of age and years of cocaine consumption. We did not find significant differences in volume and mean kurtosis (MKT) between groups. However, we found significant contraction of nucleus accumbens in CA compared to HCs. We also found significant age-related changes in volume and MKT of CA in striatum and thalamus that are different to those seen in normal aging. Interestingly, we found different effects and contributions of age and years of consumption in volume, displacement and MKT changes, suggesting that each measure provides different but complementing information about morphological brain changes, and that not all changes are related to the toxicity or the addiction to the drug. Our findings suggest that the use of finer methods and sequences provides complementing information about morphological and microstructural changes in CA, and that brain alterations in CA are related cocaine use and age differently.

The effect of crack cocaine addiction and age on the microstructure and morphology of the human striatum and thalamus using shape analysis and fast diffusion kurtosis imaging

PubMed Central

Garza-Villarreal, E A; Chakravarty, MM; Hansen, B; Eskildsen, S F; Devenyi, G A; Castillo-Padilla, D; Balducci, T; Reyes-Zamorano, E; Jespersen, S N; Perez-Palacios, P; Patel, R; Gonzalez-Olvera, J J

2017-01-01

The striatum and thalamus are subcortical structures intimately involved in addiction. The morphology and microstructure of these have been studied in murine models of cocaine addiction (CA), showing an effect of drug use, but also chronological age in morphology. Human studies using non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown inconsistencies in volume changes, and have also shown an age effect. In this exploratory study, we used MRI-based volumetric and novel shape analysis, as well as a novel fast diffusion kurtosis imaging sequence to study the morphology and microstructure of striatum and thalamus in crack CA compared to matched healthy controls (HCs), while investigating the effect of age and years of cocaine consumption. We did not find significant differences in volume and mean kurtosis (MKT) between groups. However, we found significant contraction of nucleus accumbens in CA compared to HCs. We also found significant age-related changes in volume and MKT of CA in striatum and thalamus that are different to those seen in normal aging. Interestingly, we found different effects and contributions of age and years of consumption in volume, displacement and MKT changes, suggesting that each measure provides different but complementing information about morphological brain changes, and that not all changes are related to the toxicity or the addiction to the drug. Our findings suggest that the use of finer methods and sequences provides complementing information about morphological and microstructural changes in CA, and that brain alterations in CA are related cocaine use and age differently. PMID:28485734

Swimming exercise reverses aging-related contractile abnormalities of female heart by improving structural alterations.

PubMed

Ozturk, Nihal; Olgar, Yusuf; Er, Hakan; Kucuk, Murathan; Ozdemir, Semir

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of swimming exercise on aging-related Ca2+ handling alterations and structural abnormalities of female rat heart. For this purpose, 4-month and 24-month old female rats were used and divided into three following groups: sedentary young (SY), sedentary old (SO), and exercised old (Ex-O). Swimming exercise was performed for 8 weeks (60 min/day, 5 days/week). Myocyte shortening, L-type Ca2+ currents and associated Ca2+ transients were measured from ventricular myocytes at 36 ± 1°C. NOX-4 levels, aconitase activity, glutathione measurements and ultrastructural examination by electron microscopy were conducted in heart tissue. Swimming exercise reversed the reduced shortening and slowed kinetics of aged cardiomyocytes. Although the current density was similar for all groups, Ca2+ transients were higher in SO and Ex-O myocytes with respect to the SY group. Caffeine-induced Ca2+ transients and the integrated NCX current were lower in cardiomyocytes of SY rats compared with other groups, suggesting an increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content in an aged heart. Aging led to upregulated cardiac NOX-4 along with declined aconitase activity. Although it did not reverse these oxidative parameters, swimming exercise achieved a significant increase in glutathione levels and improved structural alterations of old rats' hearts. We conclude that swimming exercise upregulates antioxidant defense capacity and improves structural abnormalities of senescent female rat heart, although it does not change Ca2+ handling alterations further. Thereby, it improves contractile function of aged myocardium by mitigating detrimental effects of oxidative stress.

GPR30 activation improves memory and facilitates DHPG-induced LTD in the hippocampal CA3 of middle-aged mice.

PubMed

Xu, Wen; Cao, Jian; Zhou, Yan; Wang, Lina; Zhu, Guoqi

2018-03-01

Reduced estrogen levels and decreased expression of related receptors are typical cerebral features of aging. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1, also known as GPR30) is considered a novel therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that hippocampal GPR30 expression was reduced in middle-aged mice compared with young adult mice. GPR30 agonist G1 improved both fear and spatial memory in both male and female middle-aged mice, but not in young adult mice, which were blocked by the GPR30 antagonist G15. Interestingly, a group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist, 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)-induced long-term depression (LTD) in mossy fiber-cornu ammonis 3 (MF-CA3) synapses but not Schaffer collateral-CA1 (SC-CA1) synapses was facilitated in brain slices from G1-treated middle-aged mice. Long-term potentiation (LTP) in SC-CA1 synapses was not affected in slices from G1-treated mice. The effects of GPR30 activation on memory and DHPG-LTD in MF-CA3 synapses were further confirmed by viral expression of GPR30 in the CA3. The regulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by G1 treatment might be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling, as G15 also blocked G1-induced activation of the BDNF-TrkB pathway. Moreover, we found that DHPG triggered GluA internalization in slices from G1-treated mice but not control mice. Pharmacological experiments showed that G1-mediated facilitation of DHPG-induced LTD in MF-CA3 synapses was dependent on protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor), and TrkB signaling. In conclusion, our results indicate that GPR30 activation improves memory in middle-aged mice, likely through facilitating synaptic plasticity in the CA3. This study provides novel evidence that GPR30 activation can improve memory in middle-aged animals. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Let's play! An observational study of primary care physical therapy with preterm infants aged 3-14 months.

PubMed

Håkstad, Ragnhild B; Obstfelder, Aud; Øberg, Gunn Kristin

2017-02-01

Sensory-motor play is at the core of child development and an important element in physical therapist(PT)s' work to improve infants' motor skills. In this study, we investigate how PTs scaffold and use play in physical therapy intervention with preterm infants at corrected age (CA) 3-14 months. We collected data by observing 20 physical therapy sessions. In the analysis, we connected to enactive theory on cooperation. Successful use of sensory-motor play in physical therapy requires cooperation toward common goals. This is achieved via an enactive therapeutic sensory-motor play approach, in which the PTs plan and tailor the intervention to match the infant's interests; attune themselves to the infant's intentions; and incorporate therapeutic measures in sensory-motor play interactions with the child. Via cooperation and mutuality in therapeutic interactions, PTs can provide play situated learning opportunities that support the infants' development and understanding of the world. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spontaneous movements of preterm infants is associated with outcome of gross motor development.

PubMed

Miyagishima, Saori; Asaka, Tadayoshi; Kamatsuka, Kaori; Kozuka, Naoki; Kobayashi, Masaki; Igarashi, Lisa; Hori, Tsukasa; Tsutsumi, Hiroyuki

2018-04-30

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study to analyze the relationship between outcome of gross motor development in preterm infants and factors that might affect their development. Preterm infants with a birth weight of <1500 g were recruited. We measured spontaneous antigravity limbs movements by 3D motion capture system at 3 months corrected age. Gross motor developmental outcomes at 6 and 12 months corrected age were evaluated using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). Statistical analysis was carried out by canonical correlation analysis. Eighteen preterm infants were included. In the 6 months corrected age analysis, spontaneous movement had a major effect on Prone and Sitting at 6 months corrected age of AIMS. In the 12 months corrected age analysis, spontaneous movement had a major effect on Sitting and Standing at 12 months corrected age of AIMS. In preterm infants, better antigravity spontaneous movements at 3 months corrected age were significantly correlated with better gross motor development at 6 or 12 months corrected age. Copyright © 2018 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Associated terrestrial and marine fossils in the late-glacial Presumpscot Formation, southern Maine, USA, and the marine reservoir effect on radiocarbon ages

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thompson, W.B.; Griggs, C.B.; Miller, N.G.; Nelson, R.E.; Weddle, T.K.; Kilian, T.M.

2011-01-01

Excavations in the late-glacial Presumpscot Formation at Portland, Maine, uncovered tree remains and other terrestrial organics associated with marine invertebrate shells in a landslide deposit. Buds of Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar) occurred with twigs of Picea glauca (white spruce) in the Presumpscot clay. Tree rings in Picea logs indicate that the trees all died during winter dormancy in the same year. Ring widths show patterns of variation indicating responses to environmental changes. Fossil mosses and insects represent a variety of species and wet to dry microsites. The late-glacial environment at the site was similar to that of today's Maine coast. Radiocarbon ages of 14 tree samples are 11,907??31 to 11,650??5014C yr BP. Wiggle matching of dated tree-ring segments to radiocarbon calibration data sets dates the landslide occurrence at ca. 13,520+95/??20calyr BP. Ages of shells juxtaposed with the logs are 12,850??6514C yr BP (Mytilus edulis) and 12,800??5514C yr BP (Balanus sp.), indicating a marine reservoir age of about 1000yr. Using this value to correct previously published radiocarbon ages reduces the discrepancy between the Maine deglaciation chronology and the varve-based chronology elsewhere in New England. ?? 2011 University of Washington.

Hypercalciuric Bone Disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Favus, Murray J.

2008-09-01

Hypercalciuria plays an important causal role in many patients with calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones. The source of the hypercalciuria includes increased intestinal Ca absorption and decreased renal tubule Ca reabsorption. In CaOx stone formers with idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH), Ca metabolic balance studies have revealed negative Ca balance and persistent hypercalciuria in the fasting state and during low dietary Ca intake. Bone resorption may also contribute to the high urine Ca excretion and increase the risk of bone loss. Indeed, low bone mass by DEXA scanning has been discovered in many IH patients. Thiazide diuretic agents reduce urine Ca excretion and may increase bone mineral density (BMD), thereby reducing fracture risk. Dietary Ca restriction that has been used unsuccessfully in the treatment of CaOx nephrolithiasis in the past may enhance negative Ca balance and accelerate bone loss. DEXA scans may demonstrate low BMD at the spine, hip, or forearm, with no predictable pattern. The unique pattern of bone histologic changes in IH differs from other causes of low DEXA bone density including postmenopausal osteoporosis, male hypogonadal osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Hypercalciuria appears to play an important pathologic role in the development of low bone mass, and therefore correction of urine Ca losses should be a primary target for treatment of the bone disease accompanying IH.

The Canadian Precipitation Analysis (CaPA): Evaluation of the statistical interpolation scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Andrea; Rasmussen, Peter; Fortin, Vincent

2013-04-01

CaPA (Canadian Precipitation Analysis) is a data assimilation system which employs statistical interpolation to combine observed precipitation with gridded precipitation fields produced by Environment Canada's Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) climate model into a final gridded precipitation analysis. Precipitation is important in many fields and applications, including agricultural water management projects, flood control programs, and hydroelectric power generation planning. Precipitation is a key input to hydrological models, and there is a desire to have access to the best available information about precipitation in time and space. The principal goal of CaPA is to produce this type of information. In order to perform the necessary statistical interpolation, CaPA requires the estimation of a semi-variogram. This semi-variogram is used to describe the spatial correlations between precipitation innovations, defined as the observed precipitation amounts minus the GEM forecasted amounts predicted at the observation locations. Currently, CaPA uses a single isotropic variogram across the entire analysis domain. The present project investigates the implications of this choice by first conducting a basic variographic analysis of precipitation innovation data across the Canadian prairies, with specific interest in identifying and quantifying potential anisotropy within the domain. This focus is further expanded by identifying the effect of storm type on the variogram. The ultimate goal of the variographic analysis is to develop improved semi-variograms for CaPA that better capture the spatial complexities of precipitation over the Canadian prairies. CaPA presently applies a Box-Cox data transformation to both the observations and the GEM data, prior to the calculation of the innovations. The data transformation is necessary to satisfy the normal distribution assumption, but introduces a significant bias. The second part of the investigation aims at devising a bias correction scheme based on a moving-window averaging technique. For both the variogram and bias correction components of this investigation, a series of trial runs are conducted to evaluate the impact of these changes on the resulting CaPA precipitation analyses.

Assessing the 40K decay constant by intercalibration with U-Pb, Rb-Sr and K-Ca chronometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naumenko-Dèzes, M. O.; Nagler, T. F.; Mezger, K.; Villa, I. M.

2016-12-01

Ar-Ar is one of the most used dating systems and its accuracy plays an important role in constraining the age of planets, durations of processes and their sequence of occurrence. This system has been reported to give ages that are ca. 1% younger than U-Pb ages. The discrepancies between the two mostly used and precise geochronometers, U-Pb and K-Ar, have been a subject of critical reviewing (e.g. Renne et al. [1] and ref. therein) and were attributed to a systematic offset of the 40K decay constant. Multiple attempts to recalibrate it did not achieve consistency.We attempted to intercalibrate three dating systems: U-Pb (the main reference), Rb-Sr (the consistency check) and K-Ca (the unknown). We examined 11 natural samples, but only a phlogopite from the Phalaborwa carbonatite complex met all requirements of a geological "point-like" event [2]. The Rb-Sr age of this sample is 2058.9±5.2 Ma and agrees with the age determined by Nebel et al [3] and with published U-Pb ages. The K-Ca age for the same sample calculated with constants of Steiger&Jäger [4] is 2040±13 Ma, ca.1% younger age than U-Pb reference age of the complex. Since we improved the Ca measurements [5] the K-Ca age has a low uncertainty of 0.6%. This age constrains the decay constant of the Ca branch of the 40K decay. However, the total decay constant is given by one equation with two unknowns, the branching ratio B and the decay constant of the Ar branch.Within the range of published branching ratios (B = 0.892 to 0.896 [6]) the best total 40K decay constant lies mid-way between the values proposed by Renne et al [7] and Min et al [8] (fig. 1).Figure 1. K-Ca age of Phalaborwa phlogopite changes along sloping lines as a function of assumed branching ratio B, calculated with the total 40K decay constant of [3]. [5], [6].[1] Renne et al. (2010) Geochim. Cosmochim Acta 74, 5349-5367; [2] Begemann et al. (2001) Geochim. Cosmochim Acta 65, 111-121; [3] Nebel et al (2010) GCA 74, 5349; [4] Steiger&Jäger (1977) Earth and Plan. Sci. L. 36, 359-362; [5] Naumenko-Dèzes et al. (2015) Int. J. of Mass Spectr. 387, 60-68; [9] Bé et al (2004) Table of Radionuclides, A=1 to 150; [7] Renne et al. (2011) Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 75, 5097-5100; [8] Min et al. (2000) Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 64, 73-9.

Targeting mechanisms of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels.

PubMed

Herlitze, Stefan; Xie, Mian; Han, Jing; Hümmer, Alexander; Melnik-Martinez, Katya V; Moreno, Rosa L; Mark, Melanie D

2003-12-01

Functional voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel complexes are assembled by three to four subunits: alpha1, beta, alpha2delta subunits (C. Leveque et al., 1994, J. Biol Chem. 269, 6306-6312; M. W. McEnery et al., 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 11095-11099) and at least in muscle cells also y subunits (B. M. Curtis and W. A. Catterall, 1984, Biochemistry 23, 2113-2118). Ca2+ channels mediate the voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx in subcellular compartments, triggering such diverse processes as neurotransmitter release, dendritic action potentials, excitation-contraction, and excitation-transcription coupling. The targeting of biophysically defined Ca2+ channel complexes to the correct subcellular structures is, thus, critical to proper cell and physiological functioning. Despite their importance, surprisingly little is known about the targeting mechanisms by which Ca2+ channel complexes are transported to their site of function. Here we summarize what we know about the targeting of Ca2+ channel complexes through the cell to the plasma membrane and subcellular structures.

Efficient 41Ca measurements for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vockenhuber, C.; Schulze-König, T.; Synal, H.-A.; Aeberli, I.; Zimmermann, M. B.

2015-10-01

We present the performance of 41Ca measurements using low-energy Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) at the 500 kV facility TANDY at ETH Zurich. We optimized the measurement procedure for biomedical applications where reliability and high sample throughput is required. The main challenge for AMS measurements of 41Ca is the interfering stable isobar 41K. We use a simplified sample preparation procedure to produce calcium fluoride (CaF2) and extract calcium tri-fluoride ions (CaF3-) ions to suppress the stable isobar 41K. Although 41K is not completely suppressed we reach 41Ca/40Ca background level in the 10-12 range which is adequate for biomedical studies. With helium as a stripper gas we can use charge state 2+ at high transmission (∼50%). The new measurement procedure with the approximately 10 × improved efficiency and the higher accuracy due to 41K correction allowed us to measure more than 600 samples for a large biomedical study within only a few weeks of measurement time.

Constraining the 40K decay constant with 87Rb-87Sr - 40K-40Ca chronometer intercomparison

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naumenko-Dèzes, Maria O.; Nägler, Thomas F.; Mezger, Klaus; Villa, Igor M.

2018-01-01

A literature survey reveals that the K-Ar chronometer gives ages that are ca. 1% younger than U-Pb ages. This offset is generally attributed to an inaccurate 40K decay constant. Three geological samples selected from a shortlist of eight with known U-Pb ages were investigated using detailed petrological methods and subsequently the Rb-Sr and K-Ca chronometers in order (a) to evaluate if they meet the requirement of a geological history reflecting a ;point-like; event (i.e. isochronous formation and subsequent ideal closure of chronometers) and (b) to narrow down the systematic uncertainty on the 40K decay constant by investigating the metrologically traceable K-Ca decay branch. Lepidolite of the Rubikon pegmatite, Namibia, was dated with Rb-Sr at 504.7 ± 4.2 Ma and the phlogopite and apatite from the Phalaborwa carbonatite complex, South Africa, yielded a Rb-Sr age of 2058.9 ± 5.2 Ma. Both Rb-Sr ages agree with published U-Pb ages. The Rb-Sr age of the late Archean Siilinjärvi carbonatite, Finland, records a later regional metamorphic event at 1869 ± 10 Ma. Only the samples from the Phalaborwa complex represent a ;point-like; magmatic event and meet all the criteria to make them suitable for the 40K decay constant intercalibration. The Phalaborwa K-Ca isochron has a slope of 1.878 ± 0.012. Forcing the K-Ca isochron to coincide with the U-Pb and Rb-Sr ages gives one equation with two unknowns. Assuming that the branching ratio of the K-Ca branch, BCa, lies in the interval (k = 2) of all published references, 0.8925 < BCa < 0.8963, then the most reliable uncertainty interval (k = 2) for the total 40K decay constant, λtot, is calculated as 5.484 × 10-10 a-1 < λtot < 5.498 × 10-10 a-1. This confirms that the currently used IUGS recommendation is inaccurate.

Associations between Rs4244285 and Rs762551 gene polymorphisms and age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Stasiukonyte, Neringa; Liutkeviciene, Rasa; Vilkeviciute, Alvita; Banevicius, Mantas; Kriauciuniene, Loresa

2017-01-01

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in elderly individuals in developed countries. The etiology and pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration have not been elucidated yet. Knowing that the main pathological change of age-related macular degeneration is formation of drusen containing about 40% of lipids, there have been attempts to find associations between age-related macular degeneration and genes controlling lipid metabolism. To determine the frequency of CYP2C19 (G681A) Rs4244285 and CYP1A2 (-163C>A) Rs762551 genotypes in patients with age-related macular degeneration. The study enrolled 150 patients with early age-related macular degeneration and 296 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The genotyping of Rs4244285 and Rs762551 was carried out by using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. The CYP1A2 (-163C>A) Rs762551 C/C genotype was more frequently detected in patients with age-related macular degeneration than in the control group (32.7% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.011) and was associated with an increased risk of developing early age-related macular degeneration (OR = 1.759, 95% CI: 1.133-2.729; p = 0.012). The CYP1A2 (-163C>A) Rs762551 C/A genotype was more frequently documented in the control group compared with patients with age-related macular degeneration (46.3% vs. 30.7%, p = 0.002) and was associated with a decreased risk of having age-related macular degeneration (OR = 0.580. 95% CI: 0.362-0.929, p = 0.023) in the co-dominant model. The study showed that the CYP1A2 (-163C>A) Rs762551 C/C genotype was associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Dietary calcium intake, serum copper concentration and bone density in postmenopausal women

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strause, L.; Andon, M.B.; Howard, G.

1991-03-11

Data from experimental animal nutrition and animal husbandry indicate that several trace minerals, including copper (Cu) are involved in bone metabolism. In addition, a large body of data suggests that low dietary calcium (Ca) intake is a risk factor for age related bone loss. The authors measured the serum (Cu), dietary Ca intake (dCa) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the spine of 225 postmenopausal women. The median dCa and serum (Cu) were 562 mg/d and 9.73 umoles/L, respectively. Serum (Cu) but, not dCa, was greater in subjects with a history of estrogen therapy (ERT). BMD was higher in subjectsmore » with above median dCa and serum (Cu) (group 1) compared to those with below median values (group 2). BMD was intermediate for subjects with either Low serum (Cu):High dCa or High serum (Cu):Low dCa. This relationship was observed in the subject group as a whole, as well as in subgroups partitioned according to history of ERT. Groups 1 and 2 did not differ in basic demographic characteristics such as age, age at menopause, body weight and height. These data support the hypothesis that Ca and Cu nutriture are determinants of skeletal health in postmenopausal women.« less

Petrology and geochronology of Mesoproterozoic basement of the Mount Rogers area of southwestern Virginia and northwestern North Carolina: Implications for the Precambrian tectonic evolution of the southern Blue Ridge province

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tollo, Richard P.; Aleinikoff, John N.; Dickin, Alan P.; Radwany, Molly S.; Southworth, C. Scott; Fanning, C. Mark

2017-01-01

Results from new geologic mapping, SHRIMP U-Pb geochronology, and petrologic studies indicate that Mesoproterozoic basement in the northern French Broad massif near Mount Rogers consists of multiple, mostly granitic plutons, map- and outcrop-scale xenoliths of pre-existing crustal rocks, and remnants of formerly overlying meta-sedimentary lithologies. Zircon and titanite ages demonstrate that these rocks collectively record nearly 350 m.y. of tectonic evolution including periods of igneous intrusion at ca. 1190 to 1130 Ma (Early Magmatic Suite) and ca. 1075 to 1030 Ma (Late Magmatic Suite) and three episodes of regional metamorphism at ca. 1170 to 1140, 1070 to 1020, and 1000 to 970 Ma. The existence of ca. 1.3 Ga age crust is indicated by (1) orthogranofels of ca. 1.32 Ga age in a map-scale xenolith, (2) inherited zircons of ca. 1.33 to 1.29 Ga age in Early Magmatic Suite plutons, and (3) ca. 1.36 to 1.30 Ga age detrital zircons in meta-sedimentary lithologies. Mineral assemblages developed in amphibolites and granofelses indicate that metamorphism during both Mesoproterozoic episodes occurred at upper amphibolite- to lower granulite-facies conditions. Syn-orogenic Early Magmatic Suite plutons emplaced at ca. 1190 to 1145 Ma are characterized by high-K, variably magnesian, dominantly calc-alkalic compositions, and have trace-element characteristics indicative of continental-arc magmatic origin involving melting of thick continental crust. In contrast, ca. 1140 Ma age quartz syenite displays A-type features indicating derivation from depleted crustal sources with increased mantle input during waning stages of regional contraction. Plutons of the compositionally bimodal Late Magmatic Suite include (1) ca. 1060 Ma meta-granite with geochemical characteristics transitional between silicic rocks of arc systems and post-collisional granites of A-type lineage, and (2) ca. 1055 Ma monzodioritic rocks with A-type compositional characteristics that likely reflect derivation from fertile, mafic sources in the lower crust. Collectively, these data suggest that Mesoproterozoic rocks of the study area preserve evidence of multiple orogenic episodes that likely involved continental-arc development and deformation at ca. 1150 Ma followed by crustal thickening at ca. 1060 Ma. Field relations and geochronologic data indicate that regional uplift and sedimentation occurred at ca. 1100 Ma between the two episodes of overlapping magmatism and orogenesis. The nature and timing of Mesoproterozoic events recorded in basement rocks of the study area illustrate significant differences in the lithologic assemblages and geologic history preserved by Mesoproterozoic basement of the adjacent Shenandoah and French Broad massifs, suggesting that the Blue Ridge massifs occupied different locations within the regional Grenville-age orogen until about 1070 Ma when the effects of Ottawan-age tectonics began to affect both areas. The near ubiquity of Ottawan-age orogenic activity recorded in Mesoproterozoic rocks of the Blue Ridge, other Appalachian inliers such as the New Jersey Highlands, and the Grenville province of Canada, including the Adirondacks, suggests that these formerly disparate terranes were amalgamated to form a common, regional orogen by this time.

T1- and T2*-dominant extravasation correction in DSC-MRI: Part I—theoretical considerations and implications for assessment of tumor hemodynamic properties

PubMed Central

Bjornerud, Atle; Sorensen, A Gregory; Mouridsen, Kim; Emblem, Kyrre E

2011-01-01

We present a novel contrast agent (CA) extravasation-correction method based on analysis of the tissue residue function for assessment of multiple hemodynamic parameters. The method enables semiquantitative determination of the transfer constant and can be used to distinguish between T1- and T2*-dominant extravasation effects, while being insensitive to variations in tissue mean transit time (MTT). Results in 101 patients with confirmed glioma suggest that leakage-corrected absolute cerebral blood volume (CBV) values obtained with the proposed method provide improved overall survival prediction compared with normalized CBV values combined with an established leakage-correction method. Using a standard gradient-echo echo-planar imaging sequence, ∼60% and 10% of tumors with detectable CA extravasation mainly exhibited T1- and T2*-dominant leakage effects, respectively. The remaining 30% of leaky tumors had mixed T1- and T2*-dominant effects. Using an MTT-sensitive correction method, our results show that CBV is underestimated when tumor MTT is significantly longer than MTT in the reference tissue. Furthermore, results from our simulations suggest that the relative contribution of T1- versus T2*-dominant extravasation effects is strongly dependent on the effective transverse relaxivity in the extravascular space and may thus be a potential marker for cellular integrity and tissue structure. PMID:21505483

Estrogen administered after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation ameliorates acute kidney injury in a sex- and age-specific manner.

PubMed

Ikeda, Mizuko; Swide, Thomas; Vayl, Alexandra; Lahm, Tim; Anderson, Sharon; Hutchens, Michael P

2015-09-18

There is a sex difference in the risk of ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI), and estrogen mediates the protective effect of female sex. We previously demonstrated that preprocedural chronic restoration of physiologic estrogen to ovariectomized female mice ameliorated AKI after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR). In the present study, we hypothesized that male mice and aged female mice would benefit from estrogen administration after CA/CPR. We tested the effect of estrogen in a clinically relevant manner by administrating it after CA/CPR. CA/CPR was performed in young (10-15 weeks), middle-aged (43-48 weeks), and aged (78-87 weeks) C57BL/6 male and female mice. Mice received intravenous 17β-estradiol or vehicle 15 min after resuscitation. Serum chemistries and unbiased stereological assessment of renal injury were completed 24 h after CA. Regional renal cortical blood flow was measured by a laser Doppler, and renal levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) were evaluated with immunoblotting. Post-arrest estrogen administration reduced injury in young males without significant changes in renal blood flow (percentage reduction compared with vehicle: serum urea nitrogen, 30 %; serum creatinine (sCr), 41 %; volume of necrotic tubules (VNT), 31 %; P < 0.05). In contrast, estrogen did not affect any outcomes in young females. In aged mice, estrogen significantly reduced sCr (80 %) and VNT (73 %) in males and VNT (51 %) in females. Serum estrogen levels in aged female mice after CA/CPR were the same as levels in male mice. With age, renal ERα was upregulated in females. Estrogen administration after resuscitation from CA ameliorates renal injury in young males and aged mice in both sexes. Because injury was small, young females were not affected. The protective effect of exogenous estrogen may be detectable with loss of endogenous estrogen in aged females and could be mediated by differences in renal ERs. Post-arrest estrogen administration is renoprotective in a sex- and age-dependent manner.

FAST INVERSION OF SOLAR Ca II SPECTRA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beck, C.; Choudhary, D. P.; Rezaei, R.

We present a fast (<<1 s per profile) inversion code for solar Ca II lines. The code uses an archive of spectra that are synthesized prior to the inversion under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). We show that it can be successfully applied to spectrograph data or more sparsely sampled spectra from two-dimensional spectrometers. From a comparison to a non-LTE inversion of the same set of spectra, we derive a first-order non-LTE correction to the temperature stratifications derived in the LTE approach. The correction factor is close to unity up to log τ ∼ –3 and increases to valuesmore » of 2.5 and 4 at log τ = –6 in the quiet Sun and the umbra, respectively.« less

Ca. 400 Ma Recrystallization of Norwegian Ultrahigh-pressure Eclogites: an ion Microprobe and Chemical Abrasion Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Root, D. B.; Mattinson, J. M.; Hacker, B. R.; Wooden, J. L.

2002-12-01

Understanding the formation and exhumation of the ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) rocks of western Norway hinges on precise determination of the time of eclogite recrystallization. Our study consists of SHRIMP analysis, in conjunction with CL imagery, of zircon from four UHP and high-pressure (HP) eclogites; and detailed TIMS analysis of zircon from two samples subjected to combined thermal annealing and multi-step chemical abrasion (CA). SHRIMP analyses of the Otnheim and Langenes eclogites yield Caledonian spot ages of ca. 400 Ma from zircon rims. CL imagery and Th/U ratios from the Langenes eclogite indicate formation of rims by recrystallization of inherited zircon. SHRIMP analysis of the UHP Flatraket eclogite yielded a broad range of apparently concordant Caledonian ages. CA analyses of two fractions yielded moderate Pb loss from the first (lowest T) steps; possible minor Pb loss or minor growth at 400 Ma from the second steps; and a 407-404 Ma cluster of slightly discordant 206Pb/238U ages, most likely free from Pb loss, from the remaining steps. We interpret the latter to reflect recrystallization of inherited zircon, with possible new growth, at ca. 400-395 Ma. Alternatively, the high-temperature CA steps could represent growth at 407-404 Ma, with apparent discordance due to intermediate daughter product effects. HP/UHP zircon recrystallization in the Flatraket eclogite is inferred from three lines of evidence: i) zircon occurs as inclusions in garnet, omphacite, breunnerite, dolomite, and quartz, as well as in symplectites after phengite and omphacite; ii) association of zircon with rutile implies zircon formation during HP breakdown of Zr-ilmenite; and iii) chondrite-normalized ICP-MS analyses of the CA steps reveal small Eu anomalies and shallow HREE profiles, indicating zircon recrystallization in the presence of garnet. CA analysis of the Verpeneset eclogite yielded distinctly discordant step ages from two steps comprising <90% of the sample, with 206Pb/238U ages of 408 and 414 Ma. CL imagery indicates incomplete recrystallization of inherited igneous zircon, in keeping with steep HREE profiles determined from chondrite-normalized ICP-MS analyses. Our zircon age of ca. 400-395 Ma for the Flatraket eclogite is significantly younger than the 425 Ma age often cited for western Norway eclogite recrystallization, implying, in conjunction with 390-385 Ma 40Ar/39Ar white mica cooling ages, faster rates of exhumation (ca. 15 km/m.y.), and weakening the link between UHP metamorphism and ophiolite emplacement at 430-425 Ma.

Hospital Management Between The Modern Image And Aging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dadulescu, Ana-Maria

2015-09-01

Hospital management has experienced significant progress with the evolution of the Romanian health system reform, it has made strides in terms of resource allocation and cost control, new systems for classification, evaluation and monitoring (DRGs, SIUI, CaPeSaRo) were implemented, some taken from other countries and adapted to local conditions, but not always integrated with the other components and sometimes incompletely implemented and developed. This material does not offer definite solutions to current problems. It only briefly addresses the main aspects of hospital activity, and points out some failures with whom hospital managers are presently faced. Once the problems are identified it creates prerequisites for solving them, it opens channels of research and development of new methodologies or correlation of the existing deficient workflows that can be corrected.

Differential effects of intrauterine growth restriction on brain structure and development in preterm infants: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

PubMed

Padilla, Nelly; Falcón, Carles; Sanz-Cortés, Magdalena; Figueras, Francesc; Bargallo, Núria; Crispi, Fátima; Eixarch, Elisenda; Arranz, Angela; Botet, Francesc; Gratacós, Eduard

2011-03-25

Previous evidence suggests that preterm newborns with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have specific neurostructural and neurodevelopmental anomalies, but it is unknown whether these effects persist in early childhood. We studied a sample of 18 preterm IUGR, 15 preterm AGA - born between 26 and 34 weeks of gestational age (GA) - and 15 healthy born-term infants. Infants were scanned at 12 months corrected age (CA), in a 3T scanner, without sedation. Analyses were made by automated lobar volumetry and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). The neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed in all subjects at 18 months CA with the Bayley Scale for Infant and Toddler Development, third edition. IUGR infants had reduced relative volumes for the insular and temporal lobes. According to VBM, IUGR infants had bilateral reduced gray matter (GM) in the temporal, parietal, frontal, and insular regions compared with the other groups. IUGR infants had increased white matter (WM) in temporal regions compared to the AGA group and in frontal, parietal, occipital, and insular regions compared to the term group. They also showed decreased WM in the cerebellum and a non-significant trend in the hippocampus compared to term infants. IUGR infants had reduced neurodevelopmental scores, which were positively correlated with GM in various regions. These data suggest that the IUGR induces a distinct brain pattern of structural changes that persist at 1 year of life and are associated with specific developmental difficulties. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abnormal hippocampal shape in offenders with psychopathy.

PubMed

Boccardi, Marina; Ganzola, Rossana; Rossi, Roberta; Sabattoli, Francesca; Laakso, Mikko P; Repo-Tiihonen, Eila; Vaurio, Olli; Könönen, Mervi; Aronen, Hannu J; Thompson, Paul M; Frisoni, Giovanni B; Tiihonen, Jari

2010-03-01

Posterior hippocampal volumes correlate negatively with the severity of psychopathy, but local morphological features are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate hippocampal morphology in habitually violent offenders having psychopathy. Manual tracings of hippocampi from magnetic resonance images of 26 offenders (age: 32.5 +/- 8.4), with different degrees of psychopathy (12 high, 14 medium psychopathy based on the Psychopathy Checklist Revised), and 25 healthy controls (age: 34.6 +/- 10.8) were used for statistical modelling of local changes with a surface-based radial distance mapping method. Both offenders and controls had similar hippocampal volume and asymmetry ratios. Local analysis showed that the high psychopathy group had a significant depression along the longitudinal hippocampal axis, on both the dorsal and ventral aspects, when compared with the healthy controls and the medium psychopathy group. The opposite comparison revealed abnormal enlargement of the lateral borders in both the right and left hippocampi of both high and medium psychopathy groups versus controls, throughout CA1, CA2-3 and the subicular regions. These enlargement and reduction effects survived statistical correction for multiple comparisons in the main contrast (26 offenders vs. 25 controls) and in most subgroup comparisons. A statistical check excluded a possible confounding effect from amphetamine and polysubstance abuse. These results indicate that habitually violent offenders exhibit a specific abnormal hippocampal morphology, in the absence of total gray matter volume changes, that may relate to different autonomic modulation and abnormal fear-conditioning. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Effect of Age-Correction on IQ Scores among School-Aged Children Born Preterm

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Rachel M.; George, Wing Man; Cole, Carolyn; Marshall, Peter; Ellison, Vanessa; Fabel, Helen

2013-01-01

This study examined the effect of age-correction on IQ scores among preterm school-aged children. Data from the Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit Follow-up Program for 81 children aged five years and assessed with the WPPSI-III, and 177 children aged eight years and assessed with the WISC-IV, were analysed. Corrected IQ scores were…

Correction: Calcium specificity signaling mechanisms in abscisic acid signal transduction in Arabidopsis guard cells

DOE PAGES

Brandt, Benjamin; Munemasa, Shintaro; Wang, Cun; ...

2015-07-20

One central question is how specificity in cellular responses to the eukaryotic second messenger Ca 2+ is achieved. Plant guard cells, that form stomatal pores for gas exchange, provide a powerful system for in depth investigation of Ca 2+-signaling specificity in plants. In intact guard cells, abscisic acid (ABA) enhances (primes) the Ca 2+-sensitivity of downstream signaling events that result in activation of S-type anion channels during stomatal closure, providing a specificity mechanism in Ca 2+-signaling. However, the underlying genetic and biochemical mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show impairment of ABA signal transduction in stomata of calcium-dependent protein kinase quadruplemore » mutant plants. Interestingly, protein phosphatase 2Cs prevent non-specific Ca 2+-signaling. Moreover, we demonstrate an unexpected interdependence of the Ca 2+-dependent and Ca 2+-independent ABA-signaling branches and the in planta requirement of simultaneous phosphorylation at two key phosphorylation sites in SLAC1. We identify novel mechanisms ensuring specificity and robustness within stomatal Ca 2+-signaling on a cellular, genetic, and biochemical level.« less

Correction: Calcium specificity signaling mechanisms in abscisic acid signal transduction in Arabidopsis guard cells

DOE PAGES

Brandt, Benjamin; Munemasa, Shintaro; Wang, Cun; ...

2015-07-29

A central question is how specificity in cellular responses to the eukaryotic second messenger Ca 2+ is achieved. Plant guard cells, that form stomatal pores for gas exchange, provide a powerful system for in depth investigation of Ca 2+-signaling specificity in plants. In intact guard cells, abscisic acid (ABA) enhances (primes) the Ca 2+-sensitivity of downstream signaling events that result in activation of S-type anion channels during stomatal closure, providing a specificity mechanism in Ca 2+-signaling. However, the underlying genetic and biochemical mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show impairment of ABA signal transduction in stomata of calcium-dependent protein kinase quadruplemore » mutant plants. Interestingly, protein phosphatase 2Cs prevent non-specific Ca 2+-signaling. Moreover, we demonstrate an unexpected interdependence of the Ca 2+-dependent and Ca 2+-independent ABA-signaling branches and the in planta requirement of simultaneous phosphorylation at two key phosphorylation sites in SLAC1. We identify novel mechanisms ensuring specificity and robustness within stomatal Ca 2+-signaling on a cellular, genetic, and biochemical level.« less

Dentate network activity is necessary for spatial working memory by supporting CA3 sharp-wave ripple generation and prospective firing of CA3 neurons.

PubMed

Sasaki, Takuya; Piatti, Verónica C; Hwaun, Ernie; Ahmadi, Siavash; Lisman, John E; Leutgeb, Stefan; Leutgeb, Jill K

2018-02-01

Complex spatial working memory tasks have been shown to require both hippocampal sharp-wave ripple (SWR) activity and dentate gyrus (DG) neuronal activity. We therefore asked whether DG inputs to CA3 contribute to spatial working memory by promoting SWR generation. Recordings from DG and CA3 while rats performed a dentate-dependent working memory task on an eight-arm radial maze revealed that the activity of dentate neurons and the incidence rate of SWRs both increased during reward consumption. We then found reduced reward-related CA3 SWR generation without direct input from dentate granule neurons. Furthermore, CA3 cells with place fields in not-yet-visited arms preferentially fired during SWRs at reward locations, and these prospective CA3 firing patterns were more pronounced for correct trials and were dentate-dependent. These results indicate that coordination of CA3 neuronal activity patterns by DG is necessary for the generation of neuronal firing patterns that support goal-directed behavior and memory.

Longitudinal study of children with perinatal brain damage in whom early neurohabilitation was applied: Preliminary report.

PubMed

Harmony, Thalía; Barrera-Reséndiz, Jesús; Juárez-Colín, María Elena; Carrillo-Prado, Cristina; Pedraza-Aguilar, M del Consuelo; Asprón Ramírez, Aurora; Hinojosa-Rodríguez, Manuel; Fernández, Thalía; Ricardo-Garcell, Josefina

2016-01-12

The neurohabilitation treatment has been shown to be a successful method for decreasing the sequelae of perinatal brain damage (PBD) in Hungarian population. The goal of this pilot trial was to introduce this procedure by describing the results of its application in infants with PBD as demonstrated by clinical, developmental and MRI studies. As this procedure has proved to be useful, according the declaration of Helsinki, no control clinical trial was permitted. Infants younger than 2 months of corrected age (CA) with prenatal and/or perinatal risk factors for brain damage. Two groups were considered. One group was treated using the "neurohabilitation" method (n=20), and the other was not treated (n=13) because treatment was voluntarily discontinued after the initial evaluation. Evaluations were carried out prior to 2 months of CA and at 6-8 years of age. All children showed abnormal clinical and MRI characteristics in the first study. The treated group had a higher percentage (90%) of children with normal outcome than did the non-treated group (38%; OR=2.37, CI 95%=1.2-4.7; p<0.005). In this latter group, only one out of five (20%) children born at or before 34 weeks of gestational age had a normal outcome. In contrast, eight out of nine treated preterm infants had normal outcomes (8/9=89%, OR=4.45, CI 95%=0.7-26; p=0.017). This pilot trial confirms previous studies suggesting that Neurohabilitation decreases the neurological and cognitive sequelae of preterm and at-term infants with PBD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid age determination of oysters using LA-ICP-MS line scans of shell Mg/Ca ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillikin, D. P.; Durham, S. R.; Goodwin, D. H.

2016-02-01

Magnesium to calcium (Mg/Ca) ratios exhibit a strong temperature dependence in foraminifera and corals, but not in bivalve mollusks. Various studies have reported Mg/Ca-temperature relationships with R2 values ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 and significantly different relationships for bivalves growing at different salinities. However, this poor temperature correlation does not render Mg/Ca data useless. A weak temperature dependence would allow time (seasons and years) to be determined along the growth axis of shells. This would provide information about age, growth rate and also allow other proxies to be aligned with time. Typically, oxygen isotopes (δ18O) are used to age shells without clear periodic growth lines, which is time consuming and expensive. Line scans using laser ablation systems can cover several centimeters of shell in a few minutes. We test this method on the resilifer of two oyster species (Crassostrea gigas and C. virginica) using a 193 nm Laser-Ablation-ICP-MS. Living oysters were collected from San Francisco Bay, North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Gulf of Mexico; fossil shells (Pleistocene) were also collected in South Carolina. Shells were sampled for δ18O values and Mg/Ca ratios. We use annual cycles in δ18O values to confidently determine age, then apply the Mg/Ca technique. Shells of both species exhibit annual cyclicity in Mg/Ca ratios using spot and line scan laser sampling, which matche the seasonal cyclicity determined using δ18O values. Results show a good correlation between ages determined using the different methods. We conclude that LA-ICP-MS line scans offer a rapid and inexpensive technique for determining age, growth rate, and timing of shell growth in oyster reslifers.

Magnetic removal of electron contamination for 60Co panoramic gamma ray exposure--Investigations with CaSO4:Dy and LiF based dosimeters.

PubMed

Kumar, Munish; Sahani, G; Chourasiya, G

2010-06-01

Electron contamination from a sealed (60)Co radiation source has been investigated comprehensively using a CaSO(4):Dy based TLD badge and LiF crystals. It has been found that due to electron contamination, the thermoluminescence (TL) detectors exhibit over response which can be corrected by applying a magnetic field. It has also been found that for a source-to-dosimeter distance of 50 cm, the ratio of the TL readouts of the third to first discs of the TLD badge reduces from approximately 1.5 to approximately 1.00 after applying a magnetic field. Hence detectors which are sensitive to electrons as well as photons, and are capable of distinguishing them, can lead to an erroneous measurement. This happens because the contribution due to electron contamination interferes with pure gamma calibration. The study is helpful in establishing accurate calibration and appropriate correction factors for personnel monitoring carried out using CaSO(4):Dy based TLD badge. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Control of recollection by slow gamma dominating mid-frequency gamma in hippocampus CA1

PubMed Central

Dvorak, Dino; Radwan, Basma; Sparks, Fraser T.; Talbot, Zoe Nicole

2018-01-01

Behavior is used to assess memory and cognitive deficits in animals like Fmr1-null mice that model Fragile X Syndrome, but behavior is a proxy for unknown neural events that define cognitive variables like recollection. We identified an electrophysiological signature of recollection in mouse dorsal Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) hippocampus. During a shocked-place avoidance task, slow gamma (SG) (30–50 Hz) dominates mid-frequency gamma (MG) (70–90 Hz) oscillations 2–3 s before successful avoidance, but not failures. Wild-type (WT) but not Fmr1-null mice rapidly adapt to relocating the shock; concurrently, SG/MG maxima (SGdom) decrease in WT but not in cognitively inflexible Fmr1-null mice. During SGdom, putative pyramidal cell ensembles represent distant locations; during place avoidance, these are avoided places. During shock relocation, WT ensembles represent distant locations near the currently correct shock zone, but Fmr1-null ensembles represent the formerly correct zone. These findings indicate that recollection occurs when CA1 SG dominates MG and that accurate recollection of inappropriate memories explains Fmr1-null cognitive inflexibility. PMID:29346381

3D porous calcium-alginate scaffolds cell culture system improved human osteoblast cell clusters for cell therapy.

PubMed

Chen, Ching-Yun; Ke, Cherng-Jyh; Yen, Ko-Chung; Hsieh, Hui-Chen; Sun, Jui-Sheng; Lin, Feng-Huei

2015-01-01

Age-related orthopedic disorders and bone defects have become a critical public health issue, and cell-based therapy is potentially a novel solution for issues surrounding bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Long-term cultures of primary bone cells exhibit phenotypic and functional degeneration; therefore, culturing cells or tissues suitable for clinical use remain a challenge. A platform consisting of human osteoblasts (hOBs), calcium-alginate (Ca-Alginate) scaffolds, and a self-made bioreactor system was established for autologous transplantation of human osteoblast cell clusters. The Ca-Alginate scaffold facilitated the growth and differentiation of human bone cell clusters, and the functionally-closed process bioreactor system supplied the soluble nutrients and osteogenic signals required to maintain the cell viability. This system preserved the proliferative ability of cells and cell viability and up-regulated bone-related gene expression and biological apatite crystals formation. The bone-like tissue generated could be extracted by removal of calcium ions via ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) chelation, and exhibited a size suitable for injection. The described strategy could be used in therapeutic application and opens new avenues for surgical interventions to correct skeletal defects.

Age correction in cognitive, linguistic, and motor domains for infants born preterm: an analysis of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition developmental patterns.

PubMed

Morsan, Valentina; Fantoni, Carlo; Tallandini, Maria Anna

2018-03-15

To verify whether it is appropriate to use age correction for infants born preterm in all the developmental domains (cognitive, linguistic, and motor) considered by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Seventy-three infants born preterm (26-35wks) without major neurological sequelae and 67 infants born at term were assessed at 12 months (corrected age for infants born preterm). The performance of the infants born preterm was assessed with two different evaluations: scores based on uncorrected age and scores based on corrected age. The developmental trends of infants born at term and infants born preterm differ across domains. Statistical analysis shows that age correction produces an overrated estimate of motor performance (12.5 points [95% confidence interval 9.05-16.01]) but not of cognitive performance. Given the broad use of the Bayley-III by psychologists and paediatricians, these results are important in the early diagnosis of developmental difficulties for children born preterm. Correction for gestational age should be applied for the cognitive domain only; whereas for the motor domain, chronological age should be used. No clear data emerged for language. Age correction with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) for infants born preterm should be applied differently in cognitive, language, and motor domains. Using corrected age with Bayley-III, the motor skills are overrated. Correction for preterm births adequately measures cognitive skills. No clear indication emerged about language skills. © 2018 Mac Keith Press.

Growth and body composition of human milk-fed premature infants provided with extra energy and nutrients early after hospital discharge: 1-year follow-up.

PubMed

Aimone, Ashley; Rovet, Joanne; Ward, Wendy; Jefferies, Ann; Campbell, Douglas M; Asztalos, Elizabeth; Feldman, Mark; Vaughan, Jennifer; Westall, Carol; Whyte, Hilary; O'Connor, Deborah L

2009-10-01

Human milk (HM) is the optimal source of nutrition for premature infants; however, it is unclear whether HM alone is sufficient to meet their elevated nutritional requirements early after hospital discharge. We previously reported that premature infants (750-1800 g birth weight) fed HM containing extra nutrients for 12 weeks after discharge had dietary intakes closer to recommended levels and grew more rapidly than those fed HM alone. The objectives of the present article are to examine the impact of this intervention on bone mineralization, body composition, and HM use up to 1 year. Data are also presented on general developmental level at 18-month corrected age (CA). At discharge, predominantly HM-fed infants were randomized to receive for 12 weeks either approximately half of their feedings containing a multinutrient fortifier (intervention, n=19) or all of their feedings as HM alone (control, n=20). Intervention infants remained longer (P<0.001) and had greater whole-body bone mineral content (P=0.02) until 12-month CA compared with controls. Intervention infants born less than or equal to 1250 g continued to have a larger mean head circumference throughout the first year of life (P<0.0001). Human milk feeding (mL.kg(-1).day(-1)) differed between groups at 6- (P=0.035), but not 12-month CA. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in the mental, motor, or behavior rating scale scores of the Bayley II at 18-month CA. Adding a multinutrient fortifier to HM provided to predominantly HM-fed premature infants early after discharge results in sustained differences in weight, length, and whole-body bone mineral content, and in smaller babies, head circumference for the first year of life.

Does early communication mediate the relationship between motor ability and social function in children with cerebral palsy?

PubMed

Lipscombe, Belinda; Boyd, Roslyn N; Coleman, Andrea; Fahey, Michael; Rawicki, Barry; Whittingham, Koa

2016-01-01

Children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk of experiencing restrictions in social activities negatively impacting their subsequent social functioning. Research has identified motor and communication ability as being unique determinants of social function capabilities in children with CP, to date, no research has investigated whether communication is a mediator of the relationship between motor ability and social functioning. To investigate whether early communication ability at 24 months corrected age (ca.) mediates the relationship between early motor ability at 24 months ca. and later social development at 60 months ca. in a cohort of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). A cohort of 71 children (43 male) diagnosed with CP (GMFCS I=24, 33.8%, II=9, 12.7%, III=12, 16.9%, IV=10, 14.1%, V=16, 22.5%) were assessed at 24 and 60 months ca. Assessments included the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales-Developmental Profile (CSBS-DP) Infant-Toddler Checklist and the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). A mediation model was examined using bootstrapping. Early communication skills mediated the relationship between early motor abilities and later social functioning, b=0.24 (95% CI=0.08-0.43 and the mediation model was significant, F (2, 68)=32.77, p<0.001, R(2)=0.49. Early communication ability partially mediates the relationship between early motor ability and later social function in children with CP. This demonstrates the important role of early communication in ongoing social development. Early identification of communication delay and enriched language exposure is crucial in this population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The relationship between dual-task and cognitive performance among elderly participants who exercise regularly

PubMed Central

Lima, Luciana C. A.; Ansai, Juliana H.; Andrade, Larissa P.; Takahashi, Anielle C. M.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND: The dual-task performance is associated with the functionality of the elderly and it becomes more complex with age. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the Timed Up and Go dual task (TUG-DT) and cognitive tests among elderly participants who exercise regularly. METHOD: This study examined 98 non-institutionalized people over 60 years old who exercised regularly. Participants were assessed using the TUG-DT (i.e. doing the TUG while listing the days of the week in reverse order), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The motor (i.e. time and number of steps) and cognitive (i.e. number of correct words) data were collected from TUG-DT . We used a significance level of α=0.05 and SPSS 17.0 for all data analyses. RESULTS: This current elderly sample featured a predominance of women (69.4%) who were highly educated (median=10 years of education) compared to Brazilian population and mostly non-fallers (86.7%). The volunteers showed a good performance on the TUG-DT and the other cognitive tests, except the MoCA, with scores below the cutoff of 26 points. Significant and weak correlations were observed between the TUG-DT (time) and the visuo-spatial/executive domain of the MoCA and the MMSE. The cognitive component of the TUG-DT showed strong correlations between the total MoCA performance score and its visuo-spatial/executive domain. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the TUG-DT to assess cognition is promising; however, the use of more challenging cognitive tasks should be considered when the study population has a high level of education. PMID:25993629

Fractal-dimension analysis detects cerebral changes in preterm infants with and without intrauterine growth restriction.

PubMed

Esteban, Francisco J; Padilla, Nelly; Sanz-Cortés, Magdalena; de Miras, Juan Ruiz; Bargalló, Núria; Villoslada, Pablo; Gratacós, Eduard

2010-12-01

In the search for a useful parameter to detect and quantify subtle brain abnormalities in infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), we hypothesised that the analysis of the structural complexity of grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) using the fractal dimension (FD), a measurement of the topological complexity of an object, could be established as a useful tool for quantitative studies of infant brain morphology. We studied a sample of 18 singleton IUGR premature infants, (12.72 months corrected age (CA), range: 12 months-14 months), 15 preterm infants matched one-to-one for gestational age (GA) at delivery (12.6 months; range: 12 months-14 months), and 15 neonates born at term (12.4 months; range: 11 months-14 months). The neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed in all subjects at 18 months CA according to the Bayley Scale for Infant and Toddler Development - Third edition (BSID-III). For MRI acquisition and processing, the infants were scanned at 12 months CA, in a TIM TRIO 3T scanner, sleeping naturally. Images were pre-processed using the SPM5 toolbox, the GM and WM segmented under the VBM5 toolbox, and the box-counting method was applied for FD calculation of normal and skeletonized segmented images. The results showed a significant decrease of the FD of the brain GM and WM in the IUGR group when compared to the preterm or at-term controls. We also identified a significant linear tendency of both GM and WM FD from IUGR to preterm and term groups. Finally, multiple linear analyses between the FD of the GM or WM and the neurodevelopmental scales showed a significant regression of the language and motor scales with the FD of the GM. In conclusion, a decreased FD of the GM and WM in IUGR infants could be a sensitive indicator for the investigation of structural brain abnormalities in the IUGR population at 12 months of age, which can also be related to functional disorders. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Domain model for Ca2(+)-inactivation of Ca2+ channels at low channel density.

PubMed Central

Sherman, A; Keizer, J; Rinzel, J

1990-01-01

The "shell" model for Ca2(+)-inactivation of Ca2+ channels is based on the accumulation of Ca2+ in a macroscopic shell beneath the plasma membrane. The shell is filled by Ca2+ entering through open channels, with the elevated Ca2+ concentration inactivating both open and closed channels at a rate determined by how fast the shell is filled. In cells with low channel density, the high concentration Ca2+ "shell" degenerates into a collection of nonoverlapping "domains" localized near open channels. These domains form rapidly when channels open and disappear rapidly when channels close. We use this idea to develop a "domain" model for Ca2(+)-inactivation of Ca2+ channels. In this model the kinetics of formation of an inactivated state resulting from Ca2+ binding to open channels determines the inactivation rate, a mechanism identical with that which explains single-channel recordings on rabbit-mesenteric artery Ca2+ channels (Huang Y., J. M. Quayle, J. F. Worley, N. B. Standen, and M. T. Nelson. 1989. Biophys. J. 56:1023-1028). We show that the model correctly predicts five important features of the whole-cell Ca2(+)-inactivation for mouse pancreatic beta-cells (Plants, T. D. 1988. J. Physiol. 404:731-747) and that Ca2(+)-inactivation has only minor effects on the bursting electrical activity of these cells. PMID:2174274

Validation of Maturity Offset in the Fels Longitudinal Study.

PubMed

Malina, Robert M; Choh, Audrey C; Czerwinski, Stefan A; Chumlea, Wm Cameron

2016-08-01

Sex-specific equations for predicting maturity offset, time before or after peak height velocity (PHV), were evaluated in 63 girls and 74 boys from the Fels Longitudinal Study. Serially measured heights (0.1 cm), sitting heights (0.1 cm), weights (0.1 kg), and estimated leg lengths (0.1 cm) from 8 to 18 years were used. Predicted age at PHV (years) was calculated as the difference between chronological age (CA) and maturity offset. Actual age at PHV for each child was derived with a triple logistic model (Bock-Thissen-du Toit). Mean predicted maturity offset was negative and lowest at 8 years and increased linearly with increasing CA. Predicted ages at PHV increased linearly with CA from 8 to 18 years in girls and from 8 to 13 years in boys; predictions varied within relatively narrow limits from 12 to 15 years and then increased to 18 years in boys. Differences between predicted and actual ages at PHV among youth of contrasting maturity status were significant across the age range in both sexes. Dependence of predicted age at PHV upon CA at prediction and on actual age at PHV limits its utility as an indicator of maturity timing and in sport talent programs.

[Aging-related ionic remodeling of L-type voltage dependent calcium channel in left atria of canine].

PubMed

Zhou, Xian-hui; Zhang, Jian; Gan, Tian-yi; Xu, Guo-jun; Tang, Bao-peng

2012-04-01

To investigate aging-related ionic remodeling of L-type voltage dependent calcium channel (LVDCC) in left atria of canine. Seven adult (2.0 - 2.5 years) and 10 aged (> 8 years) dogs were used. The current of LVDCC was recorded by patch clamp technique in the whole cell mode. The action potential duration (APD(90)), amplitude of action potential plateau (APA), I(Ca-L) peak current density of LVDCC were recorded. The mRNA and protein expressions of α1c subunit (Ca(V1.2)), sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SECRA(2)), Calpain-I, ryanodine receptor (RYR(2)) were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. I(Ca-L) peak current density [(-8.11 ± 0.54) pA/pF vs. (-14.04 ± 0.82) pA/pF, P < 0.05] was significantly reduced and action potential duration to 90% repolarization (APD(90)) significantly prolonged [(340.5 ± 10.1) ms vs. (320.0 ± 7.9) ms, P < 0.05] in aged group than in adult group. The mRNA gene expression level of Ca(V1.2) was significantly lower (0.90 ± 0.35 vs. 2.38 ± 0.40, P < 0.05) while mRNA expression of RYR(2) was significantly higher (4.39 ± 4.68 vs. 1.49 ± 1.69, P < 0.05) in the aged dogs than in the adult dogs. mRNA expression of SECRA(2) and Calpain-I was similar between the two groups. Similarly, the protein expression level of Ca(V1.2) was significantly lower (0.13 ± 0.10 vs. 0.29 ± 0.12, P < 0.05) while the protein expression level of RYR(2) was significantly higher (0.18 ± 0.21 vs. 0.08 ± 0.36, P < 0.05) in the aged dogs than in the adult dogs. Again, protein expression of SECRA(2), PLN(1) and Calpain-I was similar between the two groups. These data suggest that aging could induce mRNA and protein expression changes of Ca(V1.2) and RYR(2) of LVDCC which might serve as the molecular basis of I(Ca-L) remodeling in aged dogs and might be linked to the increased likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) in aged dogs.

Aging-associated changes in L-type calcium channels in the left atria of dogs.

PubMed

Gan, Tian-Yi; Qiao, Weiwei; Xu, Guo-Jun; Zhou, Xian-Hui; Tang, Bao-Peng; Song, Jian-Guo; Li, Yao-Dong; Zhang, Jian; Li, Fa-Peng; Mao, Ting; Jiang, Tao

2013-10-01

Action potential (AP) contours vary considerably between the fibers of normal adult and aged left atria. The underlying ionic and molecular mechanisms that mediate these differences remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the L-type calcium current (I Ca.L ) and the L-type Ca 2+ channel of the left atria may be altered with age to contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF). Two groups of mongrel dogs (normal adults, 2-2.5 years old and older dogs, >8 years old) were used in this study. The inducibility of AF was quantitated using the cumulative window of vulnerability (WOV). A whole-cell patch-clamp was used to record APs and I Ca.L in left atrial (LA) cells obtained from the two groups of dogs. Protein and mRNA expression levels of the a1C (Cav1.2) subunit of the L-type calcium channel were assessed using western blotting and quantitative PCR (qPCR), respectively. Although the resting potential, AP amplitude and did not differ with age, the plateau potential was more negative and the APD 90 was longer in the aged cells compared with that in normal adult cells. Aged LA cells exhibited lower peak I Ca.L current densities than normal adult LA cells (P<0.05). In addition, the Cav1.2 mRNA and protein expression levels in LA cells were decreased in the aged group compared with those in the normal adult group. The lower AP plateau potential and the decreased I Ca.L of LA cells in aged dogs may contribute to the slow and discontinuous conduction of the left atria. Furthermore, the reduction of the expression levels of Cav1.2 with age may be the molecular mechanism that mediates the decline in I Ca.L with increasing age.

Hippocampal CA3-dentate gyrus volume uniquely linked to improvement in associative memory from childhood to adulthood.

PubMed

Daugherty, Ana M; Flinn, Robert; Ofen, Noa

2017-06-01

Associative memory develops into adulthood and critically depends on the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a complex structure composed of subfields that are functionally-distinct, and anterior-posterior divisions along the length of the hippocampal horizontal axis that may also differ by cognitive correlates. Although each of these aspects has been considered independently, here we evaluate their relative contributions as correlates of age-related improvement in memory. Volumes of hippocampal subfields (subiculum, CA1-2, CA3-dentate gyrus) and anterior-posterior divisions (hippocampal head, body, tail) were manually segmented from high-resolution images in a sample of healthy participants (age 8-25 years). Adults had smaller CA3-dentate gyrus volume as compared to children, which accounted for 67% of the indirect effect of age predicting better associative memory via hippocampal volumes. Whereas hippocampal body volume demonstrated non-linear age differences, larger hippocampal body volume was weakly related to better associative memory only when accounting for the mutual correlation with subfields measured within that region. Thus, typical development of associative memory was largely explained by age-related differences in CA3-dentate gyrus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hippocampal CA3-dentate gyrus volume uniquely linked to improvement in associative memory from childhood to adulthood

PubMed Central

Daugherty, Ana M.; Flinn, Robert; Ofen, Noa

2017-01-01

Associative memory develops into adulthood and critically depends on the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a complex structure composed of subfields that are functionally-distinct, and anterior-posterior divisions along the length of the hippocampal horizontal axis that may also differ by cognitive correlates. Although each of these aspects has been considered independently, here we evaluate their relative contributions as correlates of age-related improvement in memory. Volumes of hippocampal subfields (subiculum, CA1-2, CA3-dentate gyrus) and anterior-posterior divisions (hippocampal head, body, tail) were manually segmented from high-resolution proton density-weighted images in a sample of healthy participants (age 8–25 years). Adults had smaller CA3-dentate gyrus volume as compared to children, which accounted for 67% of the indirect effect of age predicting better associative memory via hippocampal volumes. Whereas hippocampal body volume demonstrated non-linear age differences, larger hippocampal body volume was weakly related to better associative memory only when accounting for the mutual correlation with subfields measured within that region. Thus, typical development of associative memory was largely explained by age-related differences in CA3-dentate gyrus. PMID:28342999

Independent associations of dairy and calcium intakes with colorectal cancers in the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort.

PubMed

Tantamango-Bartley, Yessenia; Knutsen, Synnove F; Jaceldo-Siegl, Karen; Fan, Jing; Mashchak, Andrew; Fraser, Gary E

2017-10-01

Results associating dairy and Ca intakes with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk have been mixed. Most previous analyses have suffered from confounding between dairy and Ca intakes. We examined independent associations between these variables, also dairy foods, and CRC incidence in a population with a large range of dairy intakes. Adventist Health Study-2 is a cohort study where subjects were enrolled 2002-2007. Proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to estimate hazard ratios (HR). Regression calibration was used to correct for dietary measurement error. The population lived in all states of the USA. There were 77712 analytic subjects, all of whom were Seventh-day Adventists. Much of their dietary Ca came from non-dairy sources. During a mean follow-up of 7·8 years, 380 incident colon cancer and 111 incident rectal cancer cases were observed. Comparing extreme quintiles of intake in measurement error-corrected analyses, dairy intake (HR=0·31; 95 % CI 0·09, 0·88), independent of total Ca, was inversely related with risk of rectal cancer but gave little indication of association with colon cancer. However, total Ca intake (independent of dairy) was associated with risk of colon cancer (HR=0·55; 95 % CI 0·28, 0·98) and there was little indication of association with rectal cancer. Traditional regression analyses and associations with macronutrients from dairy generally supported these results. Milk intake was also negatively associated with CRC (HR=0·63; 95 % CI 0·43, 0·89). Dairy intake may decrease the risk of rectal cancer, and Ca may reduce risk of colon cancer and CRC.

Influence of inelastic collisions with hydrogen atoms on the non-LTE modelling of Ca I and Ca II lines in late-type stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mashonkina, L.; Sitnova, T.; Belyaev, A. K.

2017-09-01

We performed the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE, NLTE) calculations for Ca I-II with the updated model atom that includes new quantum-mechanical rate coefficients for Ca I + H I collisions from two recent studies and investigated the accuracy of calcium abundance determinations using the Sun, Procyon, and five metal-poor (MP, -2.6 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤-1.3) stars with well-determined stellar parameters. Including H I collisions substantially reduces over-ionisation of Ca I in the line formation layers compared with the case of pure electronic collisions and thus the NLTE effects on abundances derived from Ca I lines. We show that both collisional recipes lead to very similar NLTE results. As for Ca II, the classical Drawinian rates scaled by SH = 0.1 are still applied. When using the subordinate lines of Ca I and the high-excitation lines of Ca II, NLTE provides the smaller line-to-line scatter compared with the LTE case for each star. For Procyon, NLTE removes a steep trend with line strength among strong Ca I lines seen in LTE and leads to consistent [Ca/H] abundances from the two ionisation stages. In the MP stars, the NLTE abundance from Ca II 8498 Å agrees well with the abundance from the Ca I subordinate lines, in contrast to LTE, where the abundance difference grows towards lower metallicity and reaches 0.46 dex in BD -13°3442 ([Fe/H] = -2.62). NLTE largely removes abundance discrepancies between the high-excitation lines of Ca II and Ca II 8498 Å obtained for our four [Fe/H] < -2 stars under the LTE assumption. We investigated the formation of the Ca I resonance line in the [Fe/H] < -2 stars. When the calcium abundance varies between [Ca/H] ≃ -1.8 and -2.3, photon loss in the resonance line itself in the uppermost atmospheric layers drives the strengthening of the line core compared with the LTE case, and this effect prevails over the weakening of the line wings, resulting in negative NLTE abundance correction and underestimation of the abundance derived from Ca I 4226 Å compared with that from the subordinate lines, by 0.08 to 0.32 dex. This problem may be related to the use of classical homogeneous (1D) model atmospheres. The situation is improved when the calcium abundance decreases and the Ca I 4226 Å line formation depths are shifted into deep atmospheric layers that are dominated by over-ionisation of Ca I. However, the departures from LTE are still underestimated for Ca I 4226 Å at [Ca/H] ≃ -4.4 (HE 0557-4840). Consistent NLTE abundances from the Ca I resonance line and the Ca II lines are found for HE 0107-5240 and HE 1327-2326 with [Ca/H] ≤-5. Thus, the Ca I/Ca II ionisation equilibrium method can successfully be applied to determine surface gravities of [Ca/H] ≾ -5 stars. We provide the NLTE abundance corrections for 28 lines of Ca I in a grid of model atmospheres with 5000 K ≤ Teff ≤ 6500 K, 2.5 ≤ log g ≤ 4.5, -4 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ 0, which is suitable for abundance analysis of FGK-type dwarfs and subgiants.

Signature of Cenozoic orogenic movements in combustion metamorphic rocks: mineralogy and geochronology (example of the Salair-Kuznetsk Basin transition)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Novikov, I.S.; Sokol, E.V.; Travin, A.V.

Cenozoic combustion metamorphic (CM) complexes produced by fossil natural coal fires are widespread at range-basin junctions worldwide. Large-scale fires accompany the initial orogenic phases as fresh coal-bearing strata become drawn into the aeration zone as a result of crustal deformation. In combustion metamorphism, the protolith melts to different degrees either into ferrous basic paralava or in glassy clinker. The melt rocks have a phase composition favorable for Ar-40/Ar-39 dating of ignition coeval with the onset of each episode in Late Cenozoic orogenic events. We suggest an algorithm providing correct Ar-40/Ar-39 age determination of CM rocks followed by well-grounded geological interpretationmore » and test the new approach on melt rocks from the Kuznetsk Coal Basin. Paralava samples were dated by Ar-40/Ar-39 incremental heating and the isotope ratios were corrected for Ca-, Cl-, and K-derived Ar isotopic interferences. The interpretation of age-spectrum results was checked against internal and external criteria. The former were plateau and isochrone ages and the latter included the so-called 'couple criterion' and conventional relative ages inferred from geological and stratigraphic evidence. As a result, we distinguished two groups of dates for combustion metamorphic events bracketed between 1.2 {+-} 0.4 and 0.2 {+-} 0.3 Ma. The older ages represent rocks in the western edge of the Prokopievsk-Kiselevsk block of the Salair zone and the younger dates correspond to those in its eastern edge. The reported dates record the time when the fault boundaries of the blocks were rejuvenated during recent activity and the block accreted to the Salair orogenic area as a submontane step. The suggested approach to the choice of objects, classification of rocks, and interpretation of Ar-40/Ar-39 spectra is universal and can be practiced in any area of combustion metamorphism.« less

Auger electron spectroscopy for the determination of sex and age related Ca/P ratio at different bone sites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balatsoukas, Ioannis; Kourkoumelis, Nikolaos; Tzaphlidou, Margaret

The Ca/P ratio of normal cortical and trabecular rat bone was measured by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Semiquantitative analysis was carried out using ratio techniques to draw conclusions on how age, sex and bone site affect the relative composition of calcium and phosphorus. Results show that Ca/P ratio is not sex dependent; quite the opposite, bone sites exhibit variations in elemental stoichiometry where femoral sections demonstrate higher Ca/P ratio than rear and front tibias. Age-related changes are more distinct for cortical bone in comparison with the trabecular bone. The latter's Ca/P ratio remains unaffected from all the parameters under study.more » This study confirms that AES is able to successfully quantify bone mineral main elements when certain critical points, related to the experimental conditions, are addressed effectively.« less

Subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cognitive function

PubMed Central

Rossetti, Heidi C.; Weiner, Myron; Hynan, Linda S.; Cullum, C. Munro; Khera, Amit; Lacritz, Laura H.

2016-01-01

Objective To examine the relationship between measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cognitive function. Method Participants from the Dallas Heart Study (DHS), a population-based multiethnic study of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, were re-examined 8 years later (DHS-2) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); N = 1904, mean age = 42.9, range 8–65. Associations of baseline measures of subclinical atherosclerosis (coronary artery calcium, abdominal aortic plaque, and abdominal aortic wall thickness) with MoCA scores measured at follow-up were examined in the group as a whole and in relation to age and ApoE4 status. Results A significant linear trend of successively lower MoCA scores with increasing numbers of atherosclerotic indicators was observed (F(3, 1150) = 5.918, p = .001). CAC was weakly correlated with MoCA scores (p = .047) and MoCA scores were significantly different between participants with and without CAC (M = 22.35 vs 23.69, p = 0.038). With the exception of a small association between abdominal AWT and MoCA in subjects over age 50, abdominal AWT and abdominal aortic plaque did not correlate with MoCA total score (p ≥.052). Cognitive scores and atherosclerosis measures were not impacted by ApoE4 status (p ≥.455). Conclusion In this ethnically diverse population-based sample, subclinical atherosclerosis was minimally associated with later cognitive function in middle-aged adults. PMID:25957568

Overgeneral autobiographical memory in healthy young and older adults: Differential age effects on components of the capture and rumination, functional avoidance, and impaired executive control (CaRFAX) model.

PubMed

Ros, Laura; Latorre, Jose M; Serrano, Juan P; Ricarte, Jorge J

2017-08-01

The CaRFAX model (Williams et al., 2007) has been used to explain the causes of overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM; the difficulty to retrieve specific autobiographical memories), a cognitive phenomenon generally related with different psychopathologies. This model proposes 3 different mechanisms to explain OGM: capture and rumination (CaR), functional avoidance (FA) and impaired executive functions (X). However, the complete CaRFAX model has not been tested in nonclinical populations. This study aims to assess the usefulness of the CaRFAX model to explain OGM in 2 healthy samples: a young sample and an older sample, to test for possible age-related differences in the underlying causes of OGM. A total of 175 young (age range: 19-36 years) and 175 older (age range: 53-88 years) participants completed measures of brooding rumination (CaR), functional avoidance (FA), and executive tasks (X). Using structural equation modeling, we found that memory specificity is mainly associated with lower functional avoidance and higher executive functions in the older group, but only with executive functions in young participants. We discuss the different roles of emotional regulation strategies used by young and older people and their relation to the CaRFAX model to explain OGM in healthy people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of chebulic acid on advanced glycation endproducts-induced collagen cross-links.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Young; Oh, Jun-Gu; Kim, Jin Sook; Lee, Kwang-Won

2014-01-01

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been implicated in the development of diabetic complications. We report the antiglycating activity of chebulic acid (CA), isolated from Terminalia chebula on breaking the cross-links of proteins induced by AGEs and inhibiting the formation of AGEs. Aminoguanidine (AG) reduced 50% of glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA) with glycolaldehyde (glycol-BSA)-induced cross-links of collagen at a concentration of 67.8 ± 2.5 mM, the level of CA required for exerting a similar antiglycating activity was 38.8 ± 0.5 µM. Also, the breaking activity on collagen cross-links induced by glycol-BSA was potent with CA (IC50=1.46 ± 0.05 mM), exhibiting 50-fold stronger breaking activity than with ALT-711, a well-known cross-link breaker (IC50=72.2 ± 2.4 mM). IC50 values of DPPH· scavenging activity for CA and ascorbic acid (AA) were 39.2 ± 4.9 and 19.0 ± 1.2 µg dry matter (DM) mL(-1), respectively, and ferric reducing and antioxidant power (FRAP) activities for CA and AA were 4.70 ± 0.06 and 11.4 ± 0.1 mmol/FeSO4·7H2O/g DM, respectively. The chelating activities of CA, AG and ALT711 on copper-catalyzed oxidation of AA were compared, and in increasing order, ALT-711 (IC50 of 1.92 ± 0.20 mM)

Ocular residual and corneal astigmatism in a clinical population of high school students.

PubMed

Chen, Zhao; Liu, Luoru; Pan, Chenglin; Li, Xiaoning; Pan, Lun; Lan, Weizhong; Yang, Zhikuan

2018-01-01

Total refractive astigmatism is usually the first consideration that guides the selection of contact lens type (e.g., spherical or toric), while the ocular source of the astigmatism is a second, but more important consideration, for the final clinical decision. This study was conducted to provide detailed data on this topic by evaluating astigmatic components in Chinese adolescents. Participants were recruited from healthy high school students undergoing an annual ocular examination at a local hospital. Total astigmatism (TA), corneal astigmatism (CA), and ocular residual astigmatism (ORA) were determined by a Hartmann-Shack wavefront analyzer system (KR-1W, Topcon) with the natural pupil. The axis relationship between CA and ORA was placed into three categories: on-axis, defined as an axis with a difference of 0 ± 10°; opposite-axis, a difference of 90 ± 10°; and the rest defined as oblique-axis. The study consisted of 1,466 students (57.84% girls, age: 16.49 ± 1.05 years). ORA was present in 83.97%, 66.64%, and 45.23% of participants, according to the various criteria for astigmatism (≥ 0.50 D, ≥ 0.75 D, and ≥ 1.00 D, respectively). While with-the-rule was the most common axis orientation for both TA (76.28%) and CA (89.94%), against-the-rule predominated in ORA (93.82%; χ2 = 1688.544, p < 0.001). Opposite-axis was the major type of axis difference (90.96%) of clinical significance (i.e., ≥ 1.00 D) between CA and ORA, which also prevailed in all levels of TA (range: 56.25-82.26%). ORA is common in high school students and usually demonstrates a compensation relationship with CA, which should be taken into consideration when determining the design of contact lenses to correct refractive error.

Ocular residual and corneal astigmatism in a clinical population of high school students

PubMed Central

Liu, Luoru; Pan, Chenglin; Li, Xiaoning; Pan, Lun; Yang, Zhikuan

2018-01-01

Purpose Total refractive astigmatism is usually the first consideration that guides the selection of contact lens type (e.g., spherical or toric), while the ocular source of the astigmatism is a second, but more important consideration, for the final clinical decision. This study was conducted to provide detailed data on this topic by evaluating astigmatic components in Chinese adolescents. Methods Participants were recruited from healthy high school students undergoing an annual ocular examination at a local hospital. Total astigmatism (TA), corneal astigmatism (CA), and ocular residual astigmatism (ORA) were determined by a Hartmann-Shack wavefront analyzer system (KR-1W, Topcon) with the natural pupil. The axis relationship between CA and ORA was placed into three categories: on-axis, defined as an axis with a difference of 0 ± 10°; opposite-axis, a difference of 90 ± 10°; and the rest defined as oblique-axis. Results The study consisted of 1,466 students (57.84% girls, age: 16.49 ± 1.05 years). ORA was present in 83.97%, 66.64%, and 45.23% of participants, according to the various criteria for astigmatism (≥ 0.50 D, ≥ 0.75 D, and ≥ 1.00 D, respectively). While with-the-rule was the most common axis orientation for both TA (76.28%) and CA (89.94%), against-the-rule predominated in ORA (93.82%; χ2 = 1688.544, p < 0.001). Opposite-axis was the major type of axis difference (90.96%) of clinical significance (i.e., ≥ 1.00 D) between CA and ORA, which also prevailed in all levels of TA (range: 56.25–82.26%). Conclusions ORA is common in high school students and usually demonstrates a compensation relationship with CA, which should be taken into consideration when determining the design of contact lenses to correct refractive error. PMID:29630629

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptom Severities Are Differentially Associated With Hippocampal Subfield Volume Loss in Combat Veterans.

PubMed

Averill, Christopher L; Satodiya, Ritvij M; Scott, J Cobb; Wrocklage, Kristen M; Schweinsburg, Brian; Averill, Lynnette A; Akiki, Teddy J; Amoroso, Timothy; Southwick, Steven M; Krystal, John H; Abdallah, Chadi G

2017-01-01

Two decades of human neuroimaging research have associated volume reductions in the hippocampus with posttraumatic stress disorder. However, little is known about the distribution of volume loss across hippocampal subfields. Recent advances in neuroimaging methods have made it possible to accurately delineate 10 gray matter hippocampal subfields. Here, we apply a volumetric analysis of hippocampal subfields to data from a group of combat-exposed Veterans. Veterans (total, n = 68, posttraumatic stress disorder, n = 36; combat control, n = 32) completed high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging. Based on previously validated methods, hippocampal subfield volume measurements were conducted using FreeSurfer 6.0. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale assessed posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity; Beck Depression Inventory assessed depressive symptom severity. Controlling for age and intracranial volume, partial correlation analysis examined the relationship between hippocampal subfields and symptom severity. Correction for multiple comparisons was performed using false discovery rate. Gender, intelligence, combat severity, comorbid anxiety, alcohol/substance use disorder, and medication status were investigated as potential confounds. In the whole sample, total hippocampal volume negatively correlated with Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale and Beck Depression Inventory scores. Of the 10 hippocampal subfields, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale symptom severity negatively correlated with the hippocampus-amygdala transition area (HATA). Beck Depression Inventory scores negatively correlated with dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis 4 (CA4), HATA, CA2/3, molecular layer, and CA1. Follow-up analysis limited to the posttraumatic stress disorder group showed a negative correlation between Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale symptom severity and each of HATA, CA2/3, molecular layer, and CA4. This study provides the first evidence relating posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms to abnormalities in the HATA, an anterior hippocampal region highly connected to prefrontal-amygdala circuitry. Notably, dentate gyrus abnormalities were associated with depression severity but not posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Future confirmatory studies should determine the extent to which dentate gyrus volume can differentiate between posttraumatic stress disorder- and depression-related pathophysiology.

Altered sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling—targets for heart failure therapy

PubMed Central

Kho, Changwon; Lee, Ahyoung; Hajjar, Roger J.

2013-01-01

Cardiac myocyte function is dependent on the synchronized movements of Ca2+ into and out of the cell, as well as between the cytosol and sarcoplasmic reticulum. These movements determine cardiac rhythm and regulate excitation–contraction coupling. Ca2+ cycling is mediated by a number of critical Ca2+-handling proteins and transporters, such as L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) and sodium/calcium exchangers in the sarcolemma, and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), ryanodine receptors, and cardiac phospholamban in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The entry of Ca2+ into the cytosol through LTCCs activates the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptor channels and initiates myocyte contraction, whereas SERCA2a and cardiac phospholamban have a key role in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sequesteration and myocyte relaxation. Excitation–contraction coupling is regulated by phosphorylation of Ca2+-handling proteins. Abnormalities in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ cycling are hallmarks of heart failure and contribute to the pathophysiology and progression of this disease. Correcting impaired intracellular Ca2+ cycling is a promising new approach for the treatment of heart failure. Novel therapeutic strategies that enhance myocyte Ca2+ homeostasis could prevent and reverse adverse cardiac remodeling and improve clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. PMID:23090087

Comparison of the applicability of Demirjian and Willems methods for dental age estimation in children from the Thrace region, Turkey.

PubMed

Ozveren, N; Serindere, G

2018-04-01

Dental age (DA) estimation is frequently used in the fields of orthodontics, paediatric dentistry and forensic science. DA estimation methods use radiology, and are reliable and non-destructive according to the literature. The Demirjian method is currently the most frequently used method, but recently, the Willems method was reported to have given results that were more accurate for some regions. The aim of this study was to detect and compare the accuracy of DA estimation methods for children and adolescents from the Thrace region, Turkey. The mean difference between the chronological age (CA) and the DA was selected as the primary outcome measure, and the difference range according to sex and age group was selected as the secondary outcome. Panoramic radiographs (n=766) from a Thrace region population (380 males and 386 females) ranging in age from 6 to 14.99 years old were evaluated. DA was calculated using both the Demirjian and the Willems methods. The mean CA of the subjects was 11.39±2.34 years (males=11.08±2.42 years and females=11.70±2.23 years). The mean difference values between the CA and the DA (CA-DA) using the Demirjian method and the Willems method were -0.87 and -0.17 for females, respectively, and -1.04 and -0.40 for males, respectively. For the different age groups, the differences between the CA and the DA calculated using the Demirjian method (CA-DA) ranged from -0.53 to -1.46 years for males and from -0.19 to -1.20 years for females, while the mean differences between the CA and the DA calculated by the Willems method (CA-DA) ranged from -0.19 to -0.50 years for males and from 0.20 to -0.49 years for females. The results suggest that the Willems method produced more accurate results for almost all age groups of both sexes, and it is better suited for children from the Thrace region of Turkey, than the Demirjian method. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Complexation of the calcium cation with antamanide: an experimental and theoretical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makrlík, Emanuel; Böhm, Stanislav; Vaňura, Petr; Ruzza, Paolo

2015-06-01

By using extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Ca2+(aq) + 1 .Sr2+(nb) ? 1 .Ca2+(nb) + Sr2+(aq) occurring in the two-phase water-nitrobenzene system (1 = antamanide; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) was determined as log Kex (Ca2+, 1 .Sr2+) = 1.6 ± 0.1. Further, the stability constant of the 1 .Ca2+ complex in nitrobenzene saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25 °C: log βnb (1 .Ca2+) = 10.9 ± 0.2. Finally, applying quantum mechanical density functional level of theory calculations, the most probable structure of the cationic complex species 1 .Ca2+ was derived. In the resulting complex, the 'central' cation Ca2+ is bound by six strong bonding interactions to the corresponding six carbonyl oxygen atoms of the parent ligand 1. Besides, the whole 1 .Ca2+ complex structure is stabilised by two intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The interaction energy of the considered 1 .Ca2+ complex, involving the Boys-Bernardi counterpoise corrections of the basis set superposition error, was found to be -1219.3 kJ/mol, confirming the formation of this cationic species.

Reliability of 3D laser-based anthropometry and comparison with classical anthropometry.

PubMed

Kuehnapfel, Andreas; Ahnert, Peter; Loeffler, Markus; Broda, Anja; Scholz, Markus

2016-05-26

Anthropometric quantities are widely used in epidemiologic research as possible confounders, risk factors, or outcomes. 3D laser-based body scans (BS) allow evaluation of dozens of quantities in short time with minimal physical contact between observers and probands. The aim of this study was to compare BS with classical manual anthropometric (CA) assessments with respect to feasibility, reliability, and validity. We performed a study on 108 individuals with multiple measurements of BS and CA to estimate intra- and inter-rater reliabilities for both. We suggested BS equivalents of CA measurements and determined validity of BS considering CA the gold standard. Throughout the study, the overall concordance correlation coefficient (OCCC) was chosen as indicator of agreement. BS was slightly more time consuming but better accepted than CA. For CA, OCCCs for intra- and inter-rater reliability were greater than 0.8 for all nine quantities studied. For BS, 9 of 154 quantities showed reliabilities below 0.7. BS proxies for CA measurements showed good agreement (minimum OCCC > 0.77) after offset correction. Thigh length showed higher reliability in BS while upper arm length showed higher reliability in CA. Except for these issues, reliabilities of CA measurements and their BS equivalents were comparable.

Enthalpies of formation of CaAl4O7 and CaAl12O19 (hibonite) by high temperature, alkali borate solution calorimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geiger, C. A.; Kleppa, O. J.; Grossman, L.; Mysen, B. O.; Lattimer, J. M.

1988-01-01

Enthalpies of formation were determined for two calcium aluminate phases, CaAl4O7 and CaAl12O19, using high-temperature alkali borate solution calorimetry. The aluminates were synthesized by multiple-cycle heating and grinding stoichiometric mixtures of CaCO3 and Al2O3, and the products were characteized by X-ray diffraction and SEM microbeam analysis. The data on impurities (CaAl4O7 was found to be about 89.00 percent pure by weight and the CaAl12O19 samples about 91.48 percent pure) were used to correct the heat of solution values of the synthetic products. The enthalpies of formation, at 1063 K, from oxides, were found to be equal to -(25.6 + or - 4.7) kJ/g.f.w. for CaAl4O7 and -(33.0 + or - 9.7) kJ/g.f.w. for CaAl12O19; the respective standard enthalpies of formation from elements, at 298 K, were estimated to be -4007 + or - 5.2 kJ/g.f.w. and -10,722 + or - 12 kJ/g.f.w.

Effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate calcium on growth, blood parameters, and carcass qualities of broiler chickens.

PubMed

Qiao, X; Zhang, H J; Wu, S G; Yue, H Y; Zuo, J J; Feng, D Y; Qi, G H

2013-03-01

Beta-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), the metabolite of leucine, plays an important role in muscle protein metabolism. To investigate the effect of dietary HMB calcium (HMB-Ca) on growth performance, breast muscle development, and serum parameters in broiler chickens, a total of two hundred seventy 1-d-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into 3 dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 0.05%, or 0.1% HMB-Ca during the starter (1 to 21 d) and grower (22 to 42 d) period. The results showed that broilers fed 0.1% HMB-Ca diet had higher ADG during the starter or the whole period, and gain 148 g more BW than the chicks fed the control diet at 42 d of age (P < 0.05). At 21 d of age, birds receiving 0.1% HMB-Ca had more breast muscle yield, less abdominal fat than the control, and more dressing percentage than birds fed the control or 0.05% HMB-Ca diet (P < 0.05). At 42 d of age, 0.1% HMB-Ca increased breast muscle yield than the control and decreased abdominal fat compared with the control or 0.05% HMB-Ca group (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control, feeding 0.1% HMB-Ca increased the triiodothyronine, thyroxine, triiodothyronine/thyroxine ratio and decreased the serum uric acid level at d 21 (P < 0.05). At 42 d of age, serum thyroxine level was elevated in the 0.05% HMB-Ca treatment, and the uric acid concentration was significantly decreased by the 0.1% HMB-Ca-supplemented diet (P < 0.05). Dietary HMB-Ca did not affect the growth hormone or insulin content. This study suggested that dietary supplementation of HMB-Ca improved growth performance, stimulated the breast muscle development, and decreased the abdominal fat deposition in broiler chickens, and the favorable effects were more pronounced in the starter phase. The growth promotion effect of HMB-Ca may be partly related to the increased serum thyroid hormones in broiler chickens.

[Epidemiology of familial prostatic cancer: 4-year assessment of French studies].

PubMed

Valeri, A; Drelon, E; Azzouzi, R; Delannoy, A; Teillac, P; Fournier, G; Mangin, P; Berthon, P; Cussenot, O

1999-09-01

(1) To determine the frequency of familial (at least 2 cases) and hereditary forms of prostate cancer (CaP), (2) to define the results according to the patient's age at diagnosis, as various epidemiological studies have demonstrated a possible familial aggregation of CaP in about 15 to 25% of cases. Carter's familial segregation study (P.N.A.S. 1992, 89, 3367-71) showed that a genetic predisposition, with autosomal dominant transmission, could be responsible for 9% of all cases of prostate cancer. We conducted a systematic genealogy study of patients suffering from newly diagnosed CaP or followed for known CaP in 3 French urological centres, by means of questionnaires completed by the patients. Subsequently, a national collection of families with at least 2 cases of CaP identified families with hereditary forms of CaP. Hereditary cases were considered to be those presenting at least: one CaP in three 1st degree relatives, or 3 cases over 3 generations in the same branch of the family (paternal or maternal), or finally 2 early cases before the age of 55 years. Statistical analysis used the univariate logistic regression test between family status and the medical centre or the patient's age at diagnosis. From July 1994 onwards, we included 801 patients (all stages combined) in the systematic study and 110 patients (13.7%) were excluded (refusal to participate, advanced age). For 691 of the families studied (Brest: 225, Nancy: 249, Paris St Louis: 217), we observed 32 (14.2%), 29 (11.6%), 37 (17.1%) of familial forms (mean: 14.2%) and 11 (4.9%), 6 (2.4%), 8 (3.7%) of hereditary forms (mean: 3.6%), respectively (no significant differences between centres). Analysis of the results according to age at diagnosis of CaP also showed a higher incidence of familial (significant difference) and hereditary forms (limit of significance) for CaP occurring at a younger age (before 65 years). The national collection collected a total of 624 familial forms of CaP, including 236 (37.8%) cases of hereditary forms; 115 families were informative for the genetic linkage study. These results confirm the data of earlier studies, revealing about 15 to 25% of familial forms of CaP and 5 to 10% of hereditary forms. Similarly, the systematic study confirmed the earlier onset of CaP in patients with a genetic predisposition. These data therefore encourage systematic questioning of patients for a family history of CaP in order to propose targeted screening of high-risk subjects in the families concerned and to intensify identification of hereditary forms in order to investigate the genes involved.

CA15.3 serum concentrations in older women with infiltrating ductal carcinomas of the breast.

PubMed

Ruibal, Álvaro; Aguiar, Pablo; Del Río, María Carmen; Padín-Iruegas, María Elena; Arias, José Ignacio; Herranz, Michel

2014-10-31

Breast cancer is currently becoming a disease of the elderly. We have studied the relation between CA 15.3 serum concentrations and clinical-pathological parameters in 69 women with IDC aged over 70 years (76.3±4.2; range: 71-88; median 76). A group of 205 women with the same tumor but aged <70 years (62.8±4.0; range: 55-70; median 63) was also considered for comparison. Tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and histological grade were taken account. Serum CA 15.3 was determined by luminescence assay. CA 15.3 serum concentrations ranged between 6 and 85 U/mL (median 22.9 U/mL), and were higher only in patients with greater (qualitative and quantitative; p: 0.041) tumor size. Our results show that in women with IDCs, and aged over 70 years, serum CA 15.3 serum concentrations are associated exclusively with a greater tumor size, being these findings different to those described in women with the same subtype of tumor considered as a whole or with lower age.

CA15.3 Serum Concentrations in Older Women with Infiltrating Ductal Carcinomas of the Breast

PubMed Central

Ruibal, Álvaro; Aguiar, Pablo; Del Río, María Carmen; Padín-Iruegas, María Elena; Arias, José Ignacio; Herranz, Michel

2014-01-01

Breast cancer is currently becoming a disease of the elderly. We have studied the relation between CA 15.3 serum concentrations and clinical-pathological parameters in 69 women with IDC aged over 70 years (76.3 ± 4.2; range: 71–88; median 76). A group of 205 women with the same tumor but aged <70 years (62.8 ± 4.0; range: 55–70; median 63) was also considered for comparison. Tumor size, axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and histological grade were taken account. Serum CA 15.3 was determined by luminescence assay. CA 15.3 serum concentrations ranged between 6 and 85 U/mL (median 22.9 U/mL), and were higher only in patients with greater (qualitative and quantitative; p: 0.041) tumor size. Our results show that in women with IDCs, and aged over 70 years, serum CA 15.3 serum concentrations are associated exclusively with a greater tumor size, being these findings different to those described in women with the same subtype of tumor considered as a whole or with lower age. PMID:25365176

Isoflurane induced cognitive impairment in aged rats through hippocampal calcineurin/NFAT signaling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ni, Cheng; Li, Zhengqian; Qian, Min

Calcineurin (CaN) over-activation constrains synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Upon CaN activation, NFAT imports into the nucleus and guides its downstream genes, which also affect neuronal and synaptic function. Aberrant CaN/NFAT signaling involves in neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, but its role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) remains uninvestigated. Inhaled anesthetic isoflurane facilitates the development of POCD, and the present study investigated the role of CaN/NFAT signaling in isoflurane induced cognitive impairment of aged rats, and the therapeutic effects of CaN inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA). The results indicated that hippocampal CaN activity increased andmore » peaked at 6 h after isoflurane exposure, and NFAT, especially NFATc4, imported into the nucleus following CaN activation. Furthermore, phamacological inhibition of CaN by CsA markedly attenuated isoflurane induced aberrant CaN/NFATc4 signaling in the hippocampus, and rescued relevant spatial learning and memory impairment of aged rats. Overall, the study suggests hippocampal CaN/NFAT signaling as the upstream mechanism of isoflurane induced cognitive impairment, and provides potential therapeutic target and possible treatment methods for POCD. - Highlights: • Isoflurane induces hippocampal calcineurin activation. • Isoflurane induces hippocampal NFAT, especially NFATc4, nuclear import. • Cyclosporine A attenuates isoflurane induced aberrant calcineurin/NFAT signaling. • Cyclosporine A rescues isoflurane induced cognitive impairment. • Calcineurin/NFAT signaling is the upstream mechanism of isoflurane induced synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment.« less

Correlation of CA-125 serum level and clinico-pathological characteristic of patients with endometriosis.

PubMed

Karimi-Zarchi, Mojgan; Dehshiri-Zadeh, Najmeh; Sekhavat, Leili; Nosouhi, Fahime

2016-11-01

Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is a glycoprotein biomarker that is used in women with pelvic masses such as endometriosis and maybe is useful in practice of patients suspicious to endometriosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between preoperative serum CA-125 levels and clinic pathological characteristic in women with endometriosis, and find out the best serum CA-125 levels cut-off in pre and post menopause women. Serum CA-125 levels in 87 women aged 21-54 years suspected to endometriosis with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, or dyspareunia were measured preoperatively. Also the association between clinic pathological characteristic and serum CA-125 level were analyzed. The mean age of women was 32.22±6.91. The mean serum CA-125 level was 49.93±4.30 U/mL. There was a significant correlation between the endometriosis stage, lesion size, adhesion score and preoperative CA-125 plasma concentration. However, we did not found significant differences in age, marital status, patient's complaints, and pelvic pain associated to Ca125 serum level. The suggested preoperative serum cut-off levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal patients were 37 U/ml and 35 U/ml, respectively. According to the results, preoperative serum CA-125 is an important predictor for patients with endometriosis and it should be taken into consideration when surgical management is suspected, especially if stage of disease, lesion size and adhesion score are undertaken.

The role of sodium hydrosulfide in attenuating the aging process via PI3K/AKT and CaMKKβ/AMPK pathways.

PubMed

Chen, Xubo; Zhao, Xueyan; Cai, Hua; Sun, Haiying; Hu, Yujuan; Huang, Xiang; Kong, Wen; Kong, Weijia

2017-08-01

Age-related dysfunction of the central auditory system, known as central presbycusis, is characterized by defects in speech perception and sound localization. It is important to determine the pathogenesis of central presbycusis in order to explore a feasible and effective intervention method. Recent work has provided fascinating insight into the beneficial function of H 2 S on oxidative stress and stress-related disease. In this study, we investigated the pathogenesis of central presbycusis and tried to explore the mechanism of H 2 S action on different aspects of aging by utilizing a mimetic aging rat and senescent cellular model. Our results indicate that NaHS decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis levels in an aging model via CaMKKβ and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Moreover, we found that NaHS restored the decreased activity of antioxidants such as GSH, SOD and CAT in the aging model in vivo and in vitro by regulating CaMKKβ and PI3K/AKT. Mitochondria function was preserved by NaHS, as indicated by the following: DNA POLG and OGG-1, the base excision repair enzymes in mitochondrial, were upregulated; OXPHOS activity was downregulated; mitochondrial membrane potential was restored; ATP production was increased; and mtDNA damage, indicated by the common deletion (CD), declined. These effects were also achieved by activating CaMKKβ/AMPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Lastly, protein homeostasis, indicated by HSP90 alpha, was strengthened by NaHS via CaMKKβ and PI3K/AKT. Our findings demonstrate that the ability to resist oxidative stress and mitochondria function are both decreased as aging developed; however, NaHS, a novel free radical scavenger and mitochondrial protective agent, precludes the process of oxidative damage by activating CaMKKβ and PI3K/AKT. This study might provide a therapeutic target for aging and age-related disease. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[An attempt for standardization of serum CA19-9 levels, in order to dissolve the gap between three different methods].

PubMed

Hayashi, Kuniki; Hoshino, Tadashi; Yanai, Mitsuru; Tsuchiya, Tatsuyuki; Kumasaka, Kazunari; Kawano, Kinya

2004-06-01

It is well known that serious method-related differences exist in results of serum CA19-9, and the necessity of standardization has been pointed out. In this study, differences of serum tumor marker CA19-9 levels obtained by various immunoassay kits (CLEIA, FEIA, LPIA and RIA) were evaluated in sixty-seven clinical samples and five calibrators and the possibility to improve the inter-methodological differences were observed not only for clinical samples but also for calibrators. We supposed an assumed standard material using by a calibrator. We calculated the serum levels of CA19-9 when using the assumed standard material for three different measurement methods. We approximate the CA19-9 values using by this method. It is suggested that the obtained CA19-9 values could be approximated by recalculation with the assumed standard material would be able to correct between-method and between-laboratory discrepancies in particular systematic errors.

Development of hippocampal subfield volumes from 4 to 22 years.

PubMed

Krogsrud, Stine K; Tamnes, Christian K; Fjell, Anders M; Amlien, Inge; Grydeland, Håkon; Sulutvedt, Unni; Due-Tønnessen, Paulina; Bjørnerud, Atle; Sølsnes, Anne E; Håberg, Asta K; Skrane, Jon; Walhovd, Kristine B

2014-11-01

The hippocampus supports several important cognitive functions known to undergo substantial development during childhood and adolescence, for example, encoding and consolidation of vivid personal memories. However, diverging developmental effects on hippocampal volume have been observed across studies. It is possible that the inconsistent findings may attribute to varying developmental processes and functions related to different hippocampal subregions. Most studies to date have measured global hippocampal volume. We aimed to explore early hippocampal development both globally and regionally within subfields. Using cross-sectional 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging data from 244 healthy participants aged 4-22 years, we performed automated hippocampal segmentation of seven subfield volumes; cornu ammonis (CA) 1, CA2/3, CA4/dentate gyrus (DG), presubiculum, subiculum, fimbria, and hippocampal fissure. For validation purposes, seven subjects were scanned at both 1.5 and 3 T, and all subfields except fimbria showed strong correlations across field strengths. Effects of age, left and right hemisphere, sex and their interactions were explored. Nonparametric local smoothing models (smoothing spline) were used to depict age-trajectories. Results suggested nonlinear age functions for most subfields where volume increases until 13-15 years, followed by little age-related changes during adolescence. Further, the results showed greater right than left hippocampal volumes that seemed to be augmenting in older age. Sex differences were also found for subfields; CA2/3, CA4/DG, presubiculum, subiculum, and CA1, mainly driven by participants under 13 years. These results provide a detailed characterization of hippocampal subfield development from early childhood. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ultra-trace analysis of 41Ca in urine by accelerator mass spectrometry: an inter-laboratory comparison

PubMed Central

Jackson, George S.; Hillegonds, Darren J.; Muzikar, Paul; Goehring, Brent

2013-01-01

A 41Ca interlaboratory comparison between Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the Purdue Rare Isotope Laboratory (PRIME Lab) has been completed. Analysis of the ratios assayed by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) shows that there is no statistically significant difference in the ratios. Further, Bayesian analysis shows that the uncertainties reported by both facilities are correct with the possibility of a slight under-estimation by one laboratory. Finally, the chemistry procedures used by the two facilities to produce CaF2 for the cesium sputter ion source are robust and don't yield any significant differences in the final result. PMID:24179312

Renal calculi in primary hyperaldosteronism.

PubMed Central

Kabadi, U. M.

1995-01-01

Increased urinary calcium (Ca++) excretion and the presence of negative Ca++ balance is well documented in primary hyperaldosteronism. However, renal calculi as a major manifestation of this disorder has not previously been described. This report describes a patient who presented with renal calculi in association with primary hyperaldosteronism. We believe that primary hyperaldosteronism was a major pathogenetic factor in the formation of renal calculi since the increased urinary excretion of Ca++ and uric acid noted at onset declined following a short-term spironolactone administration and remission from renal calculi has persisted following initial nephrolithotomy and continued spironolactone therapy, which also corrected hypertension and hypokalemia, a hallmark of this disorder. Images Figure PMID:7479473

Senior citizens as rescuers: Is reduced knowledge the reason for omitted lay-resuscitation-attempts? Results from a representative survey with 2004 interviews.

PubMed

Brinkrolf, Peter; Bohn, Andreas; Lukas, Roman-Patrik; Heyse, Marko; Dierschke, Thomas; Van Aken, Hugo Karel; Hahnenkamp, Klaus

2017-01-01

Resuscitation (CPR) provided by a bystander prior to the arrival of the emergency services is a beneficial factor for surviving a cardiac arrest (CA). Our registry-based data show, that older patients receive bystander-CPR less frequently. Little is known on possible reasons for this finding. We sought to investigate the hypothesis that awareness of CPR measures is lower in older laypersons being a possible reason for less CPR-attempts in senior citizens. 1206 datasets on bystander resuscitations actually carried out were analyzed for age-dependent differences. Subsequently, we investigated whether the knowledge required carrying out bystander-CPR and the self-confidence to do so differ between younger and older citizens using computer-assisted telephone interviewing. 2004 interviews were performed and statistically analyzed. A lower level of knowledge to carry out bystander-CPR was seen in older individuals. For example, 82.4% of interviewees under 65 years of age, knew the correct emergency number. In this group, 66.6% named CPR as the relevant procedure in CA. Among older individuals these responses were only given by 75.1% and 49.5% (V = 0.082; P < 0.001 and V = 0.0157; P < 0.001). Additionally, a difference concerning participants' confidence in their own abilities was detectable. 58.0% of the persons younger than 65 years were confident that they would detect a CA in comparison to 44.6% of the participants older than 65 years (V = 0.120; P < 0.001). Similarly, 62.7% of the interviewees younger than 65 were certain to know what to do during CPR compared to 51.3% of the other group (V = 0.103; P < 0.001). Lower levels of older bystanders' knowledge and self-confidence might provide an explanation for why older patients receive bystander-CPR less frequently. Further investigation is necessary to identify causal connections and optimum ways to empower bystander resuscitation.

Senior citizens as rescuers: Is reduced knowledge the reason for omitted lay-resuscitation-attempts? Results from a representative survey with 2004 interviews

PubMed Central

Lukas, Roman-Patrik; Heyse, Marko; Dierschke, Thomas; Van Aken, Hugo Karel; Hahnenkamp, Klaus

2017-01-01

Objective Resuscitation (CPR) provided by a bystander prior to the arrival of the emergency services is a beneficial factor for surviving a cardiac arrest (CA). Our registry-based data show, that older patients receive bystander-CPR less frequently. Little is known on possible reasons for this finding. We sought to investigate the hypothesis that awareness of CPR measures is lower in older laypersons being a possible reason for less CPR-attempts in senior citizens. Methods 1206 datasets on bystander resuscitations actually carried out were analyzed for age-dependent differences. Subsequently, we investigated whether the knowledge required carrying out bystander-CPR and the self-confidence to do so differ between younger and older citizens using computer-assisted telephone interviewing. 2004 interviews were performed and statistically analyzed. Results A lower level of knowledge to carry out bystander-CPR was seen in older individuals. For example, 82.4% of interviewees under 65 years of age, knew the correct emergency number. In this group, 66.6% named CPR as the relevant procedure in CA. Among older individuals these responses were only given by 75.1% and 49.5% (V = 0.082; P < 0.001 and V = 0.0157; P < 0.001). Additionally, a difference concerning participants’ confidence in their own abilities was detectable. 58.0% of the persons younger than 65 years were confident that they would detect a CA in comparison to 44.6% of the participants older than 65 years (V = 0.120; P < 0.001). Similarly, 62.7% of the interviewees younger than 65 were certain to know what to do during CPR compared to 51.3% of the other group (V = 0.103; P < 0.001). Conclusions Lower levels of older bystanders' knowledge and self-confidence might provide an explanation for why older patients receive bystander-CPR less frequently. Further investigation is necessary to identify causal connections and optimum ways to empower bystander resuscitation. PMID:28604793

Analytic theory for the selection of Saffman-Taylor fingers in the presence of thin film effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanveer, S.

1989-01-01

An analytic theory is presented for the width selection of Saffman-Taylor fingers in the presence of thin film effect. In the limit of small capillary number Ca and small gap to width ratio epsilon, such that epsilon much less than Ca much less than 1, it is found that fingers with relative width lambda less than 1/2 are possible such that lambda squared (1-lambda)/(1-2 lambda) = k epsilon/Ca(sup 3/2), where the positive constant k depends on the branch of solution and equals 2.776 for the first branch. A fully nonlinear analysis is necessary in this problem even to obtain the correct scaling law. It is also shown how in principle, the selection rule for arbitrary Ca can be obtained.

78 FR 34123 - Notice of Inventory Completion: San Francisco State University NAGPRA Program, San Francisco, CA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-06

... from site CA-PLA-9 in Placer County, CA. This notice is published as part of the National Park Service... site CA-PLA-9 in Placer County, CA, by San Francisco State University personnel in conjunction with... point. The age of site CA-PLA-9 is unknown, but the site is located within the historically documented...

Use of electron microprobe x-ray analysis for determination of low calcium concentrations across leaves deficient in calcium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barta, D. J.; Tibbitts, T. W.

1991-01-01

An electron microprobe with wavelength-dispersive x-ray spectrometry (WDS) was found to be useful for the determination of Ca concentrations in leaf tissue deficient in Ca. WDS effectively detected Ca concentrations as low as 0.2 mg/g dry wt in the presence of high levels of K and Mg (120 and 50 mg/g dry wt, respectively). Leaf specimens were prepared for analysis by quick-freezing in liquid nitrogen and freeze-drying at -20 degrees C to maintain elemental integrity within the tissue. Because dry material was analyzed, sample preparation was simple and samples could be stored for long periods before analysis. A large beam diameter of 50 gm was used to minimize tissue damage under the beam and analyze mineral concentrations within several cells at one time. Beam penetration was between 50 and 55 microns, approximately one-third of the thickness of the leaf. For analysis of concentrations in interveinal areas, analyses directed into the abaxial epidermis were found most useful. However, because of limited beam penetration, analyses of veinal areas would require use of cross sections [correction of crosssections]. Solid mineral standards were used for instrument standardization. To prevent measurement errors resulting from differences between the matrix of the mineral standards and the analyzed tissue, concentrations in leaves were corrected using gelatin standards prepared and analyzed under the same conditions. WDS was found to be useful for documenting that very low Ca levels occur in specific areas of lettuce leaves exhibiting the Ca deficiency injury termed tipburn.

49 CFR Appendix F to Part 227 - Calculations and Application of Age Corrections to Audiograms

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...: Employee is a 32-year-old male. The audiometric history for his right ear is shown in decibels below... age correction). Table F-1—Age Correction Values in Decibels for Males Years Audiometric test...

Bias correction of nutritional status estimates when reported age is used for calculating WHO indicators in children under five years of age.

PubMed

Quezada, Amado D; García-Guerra, Armando; Escobar, Leticia

2016-06-01

To assess the performance of a simple correction method for nutritional status estimates in children under five years of age when exact age is not available from the data. The proposed method was based on the assumption of symmetry of age distributions within a given month of age and validated in a large population-based survey sample of Mexican preschool children. The main distributional assumption was consistent with the data. All prevalence estimates derived from the correction method showed no statistically significant bias. In contrast, failing to correct attained age resulted in an underestimation of stunting in general and an overestimation of overweight or obesity among the youngest. The proposed method performed remarkably well in terms of bias correction of estimates and could be easily applied in situations in which either birth or interview dates are not available from the data.

The Effects of Age, IQ, and Sentence Mediation Strategy Training on Paired-Associates Learning. Studies in Learning Potential, Volume 3, Number 43.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stein, Joan Lerner; Budoff, Milton

Compared were performances of 39 educable mentally retarded (EMR) Ss, mean chronological age (CA) 11 1/2 years, mean mental age (MA) 7 3/4 years; 25 fifth graders matched on CA; and 27 second graders matched on MA to determine whether children of different ages and IQ spontaneously demonstrate learning strategies after repeated practice with…

Rigor force responses of permeabilized fibres from fast and slow skeletal muscles of aged rats.

PubMed

Plant, D R; Lynch, G S

2001-09-01

1. Ageing is generally associated with a decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength and a slowing of muscle contraction, factors that impact upon the quality of life for the elderly. The mechanisms underlying this age-related muscle weakness have not been fully resolved. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the decrease in muscle force as a consequence of age could be attributed partly to a decrease in the number of cross-bridges participating during contraction. 2. Given that the rigor force is proportional to the approximate total number of interacting sites between the actin and myosin filaments, we tested the null hypothesis that the rigor force of permeabilized muscle fibres from young and old rats would not be different. 3. Permeabilized fibres from the extensor digitorum longus (fast-twitch; EDL) and soleus (predominantly slow-twitch) muscles of young (6 months of age) and old (27 months of age) male F344 rats were activated in Ca2+-buffered solutions to determine force-pCa characteristics (where pCa = -log(10)[Ca2+]) and then in solutions lacking ATP and Ca2+ to determine rigor force levels. 4. The rigor forces for EDL and soleus muscle fibres were not different between young and old rats, indicating that the approximate total number of cross-bridges that can be formed between filaments did not decline with age. We conclude that the age-related decrease in force output is more likely attributed to a decrease in the force per cross-bridge and/or decreases in the efficiency of excitation-contraction coupling.

Sex ratio of congenital abnormalities in the function of maternal age: a population-based study.

PubMed

Csermely, Gyula; Urbán, Robert; Czeizel, Andrew E; Veszprémi, Béla

2015-05-01

Maternal age effect is well-known in the origin of numerical chromosomal aberrations and some isolated congenital abnormalities (CAs). The sex ratio (SR), i.e. number of males divided by the number of males and females together, of most CAs deviates from the SR of newborn population (0.51). The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the possible association of maternal age with the SR of isolated CAs in a population-based large dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980-1996. First, SR of 24 CA entities/groups was estimated in 21,494 patients with isolated CA. In the next step SR of different maternal age groups was compared to the mean SR of the given CA-groups. The SR of four CA-groups showed some deviation in certain maternal age groups. Cases with anencephaly had female excess in young mothers (<25 years). Cases with skull's CAs particularly craniosynostosis had a male excess in cases born to women over 30 years. Two other CA groups (cleft lip ± palate and valvar pulmonic stenosis within the group of right-sided obstructive defect of heart) had significant deviation in SR of certain maternal age groups from the mean SR, but these deviations were not harmonized with joining age groups and thus were considered as a chance effect due to multiple testing. In conclusion, our study did not suggest that in general SR of isolated CAs might be modified by certain maternal age groups with some exception such as anencephaly and craniosynostosis. © 2014 Japanese Teratology Society.

The reliability of Fishman method of skeletal maturation for age estimation in children of South Indian population.

PubMed

Mohammed, Rezwana Begum; Kalyan, V Siva; Tircouveluri, Saritha; Vegesna, Goutham Chakravarthy; Chirla, Anil; Varma, D Maruthi

2014-07-01

Determining the age of a person in the absence of documentary evidence of birth is essential for legal and medico-legal purpose. Fishman method of skeletal maturation is widely used for this purpose; however, the reliability of this method for people with all geographic locations is not well-established. In this study, we assessed various stages of carpal and metacarpal bone maturation and tested the reliability of Fishman method of skeletal maturation to estimate the age in South Indian population. We also evaluated the correlation between the chronological age (CA) and predicted age based on the Fishman method of skeletal maturation. Digital right hand-wrist radiographs of 330 individuals aged 9-20 years were obtained and the skeletal maturity stage for each subject was determined using Fishman method. The skeletal maturation indicator scores were obtained and analyzed with reference to CA and sex. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software package (version 12, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The study subjects had a tendency toward late maturation with the mean skeletal age (SA) estimated being significantly lowers (P < 0.05) than the mean CA at various skeletal maturity stages. Nevertheless, significant correlation was observed in this study between SA and CA for males (r = 0.82) and females (r = 0.85). Interestingly, female subjects were observed to be advanced in SA compared with males. Fishman method of skeletal maturation can be used as an alternative tool for the assessment of mean age of an individual of unknown CA in South Indian children.

Increased age and race-specific incidence of cervical cancer after correction for hysterectomy prevalence in the United States from 2000 to 2009.

PubMed

Rositch, Anne F; Nowak, Rebecca G; Gravitt, Patti E

2014-07-01

Invasive cervical cancer is thought to decline in women over 65 years old, the age at which cessation of routine cervical cancer screening is recommended. However, national cervical cancer incidence rates do not account for the high prevalence of hysterectomy in the United States. Using estimates of hysterectomy prevalence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), hysterectomy-corrected age-standardized and age-specific incidence rates of cervical cancer were calculated from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 registry in the United States from 2000 to 2009. Trends in corrected cervical cancer incidence across age were analyzed using Joinpoint regression. Unlike the relative decline in uncorrected rates, corrected rates continue to increase after age 35-39 (APC(CORRECTED) = 10.43) but at a slower rate than in 20-34 years (APC(CORRECTED) = 161.29). The highest corrected incidence was among 65- to 69-year-old women, with a rate of 27.4 cases per 100,000 women as opposed to the highest uncorrected rate of 15.6 cases per 100,000 aged 40 to 44 years. Correction for hysterectomy had the largest impact on older, black women given their high prevalence of hysterectomy. Correction for hysterectomy resulted in higher age-specific cervical cancer incidence rates, a shift in the peak incidence to older women, and an increase in the disparity in cervical cancer incidence between black and white women. Given the high and nondeclining rate of cervical cancer in women over the age of 60 to 65 years, when women are eligible to exit screening, risk and screening guidelines for cervical cancer in older women may need to be reconsidered. © 2014 American Cancer Society.

Relationship Between Gender, Age, and Weight and the Serum Ionized Calcium Variations in Dog Periodontal Disease Evolution.

PubMed

Carreira, L Miguel; Dias, Daniela; Azevedo, Pedro

2015-06-01

To analyze the relationships between gender, age, weight, and variations in the levels of serum ionized calcium ([iCa(2+)]) during periodontal disease (PD) evolution. In this study, dogs (n = 50) were divided into 5 groups according to the stage of PD: G0 (no PD), G1 (gingivitis), G2 (initial periodontitis), G3 (moderate periodontitis), and G4 (severe periodontitis). Statistically significant correlations were observed between age, [iCa(2+)] levels, and PD stage. Older dogs had lower [iCa(2+)] levels and more advanced PD stages (high positive correlation), and their body weight decreased as PD developed (negative correlation). Lower [iCa(2+)] values were associated with more severe PD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cognitive function.

PubMed

Rossetti, Heidi C; Weiner, Myron; Hynan, Linda S; Cullum, C Munro; Khera, Amit; Lacritz, Laura H

2015-07-01

To examine the relationship between measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cognitive function. Participants from the Dallas Heart Study (DHS), a population-based multiethnic study of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, were re-examined 8 years later (DHS-2) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); N = 1904, mean age = 42.9, range 8-65. Associations of baseline measures of subclinical atherosclerosis (coronary artery calcium, abdominal aortic plaque, and abdominal aortic wall thickness) with MoCA scores measured at follow-up were examined in the group as a whole and in relation to age and ApoE4 status. A significant linear trend of successively lower MoCA scores with increasing numbers of atherosclerotic indicators was observed (F(3, 1150) = 5.918, p = .001). CAC was weakly correlated with MoCA scores (p = .047) and MoCA scores were significantly different between participants with and without CAC (M = 22.35 vs 23.69, p = 0.038). With the exception of a small association between abdominal AWT and MoCA in subjects over age 50, abdominal AWT and abdominal aortic plaque did not correlate with MoCA total score (p ≥ .052). Cognitive scores and atherosclerosis measures were not impacted by ApoE4 status (p ≥ .455). In this ethnically diverse population-based sample, subclinical atherosclerosis was minimally associated with later cognitive function in middle-aged adults. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The last interglacial period on the Pacific Coast of North America: Timing and paleoclimate

USGS Publications Warehouse

Muhs, D.R.; Simmons, K.R.; Kennedy, G.L.; Rockwell, T.K.

2002-01-01

New, high-precision U-series ages of solitary corals (Balanophyllia elegans) coupled with molluscan faunal data from marine terraces on the Pacific Coast of North America yield information about the timing and warmth of the last interglacial sea-level highstand. Balanophyllia elegans takes up U in isotopic equilibrium with seawater during growth and shortly after death. Corals from the second terrace on San Clemente Island (offshore southern California), the third terrace on Punta Banda (on the Pacific Coast of northern Baja California), and the Discovery Point Formation on Isla de Guadalupe (in the Pacific Ocean offshore Baja California) date to the peak of the last interglacial period and have U-series ages ranging from ca. 123 to 114 ka. The first terrace on Punta Banda has corals with ages ranging from ca. 83 to 80 ka, which corresponds to a sea-level highstand formed in the late last interglacial period. U-series analyses of corals from the Cayucos terrace (central California) and the Nestor terrace at Point Loma (southern California) show that these fossils have evidence of open-system history, similar to what has been reported by other workers for the same localities. Nevertheless, a model of continuous, secondary U and Th uptake shows that two ages of corals are likely present at these localities, representing the ca. 105 and ca. 120 ka sea-level highstands reported elsewhere. U-series ages of last interglacial corals from the Pacific Coast overlap with, but are on average younger than the ages of corals from Barbados, the Bahamas, and Hawaii. This age difference is explained by the nature of the geomorphic response to sea-level change: fringing or barrier reefs on low-latitude coastlines have an accretionary growth style that keeps pace with rising sea level, whether on a tectonically rising or stable coastline. In contrast, midlatitude, high-energy coastlines are sites of platform cutting during the early part of a sea-level high stand and terrace scouring and concomitant sediment and fossil deposition as sea level starts to recede. The youngest ages of corals from the Pacific Coast suggest that sea level was still relatively high at ca. 116 ka, which is not in agreement with other estimates of relatively large global ice volume at that time. Reliably dated, ca. 120 ka marine-terrace deposits on the Pacific Coast have fossil mollusks that indicate water temperatures as warm or warmer than at present. In contrast, ca. 80 ka marine deposits reported here and elsewhere have fossil mollusks indicating cooler-than-modern water temperatures. The presence of both ca. 105 ka and ca. 120 ka corals on the Nestor and Cayucos terraces explains a previously enigmatic mixture of warm-water and cool-water mollusks. At ca. 105 ka, a relatively high sea level with cool waters may have "captured" the terrace formed during the 120 ka sea-level highstand, in areas of low uplift rate. The inference of cooler-than-modern waters off the Pacific Coast of North America at ca. 80 ka and ca. 105 ka, based on marine-terrace faunas, does not agree with estimates of sea-surface temperatures derived from alkenone studies in the Santa Barbara Basin. However, cooler water temperatures at these times are in agreement with paleo-temperature estimates from planktonic foraminiferal data for the Santa Barbara Basin. All records, from central California to Baja California, whether from marine terraces or offshore cores, indicate at least seasonably warmer-than-modern waters during the peak of the last interglacial period at ca. 120 ka.

Aberrant astrocyte Ca2+ signals "AxCa signals" exacerbate pathological alterations in an Alexander disease model.

PubMed

Saito, Kozo; Shigetomi, Eiji; Yasuda, Rei; Sato, Ryuichi; Nakano, Masakazu; Tashiro, Kei; Tanaka, Kenji F; Ikenaka, Kazuhiro; Mikoshiba, Katsuhiko; Mizuta, Ikuko; Yoshida, Tomokatsu; Nakagawa, Masanori; Mizuno, Toshiki; Koizumi, Schuichi

2018-05-01

Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by gain of function mutations in the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene. Accumulation of GFAP proteins and formation of Rosenthal fibers (RFs) in astrocytes are hallmarks of AxD. However, malfunction of astrocytes in the AxD brain is poorly understood. Here, we show aberrant Ca 2+ responses in astrocytes as playing a causative role in AxD. Transcriptome analysis of astrocytes from a model of AxD showed age-dependent upregulation of GFAP, several markers for neurotoxic reactive astrocytes, and downregulation of Ca 2+ homeostasis molecules. In situ AxD model astrocytes produced aberrant extra-large Ca 2+ signals "AxCa signals", which increased with age, correlated with GFAP upregulation, and were dependent on stored Ca 2+ . Inhibition of AxCa signals by deletion of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate type 2 receptors (IP3R2) ameliorated AxD pathogenesis. Taken together, AxCa signals in the model astrocytes would contribute to AxD pathogenesis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dissolution and storage stability of nanostructured calcium carbonates and phosphates for nutrition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Posavec, Lidija; Knijnenburg, Jesper T. N.; Hilty, Florentine M.; Krumeich, Frank; Pratsinis, Sotiris E.; Zimmermann, Michael B.

2016-10-01

Rapid calcium (Ca) dissolution from nanostructured Ca phosphate and carbonate (CaCO3) powders may allow them to be absorbed in much higher fraction in humans. Nanosized Ca phosphate and CaCO3 made by flame-assisted spray pyrolysis were characterized by nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. As-prepared nanopowders contained both CaCO3 and CaO, but storing them under ambient conditions over 130 days resulted in a complete transformation into CaCO3, with an increase in both crystal and particle sizes. The small particle size could be stabilized against such aging by cation (Mg, Zn, Sr) and anion (P) doping, with P and Mg being most effective. Calcium phosphate nanopowders made at Ca:P ≤ 1.5 were XRD amorphous and contained γ-Ca2P2O7 with increasing hydroxyapatite content at higher Ca:P. Aging of powders with Ca:P = 1.0 and 1.5 for over 500 days gradually increased particle size (but less than for CaCO3) without a change in phase composition or crystallinity. In 0.01 M H3PO4 calcium phosphate nanopowders dissolved ≈4 times more Ca than micronsized compounds and about twice more Ca than CaCO3 nanopowders, confirming that nanosizing and/or amorphous structuring sharply increases Ca powder dissolution. Because higher Ca solubility in vitro generally leads to greater absorption in vivo, these novel FASP-made Ca nanostructured compounds may prove useful for nutrition applications, including supplementation and/or food fortification.

Mini-dystrophin restores L-type calcium currents in skeletal muscle of transgenic mdx mice

PubMed Central

Friedrich, O; Both, M; Gillis, J M; Chamberlain, J S; Fink, RHA

2004-01-01

L-type calcium currents (iCa) were recorded using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique in single short toe muscle fibres of three different mouse strains: (i) C57/SV129 wild-type mice (wt); (ii) mdx mice (an animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and (iii) transgenically engineered mini-dystrophin (MinD)-expressing mdx mice. The activation and inactivation properties of iCa were examined in 2- to 18-month-old animals. Ca2+ current densities at 0 mV in mdx fibres increased with age, but were always significantly smaller compared to age-matched wild-type fibres. Time-to-peak (TTP) of iCa was prolonged in mdx fibres compared to wt fibres. MinD fibres always showed similar TTP and current amplitudes compared to age-matched wt fibres. In all three genotypes, the voltage-dependent inactivation and deactivation of iCa were similar. Intracellular resting calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the distribution of dihydropyridine binding sites were also not different in young animals of all three genotypes, whereas iCa was markedly reduced in mdx fibres. We conclude, that dystrophin influences L-type Ca2+ channels via a direct or indirect linkage which may be disrupted in mdx mice and may be crucial for proper excitation–contraction coupling initiating Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This linkage seems to be fully restored in the presence of mini-dystrophin. PMID:14594987

Associated terrestrial and marine fossils in the late-glacial Presumpscot Formation, southern Maine, USA, and the marine reservoir effect on radiocarbon ages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Woodrow B.; Griggs, Carol B.; Miller, Norton G.; Nelson, Robert E.; Weddle, Thomas K.; Kilian, Taylor M.

2011-05-01

Excavations in the late-glacial Presumpscot Formation at Portland, Maine, uncovered tree remains and other terrestrial organics associated with marine invertebrate shells in a landslide deposit. Buds of Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar) occurred with twigs of Picea glauca (white spruce) in the Presumpscot clay. Tree rings in Picea logs indicate that the trees all died during winter dormancy in the same year. Ring widths show patterns of variation indicating responses to environmental changes. Fossil mosses and insects represent a variety of species and wet to dry microsites. The late-glacial environment at the site was similar to that of today's Maine coast. Radiocarbon ages of 14 tree samples are 11,907 ± 31 to 11,650 ± 50 14C yr BP. Wiggle matching of dated tree-ring segments to radiocarbon calibration data sets dates the landslide occurrence at ca. 13,520 + 95/-20 cal yr BP. Ages of shells juxtaposed with the logs are 12,850 ± 65 14C yr BP ( Mytilus edulis) and 12,800 ± 55 14C yr BP ( Balanus sp.), indicating a marine reservoir age of about 1000 yr. Using this value to correct previously published radiocarbon ages reduces the discrepancy between the Maine deglaciation chronology and the varve-based chronology elsewhere in New England.

Hippocampal Gαq/₁₁ but not Gαo-coupled receptors are altered in aging.

PubMed

McQuail, Joseph A; Davis, Kathleen N; Miller, Frances; Hampson, Robert E; Deadwyler, Samuel A; Howlett, Allyn C; Nicolle, Michelle M

2013-07-01

Normal aging may limit the signaling efficacy of certain GPCRs by disturbing the function of specific Gα-subunits and leading to deficient modulation of intracellular functions that subserve synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Evidence suggests that Gαq/₁₁ is more sensitive to the effects of aging relative to other Gα-subunits, including Gαo. To test this hypothesis, the functionality of Gαq/₁₁ and Gαo were compared in the hippocampus of young (6 months) and aged (24 months) F344 × BNF₁ hybrid rats assessed for spatial learning ability. Basal GTPγS-binding to Gαq/₁₁ was significantly elevated in aged rats relative to young and but not reliably associated with spatial learning. mAChR stimulation of Gαq/₁₁ with oxotremorine-M produced equivocal GTPγS-binding between age groups although values tended to be lower in the aged hippocampus and were inversely related to basal activity. Downstream Gαq/₁₁ function was measured in hippocampal subregion CA₁ by determining changes in [Ca(2+)]i after mAChR and mGluR (DHPG) stimulation. mAChR-stimulated peak change in [Ca(2+)]i was lower in aged CA₁ relative to young while mGluR-mediated integrated [Ca(2+)]i responses tended to be larger in aged. GPCR modulation of [Ca(2+)]i was observed to depend on intracellular stores to a greater degree in aged than young. In contrast, measures of Gαo-mediated GTPγS-binding were stable across age, including basal, mAChR-, GABABR (baclofen)-stimulated levels. Overall, the data indicate that aging selectively modulates the activity of Gαq/₁₁ within the hippocampus leading to deficient modulation of [Ca(2+)]i following stimulation of mAChRs but these changes are not related to spatial learning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Age decline in the activity of the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel of human red blood cells.

PubMed

Tiffert, Teresa; Daw, Nuala; Etzion, Zipora; Bookchin, Robert M; Lew, Virgilio L

2007-05-01

The Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channel of human red blood cells (RBCs) (Gardos channel, hIK1, hSK4) was implicated in the progressive densification of RBCs during normal senescence and in the mechanism of sickle cell dehydration. Saturating RBC Ca(2+) loads were shown before to induce rapid and homogeneous dehydration, suggesting that Gardos channel capacity was uniform among the RBCs, regardless of age. Using glycated hemoglobin as a reliable RBC age marker, we investigated the age-activity relation of Gardos channels by measuring the mean age of RBC subpopulations exceeding a set high density boundary during dehydration. When K(+) permeabilization was induced with valinomycin, the oldest and densest cells, which started nearest to the set density boundary, crossed it first, reflecting conservation of the normal age-density distribution pattern during dehydration. However, when Ca(2+) loads were used to induce maximal K(+) fluxes via Gardos channels in all RBCs (F(max)), the youngest RBCs passed the boundary first, ahead of the older RBCs, indicating that Gardos channel F(max) was highest in those young RBCs, and that the previously observed appearance of uniform dehydration concealed a substantial degree of age scrambling during the dehydration process. Further analysis of the Gardos channel age-activity relation revealed a monotonic decline in F(max) with cell age, with a broad quasi-Gaussian F(max) distribution among the RBCs.

SU-F-J-219: Predicting Ventilation Change Due to Radiation Therapy: Dependency On Pre-RT Ventilation and Effort Correction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patton, T; Du, K; Bayouth, J

Purpose: Ventilation change caused by radiation therapy (RT) can be predicted using four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) and image registration. This study tested the dependency of predicted post-RT ventilation on effort correction and pre-RT lung function. Methods: Pre-RT and 3 month post-RT 4DCT images were obtained for 13 patients. The 4DCT images were used to create ventilation maps using a deformable image registration based Jacobian expansion calculation. The post-RT ventilation maps were predicted in four different ways using the dose delivered, pre-RT ventilation, and effort correction. The pre-RT ventilation and effort correction were toggled to determine dependency. The four different predictedmore » ventilation maps were compared to the post-RT ventilation map calculated from image registration to establish the best prediction method. Gamma pass rates were used to compare the different maps with the criteria of 2mm distance-to-agreement and 6% ventilation difference. Paired t-tests of gamma pass rates were used to determine significant differences between the maps. Additional gamma pass rates were calculated using only voxels receiving over 20 Gy. Results: The predicted post-RT ventilation maps were in agreement with the actual post-RT maps in the following percentage of voxels averaged over all subjects: 71% with pre-RT ventilation and effort correction, 69% with no pre-RT ventilation and effort correction, 60% with pre-RT ventilation and no effort correction, and 58% with no pre-RT ventilation and no effort correction. When analyzing only voxels receiving over 20 Gy, the gamma pass rates were respectively 74%, 69%, 65%, and 55%. The prediction including both pre- RT ventilation and effort correction was the only prediction with significant improvement over using no prediction (p<0.02). Conclusion: Post-RT ventilation is best predicted using both pre-RT ventilation and effort correction. This is the only prediction that provided a significant improvement on agreement. Research support from NIH grants CA166119 and CA166703, a gift from Roger Koch, and a Pilot Grant from University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.« less

Improving precipitation hardening behavior of Mg−Zn based alloys with Ce−Ca microalloying additions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Langelier, B., E-mail: langelb@mcmaster.ca

2016-10-15

The precipitation hardening behavior of newly developed Mg−Zn−Ca−Ce alloys, with modified texture and improved ductility, is studied to delineate the microstructural characteristics that lead to effective hardening upon ageing treatments. Advanced electron microscopy and atom probe techniques are used to analyze the structural characteristics in relevance to the hardening potential. It has been found that the formation of a new basal precipitate phase, which evolves from a single atomic layer GP zone, and is finely distributed in both under-aged and peak-aged microstructures, has a significant impact in the improvement of the hardening response compared with the base Mg−Zn alloys. Itmore » has also been found that the β′{sub 1} rod precipitates, commonly formed during ageing treatments of Mg−Zn alloys, have their size and distribution significantly refined in the Ca−Ce containing alloys. The role of alloy chemistry in the formation of the fine basal plate GP zones and the refinement in β′{sub 1} precipitation and their relationships to the hardening behavior are discussed. It is proposed that Ca microalloying governs the formation of the GP zones and the enhancement of hardening, particularly in the under-aged conditions, but that this is aided by a beneficial effect from Ce. - Highlights: • Ce−Ca microalloying additions improve hardening in Mg−Zn, over Ce or Ca alone. • Improved hardening is due to refined β′{sub 1} rods, and fine basal plate precipitates. • Atom probe tomography identifies Ca in both β′{sub 1} and the fine basal plates. • The fine basal plates originate as ordered monolayer GP zones with 1:1 Zn:Ca (at.%). • With ageing GP zones become more Zn-rich and transform to the fine basal plates.« less

Crustal melting and recycling: geochronology and sources of Variscan syn-kinematic anatectic granitoids of the Tormes Dome (Central Iberian Zone). A U-Pb LA-ICP-MS study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Moro, F. J.; López-Plaza, M.; Gutiérrez-Alonso, G.; Fernández-Suárez, J.; López-Carmona, A.; Hofmann, M.; Romer, R. L.

2018-04-01

In this study, we report U-Pb Laser Ablation ICP-MS zircon and ID-TIMS monazite ages for peraluminous granitoid plutons (biotite ± muscovite ± cordierite ± sillimanite) in the Tormes Dome, one of the gneiss-cored domes located in the Central Iberian Zone of the Variscan belt of northern Spain. Textural domains in zircon, interpreted to represent the magmatic crystallization of the granitoids (and one monazite fraction in the Ledesma pluton) yielded ages around 320 Ma, in agreement with other geochronological studies in the region. This age is interpreted to date the timing of decompression crustal melting driven by the extensional collapse of the orogenic belt in this domain of the Variscan chain of western Europe. In addition, there are several populations of inherited (xenocrystic) zircon: (1) Carboniferous zircon crystals (ca. 345 Ma) as well as one of the monazite fractions in the coarse-grained facies of the Ledesma pluton that also yielded an age of ca. 343 Ma. (2) Devonian-Silurian zircon xenocrysts with scattered ages between ca. 390 and 432 Ma. (3) Middle Cambrian-Ordovician (ca. 450-511 Ma). (4) Ediacaran-Cryogenian zircon ages (ca. 540-840 Ma). (5) Mesoproterozoic to Archaean zircon (900-2700 Ma). The abundance of Carboniferous-inherited zircon shows that crustal recycling/cannibalization may often happen at a fast pace in orogenic scenarios with only short lapses of quiescence. In our case study, it seems plausible that a "crustal layer" of ca. 340 Ma granitoids/migmatites was recycled, partially or totally, only 15-20 My after its emplacement.

Chinese-Language Montreal Cognitive Assessment for Cantonese or Mandarin Speakers: Age, Education, and Gender Effects

PubMed Central

Zheng, Ling; Teng, Evelyn L.; Varma, Rohit; Mack, Wendy J.; Mungas, Dan; Lu, Po H.; Chui, Helena C.

2012-01-01

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Chinese-Language Los Angeles version (MoCA-ChLA) was developed and administered during an in-home interview to 1,192 participants (mean age 62.5 years, mean education 11.6 years) in a population-based Chinese American Eye Study (CHES) in Los Angeles. The MoCA-ChLA score (mean ± SD) was 23.8 ± 4.2 with little ceiling and no floor effects. The score increased with higher education, decreased with advancing age, and was not related to gender. Compared to the education 1–6 years group, the mean MoCA-ChLA score was 2.6 and 4.6 higher in the education 7–11 and 12–20 years groups, respectively. The Mandarin- (n = 612) and Cantonese- (n = 612) speaking subgroups performed comparably; Cronbach's alpha of the MoCA-ChLA score was 0.78 and 0.79 for these two groups, respectively. Item response theory analysis showed good discriminating power for executive function and memory. These properties support the MoCA-ChLA as a useful screening tool for aging and dementia studies for Mandarin or Cantonese speakers. PMID:22830073

Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Extruded Mg-9Al-1Zn-1MM-0.7CaO-0.3Mn Alloy Through Pre-aging Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Seok Hoan; Kim, Yong Joo; Kong, Kyung Ho; Cho, Tae Hee; Kim, Young Kyun; Lim, Hyun Kyu; Kim, Won Tae; Kim, Do Hyang

2018-03-01

The effect of pre-aging treatment before extrusion has been investigated in Mg-9.0Al-1.0Zn-1MM-0.7CaO-0.3Mn alloy. The as-cast microstructure consists of α-Mg dendrite with secondary solidification phase particles, (Mg, Al)2Ca, β-Mg17Al12 and Al11RE3 at the inter-dendritic region. After extrusion, β-Mg17Al12 precipitates are present, but higher density and more homogeneous distribution in pre-aged alloy. In addition, μm-scale banded bulk β-Mg17Al12 particles are generated during extrusion. Al11RE3 particles are broken into small particles, and are aligned along the extrusion direction. (Mg, Al)2Ca particles are only slightly elongated along the extrusion direction, providing stronger particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) effect by severe deformation during extrusion. The mechanical properties can be significantly enhanced by introducing pre-aging treatment, i.e. β-Mg17Al12 precipitates provide grain refining and strengthening effects and (Mg, Al)2Ca particles provide PSN effect.

[Analysis of the intensity of professional collaboration among nurses in a critical care area].

PubMed

Bengoechea Calpe, L; Marín Fernández, B; Regaira Martínez, E

2016-01-01

To analyse the intensity of professional collaboration (IPC) between the nurses in a multidisciplinary critical area (CA) and the relationship with the workplace "intensive care unit (ICU) and special hospitalisation area (SHA)", educational level, age, and years of professional activity in CA. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 57 nurses from CA, recording socio-demographic data: age, educational level, speciality titles, years of professional activity and workday type, years of professional activity in the CA, and involvement in scientific works. Tool: Intensity of Inter-professional Collaboration Questionnaire. SPSS 20.0. The study included a total of 47 nurses (ICU/SHA), with a mean age of 35.91 (9.59) years. Almost three-quarters (74.46%) were nursing graduates with a posgraduate in ICU. Median and interquartile range of professional experience was 14 and 14.50 years, respectively, and years working in CA was 8.50 and 16 years, respectively. Just over half of them (51.10%) worked part-time, and 61.70% participated in scientific works. The mean IPC score was 61.68 (6.84), with 57.40% providing values of high IPC. The relationship between the workplace (ICU/SHA) and educational level with IPC was not statistically significant (p>.05). There are statistical significant differences between IPC with age and years of professional activity in CA (p<.05). The present study demonstrates the existence of good IPC in the CA. Younger nurses obtain a better IPC score, as well as nurses who have been working for less time in CA. Nurses with a Degree or Masters have a higher level of IPC than the rest, as well as nurses who perform professional activity combining ICU and SHA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEEIUC. All rights reserved.

Prem Baby Triple P: a randomised controlled trial of enhanced parenting capacity to improve developmental outcomes in preterm infants.

PubMed

Colditz, Paul; Sanders, Matthew R; Boyd, Roslyn; Pritchard, Margo; Gray, Peter; O'Callaghan, Michael J; Slaughter, Virginia; Whittingham, Koa; O'Rourke, Peter; Winter, Leanne; Evans, Tracey; Herd, Michael; Ahern, Jessica; Jardine, Luke

2015-03-04

Very preterm birth (<32 weeks gestation) is associated with motor, cognitive, behavioural and educational problems in children and maternal depression and withdrawal. Early interventions that target parenting have the greatest potential to create sustained effects on child development and parental psychopathology. Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) has shown positive effects on child behaviour and adjustment, parenting practices and family functioning. Baby Triple P for Preterm infants, has been developed to target parents of very preterm infants. This study tests the effectiveness of Baby Triple P for Preterm infants in improving child and parent/couple outcomes at 24 months corrected age (CA). Families will be randomised to receive either Baby Triple P for Preterm infants or Care as Usual (CAU). Baby Triple P for Preterm infants involves 4 × 2 hr group sessions at the hospital plus 4 × 30 min telephone consultations soon after transfer (42 weeks C.A.). After discharge participants will be linked to community based Triple P and intervention maintenance up to 24 months C.A. Assessments will be: baseline, post-intervention (6 weeks C.A.), at 12 and 24 months C.A. The primary outcome measure is the Infant Toddler Social & Emotional Assessment (ITSEA) at 24 months C.A. Child behavioural and emotional problems will be coded using the mother-toddler version of the Family Observation Schedule at 24 months C.A. Secondary outcome will be the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID III) cognitive development, language and motor abilities. Proximal targets of parenting style, parental self-efficacy, parental mental health, parental adjustment, parent-infant attachment, couple relationship satisfaction and couple communication will also be assessed. Our sample size based on the ITSEA, has 80% power, predicted effect size of 0.33 and an 85% retention rate, requires 165 families are required in each group (total sample of 330 families). This protocol presents the study design, methods and intervention to be analysed in a randomised trial of Baby Triple P for Preterm infants compared to Care as Usual (CAU) for families of very preterm infants. Publications of all outcomes will be published in peer reviewed journals according to CONSORT guidelines. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12612000194864.

Cognitive performance on the mini-mental state examination and the montreal cognitive assessment across the healthy adult lifespan.

PubMed

Gluhm, Shea; Goldstein, Jody; Loc, Kiet; Colt, Alexandra; Liew, Charles Van; Corey-Bloom, Jody

2013-03-01

We sought to compare age-related performance on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) across the adult lifespan in an asymptomatic, presumably normal, sample. The MMSE is the most commonly used brief cognitive screening test; however, the MoCA may be better at detecting early cognitive dysfunction. We gave the MMSE and MoCA to 254 community-dwelling participants ranging in age from 20 to 89, stratified by decade, and we compared their scores using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. For the total sample, the MMSE and MoCA differed significantly in total scores as well as in visuospatial, language, and memory domains (for all of these scores, P<0.001). Mean MMSE scores declined only modestly across the decades; mean MoCA scores declined more dramatically. There were no consistent domain differences between the MMSE and MoCA during the third and fourth decades; however, significant differences in memory (P<0.05) and language (P<0.001) emerged in the fifth through ninth decades. We conclude that the MoCA may be a better detector of age-related decrements in cognitive performance than the MMSE, as shown in this community-dwelling adult population.

Precision and accuracy of commonly used dental age estimation charts for the New Zealand population.

PubMed

Baylis, Stephanie; Bassed, Richard

2017-08-01

Little research has been undertaken for the New Zealand population in the field of dental age estimation. This research to date indicates there are differences in dental developmental rates between the New Zealand population and other global population groups, and within the New Zealand population itself. Dental age estimation methods range from dental development charts to complex biometric analysis. Dental development charts are not the most accurate method of dental age estimation, but are time saving in their use. They are an excellent screening tool, particularly for post-mortem identification purposes, and for assessing variation from population norms in living individuals. The aim of this study was to test the precision and accuracy of three dental development charts (Schour and Massler, Blenkin and Taylor, and the London Atlas), used to estimate dental age of a sample of New Zealand juveniles between the ages of 5 and 18 years old (n=875). Percentage 'best fit' to correct age category and to expected chart stage were calculated to determine which chart was the most precise for the sample. Chronological ages were compared to estimated dental ages using a two-tailed paired t-test (P<0.05) for each of the three methods. The mean differences between CA and DA were calculated to determine bias and the absolute mean differences were calculated to indicate accuracy. The results of this study show that while accuracy and precision were low for all charts tested against the New Zealand population sample, the Blenkin and Taylor Australian charts performed best overall. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanoscale modulations in (KLa)(CaW)O-6 and (NaLa)(CaW)O-6

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Licurse, Mark; Borisevich, Albina Y; Davies, Peter

2012-01-01

Complex nanoscale modulations are identified in two new A-site ordered perovskites, (KLa)(CaW)O{sub 6} and (NaLa)(CaW)O{sub 6}. In (KLa)(CaW)O{sub 6}, selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) show an incommensurate nanocheckerboard modulation with {approx}9.4 x 9.4 a{sub p} periodicity (a{sub p} {approx} 4 {angstrom} for the cubic perovskite aristotype). For (NaLa)(CaW)O{sub 6} a one-dimensional modulation is observed with a {approx}16(1 1 0)a{sub p} repeat; the <1 1 0> orientation of the nanostripes is different from the <1 0 0> stripes observed in other mixed A-site systems. Studies using high temperature x-ray diffraction suggest the formation of the complexmore » modulations is associated with small deviations from the ideal 1:1:1:1 stoichiometry of the (A{sup +}La{sup 3+})(CaW)O{sub 6} phases. Z-contrast images acquired on an aberration-corrected microscope provide evidence for deviations from stoichiometry with a {approx}1:15 periodic arrangement of La{sub 4/3}(CaW)O{sub 6}:(NaLa)(CaW)O{sub 6} nano-phases.« less

Converting MMSE to MoCA and MoCA 5-minute protocol in an educationally heterogeneous sample with stroke or transient ischemic attack.

PubMed

Wong, Adrian; Black, Sandra E; Yiu, Stanley Y P; Au, Lisa W C; Lau, Alexander Y L; Soo, Yannie O Y; Chan, Anne Y Y; Leung, Thomas W H; Wong, Lawrence K S; Kwok, Timothy C Y; Cheung, Theodore C K; Leung, Kam-Tat; Lam, Bonnie Y K; Kwan, Joseph S K; Mok, Vincent C T

2018-05-01

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is psychometrically superior over the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive screening in stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). It is free for clinical and research use. The objective of this study is to convert scores from the MMSE to MoCA and MoCA-5-minute protocol (MoCA-5 min) and to examine the ability of the converted scores in detecting cognitive impairment after stroke or TIA. A total of 904 patients were randomly divided into training (n = 623) and validation (n = 281) samples matched for demography and cognition. MMSE scores were converted to MoCA and MoCA-5 min using (1) equipercentile method with log-linear smoothing and (2) Poisson regression adjusting for age and education. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to examine the ability of the converted scores in differentiating patients with cognitive impairment. The mean education was 5.8 (SD = 4.6; ranged 0-20) years. The entire spectrum of MMSE scores was converted to MoCA and MoCA-5 min using equipercentile method. Relationship between MMSE and MoCA scores was confounded by age and education, and a conversion equation with adjustment for age and education was derived. In the validation sample, the converted scores differentiated cognitively impaired patients with area under receiver operating characteristics curve 0.826 to 0.859. We provided 2 methods to convert scores from the MMSE to MoCA and MoCA-5 min based on a large sample of patients with stroke or TIA having a wide range of education and cognitive levels. The converted scores differentiated patients with cognitive impairment after stroke or TIA with high accuracy. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale for Children and Adolescents.

PubMed

Olivares, José; Sánchez-García, Raquel; López-Pina, José Antonio

2009-08-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the component structure and reliability of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale for Children and Adolescents, self-report version (LSAS-CA-SR), in a Spanish community population. The sample was made up of 422 students from elementary and high schools, aged between 10 and 17 years. Exploratory factor analysis isolated one component for the Anxiety subscale and one component for the Avoidance subscale. Medium-strong associations were found between the total score and subscale scores. LSAS-CA-SR scores had stronger associations with instruments of social anxiety. Internal consistency for the Fear subscale was .91, and for the Avoidance subscale, it was .89. Gender and age effects were assessed for LSAS-CA-SR scores. Effect sizes for age and gender and interaction of age and gender were very low on both the Fear and the Avoidance subscales. There were significant differences between female and male means on the Fear subscale. The findings suggest that the LSAS-CA-SR is reliable and valid.

When reality is out of focus: Can people tell whether their beliefs and judgments are correct or wrong?

PubMed

Koriat, Asher

2018-05-01

Can we tell whether our beliefs and judgments are correct or wrong? Results across many domains indicate that people are skilled at discriminating between correct and wrong answers, endorsing the former with greater confidence than the latter. However, it has not been realized that because of people's adaptation to reality, representative samples of items tend to favor the correct answer, yielding object-level accuracy (OLA) that is considerably better than chance. Across 16 experiments that used 2-alternative forced-choice items from several domains, the confidence/accuracy (C/A) relationship was positive for items with OLA >50%, but consistently negative across items with OLA <50%. A systematic sampling of items that covered the full range of OLA (0-100%) yielded a U-function relating confidence to OLA. The results imply that the positive C/A relationship that has been reported in many studies is an artifact of OLA being better than chance rather than representing a general ability to discriminate between correct and wrong responses. However, the results also support the ecological approach, suggesting that confidence is based on a frugal, "bounded" heuristic that has been specifically tailored to the ecological structure of the natural environment. This heuristic is used despite the fact that for items with OLA <50%, it yields confidence judgments that are counterdiagnostic of accuracy. Our ability to tell between correct and wrong judgments is confined to the probability structure of the world we live in. The results were discussed in terms of the contrast between systematic design and representative design. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Supersaturated calcium carbonate solutions are classical

PubMed Central

Henzler, Katja; Fetisov, Evgenii O.; Galib, Mirza; Baer, Marcel D.; Legg, Benjamin A.; Borca, Camelia; Xto, Jacinta M.; Pin, Sonia; Fulton, John L.; Schenter, Gregory K.; Govind, Niranjan; Siepmann, J. Ilja; Mundy, Christopher J.; Huthwelker, Thomas; De Yoreo, James J.

2018-01-01

Mechanisms of CaCO3 nucleation from solutions that depend on multistage pathways and the existence of species far more complex than simple ions or ion pairs have recently been proposed. Herein, we provide a tightly coupled theoretical and experimental study on the pathways that precede the initial stages of CaCO3 nucleation. Starting from molecular simulations, we succeed in correctly predicting bulk thermodynamic quantities and experimental data, including equilibrium constants, titration curves, and detailed x-ray absorption spectra taken from the supersaturated CaCO3 solutions. The picture that emerges is in complete agreement with classical views of cluster populations in which ions and ion pairs dominate, with the concomitant free energy landscapes following classical nucleation theory. PMID:29387793

Supersaturated calcium carbonate solutions are classical.

PubMed

Henzler, Katja; Fetisov, Evgenii O; Galib, Mirza; Baer, Marcel D; Legg, Benjamin A; Borca, Camelia; Xto, Jacinta M; Pin, Sonia; Fulton, John L; Schenter, Gregory K; Govind, Niranjan; Siepmann, J Ilja; Mundy, Christopher J; Huthwelker, Thomas; De Yoreo, James J

2018-01-01

Mechanisms of CaCO 3 nucleation from solutions that depend on multistage pathways and the existence of species far more complex than simple ions or ion pairs have recently been proposed. Herein, we provide a tightly coupled theoretical and experimental study on the pathways that precede the initial stages of CaCO 3 nucleation. Starting from molecular simulations, we succeed in correctly predicting bulk thermodynamic quantities and experimental data, including equilibrium constants, titration curves, and detailed x-ray absorption spectra taken from the supersaturated CaCO 3 solutions. The picture that emerges is in complete agreement with classical views of cluster populations in which ions and ion pairs dominate, with the concomitant free energy landscapes following classical nucleation theory.

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Automated Quality Assurance Process Design.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dockter, Randy E.

2017-07-31

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems; or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions, or assessment needsmore » if potential problems are identified.« less

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Atmospheric Transport Modeling.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, B.; Lehman, L. L.

2017-10-02

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems; or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions or assessment needs,more » if potential problems are identified.« less

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Waste Form Release.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hardie, S.; Paris, B.; Apted, M.

2017-09-14

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems; or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions or assessment needs,more » if potential problems are identified.« less

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Integrated Computational Framework.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, K. J.

2017-09-14

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems; or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions, or assessment needsmore » if potential problems are identified.« less

Effect of age on biochemical disease-free outcome in patients with T1-T3 prostate cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy in an equal-access health care system: a radiation oncology report of the Department of Defense Center for Prostate Disease Research.

PubMed

Johnstone, Peter A S; Riffenburgh, Robert H; Moul, Judd W; Sun, Leon; Wu, Hongyu; McLeod, David G; Kane, Christopher J; Martin, Douglas D; Kusuda, Leo; Lance, Raymond; Douglas, Robert; Donahue, Timothy; Beat, Michael G; Foley, John; Chung, Andrew; Soderdahl, Douglas; Do, Jason; Amling, Christopher L

2003-03-15

It has traditionally been a common perception that young age is a negative prognostic factor in prostate cancer (CaP). Furthermore, many urologists believe that younger patients are better suited to surgery rather than radiotherapy (RT) because of this perception. However, the data on the effect of age on outcome in patients with CaP are unclear. The records of the Department of Defense Center for Prostate Disease Research were queried for the biochemical disease-free results of patients after definitive RT and analyzed by age. The records of 1018 patients with T1-T3 CaP treated with definitive RT between 1988 and 2000 were reviewed. The records of patients receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy or adjuvant or salvage RT postoperatively were excluded. Biochemical failure was calculated by the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology criteria. The median potential follow-up was 85.3 months as of December 31, 2001. Age did not affect biochemical disease-free survival significantly when considered as <60 vs. >/=60 years (p = 0.646), by decade (p = 0.329), or as a continuous variable (correlation coefficient r = 0.017, regression slope = 0.007, with p = 0.588 and R(2) < 0.001). Using multiple regression analysis, age was still not significant (p = 0.408). Other variables analyzed were pretreatment prostate-specific antigen level (p < 0.001), Gleason sum (p = 0.023), stage (p = 0.828), and RT dose (p = 0.033). Age and biochemical disease-free survival after RT for CaP are not related. Age may not be a valid factor in choosing between primary treatment options for CaP.

The reliability of Fishman method of skeletal maturation for age estimation in children of South Indian population

PubMed Central

Mohammed, Rezwana Begum; Kalyan, V. Siva; Tircouveluri, Saritha; Vegesna, Goutham Chakravarthy; Chirla, Anil; Varma, D. Maruthi

2014-01-01

Introduction: Determining the age of a person in the absence of documentary evidence of birth is essential for legal and medico-legal purpose. Fishman method of skeletal maturation is widely used for this purpose; however, the reliability of this method for people with all geographic locations is not well-established. Aims and Objectives: In this study, we assessed various stages of carpal and metacarpal bone maturation and tested the reliability of Fishman method of skeletal maturation to estimate the age in South Indian population. We also evaluated the correlation between the chronological age (CA) and predicted age based on the Fishman method of skeletal maturation. Materials and Methods: Digital right hand-wrist radiographs of 330 individuals aged 9-20 years were obtained and the skeletal maturity stage for each subject was determined using Fishman method. The skeletal maturation indicator scores were obtained and analyzed with reference to CA and sex. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software package (version 12, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The study subjects had a tendency toward late maturation with the mean skeletal age (SA) estimated being significantly lowers (P < 0.05) than the mean CA at various skeletal maturity stages. Nevertheless, significant correlation was observed in this study between SA and CA for males (r = 0.82) and females (r = 0.85). Interestingly, female subjects were observed to be advanced in SA compared with males. Conclusion: Fishman method of skeletal maturation can be used as an alternative tool for the assessment of mean age of an individual of unknown CA in South Indian children. PMID:25097402

Post-Retention Changes in Class II Correction With the Forsus (trademark) Appliance

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

headgear combination showed long-term stability of Class II correction 12- 15 years out of 5 retention.25 One recent study on the FR-2 functional...L1-MP (deg) 4) U1-NA (mm) 5 ) L1-NB (mm) 6) Overjet (mm) 15 Figure 3: Points/Landmarks for Skeletal Vertical Measurements...extraction patients treated with the Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device versus intermaxillary elastics. Angle Orthod. 2008 Mar; 78(2):332-8. 5 ) Mihalik CA

Potassium Isotopic Compositions of NIST Potassium Standards and 40Ar/39Ar Mineral Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morgan, Leah; Tappa, Mike; Ellam, Rob; Mark, Darren; Higgins, John; Simon, Justin I.

2013-01-01

Knowledge of the isotopic ratios of standards, spikes, and reference materials is fundamental to the accuracy of many geochronological methods. For example, the 238U/235U ratio relevant to U-Pb geochronology was recently re-determined [1] and shown to differ significantly from the previously accepted value employed during age determinations. These underlying values are fundamental to accurate age calculations in many isotopic systems, and uncertainty in these values can represent a significant (and often unrecognized) portion of the uncertainty budget for determined ages. The potassium isotopic composition of mineral standards, or neutron flux monitors, is a critical, but often overlooked component in the calculation of K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar ages. It is currently assumed that all terrestrial materials have abundances indistinguishable from that of NIST SRM 985 [2]; this is apparently a reasonable assumption at the 0.25per mille level (1s) [3]. The 40Ar/39Ar method further relies on the assumption that standards and samples (including primary and secondary standards) have indistinguishable 40K/39K values. We will present data establishing the potassium isotopic compositions of NIST isotopic K SRM 985, elemental K SRM 999b, and 40Ar/39Ar biotite mineral standard GA1550 (sample MD-2). Stable isotopic compositions (41K/39K) were measured by the peak shoulder method with high resolution MC-ICP-MS (Thermo Scientific NEPTUNE Plus), using the accepted value of NIST isotopic SRM 985 [2] for fractionation [4] corrections [5]. 40K abundances were measured by TIMS (Thermo Scientific TRITON), using 41K/39K values from ICP-MS measurements (or, for SRM 985, values from [2]) for internal fractionation corrections. Collectively these data represent an important step towards a metrologically traceable calibration of 40K concentrations in primary 40Ar/39Ar mineral standards and improve uncertainties by ca. an order of magnitude in the potassium isotopic compositions of standards.

Rapamycin mitigates erythrocyte membrane transport functions and oxidative stress during aging in rats.

PubMed

Singh, Abhishek Kumar; Singh, Sandeep; Garg, Geetika; Rizvi, Syed Ibrahim

2018-02-01

Erythrocyte membrane is a suitable model to study various metabolic and physiological functions as it undergoes variety of biochemical changes during aging. An age-dependent modulatory effect of rapamycin on erythrocyte membrane functions is completely unknown. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of rapamycin on age-dependent impaired activities of transporters/exchangers, altered levels of redox biomarkers, viz. protein carbonyl (PC), lipid hydroperoxides (LHs), total thiol (-SH), sialic acid (SA) and intracellular calcium ion [Ca 2+ ]i, and osmotic fragility of erythrocyte membrane. A significant reduction in membrane-bound activities of Na + /K + -ATPase (NKA) and Ca 2+ -ATPase (PMCA), and levels of -SH and SA was observed along with a simultaneous induction in Na + /H + exchanger (NHE) activity and levels of [Ca 2+ ]i, PC, LH and osmotic fragility in old-aged rats. Rapamycin was found to be a promising age-delaying drug that significantly reversed the aging-induced impaired activities of membrane-bound ATPases and altered levels of redox biomarkers.

Calcium intake and osteoporosis: the influence of calcium intake from dairy products on hip bone mineral density and fracture incidence - a population-based study in women over 55 years of age.

PubMed

Włodarek, Dariusz; Głąbska, Dominika; Kołota, Aleksandra; Adamczyk, Piotr; Czekajło, Aleksandra; Grzeszczak, Władysław; Drozdzowska, Bogna; Pluskiewicz, Wojciech

2014-02-01

The incidence of osteoporosis increases with age and is most frequently observed in postmenopausal women. The objective of the present population-based cohort study was to assess the influence of Ca intake from dairy sources on hip bone mineral density and hip fracture incidence in a group of Polish women over 55 years of age. The main outcome measures included: bone mineral density, the number of previous fractures and the reported Ca intake from dairy sources, assessed by a diet questionnaire. The RAC-OST-POL Study was conducted in the District of Raciborz in the south of Poland. The study was carried out in a group of 625 women, randomly recruited from the general population of women aged >55 years. Median Ca intake from dairy products was lower in the group of women with femoral neck T-score ≤-2·5 than in the group with T-score >-2·5 (275 v. 383 mg/d; P = 0·0019). For total hip score, the difference was close to borderline significance (P = 0·0698). Median Ca intake from dairy products was lower in the group of women with previous fractures than in those without fracture history (336 v. 395 mg/d; P = 0·0254). The main dairy source of Ca in the analysed group included milk drinks, rennet cheese and milk. Higher dairy Ca intake is recommended, since a number of the women analysed were unable to satisfy their Ca requirement exclusively from their diet.

Evaluation of blood zinc, calcium and blood lead levels among children aged 1-36 months.

PubMed

Ji, Xiaojun; He, Hong; Ren, Lisheng; Liu, Ji; Han, Chunhua

2014-09-01

Early childhood lead exposure is associated with numerous adverse health effects. Biomonitoring among susceptible populations, such as children, has not been previously conducted. The aim of the study is to evaluate the blood lead (Pb) and total blood calcium (Ca) levels; blood zinc (Zn) levels. A cross-sectional study was designed to collect healthy children age 1- 36 months (Mean ± SD: 1.5 ± 0.6 age, 60% boys) in the study from January 2010 to September 2011. The overall mean blood Pb levels were 42.18 ± 12.13 μg/L, the overall mean blood Zn and total blood Ca concentrations were 62.18 ± 12.33 μmol/L and 1.78 ± 0.13 mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence of elevated blood Pb levels in all children was 1.3%. A significant difference was found between female and male subjects for the blood Pb and Zn. After controlling for gender and age, there was a weak positive correlation between total blood Ca and Zn level. The blood Pb levels had a significant negative correlation with total blood Ca level after adjusting for age and gender, and these findings suggest that Pb had effect on positive blood Zn and total blood Ca levels; parents should pay more attention to the nutrition of girls. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Reducing toughness of beef from Bos indicus draught steers by injection of calcium chloride: Effect of concentration and time postmortem.

PubMed

Jaturasitha, S; Thirawong, P; Leangwunta, V; Kreuzer, M

2004-09-01

Calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) solution in concentrations of 0, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 M was injected at 10% (wt/wt) either 45 min or 24 h postmortem into longissimus dorsi muscles of eight draught steers discharged from work and >4 years of age. Shear force, after 7 days of aging, declined by CaCl(2) injection by up to 50% of control, depending on CaCl(2) concentration. Prerigor treatment was twice as efficient as postrigor injection. Collagen content and solubility were less clearly affected. Sensory tenderness scores were higher by 50% with all CaCl(2) concentrations, but only with prerigor treatment. A bitter taste was noted only with the highest concentration of CaCl(2), but overall acceptance did not increase with CaCl(2) concentration. CaCl(2) enhanced electrical conductivity, reduced redness and luminosity, and increased drip and thawing loss, but not boiling loss, of longissiumus dorsi. Results indicate a high potential of CaCl(2) treatment in extraordinarily tough meat.

Baseline prostate-specific antigen compared with median prostate-specific antigen for age group as predictor of prostate cancer risk in men younger than 60 years old.

PubMed

Loeb, Stacy; Roehl, Kimberly A; Antenor, Jo Ann V; Catalona, William J; Suarez, Brian K; Nadler, Robert B

2006-02-01

Limited data are available concerning the extent to which the initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement in men younger than age 60 predicts for the risk of prostate cancer (CaP) and how this compares to other known risk factors. From 1991 to 2001, 13,943 men younger than 60 years old participated in a CaP screening study. Men aged 40 to 49 years were eligible for the study if they had a positive family history or African-American heritage, and men older than 50 years were screened without respect to risk factors. The CaP detection rate, PSA velocity, pathologic features, and treatment outcomes were evaluated as a function of the baseline PSA level. The median PSA level was 0.7 ng/mL for men aged 40 to 49 years and 0.9 ng/mL for men aged 50 to 59. A baseline PSA level between the median and 2.5 ng/mL was associated with a 14.6-fold and 7.6-fold increased risk of CaP in men aged 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 years, respectively. A greater baseline PSA value was also associated with a significantly greater PSA velocity, more aggressive tumor features, a greater biochemical progression rate, and a trend toward a greater cancer-specific mortality rate. In men younger than 60, a baseline PSA value between the age-specific median and 2.5 ng/mL was a significant predictor of later CaP and was associated with a significantly greater PSA velocity. A young man's baseline PSA value was a stronger predictor of CaP than family history, race, or suspicious digital rectal examination findings. A greater baseline PSA level was associated with significantly more adverse pathologic features and biochemical progression.

Temporal stability and rates of post-depositional change in geochemical signatures of brown trout Salmo trutta scales.

PubMed

Ryan, D; Shephard, S; Kelly, F L

2016-09-01

This study investigates temporal stability in the scale microchemistry of brown trout Salmo trutta in feeder streams of a large heterogeneous lake catchment and rates of change after migration into the lake. Laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to quantify the elemental concentrations of Na, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ba and Sr in archived (1997-2002) scales of juvenile S. trutta collected from six major feeder streams of Lough Mask, County Mayo, Ireland. Water-element Ca ratios within these streams were determined for the fish sampling period and for a later period (2013-2015). Salmo trutta scale Sr and Ba concentrations were significantly (P < 0·05) correlated with stream water sample Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios respectively from both periods, indicating multi-annual stability in scale and water-elemental signatures. Discriminant analysis of scale chemistries correctly classified 91% of sampled juvenile S. trutta to their stream of origin using a cross-validated classification model. This model was used to test whether assumed post-depositional change in scale element concentrations reduced correct natal stream classification of S. trutta in successive years after migration into Lough Mask. Fish residing in the lake for 1-3 years could be reliably classified to their most likely natal stream, but the probability of correct classification diminished strongly with longer lake residence. Use of scale chemistry to identify natal streams of lake S. trutta should focus on recent migrants, but may not require contemporary water chemistry data. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Comparison of tumor markers and clinicopathological features in serous and mucinous borderline ovarian tumors.

PubMed

Alanbay, I; Aktürk, E; Coksuer, H; Ercan, C M; Karaşahin, E; Dede, M; Yenen, M C; Ozan, H; Dilek, S

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess tumor markers and clinicopathological findings of patients with serous and mucinous borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) features. The study consisted of 50 patients that were diagnosed with and treated for BOT between 2005-2010 in three centers. CA125, CA19-9, and CA125+CA19-9 levels and clinicopathological features were compared in serous and mucinous histotypes. In serous and mucinous BOTs, correlations between tumor markers and demographics such as age, menopausal status, parity, clinical findings (stage, relapse, adjuvant chemotherapy, cytology, lymph node involvement and tumoral morphology (cystic-solid content, papilla, septation) were evaluated. There were no significant differences between serous and mucinous tumors in the clinicopathological features such as stage, tumor markers, age, menopausal status, or cytology. In serous BOTs we found a significant relation between elevated CA125+ CA19-9, CA19-9 and recurrence (p < 0.05). Also there was a significant relation between elevated CA125+ CA19-9, CA19-9 and cytology positivity (p < 0.05). We found a significant relation in serous BOTs between elevated CA125+CA19-9, adjuvant chemotherapy and lymph node metastases (p < 0.05). Also In mucinous BOTs with papilla formation we found a significant relation between elevated CA125 and CA125+ CA19-9 (p < 0.05). There was significant relation between cytology positivity and elevated CA19-9 in mucinous BOTs (p < 0.05). Serum tumor markers of serous and mucinous BOTs were different in relation to their clinicopathological features. This may reflect differences of serous and mucinous BOTs.

Increased Carbonic Anhydrase Activity is Associated with Sleep Apnea Severity and Related Hypoxemia.

PubMed

Wang, Tengyu; Eskandari, Davoud; Zou, Ding; Grote, Ludger; Hedner, Jan

2015-07-01

The catalytic function of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) plays a fundamental role in carbon dioxide (CO2), proton (H(+)), and bicarbonate (HCO3(-)) homeostasis. Hypoxia and tissue acidosis have been proposed to increase physiological CA activity in various compartments of the body. We hypothesized that CA activity in blood is upregulated in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Cross-sectional analysis of a sleep clinic cohort. Sleep laboratory at a university hospital. Seventy referred patients with suspected OSA (48 males, age 54 ± 13 y, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) median [interquartile range] 21 [8-41] n/h). N/A. In-laboratory cardiorespiratory polygraphy was used to assess OSA. CA activity was determined by an in vitro assay that quantifies the pH change reflecting the conversion of CO2 and H2O to HCO3(-) and H(+). CA activity was positively associated with AHI and 4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI4) (Spearman correlation r = 0.44 and 0.47, both P < 0.001). The associations (CA activity versus logAHI and CA versus logODI4) were independent of sex, age, body mass index, presleep oxygen saturation, nocturnal oxygen saturation, hypertension status, and use of diuretic medication in two generalized linear models (P = 0.007 and 0.011, respectively). Sitting diastolic blood pressure was associated with CA activity after adjustment of sex, age, body mass index, mean oxygen saturation, and AHI (P = 0.046). Carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity increased with apnea-hypopnea index and related nocturnal hypoxemia measures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Altered CA activity may constitute a component that modulates respiratory control and hemodynamic regulation in patients with OSA. © 2015 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Unique patellofemoral alignment in a patient with a symptomatic bipartite patella.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Masakazu; Adachi, Nobuo; Deie, Masataka; Nakamae, Atsuo; Nakasa, Tomoyuki; Kamei, Goki; Takazawa, Kobun; Ochi, Mitsuo

2016-01-01

A symptomatic bipartite patella is rarely seen in athletic adolescents or young adults in daily clinical practice. To date, only a limited number of studies have focused on patellofemoral alignment. The current study revealed a unique patellofemoral alignment in a patient with a symptomatic bipartite patella. Twelve patients with 12 symptomatic bipartite patellae who underwent arthroscopic vastus lateralis release (VLR) were investigated (10 males and two females, age: 15.7±4.4years). The radiographic data of contralateral intact and affected knees were reviewed retrospectively. From the lateral- and skyline-view imaging, the following parameters were measured: the congruence angle (CA), the lateral patellofemoral angle (LPA), and the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI). As an additional parameter, the bipartite fragment angle (BFA) was evaluated against the main part of the patella in the skyline view. Compared with the contralateral side, the affected patellae were significantly medialized and laterally tilted (CA: P=0.019; LPA: P=0.016), although there was no significant difference in CDI (P=0.877). This patellar malalignment was found to significantly change after VLR (CA: P=0.001; LPA: P=0.003) and the patellar height was significantly lower than in the preoperative condition (P=0.016). In addition, the BFA significantly shifted to a higher degree after operation (P=0.001). Patients with symptomatic bipartite patellae presented significantly medialized and laterally tilted patellae compared with the contralateral intact side. This malalignment was corrected by VLR, and the alignment of the bipartite fragment was also significantly changed. Level IV, case series. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduced nephron endowment in the neonates of Indigenous Australian peoples.

PubMed

Kandasamy, Y; Smith, R; Wright, I M R; Lumbers, E R

2014-02-01

Rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Indigenous groups in Australia exceed non-Indigenous rates eight-fold. Using kidney volume as a surrogate for nephron number, we carried out a study to determine if Indigenous neonates have a smaller kidney volume (and thus a reduced nephron number) from birth compared with non-Indigenous neonates. We recruited term and preterm neonates (<32 weeks) at a tertiary care neonatal unit over a 12 months period. Preterm neonates were assessed (renal sonography and renal function measurement) at 32 weeks corrected age (CA) and again at 38 weeks CA when blood pressure was also measured. All term neonates were assessed in the first post-natal week, including renal sonography, renal function and blood pressure measurement. The primary outcome measured was total kidney volume (TKV) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was a secondary outcome. Data was available for 44 preterm (11 Indigenous) and 39 term (13 Indigenous) neonates. TKV of Indigenous neonates was significantly lower at 32 weeks [12.0 (2.0) v. 15.4 (5.1) ml; P=0.03] and 38 weeks CA [18.6 (4.0) v. 22.6 (5.9) ml; P=0.04] respectively. Term Indigenous neonates also had smaller kidney volumes compared with non-Indigenous neonates. Despite a smaller kidney volume (and reduced nephron number), Indigenous neonates did not have a significantly lower eGFR. Indigenous neonates achieve similar eGFRs to Non-Indigenous neonates, presumably through a higher single nephron filtration rate. This places Indigenous neonates at a greater risk of long-term kidney damage later in life.

Predicting motor outcomes with 3 month prone hip angles in premature infants.

PubMed

Shehee, Lindsey; Coker-Bolt, Patty; Barbour, Andrew; Moss, Hunter; Brown, Truman; Jenkins, Dorothea

2016-09-02

This study used kinematic analysis to identify a reliable and rapid assessment method for abnormal patterns of motor development in preterm infants. In a retrospective analysis, we examined video of n= 35 preterm infants at 3mo corrected age (CA) who had concurrent Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) scores. Hyperflexion at the hip produces common gait anomalies seen in children with CP, therefore we analyzed hip angle in the prone head lift position at 3 months CA. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) was performed at term equivalent (n= 23) and Bayley-III neurodevelopmental tests were performed at 1 year (n= 28). We correlated hip angles with TIMP and Bayley-III scores, and MRS neuronal metabolites. Hip angle positively correlated with TIMP at 3 months (r= 0.642, p≤ 0.001), but not with Bayley-III at 1 year (r= 0.122, p= 0.529). Hip angle correlated negatively with myo-inositol (mI) ratios in frontal white matter tracts (mI/Cr r= -0.520, p= 0.011). These results suggest prone hip angle may be a quantitative proxy for the 42-item TIMP at 3 months, and that hypertonicity in the hip flexor musculature is a manifestation of white matter metabolic abnormalities (elevated mI ratios) that may indicate occult white matter injury.

Characterization of cytochrome c as marker for retinal cell degeneration by uv/vis spectroscopic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollmach, Julia; Schweizer, Julia; Steiner, Gerald; Knels, Lilla; Funk, Richard H. W.; Thalheim, Silko; Koch, Edmund

2011-07-01

Retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration have become an important cause of visual loss depending on increasing life expectancy and lifestyle habits. Due to the fact that no satisfying treatment exists, early diagnosis and prevention are the only possibilities to stop the degeneration. The protein cytochrome c (cyt c) is a suitable marker for degeneration processes and apoptosis because it is a part of the respiratory chain and involved in the apoptotic pathway. The determination of the local distribution and oxidative state of cyt c in living cells allows the characterization of cell degeneration processes. Since cyt c exhibits characteristic absorption bands between 400 and 650 nm wavelength, uv/vis in situ spectroscopic imaging was used for its characterization in retinal ganglion cells. The large amount of data, consisting of spatial and spectral information, was processed by multivariate data analysis. The challenge consists in the identification of the molecular information of cyt c. Baseline correction, principle component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were performed in order to identify cyt c within the spectral dataset. The combination of PCA and CA reveals cyt c and its oxidative state. The results demonstrate that uv/vis spectroscopic imaging in conjunction with sophisticated multivariate methods is a suitable tool to characterize cyt c under in situ conditions.

Usefulness of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in Huntington's disease.

PubMed

Gluhm, Shea; Goldstein, Jody; Brown, Daniel; Van Liew, Charles; Gilbert, Paul E; Corey-Bloom, Jody

2013-10-01

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief screening instrument for dementia that is sensitive to executive dysfunction. This study examined its usefulness for assessing cognitive performance in mild, moderate, and severe Huntington's disease (HD), compared with the use of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We compared MoCA and MMSE total scores and the number of correct answers in 5 cognitive-specific domains in 104 manifest HD patients and 100 matched controls. For the total HD sample, and for the moderate and severe patients, significant differences between both MoCA and MMSE total scores and almost all cognitive-specific domains emerged. Even mild HD subjects showed significant differences with regard to total score and several cognitive domains on both instruments. We conclude that the MoCA, although not necessarily superior to the MMSE, is a useful instrument for assessing cognitive performance over a broad level of functioning in HD. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.

Search for 41K Excess in Efremovka CAIs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, G.; Ulyanov, A. A.; Goswami, J. N.

1993-07-01

We have used the ion microprobe to measure K isotopic composition of refractory phases in Efremovka CAIs to look for the possible presence of K excess from the decay of extinct radionuclide Ca (halflife = 0.13 Ma). The presence of Ca at the time of CAI formation, if established, will allow us to place a lower limit on the time interval between the last injection of freshly synthesized matter into the solar nebula and the formation of some of the first solid objects (CAIs) in the solar system. Several attempts have been made earlier to detect 41K excess in Allende CAIs [1-4]. We have further investigated this problem by analyzing the Efremovka CAIs for two reasons. First, both the petrographic and magnesium isotopic systematics suggest the Efremovka CAIs to be less altered compared to the Allende CAIs making them an ideal and perhaps better sample for this study. Second, the presence of large perovskite (~10 micrometers) allowed us to analyse this phase, which was not included in earlier studies. The major difficulty in accurately measuring 41K, which was identified in earlier studies, is the unresolvable (40Ca42Ca)++ interference, which was found to be matrix dependent [4]. In addition, one can also have interfernce from the (40CaH)+ peak. In our operating condition the interference from the hydride peak can be neglected (Fig. 1, which appears in the hard copy). We have analyzed terrestrial perovskite (K <= 20 ppm) to determine the (40Ca42Ca)++ correction term, and its equivalence with (40Ca43Ca)++ ion signal at mass 41.5 [4]. In perovskite, the (40Ca42Ca)++ signal constitutes ~80% of the signal at 41K and we could estimate this interference with confidence. A value of (2.7 +- 0.1) x 10^-5 was obtained for the ratio [(40Ca42Ca)++/42Ca+], which is similar to the measured [(40Ca43Ca)++/43Ca+] ratio of (2.4 +- 0.2) x 10^-5. We have therefore used the measured value for the latter ratio in the analyzed phases to correct for the doubly charged interference at mass 41. We have so far analyzed several perovskites in a multi-zoned hibonite-rich Efremovka inclusion E50, and pyroxenes in E44, a type B1 inclusion. The data obtained by us yielded a value of (1.03 +- 0.99) x 10^-8 for initial (41Ca/40Ca) ratio. Although this value does not provide strong evidence for the presence of live 41Ca in the solar nebula, we would like to point out that the excess signal at mass 41 ranged from 5 to 10% of the total signal in the analyzed grains. The initial (41Ca/40Ca) ratio obtained by us is close to the earlier estimate of (8 +- 3) x 10^-9 based on data from Allende fassaites [4]. If we consider a production rate of 41Ca/40Ca in the range of (1-4) x 10^-3, then our data suggest a time interval of a few million years between the injection of freshly synthesized matter in to the solar nebula and the formation of CAIs. The 40Ca/39K ratio in the refractory phases analyzed by us spans a range of 4 x 10^4 to 10^6. We plan to look for pyroxene in these CAIs with even higher (Ca/K) ratios that will allow us to further improve the estimate of initial (41Ca/40Ca) at the time of CAI formation. References: [1] Huneke J. C. et al. (1981) LPSC XII, 482. [2] Stegeman W. and Specht S. (1983) Meteoritics, 18, 402. [3] Hutcheon I. D. et al. (1984) LPSC XV, 387. [4] Hutcheon I. D. et al. (1984) Meteoritics, 19, 243.

Disruption of amygdala-entorhinal-hippocampal network in late-life depression.

PubMed

Leal, Stephanie L; Noche, Jessica A; Murray, Elizabeth A; Yassa, Michael A

2017-04-01

Episodic memory deficits are evident in late-life depression (LLD) and are associated with subtle synaptic and neurochemical changes in the medial temporal lobes (MTL). However, the particular mechanisms by which memory impairment occurs in LLD are currently unknown. We tested older adults with (DS+) and without (DS-) depressive symptoms using high-resolution fMRI that is capable of discerning signals in hippocampal subfields and amygdala nuclei. Scanning was conducted during performance of an emotional discrimination task used previously to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and amygdala-mediated emotional modulation of hippocampal pattern separation in young adults. We found that hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG)/CA3 activity was reduced during correct discrimination of negative stimuli and increased during correct discrimination of neutral items in DS+ compared to DS- adults. The extent of the latter increase was correlated with symptom severity. Furthermore, DG/CA3 and basolateral amygdala (BLA) activity predicted discrimination performance on negative trials, a relationship that depended on symptom severity. The impact of the BLA on depressive symptom severity was mediated by the DG/CA3 during discrimination of neutral items, and by the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) during false recognition of positive items. These results shed light on a novel mechanistic account for amygdala-hippocampal network changes and concurrent alterations in emotional episodic memory in LLD. The BLA-LEC-DG/CA3 network, which comprises a key pathway by which emotion modulates memory, is specifically implicated in LLD. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Growth rate variation and potential paleoceanographic proxies in Primnoa pacifica: Insights from high-resolution trace element microanalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aranha, Renita; Edinger, Evan; Layne, Graham; Piercey, Glenn

2014-01-01

Red tree coral, Primnoa pacifica, is one of the more common habitat-forming deep-sea gorgonian corals in the northeast Pacific Ocean, growing in colonies up to 2 m high and living for decades to hundreds of years. Growth characteristics of P. pacifica were studied in Dixon Entrance, northern British Columbia, and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Washington State, USA, based on samples collected in July 2008. To minimize the impact of scientific sampling on coral populations, only dead coral skeletons and dislodged live corals were collected. Ages and growth rates were measured using band counts, and checked against AMS-14C ages of gorgonin rings. Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Na/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in the calcite cortex were measured using radial Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS) transects with a spot size of <20 μm and separation distance of 25 μm. Growth banding was consistent in width between the central mixed zone consisting of calcite and gorgonin and the dominantly calcite cortex. Average annual radial growth rate of the nine corals analysed ranged from 0.23 to 0.58 mm/yr, with an average growth rate of 0.32 mm/yr in Dixon Entrance and 0.36 m/yr in OCNMS. These growth rates are slightly higher than P. pacifica growth rates from the Gulf of Alaska, and more than four times the growth rates of sister species Primnoa resedaeformis in the northwest Atlantic. Primary productivity is likely a more important driver of geographic variation in Primnoa growth rates than temperature or current strength. Both Dixon Entrance and OCNMS are areas with high primary productivity and strong tidal currents. Lack of post-Atomic Bomb radiocarbon in all but one of the gorgonin samples, and long radiocarbon reservoir ages in the Northeast Pacific, made radiocarbon-based verification of coral ages and growth rates difficult due to wide errors in calibrated age estimates. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios were inversely correlated in two of the three corals analyzed, and showed evidence of interannual variation. Mg/Ca ratios ranged from 70 to 136 mmol mol-1, and Sr/Ca ratios from 2.041 to 3.14 mmol mol-1. Previously published relationships between gorgonian calcite Mg/Ca and seawater temperature yielded average temperatures matching ambient measurements, but the intra- and inter-annual variation in apparent temperature based on the Mg/Ca ratios was more than double the observed variation in modern seawater temperature ranges in the region. Annual variation in Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca could be related to seasonal changes in precipitation efficiency, which is likely a function of short-term fluctuations in coral growth rate, in turn related to variation in primary productivity. Seasonal and interannual variations in food availability, driven by primary productivity, may affect skeletal growth rate, hence Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios. Primnoid coral skeletal microgeochemistry probably records temporal changes in both temperature and primary productivity.

Long-Term Moderate Exercise Rescues Age-Related Decline in Hippocampal Neuronal Complexity and Memory.

PubMed

Tsai, Sheng-Feng; Ku, Nai-Wen; Wang, Tzu-Feng; Yang, Yan-Hsiang; Shih, Yao-Hsiang; Wu, Shih-Ying; Lee, Chu-Wan; Yu, Megan; Yang, Ting-Ting; Kuo, Yu-Min

2018-05-07

Aging impairs hippocampal neuroplasticity and hippocampus-related learning and memory. In contrast, exercise training is known to improve hippocampal neuronal function. However, whether exercise is capable of restoring memory function in old animals is less clear. Here, we investigated the effects of exercise on the hippocampal neuroplasticity and memory functions during aging. Young (3 months), middle-aged (9-12 months), and old (18 months) mice underwent moderate-intensity treadmill running training for 6 weeks, and their hippocampus-related learning and memory, and the plasticity of their CA1 neurons was evaluated. The memory performance (Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests), and dendritic complexity (branch and length) and spine density of their hippocampal CA1 neurons decreased as their age increased. The induction and maintenance of high-frequency stimulation-induced long-term potentiation in the CA1 area and the expressions of neuroplasticity-related proteins were not affected by age. Treadmill running increased CA1 neuron long-term potentiation and dendritic complexity in all three age groups, and it restored the learning and memory ability in middle-aged and old mice. Furthermore, treadmill running upregulated the hippocampal expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and monocarboxylate transporter-4 in middle-aged mice, glutamine synthetase in old mice, and full-length TrkB in middle-aged and old mice. The hippocampus-related memory function declines from middle age, but long-term moderate-intensity running effectively increased hippocampal neuroplasticity and memory in mice of different ages, even when the memory impairment had progressed to an advanced stage. Thus, long-term, moderate intensity exercise training might be a way of delaying and treating aging-related memory decline. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

49 CFR Appendix F to Part 227 - Calculations and Application of Age Corrections to Audiograms

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... to Noise,” Department of Health and Human Services (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-126. For each...: Employee is a 32-year-old male. The audiometric history for his right ear is shown in decibels below... age correction). Table F-1—Age Correction Values in Decibels for Males Years Audiometric test...

Permian U-Pb (CA-TIMS) zircon ages from Australia and China: Constraining the time scale of environmental and biotic change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denyszyn, S. W.; Mundil, R.; Metcalfe, I.; He, B.

2010-12-01

In eastern Australia, the interconnected Bowen and Sydney Basins are filled with terrestrial sediments of late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic age. These sedimentary units record significant evolutionary events of eastern Gondwana during the time interval between two major mass extinctions (end Middle Permian and Permian-Triassic), and also provide lithological evidence for the Carboniferous-Permian Late Paleozoic Ice Age of southern Pangea, considered to be divisible into up to seven discrete glaciation events in Australia [e.g., 1]. These glaciations are currently assigned ages that indicate that the last of the glaciations predate the end Middle Permian mass extinction at ca. 260 Ma. However, the estimates for the time and durations are largely based on biostratigraphy and lithostratigraphy that, in the absence of robust and precise radioisotopic ages, are unacceptably fragile for providing an accurate high-resolution framework. Interbedded with the sediments are numerous tuff layers that contain zircon, many of which are associated with extensive coal measures in the Sydney and Bowen Basins. Published SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages [2, 3] have been shown to be less precise and inaccurate when compared to ages applying the CA-TIMS method to the same horizons. Also within the late Middle Permian, the eruption of the Emeishan flood basalts in SW China has been proposed to have caused the end Middle Permian mass extinction [e.g., 4], though a causal link between these events demands a rigorous test that can only be provided by high-resolution geochronology. We present new U-Pb (CA-TIMS) zircon ages on tuff layers from the Sydney and Bowen Basins, with the purpose of generating a timescale for the Upper Permian of Australia to allow correlation with different parts of the world. Initial results, with permil precision, date a tuff layer within the uppermost Bandanna Fm. to ca. 252 Ma, a tuff within the Moranbah Coal Measures to ca. 256 Ma, and a tuff within the Ingelara Fm. to ca. 257 Ma, the latter two units lying stratigraphically below the latest identified glacial deposits. U-Pb (CA-TIMS) results on zircons from the Emeishan flood basalts and related volcanic products confirm the end-Guadalupian age (ca. 260 Ma) of the magmatism, and based on present data, place the Emeishan volcanic event (and its possibly associated mass extinction) within the occurrence of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age. This study’s primary goal is the establishment of a chronostratigraphic framework that would allow the integration of calibrated records from both terrestrial and marine units from different parts of the world in order to constrain the timing and rates of extinctions and recoveries in different locations and physical environments. [1] Fielding et al. (2008), J. Geol Soc. Lon., v. 165, pp. 129-140 [2] Michaelsen et al. (2001), Aus. J. Earth Sci., v. 48, pp. 183-192 [3] Roberts et al. (1996), Aus. J. Earth Sci., v. 43, pp. 401-421 [4] He et al. (2007), EPSL, v. 255, pp. 306-323

Traffic-related air pollution impact on mouse brain accelerates myelin and neuritic aging changes with specificity for CA1 neurons

PubMed Central

Woodward, NC; Pakbin, P; Saffari, A; Shirmohammadi, F; Haghani, A; Sioutas, C; Cacciottolo, M; Morgan, TE; Finch, CE

2017-01-01

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with lower cognition and reduced white matter volume in older adults, specifically for particulate matter <2.5 μm diameter (PM2.5). Rodents exposed to TRAP have shown microglial activation and neuronal atrophy. We further investigated age differences of TRAP exposure, with focus on hippocampus for neuritic atrophy, white matter degeneration, and microglial activation. Young and middle-aged mice (3 and 18 month female C57BL/6J) were exposed to nanoscale-PM (nPM, <0.2 μm diameter). Young mice showed selective changes in the hippocampal CA1 region, with neurite atrophy (−25%), decreased MBP (−50%), and increased Iba1 (+50%), with dentate gyrus relatively unaffected. Exposure to nPM of young mice decreased GluA1 protein (−40%) and increased TNFa mRNA (10×). Older controls had age changes approximating nPM effects on young, with no response to nPM, suggesting an age ceiling effect. The CA1 selective vulnerability in young mice parallels CA1 vulnerability in Alzheimer’s disease. We propose that TRAP associated human cognitive and white matter changes involve hippocampal responses to nPM that begin at younger ages. PMID:28212893

Role of Caspase-3 Cleaved IP3R1 on Ca2+ Homeostasis and Developmental Competence of Mouse Oocytes and Eggs

PubMed Central

Zhang, Nan; Fissore, Rafael. A.

2014-01-01

Apoptosis in most cell types is accompanied by altered Ca2+ homeostasis. During apoptosis, caspase-3 mediated cleavage of the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) generates a 95-kDa C-terminal fragment (C-IP3R1), which represents the channel domain of the receptor. Aged mouse eggs display abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis and express C-IP3R1, although whether or not C-IP3R1 expression contributes to Ca2+ misregulation or a decrease in developmental competency is unknown. We sought to answer these questions by injecting in mouse oocytes and eggs cRNAs encoding CIP3R1. We found that: 1) expression of C-IP3R1 in eggs lowered the Ca2+ content of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), although, as C-IP3R1 is quickly degraded at this stage, its expression did not impair pre-implantation embryo development; 2) expression of CIP3R1 in eggs enhanced fragmentation associated with aging; 3) endogenous IP3R1 is required for aging associated apoptosis, as its down-regulation prevented fragmentation, and expression of C-IP3R1 in eggs with downregulated IP3R1 partly restored fragmentation; 4) C-IP3R1 expression in GV oocytes resulted in persistent levels of protein, which abolished the increase in the ER releasable Ca2+ pool that occurs during maturation, undermined the Ca2+ oscillatory ability of matured eggs and their activation potential. Collectively, this study supports a role for IP3R1 and C-IP3R1 in regulating Ca2+ homeostasis and the ER Ca2+ content during oocyte maturation. Nevertheless, the role of C-IP3R1 on Ca2+ homeostasis in aged eggs seems minor, as in MII eggs the majority of endogenous IP3R1 remains intact and C-IP3R1 undergoes rapid turnover. PMID:24692207

Linking Assessment Questions to a Research Article to Stimulate Self-directed Learning and Develop High-order Cognitive Skills in an Undergraduate Module of Molecular Genetics

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Assessment plays a crucial role in the learning process, but current assessments focus on assessment of learning rather than assessment for learning. In this study, a novel method for open-book continuous assessment (CA) was developed. The aim was to encourage students to learn beyond the textbook by challenging students with questions linked to a research article. Research articles closely related to lecture contents were selected and released to students before the CA for perusal. CA questions were set at three different levels to assess conceptual understanding, application, and synthesis. The CA was administered to first-year undergraduate students majoring in life science as part of Molecular Genetics, a compulsory module. It contributed 10% of the student's grade for the module. Students’ CA scores indicated that the majority could answer correctly all the questions. Students’ feedback on the CA showed that most of them praised the CA model for its novelty, motivation, and application. Only a few criticized it due to its poor coverage of lecture contents. Overall, this CA went beyond the traditional role of assessments in the assignment of scores and stimulated curiosity and self-directed learning. PMID:19952097

Differences between chronological and brain age are related to education and self-reported physical activity.

PubMed

Steffener, Jason; Habeck, Christian; O'Shea, Deirdre; Razlighi, Qolamreza; Bherer, Louis; Stern, Yaakov

2016-04-01

This study investigated the relationship between education and physical activity and the difference between a physiological prediction of age and chronological age (CA). Cortical and subcortical gray matter regional volumes were calculated from 331 healthy adults (range: 19-79 years). Multivariate analyses identified a covariance pattern of brain volumes best predicting CA (R(2) = 47%). Individual expression of this brain pattern served as a physiologic measure of brain age (BA). The difference between CA and BA was predicted by education and self-report measures of physical activity. Education and the daily number of flights of stairs climbed (FOSC) were the only 2 significant predictors of decreased BA. Effect sizes demonstrated that BA decreased by 0.95 years for each year of education and by 0.58 years for 1 additional FOSC daily. Effects of education and FOSC on regional brain volume were largely driven by temporal and subcortical volumes. These results demonstrate that higher levels of education and daily FOSC are related to larger brain volume than predicted by CA which supports the utility of regional gray matter volume as a biomarker of healthy brain aging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Store-operated Ca2+ Entry Modulates the Expression of Enamel Genes.

PubMed

Nurbaeva, M K; Eckstein, M; Snead, M L; Feske, S; Lacruz, R S

2015-10-01

Dental enamel formation is an intricate process tightly regulated by ameloblast cells. The correct spatiotemporal patterning of enamel matrix protein (EMP) expression is fundamental to orchestrate the formation of enamel crystals, which depend on a robust supply of Ca2+. In the extracellular milieu, Ca2+ -EMP interactions occur at different levels. Despite its recognized role in enamel development, the molecular machinery involved in Ca2+ homeostasis in ameloblasts remains poorly understood. A common mechanism for Ca2+ influx is store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). We evaluated the possibility that Ca2+ influx in enamel cells might be mediated by SOCE and the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel, the prototypical SOCE channel. Using ameloblast-like LS8 cells, we demonstrate that these cells express Ca2+ -handling molecules and mediate Ca2+ influx through SOCE. As a rise in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is a versatile signal that can modulate gene expression, we assessed whether SOCE in enamel cells had any effect on the expression of EMPs. Our results demonstrate that stimulating LS8 cells or murine primary enamel organ cells with thapsigargin to activate SOCE leads to increased expression of Amelx, Ambn, Enam, Mmp20. This effect is reversed when cells are treated with a CRAC channel inhibitor. These data indicate that Ca2+ influx in LS8 cells and enamel organ cells is mediated by CRAC channels and that Ca2+ signals enhance the expression of EMPs. Ca2+ plays an important role not only in mineralizing dental enamel but also in regulating the expression of EMPs. © International & American Associations for Dental Research 2015.

Effect of limestone particle size and calcium to non-phytate phosphorus ratio on true ileal calcium digestibility of limestone for broiler chickens.

PubMed

Anwar, M N; Ravindran, V; Morel, P C H; Ravindran, G; Cowieson, A J

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of limestone particle size and calcium (Ca) to non-phytate phosphorus (P) ratio on the true ileal Ca digestibility of limestone for broiler chickens. A limestone sample was passed through a set of sieves and separated into fine (<0.5 mm) and coarse (1-2 mm) particles. The analysed Ca concentration of both particle sizes was similar (420 g/kg). Six experimental diets were developed using each particle size with Ca:non-phytate P ratios of 1.5:1, 2.0:1 and 2.5:1, with ratios being adjusted by manipulating the dietary Ca concentrations. A Ca-free diet was also developed to determine the basal ileal endogenous Ca losses. Titanium dioxide (3 g/kg) was incorporated in all diets as an indigestible marker. Each experimental diet was randomly allotted to 6 replicate cages (8 birds per cage) and fed from d 21 to 24 post hatch. Apparent ileal digestibility of Ca was calculated using the indicator method and corrected for basal endogenous losses to determine the true Ca digestibility. The basal ileal endogenous Ca losses were determined to be 127 mg/kg of dry matter intake. Increasing Ca:non-phytate P ratios reduced the true Ca digestibility of limestone. The true Ca digestibility coefficients of limestone with Ca:non-phytate P ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 were 0.65, 0.57 and 0.49, respectively. Particle size of limestone had a marked effect on the Ca digestibility, with the digestibility being higher in coarse particles (0.71 vs. 0.43).

A preferred method for the determination of bulk compositions of coarse-grained refractory inclusions and some implications of the results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, S. B.; Grossman, L.

2004-10-01

Analyses of coarse-grained refractory inclusions typically do not have the solar CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio, probably reflecting nonrepresentative sampling of them in the laboratory. Many previous studies, especially those done by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), were based on very small amounts of material removed from those restricted portions of inclusions that happened to be exposed on surfaces of bulk meteorite samples. Here, we address the sampling problem by studying thin sections of large inclusions, and by analyzing much larger aliquots of powders of these inclusions by INAA than has typically been done in the past. These results do show convergence toward the solar CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio of 0.792. The bulk compositions of 15 coarse-grained inclusions determined by INAA of samples >2 mg have an average CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio of 0.80 ± 0.18. When bulk compositions are obtained by modal recombination based on analysis of thin sections with cross-sections of entire, large, unbroken inclusions, the average of 11 samples (0.79 ± 0.15) also matches the solar value. Among those analyzed by INAA and by modal recombination, there were no inclusions for which both techniques agreed on a CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio deviating by >˜15% from the solar value. These results suggest that: individual inclusions may have the solar CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio; departures from this value are due to sample heterogeneity and nonrepresentative sampling in the laboratory; and it is therefore valid to correct compositions to this value. We present a method for doing so by mathematical addition or subtraction of melilite, spinel, or pyroxene. This yields a set of multiple, usually slightly different, corrected compositions for each inclusion. The best estimate of the bulk composition of an inclusion is the average of these corrected compositions, which simultaneously accounts for errors in sampling of all major phases. Results show that Type B2 inclusions tend to be more SiO 2-rich and have higher normative Anorthite/Gehlenite component ratios than Type B1s. The inclusion bulk compositions lie in a field that can result from evaporation at 1700-2000K of CMAS liquids with solar CaO/Al 2O 3, but with a wide range of initial MgO (30-60 wt%) and SiO 2 (15-50 wt%) contents.

Detrital and volcanic zircon U-Pb ages from southern Mendoza (Argentina): An insight on the source regions in the northern part of the Neuquén Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naipauer, Maximiliano; Tapia, Felipe; Mescua, José; Farías, Marcelo; Pimentel, Marcio M.; Ramos, Victor A.

2015-12-01

The infill of the Neuquén Basin recorded the Meso-Cenozoic geological and tectonic evolution of the southern Central Andes being an excellent site to investigate how the pattern of detrital zircon ages varies trough time. In this work we analyze the U-Pb (LA-MC-ICP-MS) zircon ages from sedimentary and volcanic rocks related to synrift and retroarc stages of the northern part of the Neuquén Basin. These data define the crystallization age of the synrift volcanism at 223 ± 2 Ma (Cerro Negro Andesite) and the maximum depositional age of the original synrift sediments at ca. 204 Ma (El Freno Formation). Two different pulses of rifting could be recognized according to the absolute ages, the oldest developed during the Norian and the younger during the Rhaetian-Sinemurian. The source regions of the El Freno Formation show that the Choiyoi magmatic province was the main source rock of sediment supply. An important amount of detrital zircons with Triassic ages was identified and interpreted as a source area related to the synrift magmatism. The maximum depositional age calculated for the Tordillo Formation in the Atuel-La Valenciana depocenter is at ca. 149 Ma; as well as in other places of the Neuquén Basin, the U-Pb ages calculated in the Late Jurassic Tordillo Formation do not agree with the absolute age of the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian boundary (ca. 152 Ma). The main source region of sediment in the Tordillo Formation was the Andean magmatic arc. Basement regions were also present with age peaks at the Carboniferous, Neoproterozoic, and Mesoproterozoic; these regions were probably located to the east in the San Rafael Block. The pattern of zircon ages summarized for the Late Jurassic Tordillo and Lagunillas formations were interpreted as a record of the magmatic activity during the Triassic and Jurassic in the southern Central Andes. A waning of the magmatism is inferred to have happened during the Triassic. The evident lack of ages observed around ca. 200 Ma suggests cessation of the synrift magmatism. The later increase in magmatic activity during the Early Jurassic is attributed to the onset of Andean subduction, with maximum peaks at ca. 191 and 179 Ma. The trough at ca. 165 Ma and the later increase in the Late Jurassic could be explained by changes in the relative convergence rate in the Andean subduction regime, or by the shift to a more mafic composition of the magmatism with minor zircon fertility.

Longitudinal predictors of aerobic performance in adolescent soccer players.

PubMed

Valente-dos-Santos, João; Coelho-e-Silva, Manuel J; Duarte, João; Figueiredo, António J; Liparotti, João R; Sherar, Lauren B; Elferink-Gemser, Marije T; Malina, Robert M

2012-01-01

The importance of aerobic performance in youth soccer is well established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contributions of chronological age (CA), skeletal age (SA), body size, and training to the longitudinal development of aerobic performance in youth male soccer players aged 10 to 18 years. Players (n=83) were annually followed up during 5 years, resulting in an average of 4.4 observations per player. Decimal CA was calculated, and SA, stature, body weight, and aerobic performance were measured once per year. Fat-free mass (FFM) was estimated from age- and gender-specific anthropometric formulas, and annual volume training was recorded. After testing for multicollinearity, multilevel regression modeling was used to analyze the longitudinal data aligned by CA and SA (Model 1 and 2, respectively) and to develop aerobic performance scores. The following equations provide estimations of the aerobic performance for young soccer players: ŷ(Model 1 [deviance from the null model =388.50; P<0.01]) =57.75+9.06×centered CA-0.57×centered CA(2)+0.03×annual volume training and ŷ(Model 2 [deviance from the null model=327.98; P<0.01])=13.03+4.04×centered SA-0.12×centered SA(2)+0.99×FFM+0.03×annual volume training. The development of aerobic performance in young soccer players was found to be significantly related to CA, biological development, and volume of training.

Endurance training and maximal oxygen consumption with ageing: Role of maximal cardiac output and oxygen extraction.

PubMed

Montero, David; Díaz-Cañestro, Candela

2016-05-01

The increase in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) with endurance training is associated with that of maximal cardiac output (Qmax), but not oxygen extraction, in young individuals. Whether such a relationship is altered with ageing remains unclear. Therefore, we sought systematically to review and determine the effect of endurance training on and the associations among VO2max, Qmax and arteriovenous oxygen difference at maximal exercise (Ca-vO2max) in healthy aged individuals. We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science, from their inceptions until May 2015 for articles assessing the effect of endurance training lasting 3 weeks or longer on VO2max and Qmax and/or Ca-vO2max in healthy middle-aged and/or older individuals (mean age ≥40 years). Meta-analyses were performed to determine the standardised mean difference (SMD) in VO2max, Qmax and Ca-vO2max between post and pre-training measurements. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations among SMDs and potential moderating factors. Sixteen studies were included after systematic review, comprising a total of 153 primarily untrained healthy middle-aged and older subjects (mean age 42-71 years). Endurance training programmes ranged from 8 to 52 weeks of duration. After data pooling, VO2max (SMD 0.89; P < 0.0001) and Qmax (SMD 0.61; P < 0.0001) were increased after endurance training; no heterogeneity among studies was detected. Ca-vO2max was only increased with endurance training interventions lasting more than 12 weeks (SMD 0.62; P = 0.001). In meta-regression, the SMD in Qmax was positively associated with the SMD in VO2max (B = 0.79, P = 0.04). The SMD in Ca-vO2max was not associated with the SMD in VO2max (B = 0.09, P = 0.84). The improvement in VO2max following endurance training is a linear function of Qmax, but not Ca-vO2max, through healthy ageing. © The European Society of Cardiology 2015.

Metals in bones of the middle-aged inhabitants of Sardinia island (Italy) to assess nutrition and environmental exposure.

PubMed

Bocca, Beatrice; Forte, Giovanni; Giuffra, Valentina; Serra, Rita Maria; Asara, Yolande; Farace, Cristiano; Milanese, Marco; Tognotti, Eugenia; Montella, Andrea; Bandiera, Pasquale; Madeddu, Roberto

2018-03-01

Metals in bones of 72 subjects lived between the twelfth and eighteenth century AC and collected in four Sardinian (Italian insular region) burial sites (Alghero, Bisarcio, Geridu, and Sassari) were determined and used as biomarkers to evaluate diet and potential social-environmental differences. Concentrations of Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sr, and Zn were quantified in different types of compact bone (femur, fibula, humerus, radius, tibia, ulna) by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry previous acidic digestion and differences among the various burial sites, centuries, types of bone, gender, and age were explored by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results indicated differences between sites in terms of diet: Bisarcio (inland village) had increased ratios of Ba/Ca and Zn/Ca due to higher incidence of vegetables, cereals, and animal foods in the diet; Geridu (coastal village) showed increased Sr/Ca ratio indicating foods of plant and marine origin that were predominant; Alghero (coastal site) and Sassari (inland site) displayed prevalently a mixed diet reflecting a higher economy and food imports. In addition, these latter sites showed increased levels of Hg/Ca (fish, drugs, cosmetics) and Pb/Ca (coins, utensils, pipeline for water). In conclusion, the elemental Ba/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Zn/Ca ratios were indicative of provenance and diet, while Hg/Ca and Pb/Ca ratios were associated to various forms of environmental exposure.

Age and height distribution of holocene transgressive deposits in eastern North Island, New Zealand

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ota, Y.; Berryman, K.R.; Hull, A.G.; Miyauchi, T.; Iso, N.

1988-01-01

Holocene transgressive deposits are frequently exposed near the present-day coastline of the study area along eastern North Island, New Zealand. They occur in sites of former estuaries that were filled during the postglacial rise in sea level. We present one hundred radiocarbon dates of Holocene transgressive deposits from the study area, ranging in age from ca. 10,000 to 5500 yr B.P. Relative sea level curves up to ca. 6000 yr B.P. were reconstructed for six locations. The curves have similar slopes prior to about 7000 yr B.P., indicating that sea level rise was much more rapid than any tectonic uplift at that time. The postglacial rise in sea level in New Zealand is considered, in general, to have culminated at about 6500 yr B.P. but the upper limit ages of transgressive deposits in our study area vary from ca. 5500 to 7000 yr B.P. At sites where the uplift rate is high the postglacial transgression culminated rather earlier than ca. 6500 yr B.P., and at sites where there is subsidence or there is very low uplift the culmination is later than ca. 6500 yr B.P. Nine of fourteen dates from fossil trees in growth position, that grew in and were buried by estuarine silt, cluster in the age range ca. 8000-8400 yr B.P. These data support the view that there was a minor regression or stillstand in the eustatic sea level rise at that time. Eleven tectonic subregions are recognized in the study area on the basis of average uplift rate. Most of these subregions coincide with those established from the number and ages of younger Holocene marine terraces of probable coseismic origin. ?? 1988.

Detection of kobuvirus RNA in Japanese domestic dogs.

PubMed

Soma, Takehisa; Matsubayashi, Makoto; Sasai, Kazumi

2016-12-01

To investigate whether kokuvirus is present in Japanese dogs, we examined the fecal samples obtained from 94 diarrheal household dogs and 50 clinically healthy kenneled dogs by RT-PCR. The gene was detected in 37.2% and 48.0% in the former and the latter, respectively, suggesting that canine kobuvirus (CaKoV) is circulating among Japanese dogs. From the result of the latter, however, CaKoV may not be a primary pathogen. Furthermore, all gene-positive dogs were purebreds aged four months or younger. This finding suggests that CaKoV endemic is confined in multi-dog environments, and the dogs have a strong age-dependent resistance to CaKoV.

76 FR 21387 - Federal Property Suitable as Facilities To Assist the Homeless

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-15

... GSA Number: 4-G-WV-0557 Comments: 57,600 sq. ft; future owners must maintain exposure prevention... Number: 9-N-CA-1508-AI Comments: Correction: 631.62 sq. ft., encroachment. Parcel F-4 Right of Way Seal...

U-Pb and Lu-Hf zircon geochronology of the Cañadón Asfalto Basin, Chubut, Argentina: Implications for the magmatic evolution in central Patagonia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauser, N.; Cabaleri, N. G.; Gallego, O. F.; Monferran, M. D.; Silva Nieto, D.; Armella, C.; Matteini, M.; Aparicio González, P. A.; Pimentel, M. M.; Volkheimer, W.; Reimold, W. U.

2017-10-01

The Cañadón Asfalto basin, central Chubut, Argentina, comprises a volcano-sedimentary sequence related to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean during Mesozoic times. The Lonco Trapial, Cañadón Asfalto and Cañadón Calcáreo formations are the main units related to the evolution of this basin. The Las Chacritas and Puesto Almada members are distinguished in the Cañadón Asfalto Formation. LA-HR-ICP-MS U-Pb and Lu-Hf data on zircon were obtained on these units. The Lonco Trapial Formation gave a weighted average age of 172.3 ± 1.8 Ma. A pyroclastic level from the Las Chacritas Member gave a weighted average age of 168.2 ± 2.2 Ma. Two U-Pb concordant ages of 160.3 ± 1.7 Ma on a laminated tuffite and 158.3 ± 1.3 Ma on a pyroclastic level were obtained for the Puesto Almada Member. Two maximum depositional ages constrain the sedimentary provenance areas for the basin: 1) A sample from the Sierra de la Manea range, where a controversial unit related either to the Cañadón Asfalto or to the Cañadón Calcáreo formation occurs, gave an age of 176.6 ± 1.0 Ma. Two younger zircon crystals indicate that this unit may be related to the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation. 2) A sandstone with cross-stratification from the Puesto Almada Member gave a maximum depositional age of 173.6 ± 6.4 Ma. In terms of U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopes, two magmatic events are identified in central Patagonia: the Mamil Choique magmatic event characterized by negative εHf values around -5.0 and representing recycling during Permian times of Mesoproterozoic crust (TDM of ∼1.5 Ga), and the Cañadón Asfalto magmatic event with negative (-8.2) to positive (+4) εHf values and Meso- to Neoproterozoic TDM between 1.5 and 0.8 Ga. The younger event is characterized by three main cycles: C1 related to the Lonco Trapial magmatism, C2 to the Las Chacritas volcanism, and C3 to the Puesto Almada volcanism. These cycles are related with Marifil, Chon Aike and El Quemado formations volcanics events of Patagonia and the Neuquén Basin during the Mesozoic.

Biochemical and developmental characterization of carbonic anhydrase II from chicken erythrocytes.

PubMed

Nishita, Toshiho; Tomita, Yuichiro; Imanari, Takao; Ichihara, Nobutsune; Orito, Kensuke; Arishima, Kazuyoshi

2011-03-07

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) of the chicken has attracted attention for a long time because it has an important role in the eggshell formation. The developmental profile of CA-II isozyme levels in chicken erythrocytes has not been determined or reported. Furthermore, the relations with CA-II in erythrocyte and egg production are not discussed. In the present study, we isolated CA-II from erythrocytes of chickens and determined age-related changes of CA-II levels in erythrocytes. Chicken CA-II was purified by a combination of column chromatography. The levels of CA-II in the hemolysate of the chicken were determined using the ELISA system in blood samples from 279 female chickens, ages 1 to 93 weeks, 69 male chickens, ages 3 to 59 weeks and 52 weeks female Araucana-chickens. The mean concentration of CA-II in hemolysate from 1-week-old female was 50.8 ± 11.9 mg/g of Hb. The mean levels of CA-II in 25-week-old (188.1 ± 82.6 mg/g of Hb), 31-week-old (193.6 ± 69.7 mg/g of Hb) and 49-week-old (203.8 ± 123.5 mg/g of Hb) female-chickens showed the highest level of CA-II. The levels of CA-II in female WL-chickens significantly decreased at 63 week (139.0 ± 19.3 mg/g of Hb). The levels of CA-II in female WL-chicken did not change from week 63 until week 93.The mean level of CA-II in hemolysate of 3-week-old male WL-chickens was 78.3 ± 20.7 mg/g of Hb. The levels of CA-II in male WL-chickens did not show changes in the week 3 to week 59 timeframe. The mean level of CA-II in 53-week-old female Araucana-chickens was 23.4 ± 1.78 mg/g of Hb. These levels of CA-II were about 11% of those of 49-week-old female WL-chickens. Simple linear regression analysis showed significant associations between the level of CA-II and egg laying rate from 16 week-old at 63 week-old WL-chicken (p<0.01). Developmental changes and sexual differences of CA-II concentration in WL-chicken erythrocytes were observed. The concentration of CA-II in the erythrocyte of WL-chicken was much higher than that in Araucana-chicken (p<0.01). © 2011 Nishita et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Cryptic sub-ice geology revealed by a U-Pb zircon study of glacial till in Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, Joachim; Opås, Birgitte; Elburg, Marlina; Läufer, Andreas; Estrada, Solveig; Ksienzyk, Anna K.; Damaske, Detlef; Hofmann, Mandy

2017-04-01

We have targeted the southern side of the Dronning Maud Land (DML) Mountains, East Antarctica, in search of moraine material that might reveal the presence and nature of any cryptic terranes in the ice-covered region of the East Antarctic polar plateau. Nine samples of unconsolidated glacial till, carried by the northward flowing East Antarctic Ice Sheet to the southern side of the DML escarpment, were collected and processed for U-Pb zircon analyses. The samples resulted in ca. 1100 new U-Pb zircon ages between ca. 2000 and 500 Ma. The oldest Palaeoproterozoic zircons come from the easternmost localities with a probable source region in the western part of the Ruker Craton. Major Stenian and Tonian age peaks are recognised. Tonian rocks are well known from the SW terrane in the Sør Rondane Mountains and characterise a major Tonian Oceanic Arc Super Terrane. Stenian ages of ca. 1080 Ma on the other hand are far less common in the outcropping region. Although Late Mesoproterozoic ages are common in both the Maud Province of western-central DML as well as in the Rayner Complex, the Stenian rocks in this study differ with respect to composition and/or isotope geochemistry; they are juvenile, subduction-related and resemble an early phase of oceanic arcs that was so far unknown in this region. In the W, the oldest age peak is ca. 800-720 Ma with possible counterparts in the Schirmacher Oasis. All samples show a protracted Late Neoproterozoic/Early Palaeozoic overprint, accompanied by igneous addition, most likely related to the East African-Antarctic Orogen. This overprint appears most intense in the westernmost locality, in the vicinity of the Forster Magnetic Anomaly and lasted for ca. 150 Ma; an E-ward younging of metamorphic ages is observed. The new moraine samples together with previous outcrop studies reveal that this region has undergone two major phases of oceanic arc/terrane accretion; the first one from ca. 1100-900 Ma is probably related to accretion tectonics outboard of Rodinia, the second one from ca. 850 - 580 Ma occurred as a result of ocean closure and finally Gondwana amalgamation.

Influence of depression, anxiety and stress on cognitive performance in community-dwelling older adults living in rural Ecuador: results of the Atahualpa Project.

PubMed

Del Brutto, Oscar H; Mera, Robertino M; Del Brutto, Victor J; Maestre, Gladys E; Gardener, Hannah; Zambrano, Mauricio; Wright, Clinton B

2015-04-01

To assess the relationship between cognitive status and self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress of older adults living in an underserved rural South American population. Community-dwelling Atahualpa residents aged ≥60 years were identified during a door-to-door census, and evaluated with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). We explored whether positivity in each of the DASS-21 axes was related to total and domain-specific MoCA performance after adjustment for age, sex and education. A total of 280 persons (59% women; mean age, mean age 70 ± 8 years) were included. Based on established cut-offs for the DASS-21, 12% persons had depression, 15% had anxiety and 5% had stress. Mean total MoCA scores were significantly lower for depressed than for not depressed individuals (15.9 ± 5.5 vs 18.9 ± 4.4, P < 0.0001). Depressed participants had significantly lower total and domain-specific MoCA scores for abstraction, short-term memory and orientation. Anxiety was related to significantly lower total MoCA scores (17 ± 4.7 vs 18.8 ± 4.5, P = 0.02), but not to differences in domain-specific MoCA scores. Stress was not associated with significant differences in MoCA scores. The present study suggests that depression and anxiety are associated with poorer cognitive performance in elderly residents living in rural areas of developing countries. © 2014 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Molecular dynamics simulation, ab initio calculation, and size-selected anion photoelectron spectroscopy study of initial hydration processes of calcium chloride.

PubMed

He, Zhili; Feng, Gang; Yang, Bin; Yang, Lijiang; Liu, Cheng-Wen; Xu, Hong-Guang; Xu, Xi-Ling; Zheng, Wei-Jun; Gao, Yi Qin

2018-06-14

To understand the initial hydration processes of CaCl 2 , we performed molecular simulations employing the force field based on the theory of electronic continuum correction with rescaling. Integrated tempering sampling molecular dynamics were combined with ab initio calculations to overcome the sampling challenge in cluster structure search and refinement. The calculated vertical detachment energies of CaCl 2 (H 2 O) n - (n = 0-8) were compared with the values obtained from photoelectron spectra, and consistency was found between the experiment and computation. Separation of the Cl-Ca ion pair is investigated in CaCl 2 (H 2 O) n - anions, where the first Ca-Cl ionic bond required 4 water molecules, and both Ca-Cl bonds are broken when the number of water molecules is larger than 7. For neutral CaCl 2 (H 2 O) n clusters, breaking of the first Ca-Cl bond starts at n = 5, and 8 water molecules are not enough to separate the two ion pairs. Comparing with the observations on magnesium chloride, it shows that separating one ion pair in CaCl 2 (H 2 O) n requires fewer water molecules than those for MgCl 2 (H 2 O) n . Coincidentally, the solubility of calcium chloride is higher than that of magnesium chloride in bulk solutions.

Acute Seizures in Old Age Leads to a Greater Loss of CA1 Pyramidal Neurons, an Increased Propensity for Developing Chronic TLE and a Severe Cognitive Dysfunction.

PubMed

Hattiangady, Bharathi; Kuruba, Ramkumar; Shetty, Ashok K

2011-02-01

The aged population displays an enhanced risk for developing acute seizure (AS) activity. However, it is unclear whether AS activity in old age would result in a greater magnitude of hippocampal neurodegeneration and inflammation, and an increased predilection for developing chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, we addressed these issues in young-adult (5-months old) and aged (22-months old) F344 rats after three-hours of AS activity, induced through graded intraperitoneal injections of kainic acid (KA), and terminated through a diazepam injection. During the three-hours of AS activity, both young adult and aged groups exhibited similar numbers of stage-V motor seizures but the numbers of stage-IV motor seizures were greater in the aged group. In both age groups, three-hour AS activity induced degeneration of 50-55% of neurons in the dentate hilus, 22-32% of neurons in the granule cell layer and 49-52% neurons in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer without showing any interaction between the age and AS activity. However, degeneration of neurons in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer showed a clear interaction between the age and AS activity (12% in the young adult group and 56% in the aged group), suggesting that an advanced age makes the CA1 pyramidal neurons more susceptible to die with AS activity. The extent of inflammation measured through the numbers of activated microglial cells was similar between the two age groups. Interestingly, the predisposition for developing chronic TLE at 2-3 months after AS activity was 60% for young adult rats but 100% for aged rats. Moreover, both frequency & intensity of spontaneous recurrent seizures in the chronic phase after AS activity were 6-12 folds greater in aged rats than in young adult rats. Furthermore, aged rats lost their ability for spatial learning even in a scrupulous eleven-session water maze learning paradigm after AS activity, in divergence from young adult rats which retained the ability for spatial learning but had memory retrieval dysfunction after AS activity. Thus, AS activity in old age results in a greater loss of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, an increased propensity for developing robust chronic TLE, and a severe cognitive dysfunction.

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Vadose Zone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, M. D.; Nichols, W. E.; Ali, A.

2017-10-30

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, and DOE M 435.1 Chg 1, Radioactive Waste Management Manual, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems;more » or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions, or assessment needs, if potential problems are identified.« less

The role of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound in patients with adnexal masses.

PubMed

Sohaib, S A; Mills, T D; Sahdev, A; Webb, J A W; Vantrappen, P O; Jacobs, I J; Reznek, R H

2005-03-01

To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterizing adnexal masses, and to determine which patients may benefit from MRI. We prospectively studied 72 women (mean age 53 years, range 19 to 86 years) with clinically suspected adnexal masses. A single experienced sonographer performed transabdominal and transvaginal greyscale spectral and colour Doppler examinations. MRI was carried out on a 1.5T system using T1, T2 and fat-suppressed T1-weighted sequences before and after intravenous injection of gadolinium. The adnexal masses were categorized as benign or malignant without knowledge of clinical details, according to the imaging features which were compared with the surgical and pathological findings. For characterizing lesions as malignant, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI were 96.6%, 83.7% and 88.9%, respectively, and of US were 100%, 39.5% and 63.9%, respectively. MRI was more specific (p<0.05) than US. Both MRI and US correctly diagnosed 17 (24%) cases with benign and 28 (39%) cases with malignant masses. MRI correctly diagnosed 19 (26%) cases with benign lesion(s), which on US were thought to be malignant. The age, menopausal status and CA-125 levels in these women made benign disease likely, but US features were suggestive of malignancy (large masses and solid-cystic lesions with nodules). MRI is more specific and accurate than US and Doppler assessment for characterizing adnexal masses. Women who clinically have a relatively low risk of malignancy but who have complex sonographic features may benefit from MRI.

Empirical calibration of the near-infrared CaII triplet - IV. The stellar population synthesis models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vazdekis, A.; Cenarro, A. J.; Gorgas, J.; Cardiel, N.; Peletier, R. F.

2003-04-01

We present a new evolutionary stellar population synthesis model, which predicts spectral energy distributions for single-age single-metallicity stellar populations (SSPs) at resolution 1.5 Å (FWHM) in the spectral region of the near-infrared CaII triplet feature. The main ingredient of the model is a new extensive empirical stellar spectral library that has been recently presented by Cenarro et al., which is composed of more than 600 stars with an unprecedented coverage of the stellar atmospheric parameters. Two main products of interest for stellar population analysis are presented. The first is a spectral library for SSPs with metallicities -1.7 < [Fe/H] < +0.2, a large range of ages (0.1-18 Gyr) and initial mass function (IMF) types. They are well suited to modelling galaxy data, since the SSP spectra, with flux-calibrated response curves, can be smoothed to the resolution of the observational data, taking into account the internal velocity dispersion of the galaxy, allowing the user to analyse the observed spectrum in its own system. We also produce integrated absorption-line indices (namely CaT*, CaT and PaT) for the same SSPs in the form of equivalent widths. We find the following behaviour for the CaII triplet feature in old-aged SSPs: (i) the strength of the CaT* index does not change much with time for all metallicities for ages larger than ~3 Gyr; (ii) this index shows a strong dependence on metallicity for values below [M/H]~-0.5 and (iii) for larger metallicities this feature does not show a significant dependence either on age or on the metallicity, being more sensitive to changes in the slope of power-like IMF shapes. The SSP spectra have been calibrated with measurements for globular clusters by Armandroff & Zinn, which are well reproduced, probing the validity of using the integrated CaII triplet feature for determining the metallicities of these systems. Fitting the models to two early-type galaxies of different luminosities (NGC 4478 and 4365), we find that the CaII triplet measurements cannot be fitted unless a very dwarf-dominated IMF is imposed, or if the Ca abundance is even lower than the Fe abundance. More details can be found in work by Cenarro et al.

Risk Analysis of Prostate Cancer in PRACTICAL, a Multinational Consortium, Using 25 Known Prostate Cancer Susceptibility Loci

PubMed Central

Amin Al Olama, Ali; Benlloch, Sara; Antoniou, Antonis C.; Zeigler-Johnson, Charnita; Stephenson, Robert; Cox, Angela; Southey, Melissa C.; Spurdle, Amanda B.; FitzGerald, Liesel; Leongamornlert, Daniel; Saunders, Edward; Tymrakiewicz, Malgorzata; Guy, Michelle; Dadaev, Tokhir; Little, Sarah J.; Govindasami, Koveela; Sawyer, Emma; Wilkinson, Rosemary; Herkommer, Kathleen; Hopper, John L.; Lophatonanon, Aritaya; Rinckleb, Antje E.; Kote-Jarai, Zsofia; Eeles, Rosalind A.; Easton, Douglas F.

2015-01-01

Background Genome-wide association studies have identified multiple genetic variants associated with prostate cancer (PrCa) risk which explain a substantial proportion of familial relative risk. These variants can be used to stratify individuals by their risk of PrCa. Methods We genotyped 25 PrCa susceptibility loci in 40,414 individuals and derived a polygenic risk score (PRS). We estimated empirical Odds Ratios for PrCa associated with different risk strata defined by PRS and derived age-specific absolute risks of developing PrCa by PRS stratum and family history. Results The PrCa risk for men in the top 1% of the PRS distribution was 30.6 (95% CI 16.4-57.3) fold compared with men in the bottom 1%, and 4.2 (95% CI 3.2-5.5) fold compared with the median risk. The absolute risk of PrCa by age 85 was 65.8% for a man with family history in the top 1% of the PRS distribution, compared with 3.7% for a man in the bottom 1%. The PRS was only weakly correlated with serum PSA level (correlation=0.09). Conclusions Risk profiling can identify men at substantially increased or reduced risk of PrCa. The effect size, measured by OR per unit PRS, was higher in men at younger ages and in men with family history of PrCa. Incorporating additional newly identified loci into a PRS should improve the predictive value of risk profiles. Impact We demonstrate that the risk profiling based on SNPs can identify men at substantially increased or reduced risk that could have useful implications for targeted prevention and screening programs. PMID:25837820

Reassessment of Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic basin sediments of Arizona: Implications for tectonic growth of southern Laurentia and global tectonic configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doe, Michael Frederick

Proterozoic crustal provinces that underlie much of the United States record prolonged southward growth of the North American craton (Laurentia) between ca. 1.8 and 1.0 Ga. Exposures throughout central Arizona's Tonto Basin represent multiple generations of sedimentary basins formed during Proterozoic accretion. Metasedimentary rocks sampled across Tonto Basin resulted have identified remnants of a previously undated but potentially widespread Mesoproterozoic basin called the Yankee Joe Basin. Sediments of Yankee Joe Basin are particularly interesting because they have depositional age's ca. 200 m.y. younger than previously thought and because they are rich in detrital zircons with ages between 1.6-1.48 Ga, a time period not widely represented in the igneous record of Laurentia. Metasedimentary rocks with similar age and provenance are found in northern New Mexico and in the lower parts of the Belt Supergroup in northern Idaho, Montana, and Canada. Zircon ages and Hf isotopic characteristics suggest the distinctive 1.6-1.48 Ga grains might have been derived from non-Laurentian sources, most likely one or more formerly adjacent cratons such as north Australia. Circa 1.48-1.43 Ga units in the Yankee Joe Basin rest disconformably on Paleoproterozoic quartzite, and all were deformed together during northwest-directed foreland-style thrusting. This event was previously interpreted to represent the ca. 1.66-1.60 Ga Mazatzal orogeny. However, new findings challenge this view and suggest a major deformation event occurred ca. 1.47-1.45 Ga, possibly representing the Picuris orogeny as recently described in northern New Mexico. Regional thrust faulting during the Mesoproterozoic might have unroofed and removed significant portions of the Yankee Joe section, potentially shedding detritus north from the thrust front into the upper parts of the Belt-Purcell basin. Detrital zircon ages and hafnium isotope compositions provide a critical test of sediment provenance and depositional age and were used to reassess sedimentary age and sources multiple Proterozoic unconformity-bound metasedimentary successions exposed across Arizona. These successions represent a series of ca. 1.75 to 1.3 Ga basins that span the Proterozoic accretionary provinces of southwestern Laurentia, representing key elements in the tectonic evolution of the continental margin. The ca. 1.75 Ga Vishnu Schist contains a bimodal detrital zircon age distribution with prominent Archean (2.5 Ga) and Early Paleoproterozoic (1.8 Ga) populations and minor juvenile 1.75 Ga input. The predominance of 3.3-1.8 Ga detrital zircon ages and initial epsilon Hf (epsilonHf) values of +4 to -13 in both detrital grains of the Vishnu Schist and xenocrystic grains in plutons from cross-cutting plutons suggests the Vishnu Schist was derived primarily from recycling of the Mojave and other older basement provinces, possibly including one or more outboard cratons. In contrast, the ca. 1.74-1.72 Ga Jerome and ca. 1.72 Ga Alder successions of central Arizona, show a marked shift to strongly unimodal detrital zircon age distributions with initial epsilonHf values ranging from +13 to -5, generally more positive and near-juvenile. Cross-cutting ca. 1.74-1.72 Ga plutons that intrude these rocks also have largely juvenile Hf isotopic signatures. The prominent ca. 1.73 Ga age peaks and relatively juvenile epsilonHf values of detrital grains and plutons are consistent with first-cycle sediment derived from local arc systems formed during progressive assembly of the Yavapai province with the older Mojave province. The ca.1.66-1.63 Ga Mazatzal succession is more compositionally mature and contains broader unimodal detrital zircon age spectra, interpreted to represent increasing regional crustal recycling following the culmination of the Yavapai orogeny. In the northern Tonto Basin, detrital zircon age populations from similar looking quartzite and shale successions were used to develop new regional correlations. First, the Houdon Quartzite of the Alder Group was correlated to the Pine Creek Conglomerate. Second, the Mazatzal Group that unconformably overlies the Alder Group, was found to be deposited ca. 1631 +/- 22 Ma, consistent with the White Ledges Formation and the quartzite succession at Four Peaks. Third, a new detrial zircon population collected from the upper part of the argillaceous section in the core of the Four Peaks synform yield ages between 1591-1560 Ma suggesting this section is correlative to the Yankee Joe Formation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Preserved function of the plasma membrane calcium pump of red blood cells from diabetic subjects with high levels of glycated haemoglobin.

PubMed

Bookchin, Robert M; Etzion, Zipora; Lew, Virgilio L; Tiffert, Teresa

2009-03-01

The activity of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-pump decreases steeply throughout the 120 days lifespan of normal human red blood cells. Experiments with isolated membrane preparations showed that glycation of a lysine residue near the catalytic site of the pump ATPase had a powerful inhibitory effect. This prompted the question of whether glycation is the mechanism of age-related decline in pump activity in vivo. It is important to investigate this mechanism because the Ca(2+) pump is a major regulator of Ca(2+) homeostasis in all cells. Its impaired activity in diabetic patients, continuously exposed to high glycation rates, may thus contribute to varied tissue pathology in this disease. We measured Ca(2+)-pump activity as a function of red cell age in red cells from diabetics continuously exposed to high glucose concentrations, as documented by their high mean levels of glycated haemoglobin. The distribution of Ca(2+)-pump activities was indistinguishable from that in non-diabetics, and the pattern of activity decline with cell age in the diabetics' red cells was identical to that observed in red cells from non-diabetics. These results indicate that in intact cells the Ca(2+) pump is protected from glycation-induced inactivation.

Astronomical calibration of 40Ar/39Ar reference minerals using high-precision, multi-collector (ARGUSVI) mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, D.; Matchan, E. L.; Honda, M.; Kuiper, K. F.

2017-01-01

The new generation of multi-collector mass spectrometers (e.g. ARGUSVI) permit ultra-high precision (<0.1%) 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of rocks and minerals. At the same time, the 40Ar/39Ar method is limited by relatively large uncertainties (>1%) in 40K decay constants and the ages of natural reference minerals that form the basis of the technique. For example, reported ages for widely used 40Ar/39Ar reference materials, such as the ca. 28 Ma Fish Canyon Tuff sanidine (FCTs) and the ca. 1.2 Ma Alder Creek Rhyolite sanidine (ACRs), vary by >1%. Recent attempts to independently calibrate these reference minerals have focused on K-Ar analyses of the same minerals and inter-comparisons with astronomically tuned tephras in sedimentary sequences and U-Pb zircon ages from volcanic rocks. Most of these studies used older generation (effectively single-collector) mass spectrometers that employed peak-jumping analytical methods to acquire 40Ar/39Ar data. In this study, we reassess the inter-calibration and ages of commonly used 40Ar/39Ar reference minerals Fish Canyon Tuff sanidine (FCTs), Alder Creek Rhyolite sanidine (ACRs) and Mount Dromedary biotite (MD2b; equivalent to GA-1550 biotite), relative to the astronomically tuned age of A1 Tephra sanidine (A1Ts), Faneromeni section, Crete (Rivera et al., 2011), using a multi-collector ARGUSVI mass spectrometer. These analyses confirm the exceptional precision capability (<0.1%) of this system, compared to most previous studies. All sanidine samples (FCTs, ACRs and A1Ts) exhibit discordant 40Ar/39Ar step-heating spectra, with generally monotonically increasing ages (∼1% gradients). The similarity in these patterns, mass-dependent fractionation modeling, and results from step-crushing experiments on FCTs, which yield younger apparent ages, suggest that the discordance may be due to a combination of recoil loss and redistribution of 39ArK and isotope mass fractionation. In contrast to our previous inferences, these results imply that the sanidine samples are suitable 40Ar/39Ar reference materials, provided appropriate corrections are included for differential recoil loss of 39ArK and contributions from xenocrysts/antecrysts can be resolved. Relative to an age of 6.943 ± 0.005 Ma for A1Ts, we calculate astronomically tuned ages for FCTs, ACRs and MD2b of 28.126 ± 0.019 (0.066%) Ma, 1.18144 ± 0.00068 (0.058%) Ma and 99.125 ± 0.076 (0.077%) Ma, respectively (95% internal errors). These results are consistent with recent 238U/206Pb age data from these localities, but are marginally younger (∼0.2%) than previous 40Ar/39Ar ages inter-calibrated with astronomically tuned tephra from the Mediterranean, and distinctly younger (0.6%) than results optimized against a broad array of 238U/206Pb zircon ages. Consideration of published and assumed recoil loss 39ArK proportions (0.18-0.40%), yields recoil-corrected age estimates of 28.187 ± 0.019 Ma, 1.18404 ± 0.00068 Ma and 99.204 ± 0.076 Ma, respectively. This comparison indicates inherent uncertainties of >0.1% in the 40Ar/39Ar ages of reference minerals without consideration of recoil artefacts, thus limiting the benefits of high precision multi-collector analyses. Significant improvement to the accuracy of the 40Ar/39Ar method (<0.1%) will require further inter-laboratory 40Ar/39Ar studies utilizing multi-collector mass spectrometry, additional constraints on recoil 39ArK loss from reference minerals, further resolution of discrepancies between astronomically tuned sedimentary successions and refinement of the 238U/206Pb zircon age cross-calibration approach.

Contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content in type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres in active aged humans

PubMed Central

Lamboley, C R; Wyckelsma, V L; Dutka, T L; McKenna, M J; Murphy, R M; Lamb, G D

2015-01-01

This study examined the contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content in mechanically skinned vastus lateralis muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) humans to investigate whether changes in muscle fibre properties contribute to muscle weakness in old age. In type II fibres of Old subjects, specific force was reduced by ∼17% and Ca2+ sensitivity was also reduced (pCa50 decreased ∼0.05 pCa units) relative to that in Young. S-Glutathionylation of fast troponin I (TnIf) markedly increased Ca2+ sensitivity in type II fibres, but the increase was significantly smaller in Old versus Young (+0.136 and +0.164 pCa unit increases, respectively). Endogenous and maximal SR Ca2+ content were significantly smaller in both type I and type II fibres in Old subjects. In fibres of Young, the SR could be nearly fully depleted of Ca2+ by a combined caffeine and low Mg2+ stimulus, whereas in fibres of Old the amount of non-releasable Ca2+ was significantly increased (by > 12% of endogenous Ca2+ content). Western blotting showed an increased proportion of type I fibres in Old subjects, and increased amounts of calsequestrin-2 and calsequestrin-like protein. The findings suggest that muscle weakness in old age is probably attributable in part to (i) an increased proportion of type I fibres, (ii) a reduction in both maximum specific force and Ca2+ sensitivity in type II fibres, and also a decreased ability of S-glutathionylation of TnIf to counter the fatiguing effects of metabolites on Ca2+ sensitivity, and (iii) a reduction in the amount of releasable SR Ca2+ in both fibre types. Key points Muscle weakness in old age is due in large part to an overall loss of skeletal muscle tissue, but it remains uncertain how much also stems from alterations in the properties of the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and amount of stored intracellular calcium in single muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) adults. The maximum level of force production (per unit cross-sectional area) in fast twitch fibres in Old subjects was lower than in Young subjects, and the fibres were also less sensitive to activation by calcium. The amount of calcium stored inside muscle fibres and available to trigger contraction was also lower in both fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres in the Old subjects. These findings indicate that muscle weakness in old age stems in part from an impaired capacity for force production in the individual muscle fibres. PMID:25809942

Contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content in type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres in active aged humans.

PubMed

Lamboley, C R; Wyckelsma, V L; Dutka, T L; McKenna, M J; Murphy, R M; Lamb, G D

2015-06-01

Muscle weakness in old age is due in large part to an overall loss of skeletal muscle tissue, but it remains uncertain how much also stems from alterations in the properties of the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and amount of stored intracellular calcium in single muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) adults. The maximum level of force production (per unit cross-sectional area) in fast twitch fibres in Old subjects was lower than in Young subjects, and the fibres were also less sensitive to activation by calcium. The amount of calcium stored inside muscle fibres and available to trigger contraction was also lower in both fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres in the Old subjects. These findings indicate that muscle weakness in old age stems in part from an impaired capacity for force production in the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content in mechanically skinned vastus lateralis muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) humans to investigate whether changes in muscle fibre properties contribute to muscle weakness in old age. In type II fibres of Old subjects, specific force was reduced by ∼17% and Ca(2+) sensitivity was also reduced (pCa50 decreased ∼0.05 pCa units) relative to that in Young. S-Glutathionylation of fast troponin I (TnIf ) markedly increased Ca(2+) sensitivity in type II fibres, but the increase was significantly smaller in Old versus Young (+0.136 and +0.164 pCa unit increases, respectively). Endogenous and maximal SR Ca(2+) content were significantly smaller in both type I and type II fibres in Old subjects. In fibres of Young, the SR could be nearly fully depleted of Ca(2+) by a combined caffeine and low Mg(2+) stimulus, whereas in fibres of Old the amount of non-releasable Ca(2+) was significantly increased (by > 12% of endogenous Ca(2+) content). Western blotting showed an increased proportion of type I fibres in Old subjects, and increased amounts of calsequestrin-2 and calsequestrin-like protein. The findings suggest that muscle weakness in old age is probably attributable in part to (i) an increased proportion of type I fibres, (ii) a reduction in both maximum specific force and Ca(2+) sensitivity in type II fibres, and also a decreased ability of S-glutathionylation of TnIf to counter the fatiguing effects of metabolites on Ca(2+) sensitivity, and (iii) a reduction in the amount of releasable SR Ca(2+) in both fibre types. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2015 The Physiological Society.

Early Mesozoic paleogeography and tectonic evolution of the western United States: Insights from detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology, Blue Mountains Province, northeastern Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

LaMaskin, Todd A.; Vervoort, J.D.; Dorsey, R.J.; Wright, J.E.

2011-01-01

This study assesses early Mesozoic provenance linkages and paleogeographic-tectonic models for the western United States based on new petrographic and detrital zircon data from Triassic and Jurassic sandstones of the "Izee" and Olds Ferry terranes of the Blue Mountains Province, northeastern Oregon. Triassic sediments were likely derived from the Baker terrane offshore accretionary subduction complex and are dominated by Late Archean (ca. 2.7-2.5 Ga), Late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.2-1.6 Ga), and Paleozoic (ca. 380-255 Ma) detrital zircon grains. These detrital ages suggest that portions of the Baker terrane have a genetic affinity with other Cordilleran accretionary subduction complexes of the western United States, including those in the Northern Sierra and Eastern Klamath terranes. The abundance of Precambrian grains in detritus derived from an offshore complex highlights the importance of sediment reworking. Jurassic sediments are dominated by Mesozoic detrital ages (ca. 230-160 Ma), contain significant amounts of Paleozoic (ca. 290, 380-350, 480-415 Ma), Neoproterozoic (ca. 675-575 Ma), and Mesoproterozoic grains (ca. 1.4-1.0 Ga), and have lesser quantities of Late Paleoproterozoic grains (ca. 2.1-1.7 Ga). Detrital zircon ages in Jurassic sediments closely resemble well-documented age distributions in transcontinental sands of Ouachita-Appalachian provenance that were transported across the southwestern United States and modified by input from cratonal, miogeoclinal, and Cordilleran-arc sources during Triassic and Jurassic time. Jurassic sediments likely were derived from the Cordilleran arc and an orogenic highland in Nevada that yielded recycled sand from uplifted Triassic backarc basin deposits. Our data suggest that numerous Jurassic Cordilleran basins formed close to the Cordilleran margin and support a model for moderate post-Jurassic translation (~400 km) of the Blue Mountains Province. ?? 2011 Geological Society of America.

Peninsular terrane basement ages recorded by Paleozoic and Paleoproterozoic zircon in gabbro xenoliths and andesite from Redoubt volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bacon, Charles R.; Vazquez, Jorge A.; Wooden, Joseph L.

2012-01-01

Historically Sactive Redoubt volcano is an Aleutian arc basalt-to-dacite cone constructed upon the Jurassic–Early Tertiary Alaska–Aleutian Range batholith. The batholith intrudes the Peninsular tectonostratigraphic terrane, which is considered to have developed on oceanic basement and to have accreted to North America, possibly in Late Jurassic time. Xenoliths in Redoubt magmas have been thought to be modern cumulate gabbros and fragments of the batholith. However, new sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U-Pb ages for zircon from gabbro xenoliths from a late Pleistocene pyroclastic deposit are dominated by much older, ca. 310 Ma Pennsylvanian and ca. 1865 Ma Paleoproterozoic grains. Zircon age distributions and trace-element concentrations indicate that the ca. 310 Ma zircons date gabbroic intrusive rocks, and the ca. 1865 Ma zircons also are likely from igneous rocks in or beneath Peninsular terrane basement. The trace-element data imply that four of five Cretaceous–Paleocene zircons, and Pennsylvanian low-U, low-Th zircons in one sample, grew from metamorphic or hydrothermal fluids. Textural evidence of xenocrysts and a dominant population of ca. 1865 Ma zircon in juvenile crystal-rich andesite from the same pyroclastic deposit show that this basement has been assimilated by Redoubt magma. Equilibration temperatures and oxygen fugacities indicated by Fe-Ti–oxide minerals in the gabbros and crystal-rich andesite suggest sources near the margins of the Redoubt magmatic system, most likely in the magma accumulation and storage region currently outlined by seismicity and magma petrology at ∼4–10 km below sea level. Additionally, a partially melted gabbro from the 1990 eruption contains zircon with U-Pb ages between ca. 620 Ma and ca. 1705 Ma, as well as one zircon with a U-Th disequilibrium model age of 0 ka. The zircon ages demonstrate that Pennsylvanian, and probably Paleoproterozoic, igneous rocks exist in, or possibly beneath, Peninsular terrane basement. Discovery of Pennsylvanian gabbro similar in age to Skolai arc plutons 500 km to the northeast indicates that the Peninsular terrane, along with the Wrangellia and Alexander terranes, has been part of the Wrangellia composite terrane since at least Pennsylvanian time. Moreover, the zircon data suggest that a Paleoproterozoic continental fragment may be present in the mid-to-upper crust in southern Alaska.

Combined panel of serum human tissue kallikreins and CA-125 for the detection of epithelial ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Koh, Stephen Chee Liang; Huak, Chan Yiong; Lutan, Delfi; Marpuang, Johny; Ketut, Suwiyoga; Budiana, Nyoma Gede; Saleh, Agustria Zainu; Aziz, Mohamad Farid; Winarto, Hariyono; Pradjatmo, Heru; Hoan, Nguyen Khac Han; Thanh, Pham Viet; Choolani, Mahesh

2012-07-01

To determine the predictive accuracy of the combined panels of serum human tissue kallikreins (hKs) and CA-125 for the detection of epithelial ovarian cancer. Serum specimens collected from 5 Indonesian centers and 1 Vietnamese center were analyzed for CA-125, hK6, and hK10 levels. A total of 375 specimens from patients presenting with ovarian tumors, which include 156 benign cysts, 172 epithelial ovarian cancers (stage I/II, n=72; stage III/IV, n=100), 36 germ cell tumors and 11 borderline tumors, were included in the study analysis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed to determine the cutoffs for age, CA-125, hK6, and hK10. Sensitivity, specificity, negative, and positive predictive values were determined for various combinations of the biomarkers. The levels of hK6 and hK10 were significantly elevated in ovarian cancer cases compared to benign cysts. Combination of 3 markers, age/CA-125/hk6 or CA-125/hk6/hk10, showed improved specificity (100%) and positive predictive value (100%) for prediction of ovarian cancer, when compared to the performance of single markers having 80-92% specificity and 74-87% positive predictive value. Four-marker combination, age/CA-125/hK6/hK10 also showed 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value, although it demonstrated low sensitivity (11.9%) and negative predictive value (52.8%). The combination of human tissue kallikreins and CA-125 showed potential for improving prediction of epithelial ovarian cancer in patients presenting with ovarian tumors.

Structure of high-resolution K β1 ,3 x-ray emission spectra for the elements from Ca to Ge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Y.; Tochio, T.; Yamashita, M.; Fukushima, S.; Vlaicu, A. M.; Syrocki, Ł.; Słabkowska, K.; Weder, E.; Polasik, M.; Sawicka, K.; Indelicato, P.; Marques, J. P.; Sampaio, J. M.; Guerra, M.; Santos, J. P.; Parente, F.

2018-05-01

The K β x-ray spectra of the elements from Ca to Ge have been systematically investigated using a high-resolution antiparallel double-crystal x-ray spectrometer. Each K β1 ,3 natural linewidth has been corrected using the instrumental function of this type of x-ray spectrometer, and the spin doublet energies have been obtained from the peak position values in K β1 ,3 x-ray spectra. For all studied elements the corrected K β1 x-ray lines FWHM increase linearly as a function of Z . However, for K β3 x-ray lines this dependence is generally not linear in the case of 3 d elements but increases from Sc to Co elements. It has been found that the contributions of satellite lines are considered to be [K M ] shake processes. Our theoretically predicted synthetic spectra of Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn are in very good agreement with our high-resolution measurements, except in the case of Mn, due to the open-shell valence configuration effect (more than 7000 transitions for diagram lines and more than 100 000 transitions for satellite lines) and the influence of the complicated structure of the metallic Mn.

Calcium - Magnesium imbalance implicated in benign prostatic hyperplasia and restoration by a phytotherapeutic drug - Croton membranaceus Müll.Arg.

PubMed

Asare, George Awuku; Ngala, Robert A; Afriyie, Daniel; Adjei, Samuel; Nyarko, Adriana; Anang-Quartey, Yvonne; Asiedu, Bernice; Doku, Derek; Amoah, Brodrick Y; Bentum, Kennedy; Musah, Iddi; Mossanda, Kensese

2017-03-11

Calcium (Ca)- magnesium (Mg) imbalance is implicated in prostate cancer. Ca/Mg ratio increases or decreases with proliferation or apoptosis, respectively. The study examined whether this Ca/Mg imbalance exists in BPH patients and the effect of a phytotherapeutic drug on the Ca/Mg ratio. Thirty (30) BPH patients who used the ethanolic root extract of Croton membranaceus (60 mg/day) for 3 months were examined for serum Ca, Mg, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and renal function tests (RFT) before (BT) and after treatment (AT) alongside thirty (30) controls. Twenty (20) trace element including Mg and Ca were determined in the drug by neutron activation analysis (NAA). RFT, PTH and vitamin D for BT, AT and controls (C) were normal. Mean PSA was 1.0 ± 0.64 (C), 27.9 ± 19.0 (BT) and 16.2 ± 11.8 ng/mL (AT) (p = 0.002). Mg, Ca/Mg ratio BT, AT and control were significantly different (p = 0.0001, respectively). After treatment, Mg and Ca/Mg ratio were not different from controls. The prevalence of Ca/Mg imbalance was 80% (BT), 13.3% (AT) and 3.3% (control group). Ca/Mg ratio imbalance is associated with BPH. This has previously not been demonstrated. The imbalance was significantly corrected after treatment with the phytotherapeutic drug.

Correctable and non-correctable visual impairment among young males: a 12-year prevalence study of the Military Service in Poland.

PubMed

Nowak, Michal S; Gos, Roman; Jurowski, Piotr; Smigielski, Janusz

2009-07-01

To evaluate the prevalence of correctable and non-correctable visual impairment in a representative sample of young males commissioned for Military Service in Poland. Data concerning vision status was retrospectively reviewed in 969 subjects of European Caucasian origin, most of whom live and have lived in Poland. They were selected from the original database comprising 105017 subjects examined in the period 1993-2004. Based on the age of subjects they were divided into two groups; group I aged 18-24 and group II aged 25-34 years. Visual impairment was defined as distance visual acuity of <20/40 in one or both eyes. Non-correctable impairment was defined as that which was not eliminated by refractive correction. A total of 1938 eyes of 969 white males were examined. There was statistically significant association between rates of visual impairment and increasing age (p < 0.001). Visual impairment was found in 128 (13.2%) subjects in at least one eye. Non-correctable visual impairment was found in 12 (1.2%) subjects. Amblyopia was the main cause, accounting for eight cases (66.67%). Correctable visual impairment was found in the remaining 116 (12.0%) patients. Among them myopia was the most common refractive error and accounted for 75.8%. Differences between age-specific rates of refractive errors were statistically significant (p = 0.003). Appropriate refractive correction improves visual acuity in most subjects presenting with visual impairment. There was a relatively low prevalence of non-correctable visual impairment in a population of young adults in Poland, and this was mainly due to amblyopia.

Effects of correcting for prematurity on cognitive test scores in childhood.

PubMed

Wilson-Ching, Michelle; Pascoe, Leona; Doyle, Lex W; Anderson, Peter J

2014-03-01

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that test scores should be corrected for prematurity up to 3 years of age, but this practice varies greatly in both clinical and research settings. The aim of this study was to contrast the effects of using chronological age and those of using corrected age on measures of cognitive outcome across childhood. A theoretical model was constructed using norms from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition; the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition Australian; and the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, Fourth Edition Australian. Baseline scores representing different levels of functioning (70, below average; 85, borderline; and 100, average) were recalculated using the normative data for ages 6 months to 16 years to account for 1, 2, 3 and 4 months of prematurity. The model created depicted the difference in standardised scores between chronological and corrected age. Compared with scores corrected for prematurity, the absolute reduction in scores using chronological age was greater for increasing degree of prematurity, younger ages at assessment and higher baseline scores and was substantial even beyond 3 years of age. However, the pattern was erratic, with considerable fluctuation evident across different ages and baseline scores. Chronological age results in a lowering of scores at all ages for preterm-born subjects that is greater in the first few years and in those born at earlier gestational ages. Whether or not to correct for prematurity depends upon the context of the assessment. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2014 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Hippocampal substructural vulnerability to sleep disturbance and cognitive impairment in patients with chronic primary insomnia: magnetic resonance imaging morphometry.

PubMed

Joo, Eun Yeon; Kim, Hosung; Suh, Sooyeon; Hong, Seung Bong

2014-07-01

Despite compelling evidence from animal studies indicating hippocampal subfield-specific vulnerability to poor sleep quality and related cognitive impairment, there have been no human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies investigating the relationship between hippocampal subfield volume and sleep disturbance. Our aim was to investigate the pattern of volume changes across hippocampal subfields in patients with primary insomnia relative to controls. Pointwise morphometry allowed for volume measurements of hippocampal regions on T1-weighted MRI. University hospital. Twenty-seven unmedicated patients (age: 51.2 ± 9.6 y) and 30 good sleepers as controls (50.4 ± 7.1 y). N/A. We compared hippocampal subfield volumes between patients and controls and correlated volume with clinical and neuropsychological features in patients. Patients exhibited bilateral atrophy across all hippocampal subfields (P < 0.05 corrected). Cornu ammonis (CA) 1 subfield atrophy was associated with worse sleep quality (higher Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and higher arousal index of polysomnography) (r < -0.45, P < 0.005). The volume of the combined region, including the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3-4, negatively correlated with verbal memory, verbal information processing, and verbal fluency in patients (|r| > 0.45, P < 0.05). Hemispheric volume asymmetry of this region (left smaller than right) was associated with impaired verbal domain functions (r = 0.50, P < 0.005). Hippocampal subfield atrophy in chronic insomnia suggests reduced neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) and neuronal loss in the cornu ammonis (CA) subfields in conditions of sleep fragmentation and related chronic stress condition. Atrophy in the CA3-4-DG region was associated with impaired cognitive functions in patients. These observations may provide insight into pathophysiological mechanisms that make patients with chronic sleep disturbance vulnerable to cognitive impairment. Joo EY, Kim H, Suh S, Hong SB. Hippocampal substructural vulnerability to sleep disturbance and cognitive impairment in patients with chronic primary insomnia: magnetic resonance imaging morphometry.

Differentiating Calcium Oxalate and Hydroxyapatite Stones In Vivo Using Dual-Energy CT and Urine Supersaturation and pH Values

PubMed Central

Liu, Yu; Qu, Mingliang; Carter, Rickey E.; Leng, Shuai; Ramirez-Giraldo, Juan Carlos; Jaramillo, Giselle; Krambeck, Amy E.; Lieske, John C.; Vrtiska, Terri J.; McCollough, Cynthia H.

2014-01-01

Rationale and Objectives Knowledge of urinary stone composition can guide therapeutic intervention for patients with calcium oxalate (CaOx) or hydroxyapatite (HA) stones. In this study, we determined the accuracy of noninvasive differentiation of these two stone types using dual-energy CT (DECT) and urine supersaturation (SS) and pH values. Materials and Methods Patients who underwent clinically indicated DECT scanning for stone disease and subsequent surgical intervention were enrolled. Stone composition was determined using infrared spectroscopy. DECT images were processed using custom-developed software that evaluated the ratio of CT numbers between low- and high-energy images. Clinical information, including patient age, gender, and urine pH and supersaturation profile, was obtained from electronic medical records. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to determine if the ratio of CT numbers could discriminate CaOx from HA stones alone or in conjunction with urine supersaturation and pH. Results Urinary stones (CaOx n = 43, HA n = 18) from 61 patients were included in this study. In a univariate model, DECT data, urine SS-HA, and urine pH had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.91, P = .016), 0.76 (95%CI 0.61–0.91, P = .003), and 0.60 (95% CI 0.44–0.75, P = .20), respectively, for predicting stone composition. The combination of CT data and the urinary SS-HA had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79 (95%CI 0.66–0.92, P = .007) for correctly differentiating these two stone types. Conclusions DECT differentiated between CaOx and HA stones similarly to SS-HA, whereas pH was a poor discriminator. The combination of DECT and urine SS or pH data did not improve this performance. PMID:24200478

Clinical predictors of the optimal spectacle correction for comfort performing desktop tasks.

PubMed

Leffler, Christopher T; Davenport, Byrd; Rentz, Jodi; Miller, Amy; Benson, William

2008-11-01

The best strategy for spectacle correction of presbyopia for near tasks has not been determined. Thirty volunteers over the age of 40 years were tested for subjective accommodative amplitude, pupillary size, fusional vergence, interpupillary distance, arm length, preferred working distance, near and far visual acuity and preferred reading correction in the phoropter and trial frames. Subjects performed near tasks (reading, writing and counting change) using various spectacle correction strengths. Predictors of the correction maximising near task comfort were determined by multivariable linear regression. The mean age was 54.9 years (range 43 to 71) and 40 per cent had diabetes. Significant predictors of the most comfortable addition in univariate analyses were age (p<0.001), interpupillary distance (p=0.02), fusional vergence amplitude (p=0.02), distance visual acuity in the worse eye (p=0.01), vision at 40 cm in the worse eye with distance correction (p=0.01), duration of diabetes (p=0.01), and the preferred correction to read at 40 cm with the phoropter (p=0.002) or trial frames (p<0.001). Target distance selected wearing trial frames (in dioptres), arm length, and accommodative amplitude were not significant predictors (p>0.15). The preferred addition wearing trial frames holding a reading target at a distance selected by the patient was the only independent predictor. Excluding this variable, distance visual acuity was predictive independent of age or near vision wearing distance correction. The distance selected for task performance was predicted by vision wearing distance correction at near and at distance. Multivariable linear regression can be used to generate tables based on distance visual acuity and age or near vision wearing distance correction to determine tentative near spectacle addition. Final spectacle correction for desktop tasks can be estimated by subjective refraction with trial frames.

Disruption of the Gardos channel (KCa3.1) in mice causes subtle erythrocyte macrocytosis and progressive splenomegaly.

PubMed

Grgic, Ivica; Kaistha, Brajesh P; Paschen, Steffen; Kaistha, Anuradha; Busch, Christoph; Si, Han; Köhler, Kernt; Elsässer, Hans-Peter; Hoyer, Joachim; Köhler, Ralf

2009-06-01

Gardos channel, the erythrocyte Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (K(Ca)3.1), is considered a major regulator of red blood cell (RBC) volume by mediating efflux of potassium and thus cell dehydration and shrinkage. However, the functional importance of K(Ca)3.1 in RBC in vivo is incompletely understood. Here, we used K(Ca)3.1(-/-)-mice to investigate the consequences of K(Ca)3.1 deficiency for RBC indices, functions, and sequestration. RBCs of K(Ca)3.1(-/-)-mice of all ages were mildly macrocytic but their biconcave appearance being preserved. RBC number, total hemoglobin, and hematocrit were unchanged in the adult K(Ca)3.1(-/-)-mice and increased in the premature K(Ca)3.1(-/-)-mice. Filterability, Ca(2+)-dependent volume decrease and osmotic tolerance of RBCs lacking K(Ca)3.1 were noticeably reduced when compared to RBC of wild-type littermates. Deformability to increasing shear stress was unchanged. Strikingly, K(Ca)3.1(-/-)-mice developed progressive splenomegaly which was considerable ( approximately 200% of controls) in the >6-month-old mice and was paralleled by increased iron deposition in the aged mice presumably as a consequence of enhanced RBC sequestration. Daily injections of the K(Ca)3.1-blocker TRAM-34 (120 mg/kg) also produced mild splenomegaly in wild-type mice. We conclude that genetic deficit of erythroid K(Ca)3.1 causes mild RBC macrocytosis, presumably leading to reduced filterability, and impairs volume regulation. These RBC defects result in mild but progressive splenomegaly.

Pinus sylvestris L. needle surface wettability parameters as indicators of atmospheric environment pollution impacts: Novel contact angle hysteresis methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pogorzelski, Stanisław J.; Rochowski, Pawel; Szurkowski, Janusz

2014-02-01

An investigation of water contact angles (CAs), contact angle hysteresis (CAH) was carried out for 1-year to 4-year old needles (Pinus sylvestris) collected in urban (Gdansk) and rural (Karsin) locations using an original measuring technique based on the geometry of the drop on a vertical filament. Concentrations of air pollutants (SO2, NOx, C6H6, and suspended particular matter - SPM) currently considered to be most important in causing direct damage to vegetation were simultaneously monitored. A set of the surface wettability parameters: the apparent surface free energy γSV, adhesive film tension Π, work of adhesion WA, and spreading WS, were determined from CAH data using the approach developed by Chibowski (2003) to quantify the surface energetics of the needle substrata affected by aging and pollution impacts. This formalism relates the total apparent surface free energy of the solid γSV with only three measurable quantities: the surface tension of the probe liquid γLV and its advancing θA and receding θR contact angle hysteresis. Since CAH depends on the outermost wax layer surface roughness and spatial physicochemical heterogeneity of a solid surface, CA data were corrected using surface architecture profiles registered with confocal scanning laser microscopy. It was found that the roughness parameter r is significantly negatively correlated (R = -0.74) with the needle age (collected at Karsin). The needle surface aging process resulted in its surface hydrophilization (CA↓ and CAH↓ with γSV↑ and WA↑). A temporal evolution of the needles wettability was traced with the data point distribution in the 2D space of CAH plotted versus WS. The wettability parameters were closely correlated to pollutant concentrations as evidenced from Spearman's rank correlation procedure (R = 0.63-0.91; p < 0.05). The aim of the study was to validate the established CA methodology to create a new non-invasive, low-cost technique suitable for monitoring of structural changes at interfaces of biological systems.

Head circumference growth among extremely preterm infants in Denmark has improved during the past two decades.

PubMed

Zachariassen, Gitte; Hansen, Bo Mølholm

2015-07-01

Treatment of extremely preterm and low birth weight infants is still evolving and improving. In this study, we evaluated if growth has improved from birth to two years of corrected age (CA) among extremely low birth weight (BW) and preterm born infants in Denmark. This was an observational study with comparison of head circumference (HC), weight and length growth in two Danish cohorts of extremely preterm (gestational age (GA) < 28 weeks) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW with a BW < 1,000 g) infants (A: 1994-1995 and B: 2004-2008). Infants in cohort A (n = 198) and B (n = 64) had a median GA and BW of 27 + 2 weeks and 948 g in A, and 27 + 3 weeks and 934 g in B. At discharge, infants in B compared with A had increased more in HC (p = 0.000), length (p = 0.008) and weight (p = 0.000). At two years CA, HC was still significantly larger in cohort B than A (p = 0.03), while no significant difference was recorded for length or weight. Growth during hospitalisation seems to have improved among extremely preterm and low birth weight infants from 1994-1995 to 2004-2008. This may be a result of improved nutrition in combination with improved intensive care during hospitalisation. Collection of data in the 2004-2008 cohort was supported by the Institute of Regional Health Services Research, the Egmont Foundation and the University of Southern Denmark. Collection of data from birth to two years of age in the 1994-1995 cohort was without financial support. For the 1994-1995 study, all eight regional Research Ethics Committees in Denmark at that time approved the study. The 2004-2008 study was approved by the Danish National Committee on Biomedical Research Ethics, and handling of data and registrations were approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency.

Study of the Influence of Age in 18F-FDG PET Images Using a Data-Driven Approach and Its Evaluation in Alzheimer's Disease.

PubMed

Jiang, Jiehui; Sun, Yiwu; Zhou, Hucheng; Li, Shaoping; Huang, Zhemin; Wu, Ping; Shi, Kuangyu; Zuo, Chuantao; Neuroimaging Initiative, Alzheimer's Disease

2018-01-01

18 F-FDG PET scan is one of the most frequently used neural imaging scans. However, the influence of age has proven to be the greatest interfering factor for many clinical dementia diagnoses when analyzing 18 F-FDG PET images, since radiologists encounter difficulties when deciding whether the abnormalities in specific regions correlate with normal aging, disease, or both. In the present paper, the authors aimed to define specific brain regions and determine an age-correction mathematical model. A data-driven approach was used based on 255 healthy subjects. The inferior frontal gyrus, the left medial part and the left medial orbital part of superior frontal gyrus, the right insula, the left anterior cingulate, the left median cingulate, and paracingulate gyri, and bilateral superior temporal gyri were found to have a strong negative correlation with age. For evaluation, an age-correction model was applied to 262 healthy subjects and 50 AD subjects selected from the ADNI database, and partial correlations between SUVR mean and three clinical results were carried out before and after age correction. All correlation coefficients were significantly improved after the age correction. The proposed model was effective in the age correction of both healthy and AD subjects.

Seawater Mg/Ca controls polymorph mineralogy of microbial CaCO3: a potential proxy for calcite-aragonite seas in Precambrian time.

PubMed

Ries, J B; Anderson, M A; Hill, R T

2008-03-01

A previously published hydrothermal brine-river water mixing model driven by ocean crust production suggests that the molar Mg/Ca ratio of seawater (mMg/Ca(sw)) has varied significantly (approximately 1.0-5.2) over Precambrian time, resulting in six intervals of aragonite-favouring seas (mMg/Ca(sw) > 2) and five intervals of calcite-favouring seas (mMg/Ca(sw) < 2) since the Late Archaean. To evaluate the viability of microbial carbonates as mineralogical proxy for Precambrian calcite-aragonite seas, calcifying microbial marine biofilms were cultured in experimental seawaters formulated over the range of Mg/Ca ratios believed to have characterized Precambrian seawater. Biofilms cultured in experimental aragonite seawater (mMg/Ca(sw) = 5.2) precipitated primarily aragonite with lesser amounts of high-Mg calcite (mMg/Ca(calcite) = 0.16), while biofilms cultured in experimental calcite seawater (mMg/Ca(sw) = 1.5) precipitated exclusively lower magnesian calcite (mMg/Ca(calcite) = 0.06). Furthermore, Mg/Ca(calcite )varied proportionally with Mg/Ca(sw). This nearly abiotic mineralogical response of the biofilm CaCO3 to altered Mg/Ca(sw) is consistent with the assertion that biofilm calcification proceeds more through the elevation of , via metabolic removal of CO2 and/or H+, than through the elevation of Ca2+, which would alter the Mg/Ca ratio of the biofilm's calcifying fluid causing its pattern of CaCO3 polymorph precipitation (aragonite vs. calcite; Mg-incorporation in calcite) to deviate from that of abiotic calcification. If previous assertions are correct that the physicochemical properties of Precambrian seawater were such that Mg/Ca(sw) was the primary variable influencing CaCO3 polymorph mineralogy, then the observed response of the biofilms' CaCO3 polymorph mineralogy to variations in Mg/Ca(sw), combined with the ubiquity of such microbial carbonates in Precambrian strata, suggests that the original polymorph mineralogy and Mg/Ca(calcite )of well-preserved microbial carbonates may be an archive of calcite-aragonite seas throughout Precambrian time. These results invite a systematic evaluation of microbial carbonate primary mineralogy to empirically constrain Precambrian seawater Mg/Ca.

Geochemical signatures in fin rays provide a nonlethal method to distinguish the natal rearing streams of endangered juvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Wenatchee River, Washington

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Linley, Timothy J.; Krogstad, Eirik J.; Nims, Megan K.

Rebuilding fish populations that have undergone a major decline is a challenging task that can be made more complicated when estimates of abundance obtained from physical tags are biased or imprecise. Abundance estimates based on natural tags where each fish in the population is marked can help address these problems, but generally requires that the samples be obtained in a nonlethal manner. We evaluated the potential of using geochemical signatures in fin rays as a nonlethal method to determine the natal tributaries of endangered juvenile spring Chinook Salmon in the Wenatchee River, Washington. Archived samples of anal fin clips collectedmore » from yearling smolt in 2009, 2010 and 2011 were analyzed for Ba/Ca, Mn/Ba, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Zn/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Water samples collected from these same streams in 2012 were also quantified for geochemical composition. Fin ray and water Ba/Ca, Sr/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr were highly correlated despite the samples having been collected in different years. Fin ray Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Zn/Ca and 87Sr/86Sr ratios differed significantly among the natal streams, but also among years within streams. A linear discriminant model that included Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr correctly classified 95% of the salmon to their natal stream. Our results suggest that fin ray geochemistry may provide an effective, nonlethal method to identify mixtures of Wenatchee River spring Chinook Salmon for recovery efforts when these involve the capture of juvenile fish to estimate population abundance.« less

Hypergol Maintenance Facility Hazardous Waste South Staging Areas, SWMU 070 Corrective Measures Implementation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Ralinda R.

2016-01-01

This document presents the Corrective Measures Implementation (CMI) Year 10 Annual Report for implementation of corrective measures at the Hypergol Maintenance Facility (HMF) Hazardous Waste South Staging Areas at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The work is being performed by Tetra Tech, Inc., for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) NNK12CA15B, Task Order (TO) 07. Mr. Harry Plaza, P.E., of NASA's Environmental Assurance Branch is the Remediation Project Manager for John F. Kennedy Space Center. The Tetra Tech Program Manager is Mr. Mark Speranza, P.E., and the Tetra Tech Project Manager is Robert Simcik, P.E.

Age Decline in the Activity of the Ca2+-sensitive K+ Channel of Human Red Blood Cells

PubMed Central

Tiffert, Teresa; Daw, Nuala; Etzion, Zipora; Bookchin, Robert M.; Lew, Virgilio L.

2007-01-01

The Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel of human red blood cells (RBCs) (Gardos channel, hIK1, hSK4) was implicated in the progressive densification of RBCs during normal senescence and in the mechanism of sickle cell dehydration. Saturating RBC Ca2+ loads were shown before to induce rapid and homogeneous dehydration, suggesting that Gardos channel capacity was uniform among the RBCs, regardless of age. Using glycated hemoglobin as a reliable RBC age marker, we investigated the age–activity relation of Gardos channels by measuring the mean age of RBC subpopulations exceeding a set high density boundary during dehydration. When K+ permeabilization was induced with valinomycin, the oldest and densest cells, which started nearest to the set density boundary, crossed it first, reflecting conservation of the normal age–density distribution pattern during dehydration. However, when Ca2+ loads were used to induce maximal K+ fluxes via Gardos channels in all RBCs (F max), the youngest RBCs passed the boundary first, ahead of the older RBCs, indicating that Gardos channel F max was highest in those young RBCs, and that the previously observed appearance of uniform dehydration concealed a substantial degree of age scrambling during the dehydration process. Further analysis of the Gardos channel age–activity relation revealed a monotonic decline in F max with cell age, with a broad quasi-Gaussian F max distribution among the RBCs. PMID:17470662

Effects of Gangliosides on the Activity of the Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase

PubMed Central

Jiang, Lei; Bechtel, Misty D.; Bean, Jennifer L.; Winefield, Robert; Williams, Todd D.; Zaidi, Asma; Michaelis, Elias K.; Michaelis, Mary L.

2014-01-01

Control of intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) is essential for neuronal function, and the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) is crucial for the maintenance of low [Ca2+]i. We previously reported on loss of PMCA activity in brain synaptic membranes during aging. Gangliosides are known to modulate Ca2+ homeostasis and signal transduction in neurons. In the present study, we observed age-related changes in the ganglioside composition of synaptic plasma membranes. This led us to hypothesize that alterations in ganglioside species might contribute to the age-associated loss of PMCA activity. To probe the relationship between changes in endogenous ganglioside content or composition and PMCA activity in membranes of cortical neurons, we induced depletion of gangliosides by treating neurons with D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP). This caused a marked decrease in the activity of PMCA, which suggested a direct correlation between ganglioside content and PMCA activity. Neurons treated with neuraminidase exhibited an increase in GM1 content, a loss in poly-sialoganglioside content, and a decrease in PMCA activity that was greater than that produced by D-PDMP treatment. Thus, it appeared that poly-sialogangliosides had a stimulatory effect whereas mono-sialogangliosides had the opposite effect. Our observations add support to previous reports of PMCA regulation by gangliosides by demonstrating that manipulations of endogenous ganglioside content and species affect the activity of PMCA in neuronal membranes. Furthermore, our studies suggest that age-associated loss in PMCA activity may result in part from changes in the lipid environment of this Ca2+ transporter. PMID:24434060

Component geochronology in the polyphase ca. 3920 Ma Acasta Gneiss

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mojzsis, Stephen J.; Cates, Nicole L.; Caro, Guillaume; Trail, Dustin; Abramov, Oleg; Guitreau, Martin; Blichert-Toft, Janne; Hopkins, Michelle D.; Bleeker, Wouter

2014-01-01

The oldest compiled U–Pb zircon ages for the Acasta Gneiss Complex in the Northwest Territories of Canada span about 4050–3850 Ma; yet older ca. 4200 Ma xenocrystic U–Pb zircon ages have also been reported for this terrane. The AGC expresses at least 25 km2 of outcrop exposure, but only a small subset of this has been documented in the detail required to investigate a complex history and resolve disputes over emplacement ages. To better understand this history, we combined new ion microprobe235,238U–207,206Pb zircon geochronology with whole-rock and zircon rare earth element compositions ([REE]zirc), Ti-in-zircon thermometry (Tixln) and 147Sm–143Nd geochronology for an individual subdivided ∼60 cm2 slab of Acasta banded gneiss comprising five separate lithologic components. Results were compared to other variably deformed granitoid-gneisses and plagioclase-hornblende rocks from elsewhere in the AGC. We show that different gneissic components carry distinct [Th/U]zirc vs. Tixln and [REE]zirc signatures correlative with different zircon U–Pb age populations and WR compositions, but not with 147Sm–143Nd isotope systematics. Modeled  [REE] from lattice-strain theory reconciles only the ca. 3920 Ma zircons with the oldest component that also preserves strong positive Eu∗ anomalies. Magmas which gave rise to the somewhat older (inherited) ca. 4020 Ma AGC zircon age population formed at ∼IW (iron–wüstite) to

Differential effect of age on hippocampal subfields assessed using a new high-resolution 3T MR sequence.

PubMed

La Joie, Renaud; Fouquet, Marine; Mézenge, Florence; Landeau, Brigitte; Villain, Nicolas; Mevel, Katell; Pélerin, Alice; Eustache, Francis; Desgranges, Béatrice; Chételat, Gaël

2010-11-01

Recent advances in neuroimaging have highlighted the interest to differentiate hippocampal subfields for cognitive neurosciences and more notably in assessing the effects of normal and pathological aging. The main goal of the present study is to investigate the effects of normal aging onto the volume of the different hippocampal subfields. For this purpose, we developed a new magnetic resonance sequence together with reliable tracing guidelines to assess the volume of different subfields of the hippocampus using a 3 Tesla scanner, and estimated the validity of a simpler and less time-consuming method based on the widely-used automatic Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) technique. Three hippocampal regions of interest were delineated on the right and left hippocampi of 50 healthy subjects between 18 and 68 years old corresponding to the CA1, subiculum and other (including CA2-3-4 and Dentate Gyrus) subfields. A strong effect of age was found on the volume of the subiculum only, with a decrease paralleling that of the global gray matter volume, while CA1 and other subfields seemed relatively spared. Although less precise than the ROI-tracing technique, the VBM-based method appeared as a reliable alternative especially to distinguish CA1 and subiculum subfields. Our findings of a specific effect of age on the subiculum are consistent with the developmental hypothesis ("last-in first-out" theory). This contrasts with the predominant vulnerability of the CA1 subfield to Alzheimer's disease reported in several previous studies, suggesting that the assessment of hippocampal subfields may improve the discrimination between normal and pathological aging. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Links between nucleolar activity, rDNA stability, aneuploidy and chronological aging in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Lewinska, Anna; Miedziak, Beata; Kulak, Klaudia; Molon, Mateusz; Wnuk, Maciej

2014-06-01

The nucleolus is speculated to be a regulator of cellular senescence in numerous biological systems (Guarente, Genes Dev 11(19):2449-2455, 1997; Johnson et al., Curr Opin Cell Biol 10(3):332-338, 1998). In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, alterations in nucleolar architecture, the redistribution of nucleolar protein and the accumulation of extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA circles (ERCs) during replicative aging have been reported. However, little is known regarding rDNA stability and changes in nucleolar activity during chronological aging (CA), which is another yeast aging model used. In the present study, the impact of aberrant cell cycle checkpoint control (knock-out of BUB1, BUB2, MAD1 and TEL1 genes in haploid and diploid hemizygous states) on CA-mediated changes in the nucleolus was studied. Nucleolus fragmentation, changes in the nucleolus size and the nucleolus/nucleus ratio, ERC accumulation, expression pattern changes and the relocation of protein involved in transcriptional silencing during CA were revealed. All strains examined were affected by oxidative stress, aneuploidy (numerical rather than structural aberrations) and DNA damage. However, the bub1 cells were the most prone to aneuploidy events, which may contribute to observed decrease in chronological lifespan. We postulate that chronological aging may be affected by redox imbalance-mediated chromosome XII instability leading to both rDNA instability and whole chromosome aneuploidy. CA-mediated nucleolus fragmentation may be a consequence of nucleolus enlargement and/or Nop2p upregulation. Moreover, the rDNA content of chronologically aging cells may be a factor determining the subsequent replicative lifespan. Taken together, we demonstrated that the nucleolus state is also affected during CA in yeast.

Application of Quantitative Analytical Electron Microscopy to the Mineral Content of Insect Cuticle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasch, Ron; Cribb, Bronwen W.; Barry, John; Palmer, Christopher M.

2003-04-01

Quantification of calcium in the cuticle of the fly larva Exeretonevra angustifrons was undertaken at the micron scale using wavelength dispersive X-ray microanalysis, analytical standards, and a full matrix correction. Calcium and phosphorus were found to be present in the exoskeleton in a ratio that indicates amorphous calcium phosphate. This was confirmed through electron diffraction of the calcium-containing tissue. Due to the pragmatic difficulties of measuring light elements, it is not uncommon in the field of entomology to neglect the use of matrix corrections when performing microanalysis of bulk insect specimens. To determine, firstly, whether such a strategy affects the outcome and secondly, which matrix correction is preferable, phi-rho (z) and ZAF matrix corrections were contrasted with each other and without matrix correction. The best estimate of the mineral phase was found to be given by using the phi-rho (z) correction. When no correction was made, the ratio of Ca to P fell outside the range for amorphous calcium phosphate, possibly leading to flawed interpretation of the mineral form when used on its own.

Indicators of inappropriate tumour marker use through the mining of electronic health records.

PubMed

Gion, Massimo; Cardinali, Giulia; Trevisiol, Chiara; Zappa, Marco; Rainato, Giulia; Fabricio, Aline S C

2017-08-01

Although the issue of monitoring appropriateness of tumour markers (TMs) request in outpatients remains crucial, proper indicators are still demanding. The present study developed and explored indicators of inappropriate TM ordering in outpatients through the data mining of electronic health records (EHRs). Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen (CA)125, CA15.3, CA19.9, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ordered in outpatients during a year were examined by mining EHRs of a Local Health Authority in Italy. Evidence-based criteria were used to develop performance indicators. Demographic and clinical information associated with TM orders were examined. A total of 80 813 TMs were ordered in 52 536 outpatients (1.54 markers/patient). Indicators related to disease codes, gender, age, and TM repetitions were developed, and their application showed that (1) CA15.3 and CEA are prevalently requested in patients with cancer (79.2% and 65.6%) whereas the other TMs are largely requested also in patients without cancer; (2) requests of PSA in women and of CA125 or CA15.3 in men are negligible; (3) although requests in people older than 80 years are relevant (16.4% of total), the highest rate of request of all markers occurs in patients aged 40 to 79 years; (4) CA15.3 and CEA are mainly requested in cancer cases between 50 and 79 years and AFP, CA19.9, and CA125 in those between 60 and 69 years; (5) <50% of PSA orders are associated with cancer code for all age intervals; and (6) multiple repetitions of AFP, CA125, CA15.3, CA19.9, and CEA are prevalent in cancer patients or benign diseases to which TMs are appropriate, whereas PSA repetitions occur mainly in patients without cancer. The developed indicators resulted suitable to monitor TM overordering in outpatients through the mining of EHRs. The present study is a first approach towards the use of big-data mining for TM appropriateness evaluation purposes. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Institute of Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration, and the calcium conundrum.

PubMed

Neupane, Shristi; Knohl, Stephen J

2014-08-01

In the present article we aim to bring forward the apparent disconnect between two US government-sponsored entities - the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - regarding the safe upper limit of Ca intake. In light of the 2011 US Congress-appointed IOM report indicating an upper limit of elemental Ca intake of 2000-2500 mg/d in adults (based on age group), it is perplexing that the FDA has not yet required a change on the labelling of over-the-counter Ca-containing antacids, some of which indicate an upper limit of elemental Ca intake of 2800-3000 mg/d. Even more concerning is that Ca intake is rarely from supplementation in isolation. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2003-2006 indicate that mean dietary Ca intakes for males ranged from 871 to 1266 mg/d and for females from 748 to 968 mg/d depending on the age group. The estimated total Ca (diet + supplements) intake exceeded the upper limit in 5 % of the population older than 50 years. Furthermore, NHANES data from 1999-2000 indicate that when Ca is taken as part of an antacid preparation, patients often fail to report this as Ca intake. Thus, individuals taking the maximum allowable dose of supplemental Ca as antacids are at high risk for complications associated with excess Ca intake. Our hope is that by describing Ca homeostasis and highlighting the risks and dangers of Ca overload, the FDA will align its recommendation with the IOM and solve the current Ca conundrum in the USA for the sake of patient safety.

Temporal variability in estuarine fish otolith elemental fingerprints: Implications for connectivity assessments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reis-Santos, Patrick; Gillanders, Bronwyn M.; Tanner, Susanne E.; Vasconcelos, Rita P.; Elsdon, Travis S.; Cabral, Henrique N.

2012-10-01

The chemical composition of fish otoliths can provide valuable information for determining the nursery value of estuaries to adult populations of coastal fishes. However, understanding temporal variation in elemental fingerprints at different scales is important as it can potentially confound spatial discrimination among estuaries. Otolith elemental ratios (Li:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Cu:Ca, Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca and Pb:Ca) of Platichthys flesus and Dicentrarchus labrax, from several estuaries along the Portuguese coast in two years and three seasons (spring, summer and autumn) within a year, were determined via Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Elemental fingerprints varied significantly among years and seasons within a year but we achieved accurate classifications of juvenile fish to estuarine nursery of origin (77-96% overall cross-validated accuracy). Although elemental fingerprints were year-specific, variation among seasons did not hinder spatial discrimination. Estuarine fingerprints of pooled seasonal data were representative of the entire juvenile year class and attained high discrimination (77% and 80% overall cross-validated accuracy for flounder and sea bass, respectively). Incorporating seasonal variation resulted in up to an 11% increase in correct classification of individual estuaries, in comparison to seasons where accuracies were lowest. Overall, understanding the implications of temporal variations in otolith chemistry for spatial discrimination is key to establish baseline data for connectivity studies.

Increased Carbonic Anhydrase Activity is Associated with Sleep Apnea Severity and Related Hypoxemia

PubMed Central

Wang, Tengyu; Eskandari, Davoud; Zou, Ding; Grote, Ludger; Hedner, Jan

2015-01-01

Study Objectives: The catalytic function of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) plays a fundamental role in carbon dioxide (CO2), proton (H+), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) homeostasis. Hypoxia and tissue acidosis have been proposed to increase physiological CA activity in various compartments of the body. We hypothesized that CA activity in blood is upregulated in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Design: Cross-sectional analysis of a sleep clinic cohort. Settings: Sleep laboratory at a university hospital. Participants: Seventy referred patients with suspected OSA (48 males, age 54 ± 13 y, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) median [interquartile range] 21 [8–41] n/h). Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: In-laboratory cardiorespiratory polygraphy was used to assess OSA. CA activity was determined by an in vitro assay that quantifies the pH change reflecting the conversion of CO2 and H2O to HCO3- and H+. CA activity was positively associated with AHI and 4% oxygen desaturation index (ODI4) (Spearman correlation r = 0.44 and 0.47, both P < 0.001). The associations (CA activity versus logAHI and CA versus logODI4) were independent of sex, age, body mass index, presleep oxygen saturation, nocturnal oxygen saturation, hypertension status, and use of diuretic medication in two generalized linear models (P = 0.007 and 0.011, respectively). Sitting diastolic blood pressure was associated with CA activity after adjustment of sex, age, body mass index, mean oxygen saturation, and AHI (P = 0.046). Conclusions: Carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity increased with apnea-hypopnea index and related nocturnal hypoxemia measures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Altered CA activity may constitute a component that modulates respiratory control and hemodynamic regulation in patients with OSA. Citation: Wang T, Eskandari D, Zou D, Grote L, Hedner J. Increased carbonic anhydrase activity is associated with sleep apnea severity and related hypoxemia. SLEEP 2015;38(7):1067–1073. PMID:25845687

Osteoporotic-like effects of cadmium on bone mineral density and content in aged ovariectomized beagles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sacco-Gibson, N.; Abrams, J.; Chaudhry, S.

1992-12-31

Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy in conjunction with cadmium (Cd) exposure on bone. Aged female beagles with {sup 45}Ca-labeled skeletons ovariectomized and exposed to Cd. Successive vertebral scans by dual photon absorptiometry monitored changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in each dog with time. Results showed that ovariectomy or Cd exposure alone caused significant decreases in BMD; ovariectomy with Cd exposure caused the greatest decrease. Ovariectomy alone did not decrease BMD in the distal end or mid-shaft of the tibia while BMD of the distal tibia decreased significantly due to Cd exposure alone. Combination treatment resultedmore » in significant decreases in BMD of both tibial regions. At necropsy, tibiae, humeri, lumbar vertebrae and ribs were obtained for biochemical analysis. No group-to-group differences in bone weights (wet, dry, ash), in ash/dry ratios, or in long bone and vertebral Ca/dry or Ca/ash ratios were observed. Significantly higher total {sup 45}Ca content and {sup 45}Ca/dry and {sup 45}Ca/ash ratios were observed in long bones and vertebrae of OV- and OV+ groups. In contrast, intact ribs showed significantly decreased Ca/dry and Ca/ash ratios compared to the SO-group. Quartered ribs demonstrated regional responses to specific treatment; decreases in total Ca content were greatest in the mid-rib region ({minus}36 to {minus}46%). Results suggest that in the aged female beagle, bone mineral loss associated with estrogen depletion is not only related to bone type (trabecular versus cortical) but also to bone Ca pools. Our results also suggest that a regional heterogeneity of bone plays a role in responsiveness to ovariectomy and Cd exposure. These aspects suggest that Cd is an exogenous factor affecting bone mineral loss independently of estrogen depletion. However, estrogen depletion primes bone for responsiveness to Cd-induced bone mineral loss.« less

Presenilin 1 Maintains Lysosomal Ca(2+) Homeostasis via TRPML1 by Regulating vATPase-Mediated Lysosome Acidification.

PubMed

Lee, Ju-Hyun; McBrayer, Mary Kate; Wolfe, Devin M; Haslett, Luke J; Kumar, Asok; Sato, Yutaka; Lie, Pearl P Y; Mohan, Panaiyur; Coffey, Erin E; Kompella, Uday; Mitchell, Claire H; Lloyd-Evans, Emyr; Nixon, Ralph A

2015-09-01

Presenilin 1 (PS1) deletion or Alzheimer's disease (AD)-linked mutations disrupt lysosomal acidification and proteolysis, which inhibits autophagy. Here, we establish that this phenotype stems from impaired glycosylation and instability of vATPase V0a1 subunit, causing deficient lysosomal vATPase assembly and function. We further demonstrate that elevated lysosomal pH in Presenilin 1 knockout (PS1KO) cells induces abnormal Ca(2+) efflux from lysosomes mediated by TRPML1 and elevates cytosolic Ca(2+). In WT cells, blocking vATPase activity or knockdown of either PS1 or the V0a1 subunit of vATPase reproduces all of these abnormalities. Normalizing lysosomal pH in PS1KO cells using acidic nanoparticles restores normal lysosomal proteolysis, autophagy, and Ca(2+) homeostasis, but correcting lysosomal Ca(2+) deficits alone neither re-acidifies lysosomes nor reverses proteolytic and autophagic deficits. Our results indicate that vATPase deficiency in PS1 loss-of-function states causes lysosomal/autophagy deficits and contributes to abnormal cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, thus linking two AD-related pathogenic processes through a common molecular mechanism. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preterm birth and Assisted Reproductive Technology/ART: maternal emotional wellbeing and quality of mother-newborn interaction during the first three months of life.

PubMed

Tallandini, Maria A; Morsan, Valentina; Macagno, Franco

2012-06-01

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and premature birth are stressful and difficult experiences for women. No research to date has examined the impact of ART on mother-child relationship in instances of preterm delivery. This study explored the psychological status of preterm infants' ART-mothers and the quality of mother-infant dyadic interaction, up to child age of three months (Corrected Age = CA). Forty-one ART-dyads and 53 Spontaneous Pregnancy (SP) dyads were enrolled. Mother and child were assessed at 5 to 7 days after birth (T1), at child discharge from hospital (T2), at one month after discharge (T3); and at 3 months CA (T4). The following measures were administered to the mothers: the Gordon Personal Profile Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Parenting Stress Index S-F. Mother-child interaction was coded by using the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale. At childbirth, the control group mothers showed a higher level of anxiety than the ART-mothers did, but at T2, T3, T4, both groups' parenting stress levels were below threshold. Conversely, ART mothers more frequently provided suitable stimulation for their child's socio-emotional and cognitive development than the control group did. No significant between-group differences were observed in the mothers' capacity to respond to their children's distress, nor in sensitivity to child cues. Both infant groups showed equal ability to send clear signals and to respond to parent-provided care. ART and SP mothers with premature infants showed no differences in degree of emotional burden experienced during the neonatal period. Yet, dyadic interaction was qualitatively better in ART dyads than in SP dyads. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

FK506-Binding Protein 12.6/1b, a Negative Regulator of [Ca2+], Rescues Memory and Restores Genomic Regulation in the Hippocampus of Aging Rats

PubMed Central

Gant, John C.; Blalock, Eric M.; Chen, Kuey-Chu; Kadish, Inga; Thibault, Olivier; Porter, Nada M.

2018-01-01

Hippocampal overexpression of FK506-binding protein 12.6/1b (FKBP1b), a negative regulator of ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release, reverses aging-induced memory impairment and neuronal Ca2+ dysregulation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that FKBP1b also can protect downstream transcriptional networks from aging-induced dysregulation. We gave hippocampal microinjections of FKBP1b-expressing viral vector to male rats at either 13 months of age (long-term, LT) or 19 months of age (short-term, ST) and tested memory performance in the Morris water maze at 21 months of age. Aged rats treated ST or LT with FKBP1b substantially outperformed age-matched vector controls and performed similarly to each other and young controls (YCs). Transcriptional profiling in the same animals identified 2342 genes with hippocampal expression that was upregulated/downregulated in aged controls (ACs) compared with YCs (the aging effect). Of these aging-dependent genes, 876 (37%) also showed altered expression in aged FKBP1b-treated rats compared with ACs, with FKBP1b restoring expression of essentially all such genes (872/876, 99.5%) in the direction opposite the aging effect and closer to levels in YCs. This inverse relationship between the aging and FKBP1b effects suggests that the aging effects arise from FKBP1b deficiency. Functional category analysis revealed that genes downregulated with aging and restored by FKBP1b were associated predominantly with diverse brain structure categories, including cytoskeleton, membrane channels, and extracellular region. Conversely, genes upregulated with aging but not restored by FKBP1b associated primarily with glial–neuroinflammatory, ribosomal, and lysosomal categories. Immunohistochemistry confirmed aging-induced rarefaction and FKBP1b-mediated restoration of neuronal microtubular structure. Therefore, a previously unrecognized genomic network modulating diverse brain structural processes is dysregulated by aging and restored by FKBP1b overexpression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Previously, we found that hippocampal overexpression of FK506-binding protein 12.6/1b (FKBP1b), a negative regulator of intracellular Ca2+ responses, reverses both aging-related Ca2+ dysregulation and cognitive impairment. Here, we tested whether hippocampal FKBP1b overexpression also counteracts aging changes in gene transcriptional networks. In addition to reducing memory deficits in aged rats, FKBP1b selectively counteracted aging-induced expression changes in 37% of aging-dependent genes, with cytoskeletal and extracellular structure categories highly associated with the FKBP1b-rescued genes. Our results indicate that, in parallel with cognitive processes, a novel transcriptional network coordinating brain structural organization is dysregulated with aging and restored by FKBP1b. PMID:29255009

Two-compartment modeling of tissue microcirculation revisited.

PubMed

Brix, Gunnar; Salehi Ravesh, Mona; Griebel, Jürgen

2017-05-01

Conventional two-compartment modeling of tissue microcirculation is used for tracer kinetic analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies although it is well-known that the underlying assumption of an instantaneous mixing of the administered contrast agent (CA) in capillaries is far from being realistic. It was thus the aim of the present study to provide theoretical and computational evidence in favor of a conceptually alternative modeling approach that makes it possible to characterize the bias inherent to compartment modeling and, moreover, to approximately correct for it. Starting from a two-region distributed-parameter model that accounts for spatial gradients in CA concentrations within blood-tissue exchange units, a modified lumped two-compartment exchange model was derived. It has the same analytical structure as the conventional two-compartment model, but indicates that the apparent blood flow identifiable from measured DCE data is substantially overestimated, whereas the three other model parameters (i.e., the permeability-surface area product as well as the volume fractions of the plasma and interstitial distribution space) are unbiased. Furthermore, a simple formula was derived to approximately compute a bias-corrected flow from the estimates of the apparent flow and permeability-surface area product obtained by model fitting. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed modeling and bias correction method, representative noise-free DCE curves were analyzed. They were simulated for 36 microcirculation and four input scenarios by an axially distributed reference model. As analytically proven, the considered two-compartment exchange model is structurally identifiable from tissue residue data. The apparent flow values estimated for the 144 simulated tissue/input scenarios were considerably biased. After bias-correction, the deviations between estimated and actual parameter values were (11.2 ± 6.4) % (vs. (105 ± 21) % without correction) for the flow, (3.6 ± 6.1) % for the permeability-surface area product, (5.8 ± 4.9) % for the vascular volume and (2.5 ± 4.1) % for the interstitial volume; with individual deviations of more than 20% being the exception and just marginal. Increasing the duration of CA administration only had a statistically significant but opposite effect on the accuracy of the estimated flow (declined) and intravascular volume (improved). Physiologically well-defined tissue parameters are structurally identifiable and accurately estimable from DCE data by the conceptually modified two-compartment model in combination with the bias correction. The accuracy of the bias-corrected flow is nearly comparable to that of the three other (theoretically unbiased) model parameters. As compared to conventional two-compartment modeling, this feature constitutes a major advantage for tracer kinetic analysis of both preclinical and clinical DCE imaging studies. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Mechanism of Hyperkalemia-Induced Metabolic Acidosis.

PubMed

Harris, Autumn N; Grimm, P Richard; Lee, Hyun-Wook; Delpire, Eric; Fang, Lijuan; Verlander, Jill W; Welling, Paul A; Weiner, I David

2018-05-01

Background Hyperkalemia in association with metabolic acidosis that are out of proportion to changes in glomerular filtration rate defines type 4 renal tubular acidosis (RTA), the most common RTA observed, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the associated metabolic acidosis are incompletely understood. We sought to determine whether hyperkalemia directly causes metabolic acidosis and, if so, the mechanisms through which this occurs. Methods We studied a genetic model of hyperkalemia that results from early distal convoluted tubule (DCT)-specific overexpression of constitutively active Ste20/SPS1-related proline-alanine-rich kinase (DCT-CA-SPAK). Results DCT-CA-SPAK mice developed hyperkalemia in association with metabolic acidosis and suppressed ammonia excretion; however, titratable acid excretion and urine pH were unchanged compared with those in wild-type mice. Abnormal ammonia excretion in DCT-CA-SPAK mice associated with decreased proximal tubule expression of the ammonia-generating enzymes phosphate-dependent glutaminase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and overexpression of the ammonia-recycling enzyme glutamine synthetase. These mice also had decreased expression of the ammonia transporter family member Rhcg and decreased apical polarization of H + -ATPase in the inner stripe of the outer medullary collecting duct. Correcting the hyperkalemia by treatment with hydrochlorothiazide corrected the metabolic acidosis, increased ammonia excretion, and normalized ammoniagenic enzyme and Rhcg expression in DCT-CA-SPAK mice. In wild-type mice, induction of hyperkalemia by administration of the epithelial sodium channel blocker benzamil caused hyperkalemia and suppressed ammonia excretion. Conclusions Hyperkalemia decreases proximal tubule ammonia generation and collecting duct ammonia transport, leading to impaired ammonia excretion that causes metabolic acidosis. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Self-healing of early age cracks in cement-based materials by mineralization of carbonic anhydrase microorganism

PubMed Central

Qian, Chunxiang; Chen, Huaicheng; Ren, Lifu; Luo, Mian

2015-01-01

This research investigated the self-healing potential of early age cracks in cement-based materials incorporating the bacteria which can produce carbonic anhydrase. Cement-based materials specimens were pre-cracked at the age of 7, 14, 28, 60 days to study the repair ability influenced by cracking time, the width of cracks were between 0.1 and 1.0 mm to study the healing rate influenced by width of cracks. The experimental results indicated that the bacteria showed excellent repairing ability to small cracks formed at early age of 7 days, cracks below 0.4 mm was almost completely closed. The repair effect reduced with the increasing of cracking age. Cracks width influenced self-healing effectiveness significantly. The transportation of CO2and Ca2+ controlled the self-healing process. The computer simulation analyses revealed the self-healing process and mechanism of microbiologically precipitation induced by bacteria and the depth of precipitated CaCO3 could be predicted base on valid Ca2+. PMID:26583014

Re-evaluation of heat flow data near Parkfield, CA: Evidence for a weak San Andreas Fault

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fulton, P.M.; Saffer, D.M.; Harris, Reid N.; Bekins, B.A.

2004-01-01

Improved interpretations of the strength of the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, CA based on thermal data require quantification of processes causing significant scatter and uncertainty in existing heat flow data. These effects include topographic refraction, heat advection by topographically-driven groundwater flow, and uncertainty in thermal conductivity. Here, we re-evaluate the heat flow data in this area by correcting for full 3-D terrain effects. We then investigate the potential role of groundwater flow in redistributing fault-generated heat, using numerical models of coupled heat and fluid flow for a wide range of hydrologic scenarios. We find that a large degree of the scatter in the data can be accounted for by 3-D terrain effects, and that for plausible groundwater flow scenarios frictional heat generated along a strong fault is unlikely to be redistributed by topographically-driven groundwater flow in a manner consistent with the 3-D corrected data. Copyright 2004 by the American Geophysical Union.

Usefulness of CA125 and their kinetic parameters and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F] FDG) in the detection of recurrent ovarian cancer levels.

PubMed

Palomar Muñoz, Azahara; Cordero García, José Manuel; Talavera Rubio, Prado; García Vicente, Ana M; González García, Beatriz; Bellón Guardia, María Emiliana; Soriano Castrejón, Ángel; Aranda Aguilar, Enrique

2017-12-21

To assess the usefulness of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) serum levels and kinetic values, velocity (CA125vel) and doubling time (CA125dt), as well as fluorodeoxyglucose ([ 18 F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), in the detection of ovarian cancer recurrence. To assess the optimal cut-off for CA125, CA125vel and CA125dt to detect relapse with [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT. A retrospective analysis was performed of 59 [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT (48 patients) for suspected recurrence of ovarian cancer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and area-under-the curve (AUC) statistics were computed for CA125, CA125vel and CA125dt. The results obtained in the group with normal and high (>35U/ml) CA125 levels were compared. Forty-four cases of recurrence were diagnosed (7 had CA125 ≤35U/ml), whereas 15 showed no disease. All of them were correctly catalogued by PET/CT. In ROC analysis, the discriminatory power of CA125 was relatively high (AUC 0.835) and the optimal cut-off point to reflect active disease was 23.9U/ml. The ROC analyses for the CA125vel and CA125dt showed an AUC of 0.849 and 0.728, respectively, with an optimal cut-off point of 1.96U/ml/month and 0.76 months, respectively. In patients with normal CA125 and recurrence of ovarian cancer, the CA125vel was significantly higher than in patients without recurrence (p=0.029). [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT is more accurate than CA125 parameters in the detection of ovarian cancer recurrence. CA125 serum levels are essential; nevertheless, CA125 kinetic values must be considered to detect relapse. Particularly in patients with CA125 within normal values, in which a higher CA125vel is indicative of recurrence. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Central role for NMDA receptors in redox mediated impairment of synaptic function during aging and Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Foster, T C; Kyritsopoulos, C; Kumar, A

2017-03-30

Increased human longevity has magnified the negative impact that aging can have on cognitive integrity of older individuals experiencing some decline in cognitive function. Approximately 30% of the elderly will have cognitive problems that influence their independence. Impaired executive function and memory performance are observed in normal aging and yet can be an early sign of a progressive cognitive impairment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. Brain regions that are vulnerable to aging exhibit the earliest pathology of AD. Senescent synaptic function is observed as a shift in Ca 2+ -dependent synaptic plasticity and similar mechanisms are thought to contribute to the early cognitive deficits associated with AD. In the case of aging, intracellular redox state mediates a shift in Ca 2+ regulation including N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunction and increased Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores to alter synaptic plasticity. AD can interact with these aging processes such that molecules linked to AD, β-amyloid (Aβ) and mutated presenilin 1 (PS1), can also degrade NMDA receptor function, promote Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores, and may increase oxidative stress. Thus, age is one of the most important predictors of AD and brain aging likely contributes to the onset of AD. The focus of this review article is to provide an update on mechanisms that contribute to the senescent synapse and possible interactions with AD-related molecules, with special emphasis on regulation of NMDA receptors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relationships between water and paddlefish Polyodon spathula dentary elemental and stable-isotopic signatures: potential application for reconstructing environmental history

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bock, Lindsey R.; Whitledge, Gregory W.; Pracheil, Brenda M.

The objectives of this study were to characterize relationships between water and paddlefish Polyodon spathula dentary Sr:Ca, δ 18O and stable hydrogen isotope ratio (δD) to determine the accuracy with which individual P. spathula could be assigned to their collection locations using dentary-edge Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O. A laboratory experiment was also conducted to determine whether dentary Sr:Ca in age 0 year P. spathula would reflect shifts in water Sr:Ca to which fish were exposed. Significant linear relationships between water and dentary Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O were observed, although the relationship between water and dentary δ 18O wasmore » weaker than those for Sr:Ca and δD. Classification success for individual fish to collection locations that differed in water Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O ranged from 86 to 100% based on dentary-edge Sr:Ca, δD and δ18O. Dentary Sr:Ca increased significantly in laboratory-reared age 0 year P. spathula following 4 weeks of exposure to elevated water Sr:Ca; dentary Sr:Ca of fish held in water with elevated Sr:Ca was also significantly higher than that of control fish reared in ambient laboratory water. Results indicated that P. spathula dentaries reflect water signatures for commonly-applied natural chemical markers and strongly suggest that dentary microchemistry and stable-isotopic compositions will be applicable for reconstructing P. spathula environmental history in locations where sufficient spatial differences in water chemistry occur.« less

Effect of vitamin D, calcium and multiple micronutrient supplementation on vitamin D and bone status in Bangladeshi premenopausal garment factory workers with hypovitaminosis D: a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled 1-year intervention.

PubMed

Islam, Md Zahirul; Shamim, Abu Ahmed; Viljakainen, Heli T; Akhtaruzzaman, Mohammad; Jehan, Atia H; Khan, Habib Ullah; Al-Arif, Ferdaus Ahmad; Lamberg-Allardt, Christel

2010-07-01

Due to little outdoor activity and low dietary intake of vitamin D (VD), Bangladeshi low-income women are at risk for osteoporosis at an early age. The present study assessed the effect of VD, Ca and multiple micronutrient supplementation on VD and bone status in Bangladeshi young female garment factory workers. This placebo-controlled 1-year intervention randomly assigned 200 apparently healthy subjects (aged 16-36 years) to four groups: VD group, daily 10 microg VD; VD and Ca (VD-Ca) group, daily 10 microg VD+600 mg Ca; multiple micronutrient and Ca (MMN-Ca) group, 10 microg VD and other micronutrients+600 mg Ca; a placebo group. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25OHD), intact parathyroid hormone (S-iPTH), Ca, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. All measurements were made at baseline and at 12 months. Significantly (P < 0.001) higher S-25OHD concentrations were observed in the supplemented groups than in the placebo group after the intervention. Supplementation had an effect (P < 0.001) on S-iPTH in the VD-Ca and MMN-Ca groups compared with the placebo group. Bone mineral augmentation increased at the femur in the supplemented groups. Supplementation with VD-Ca should be recommended as a strategic option to reduce the risk of osteomalacia and osteoporosis in these subjects. MMN-Ca may have analogous positive health implications with additional non-skeletal benefits.

Relationships between water and paddlefish Polyodon spathula dentary elemental and stable-isotopic signatures: potential application for reconstructing environmental history

DOE PAGES

Bock, Lindsey R.; Whitledge, Gregory W.; Pracheil, Brenda M.; ...

2016-07-26

The objectives of this study were to characterize relationships between water and paddlefish Polyodon spathula dentary Sr:Ca, δ 18O and stable hydrogen isotope ratio (δD) to determine the accuracy with which individual P. spathula could be assigned to their collection locations using dentary-edge Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O. A laboratory experiment was also conducted to determine whether dentary Sr:Ca in age 0 year P. spathula would reflect shifts in water Sr:Ca to which fish were exposed. Significant linear relationships between water and dentary Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O were observed, although the relationship between water and dentary δ 18O wasmore » weaker than those for Sr:Ca and δD. Classification success for individual fish to collection locations that differed in water Sr:Ca, δD and δ 18O ranged from 86 to 100% based on dentary-edge Sr:Ca, δD and δ18O. Dentary Sr:Ca increased significantly in laboratory-reared age 0 year P. spathula following 4 weeks of exposure to elevated water Sr:Ca; dentary Sr:Ca of fish held in water with elevated Sr:Ca was also significantly higher than that of control fish reared in ambient laboratory water. Results indicated that P. spathula dentaries reflect water signatures for commonly-applied natural chemical markers and strongly suggest that dentary microchemistry and stable-isotopic compositions will be applicable for reconstructing P. spathula environmental history in locations where sufficient spatial differences in water chemistry occur.« less

Assessing Past Surface Processes Rates Using Feldspar Luminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamothe, M.

2010-12-01

Luminescence dating methods (OSL) developed over the last decade offer absolute depositional ages for sediments, crystallization ages for volcanic material or firing ages for burnt archaeological materials. When these natural surface events are from well-documented geological sequences of events, the ages can decipher timing as well as intensity of processes rates. The advent of luminescence dating has yielded a unique window on the pace of the erosion-transport-depositional cycle as the event assessed using luminescence is last exposure to sunlight and burial. A unique advantage of luminescence is its universal applicability since the routinely used dosimeters, minerals of quartz and feldspar, are almost ubiquitous on the land surface. Dating applications to sediments are still clouded by low accuracy and near saturation of the natural luminescence level, commonly observed for sediments older than the Last Interglacial. The latter imposes severe constraints in the use of quartz as a reliable dosimeter for any environment beyond the Late Pleistocene. However, in the case of feldspar, if dates are corrected for anomalous fading, ages of ancient surface processes could potentially be obtained up to ca 500 ka. Nevertheless, large uncertainties inherent to older ages may therein limit usefulness to precisely assessing processes rates. Case-studies will be used to highlight the potential and limitation of luminescence to properly assess surface processes rates for a) Holocene and older aeolian sedimentary systems, b) rates of tectonic movement by dating relative sea level changes from moderately stable to highly dynamic coastal areas, and c) albeit at its early stages, processes in volcanism, by means of tephra-extracted feldspar luminescence dating.

Are there intracellular Ca2+ oscillations correlated with flagellar beating in human sperm? A three vs. two-dimensional analysis.

PubMed

Corkidi, G; Montoya, F; Hernández-Herrera, P; Ríos-Herrera, W A; Müller, M F; Treviño, C L; Darszon, A

2017-09-01

Are there intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) oscillations correlated with flagellar beating in human sperm? The results reveal statistically significant [Ca2+]i oscillations that are correlated with the human sperm flagellar beating frequency, when measured in three-dimensions (3D). Fast [Ca2+]i oscillations that are correlated to the beating flagellar frequency of cells swimming in a restricted volume have been detected in hamster sperm. To date, such findings have not been confirmed in any other mammalian sperm species. An important question that has remained regarding these observations is whether the fast [Ca2+]i oscillations are real or might they be due to remaining defocusing effects of the Z component arising from the 3D beating of the flagella. Healthy donors whose semen samples fulfill the WHO criteria between the age of 18-28 were selected. Cells from at least six different donors were utilized for analysis. Approximately the same number of experimental and control cells were analyzed. Motile cells were obtained by the swim-up technique and were loaded with Fluo-4 (Ca2+ sensitive dye) or with Calcein (Ca2+ insensitive dye). Ni2+ was used as a non-specific plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker. Fluorescence data and flagella position were acquired in 3D. Each cell was recorded for up to 5.6 s within a depth of 16 microns with a high speed camera (coupled to an image intensifier) acquiring at a rate of 3000 frames per second, while an oscillating objective vibrated at 90 Hz via a piezoelectric device. From these samples, eight experimental and nine control sperm cells were analyzed in both 2D and 3D. We have implemented a new system that allows [Ca2+]i measurements of the human sperm flagellum beating in 3D. These measurements reveal statistically significant [Ca2+]i oscillations that correlate with the flagellar beating frequency. These oscillations may arise from intracellular sources and/or Ca2+ transporters, as they were insensitive to external Ni2+, a non-specific plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker. N/A. Analysis in 3D needs a very fast image acquisition rate to correctly sample a volume containing swimming sperm. This condition requires a very short exposure time per image making it necessary to use an image intensifier which also increases noise. The lengthy analysis time required to obtain reliable results limited the number of cells that could be analyzed. The possibility of recording flagellar [Ca2+]i oscillations described here may open a new avenue to better understand ciliary and flagellar beating that are fundamental for mucociliary clearance, oocyte transport, fertilization, cerebrospinal fluid pressure regulation and developmental left-right symmetry breaking in the embryonic node. This work was supported by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT) (grants 253952 to G.C.; 156667 to F.M.M. and Fronteras 71 39908-Q to A.D. and Post-doctoral scholarships 366844 to P.H.-H. and 291028 to F.M.) and the Dirección General de Asuntos del Personal Académico of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (DGAPA-UNAM) (grants CJIC/CTIC/4898/2016 to F.M. and IN205516 to A.D.). There are no conflicts of interest to declare. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Mesenchymal stem cells can modulate longitudinal changes in cortical thickness and its related cognitive decline in patients with multiple system atrophy

PubMed Central

Sunwoo, Mun Kyung; Yun, Hyuk Jin; Song, Sook K.; Ham, Ji Hyun; Hong, Jin Yong; Lee, Ji E.; Lee, Hye S.; Sohn, Young H.; Lee, Jong-Min; Lee, Phil Hyu

2014-01-01

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset, sporadic neurodegenerative disease. Because the prognosis of MSA is fatal, neuroprotective or regenerative strategies may be invaluable in MSA treatment. Previously, we obtained clinical and imaging evidence that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment could have a neuroprotective role in MSA patients. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of MSC therapy on longitudinal changes in subcortical deep gray matter volumes and cortical thickness and their association with cognitive performance. Clinical and imaging data were obtained from our previous randomized trial of autologous MSC in MSA patients. During 1-year follow-up, we assessed longitudinal differences in automatic segmentation-based subcortical deep gray matter volumes and vertex-wise cortical thickness between placebo (n = 15) and MSC groups (n = 11). Next, we performed correlation analysis between the changes in cortical thickness and changes in the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores and cognitive performance of each cognitive subdomain using a multiple, comparison correction. There were no significant differences in age at baseline, age at disease onset, gender ratio, disease duration, clinical severity, MoCA score, or education level between the groups. The automated subcortical volumetric analysis revealed that the changes in subcortical deep gray matter volumes of the caudate, putamen, and thalamus did not differ significantly between the groups. The areas of cortical thinning over time in the placebo group were more extensive, including the frontal, temporal, and parietal areas, whereas these areas in the MSC group were less extensive. Correlation analysis indicated that declines in MoCA scores and phonemic fluency during the follow-up period were significantly correlated with cortical thinning of the frontal and posterior temporal areas and anterior temporal areas in MSA patients, respectively. In contrast, no significant correlations were observed in the MSC group. These results suggest that MSC treatment in patients with MSA may modulate cortical thinning over time and related cognitive performance, inferring a future therapeutic candidate for cognitive disorders. PMID:24982631

Temporal binding function of dorsal CA1 is critical for declarative memory formation

PubMed Central

Sellami, Azza; Al Abed, Alice Shaam; Brayda-Bruno, Laurent; Etchamendy, Nicole; Valério, Stéphane; Oulé, Marie; Pantaléon, Laura; Lamothe, Valérie; Potier, Mylène; Bernard, Katy; Jabourian, Maritza; Herry, Cyril; Mons, Nicole; Piazza, Pier-Vincenzo; Eichenbaum, Howard; Marighetto, Aline

2017-01-01

Temporal binding, the process that enables association between discontiguous stimuli in memory, and relational organization, a process that enables the flexibility of declarative memories, are both hippocampus-dependent and decline in aging. However, how these two processes are related in supporting declarative memory formation and how they are compromised in age-related memory loss remain hypothetical. We here identify a causal link between these two features of declarative memory: Temporal binding is a necessary condition for the relational organization of discontiguous events. We demonstrate that the formation of a relational memory is limited by the capability of temporal binding, which depends on dorsal (d)CA1 activity over time intervals and diminishes in aging. Conversely, relational representation is successful even in aged individuals when the demand on temporal binding is minimized, showing that relational/declarative memory per se is not impaired in aging. Thus, bridging temporal intervals by dCA1 activity is a critical foundation of relational representation, and a deterioration of this mechanism is responsible for the age-associated memory impairment. PMID:28874586

Temporal binding function of dorsal CA1 is critical for declarative memory formation.

PubMed

Sellami, Azza; Al Abed, Alice Shaam; Brayda-Bruno, Laurent; Etchamendy, Nicole; Valério, Stéphane; Oulé, Marie; Pantaléon, Laura; Lamothe, Valérie; Potier, Mylène; Bernard, Katy; Jabourian, Maritza; Herry, Cyril; Mons, Nicole; Piazza, Pier-Vincenzo; Eichenbaum, Howard; Marighetto, Aline

2017-09-19

Temporal binding, the process that enables association between discontiguous stimuli in memory, and relational organization, a process that enables the flexibility of declarative memories, are both hippocampus-dependent and decline in aging. However, how these two processes are related in supporting declarative memory formation and how they are compromised in age-related memory loss remain hypothetical. We here identify a causal link between these two features of declarative memory: Temporal binding is a necessary condition for the relational organization of discontiguous events. We demonstrate that the formation of a relational memory is limited by the capability of temporal binding, which depends on dorsal (d)CA1 activity over time intervals and diminishes in aging. Conversely, relational representation is successful even in aged individuals when the demand on temporal binding is minimized, showing that relational/declarative memory per se is not impaired in aging. Thus, bridging temporal intervals by dCA1 activity is a critical foundation of relational representation, and a deterioration of this mechanism is responsible for the age-associated memory impairment.

Manual asymmetry in older adults on a complex coincidence-anticipation task.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Paula Cristina Dos Santos; Silva, João Miguel Carvalho da; Barreiros, João Manuel Pardal; Vasconcelos, Maria Olga Fernandes

2018-04-20

Age-related asymmetrical functional decline was tested in a sample of 57 right-handed volunteers between 65 and 85 years of age. Participants performed a complex coincidence-anticipation (CA) task with both preferred and non-preferred hands. Results demonstrated that the proficiency of a complex CA task was similar for the 2 age groups, but different for the 2 hands. The non-preferred hand was more proficient for temporal accuracy but not for response timing, which was similar for both hands. Moreover, the lack of interaction between age and hand both in response timing and response accuracy reveal symmetric performance across ages.

A pilot study on the use of natural calcium isotope (44Ca/40Ca) fractionation in urine as a proxy for the human body calcium balance.

PubMed

Heuser, Alexander; Eisenhauer, Anton

2010-04-01

We explored the possibility of using natural calcium (Ca) isotope variations in the urine (delta(44/40)Ca(urine)) as a proxy for the Ca balance in the human body. We chose two test persons extremely different in their health status, gender and age (4-year-old healthy boy and a 60-year-old woman known to suffer from osteoporosis). During a 5 day interval the Ca isotope composition of the individual diet (delta(44/40)Ca(diet)) was monitored for both test persons to be in general agreement to the Ca isotope composition of the normal western European diet ( approximately -1.02+/-0.1 per thousand). However, measurements showed that (1) delta(44/40)Ca(urine) of both test persons are approximately 1.37 and approximately 2.49 per thousand, respectively, heavier than delta(44/40)Ca(diet) and that (2) the delta(44/40)Ca(urine-boy) is approximately 1.1 per thousand heavier when compared to the value of the woman. The individual offset between diet and test persons is interpreted to reflect individual Ca reabsorption rates in the kidneys being the result of Rayleigh type Ca isotope fractionation related to the partitioning of Ca between the glomerular filtrate and filtered residue. The relative difference between delta(44/40)Ca(urine-boy) and delta(44/40)Ca(urine-woman) of approximately 1.1 per thousand may reflect individual differences in the balance of bone mineralization and demineralization processes related to age, gender and health status. By arbitrarily defining an equilibrium value for Delta(44/40)Ca(diet-urine) of -1.93 per thousand being the arithmetic mean of delta(44/40)Ca(urine) for both test persons the measured delta(44/40)Ca(urine) values may be applied to model the individual bone mineralization and demineralization processes in a qualitative way. Note, second order influences of intestinal Ca absorption during sequestration of Ca between intestine and blood have to be subject of further studies. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Contractile properties of skinned muscle fibres from young and adult normal and dystrophic (mdx) mice.

PubMed Central

Williams, D A; Head, S I; Lynch, G S; Stephenson, D G

1993-01-01

1. Single muscle fibres were enzymatically isolated from the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of genetically dystrophic mdx and normal (C57BL/10) mice aged 3-6 or 17-23 weeks. 2. Fibres of both muscles were chemically skinned with the non-ionic detergent Triton X-100 (2% v/v). Ca(2+)- and Sr(2+)-activated contractile responses were recorded and comparisons were made between several contractile parameters of various fibre types of normal and dystrophic mice of similar age. 3. There were no significant differences in the following contractile parameters of skinned fibres of normal and mdx mice of the same age: sensitivity to activating Ca2+ (pCa50) or Sr2+ (pSr50) and differential sensitivity to the activating ions (pCa50-pSr50). However the maximum isometric tension (Po) and the frequency of myofibrillar force oscillations in EDL fast-twitch fibres of young mdx mice were significantly lower than those of soleus fast-twitch fibres of the same animals, or fast-twitch fibres (EDL or soleus) of normal mice. 4. Age-related differences were apparent in some contractile parameters of both normal and mdx mice. In particular the steepness of force-pCa and force-pSr curves increased with age in normal mice, yet decreased with age in fibres of mdx mice. 5. A fluorescent probe, ethidium bromide, which interchelates with DNA, was used with laser-scanning confocal microscopy to determine the distribution of myonuclei in fibres. Fibres isolated from either muscle type of normal animals displayed a characteristic peripheral spiral of myonuclei. Fibres from muscles of mdx mice displayed three major patterns of nuclear distribution; the normal peripheral spiral, long central strands of nuclei, and a mixture of these two patterns. 6. The contractile characteristics of mdx fibres were not markedly influenced by the nuclear distribution pattern in that there were no discernible differences in the major contractile parameters (the Hill coefficients nCa and nSr, which are associated with the steepness of the Ca2+ and Sr2+ activation curves, pCa50, pSr50, pCa50-pSr50) of skinned fibres possessing peripheral or central nuclei. However, except for nSr, these values were all lower in individual fibres which displayed similar proportions of central and peripheral nuclei. The presence of mixed nucleation and absence of fibres with embryonic contractile characteristics in mdx mice suggest that the dystrophin-negative fibres can repair locally occurring muscle damage. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 1(Contd.) Fig. 4 Fig. 5 PMID:8487206

Changes in calcium uptake rate by rat cardiac mitochondria during postnatal development.

PubMed

Bassani, R A; Fagian, M M; Bassani, J W; Vercesi, A E

1998-10-01

Ca2+ uptake, transmembrane electrical potential (Deltapsim) and oxygen consumption were measured in isolated ventricular mitochondria of rats from 3 days to 5 months of age. Estimated values of ruthenium red-sensitive, succinate-supported maximal rate of Ca2+ uptake (Vmax, expressed as nmol Ca2+/min/mg protein) were higher in neonates and gradually fell during postnatal development (from 435+/-24 at 3-6 days, to 156+/-10 in adults,P<0.001), whereas K0.5 values (approximately 10 microM were not significantly affected by age. Under similar conditions, mitochondria from adults (5 months old) and neonates (4-6 days old) showed comparable state 4 (succinate and alpha-ketoglutarate as substrates) and state 3ADP (alpha-ketoglutarate-supported) respiration rates, as well as Deltapsim values (approximately-150 mV). Respiration-independent Deltapsim and Ca2+ uptake, supported by valinomycin-induced K+ efflux were also investigated at these ages. A transient Deltapsim (approximately -30 mV) was evoked by valinomycin in both neonatal and adult mitochondria. Respiration-independent Ca2+ uptake was also transient, but its initial rate was significantly higher in neonates than in adults (49. 4+/-10.0v 28.0+/-5.7 mmol Ca2+/min/mg protein,P<0.01). These results indicate that Ca2+ uptake capacity of rat cardiac mitochondria is remarkably high just after birth and declines over the first weeks of postnatal life, without change in apparent affinity of the transporter. Increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake rate in neonates appears to be related to the uniporter itself, rather than to modification of the driving force of the transport. Copyright 1998 Academic Press

Differential protection among fractionated blueberry polyphenolic families against DA-, ABeta 42 and LPS-induced decrements in Ca2+ buffering in primary hippocampal cells

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

It has been postulated that at least part of the loss of cognitive function in aging may be the result of deficits in Ca2+ recovery (CAR) and increased oxidative/inflammatory (OX/INF) stress signaling. However, previous research showed that aged animals supplemented with blueberry (BB) extract, show...

O electrolyte for bio-application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naddaf, M.; Almariri, A.

2014-09-01

Porous silicon (PS) has been prepared in the dark by anodic etching of n+-type (111) silicon substrate in a HF:HCl:C2H5OH:H2O2:H2O electrolyte. The processed PS layer is characterized by means of photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), water contact angle (CA) measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and micro-Raman scattering. The CA of fresh PS layer is found to be ~142°. On aging at ambient conditions, the CA decreases gently to reach ~133° after 3 month, and then it is stabilized for a prolonged time of aging. The visible PL emission from the PS layer also exhibits a good stability against aging time. The FTIR and XPS measurements and analysis show that the stable aged PS layer has rather SiO2-rich surface. The micro/nanostructure nature of the PS layer is revealed from SEM and micro-Raman results and correlated to CA results. Stable hydrophobic surface of oxidized PS layer is attractive for bio-applications. The efficiency of the produced PS layers as an entrapping template for specific immobilization of IgG2a antibody via physical absorption process is demonstrated.

Phanerozoic polyphase orogenies recorded in the northeastern Okcheon Belt, Korea from SHRIMP U-Pb detrital zircon and K-Ar illite geochronologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Yirang; Kwon, Sanghoon; Song, Yungoo; Kim, Sung Won; Kwon, Yi Kyun; Yi, Keewook

2018-05-01

We present the SHRIMP U-Pb detrital zircon and K-Ar illite 1Md/1M and 2M1 ages, suggesting new insight into the Phanerozoic polyphase orogenies preserved in the northeastern Okcheon Belt, Korea since the initial basin formation during Neoproterozoic rifting through several successive contractional orogens. The U-Pb detrital zircon ages from the Early Paleozoic strata of the Taebaeksan Zone suggest a Cambrian maximum deposition age, and are supported by trilobite and conodont biostratigraphy. Although the age spectra from two sedimentary groups, the Yeongwol and Taebaek Groups, show similar continuous distributions from the Late Paleoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic ages, a Grenville-age hiatus (1.3-0.9 Ga) in the continuous stratigraphic sequence from the Taebaek Group suggests the existence of different peripheral clastic sources along rifted continental margin(s). In addition, we present the K-Ar illite 1Md/1M ages of the fault gouges, which confirm fault formation/reactivation during the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleogene (ca. 82-62 Ma) and the Early Miocene (ca. 20-18 Ma). The 2M1 illite ages, at least those younger than the host rock ages, provide episodes of deformation, metamorphism and hydrothermal effects related to the tectonic events during the Devonian (ca.410 Ma) and Permo-Triassic (ca. 285-240 Ma). These results indicate that the northeastern Okcheon Belt experienced polyphase orogenic events, namely the Okcheon (Middle Paleozoic), Songrim (Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic), Daebo (Middle Mesozoic) and Bulguksa (Late Mesozoic to Early Cenozoic) Orogenies, reflecting the Phanerozoic tectonic evolution of the Korean Peninsula along the East Asian continental margin.

Human Placental Arterial Distensibility, Birth Weight, and Body Size Are Positively Related to Fetal Homocysteine Concentration.

PubMed

D'Souza, Stephen W; Solanky, Nita; Guarino, Jane; Moat, Stuart; Sibley, Colin P; Taggart, Michael; Glazier, Jocelyn D

2017-07-01

Methionine demethylation during metabolism generates homocysteine (Hcy) and its remethylation requires folate and cobalamin. Elevated Hcy concentrations are associated with vascular-related complications of pregnancy, including increased vascular stiffness, predictive of clinical vascular disease. Maternal and fetal total Hcy (tHcy) concentrations are positively related, yet the influence of Hcy on fetoplacental vascular function in normal pregnancy has not been examined. We hypothesized that Hcy alters fetoplacental vascular characteristics with influences on fetal growth outcomes. We investigated (1) placental chorionic plate artery distensibility and neonatal blood pressure in relation to umbilical plasma tHcy; (2) relationships between cord venous (CV) and cord arterial (CA) plasma tHcy, folate, and cobalamin concentrations; and (3) tHcy associations with birth weight and anthropometric measurements of body size as indices of fetal growth in normal pregnancies with appropriate weight-for-gestational age newborns. Maternal plasma tHcy, folate, and cobalamin concentrations were consistent with published data. Placental chorionic plate artery distensibility index (β; measure of vessel stiffness) was inversely related to CA tHcy, yet neonatal blood pressure was not significantly affected. CV and CA tHcy concentrations were positively related and CV tHcy negatively related to CV cobalamin but not folate. CV tHcy concentration positively related to birth weight, corrected birth weight percentile, length, head circumference, and mid-arm circumference of newborns. CV cobalamin was inversely related to fetal growth indices but not to folate concentration. Our study demonstrates a potential relationship between fetal tHcy and placental artery distensibility, placing clinical relevance to cobalamin in influencing Hcy concentration and maintaining low vascular resistance to facilitate nutrient exchange favorable to fetal growth.

Respiratory Outcomes of the Surfactant Positive Pressure and Oximetry Randomized Trial

PubMed Central

Stevens, Timothy P.; Finer, Neil N.; Carlo, Waldemar A.; Szilagyi, Peter G.; Phelps, Dale L.; Walsh, Michele C.; Gantz, Marie G.; Laptook, Abbot R.; Yoder, Bradley A.; Faix, Roger G.; Newman, Jamie E.; Das, Abhik; Do, Barbara T.; Schibler, Kurt; Rich, Wade; Newman, Nancy S.; Ehrenkranz, Richard A.; Peralta-Carcelen, Myriam; Vohr, Betty R.; Wilson-Costello, Deanne E.; Yolton, Kimberly; Heyne, Roy J.; Evans, Patricia W.; Vaucher, Yvonne E.; Adams-Chapman, Ira; McGowan, Elisabeth C.; Bodnar, Anna; Pappas, Athina; Hintz, Susan R.; Acarregui, Michael J.; Fuller, Janell; Goldstein, Ricki F.; Bauer, Charles R.; O’Shea, T. Michael; Myers, Gary J.; Higgins, Rosemary D.

2014-01-01

Objective To explore the early childhood pulmonary outcomes of infants who participated in the NICHD SUPPORT Trial, using a factorial design that randomized extremely preterm infants to lower vs. higher oxygen saturation targets and delivery room CPAP vs. intubation/surfactant, found no significant difference in the primary composite outcome of death or BPD. Study design The Breathing Outcomes Study, a prospective secondary to SUPPORT, assessed respiratory morbidity at 6 month intervals from hospital discharge to 18–22 months corrected age (CA). Two pre-specified primary outcomes, wheezing more than twice per week during the worst 2 week period and cough longer than 3 days without a cold were compared between each randomized intervention. Results One or more interviews were completed for 918 of 922 eligible infants. The incidence of wheezing and cough were 47.9% and 31.0%, respectively, and did not differ between study arms of either randomized intervention. Infants randomized to lower vs. higher oxygen saturation targets had similar risks of death or respiratory morbidities (except for croup, treatment with oxygen or diuretics at home). Infants randomized to CPAP vs. intubation/surfactant had fewer episodes of wheezing without a cold (28.9% vs. 36.5%, p<0.05), respiratory illnesses diagnosed by a doctor (47.7% vs. 55.2%, p<0.05) and physician or emergency room visits for breathing problems (68.0% vs. 72.9%, p<0.05) by 18–22 months CA. Conclusion Treatment with early CPAP rather than intubation/surfactant is associated with less respiratory morbidity by 18–22 months CA. Longitudinal assessment of pulmonary morbidity is necessary to fully evaluate the potential benefits of respiratory interventions for neonates. PMID:24725582

Multiproxy evidence of Holocene climate variability from estuarine sediments, eastern North America

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cronin, T. M.; Thunell, R.; Dwyer, G.S.; Saenger, C.; Mann, M.E.; Vann, C.; Seal, R.R.

2005-01-01

We reconstructed paleoclimate patterns from oxygen and carbon isotope records from the fossil estuarine benthic foraminifera Elphidium and Mg/ Ca ratios from the ostracode Loxoconcha from sediment cores from Chesapeake Bay to examine the Holocene evolution of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)-type climate variability. Precipitation-driven river discharge and regional temperature variability are the primary influences on Chesapeake Bay salinity and water temperature, respectively. We first calibrated modern ??18 Owater to salinity and applied this relationship to calculate trends in paleosalinity from the ??18 Oforam, correcting for changes in water temperature estimated from ostracode Mg /Ca ratios. The results indicate a much drier early Holocene in which mean paleosalinity was ???28 ppt in the northern bay, falling ???25% to ???20 ppt during the late Holocene. Early Holocene Mg/Ca-derived temperatures varied in a relatively narrow range of 13?? to 16??C with a mean temperature of 14.2??C and excursions above 16??C; the late Holocene was on average cooler (mean temperature of 12.8??C). In addition to the large contrast between early and late Holocene regional climate conditions, multidecadal (20-40 years) salinity and temperature variability is an inherent part of the region's climate during both the early and late Holocene, including the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age. These patterns are similar to those observed during the twentieth century caused by NAO-related processes. Comparison of the midlatitude Chesapeake Bay salinity record with tropical climate records of Intertropical Convergence Zone fluctuations inferred from the Cariaco Basin titanium record suggests an anticorrelation between precipitation in the two regions at both millennial and centennial timescales. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.

Evaluation of Wall Interference Effects in a Two-Dimensional Transonic Wind Tunnel by Subsonic Linear Theory,

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-02-01

tests were conducted on two geometrica lly similar models of each of two aerofoil sections -—t he NA CA 00/ 2 and the BGK- 1 sections -and covered a...and slotted-wall tes t sections are corrected for wind tunnel wall interference efJ~cts by the application of classical linearized theory. For the...solid wall results , these corrections appear to produce data which are very close to being free of the effects of interference. In the case of

Theory-Driven Models for Correcting Fight or Flight Imbalance in Gulf War Illness

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

contained in this report are those of the author( s ) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless...for Correcting “Fight or Flight” Imbalance in Gulf War Illness 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-10-1-0774 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d...PROJECT NUMBER Gordon Broderick, P.hD. 5e. TASK NUMBER Email: gordon.broderick@ualberta.ca 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S

Diagnostic efficiency of demographically corrected Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III and Wechsler Memory Scale-III indices in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and lower education levels.

PubMed

Walker, Alexandra J; Batchelor, Jennifer; Shores, E Arthur; Jones, Mike

2009-11-01

Despite the sensitivity of neuropsychological tests to educational level, improved diagnostic accuracy for demographically corrected scores has yet to be established. Diagnostic efficiency statistics of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III) and Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III) indices that were corrected for education, sex, and age (demographically corrected) were compared with age corrected indices in individuals aged 16 to 75 years with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 12 years or less education. TBI participants (n = 100) were consecutive referrals to an outpatient rehabilitation service and met careful selection criteria. Controls (n = 100) were obtained from the WAIS-III/WMS-III standardization sample. Demographically corrected indices did not provide higher diagnostic efficiency than age corrected indices and this result was supported by reanalysis of the TBI group against a larger and unmatched control group. Processing Speed Index provided comparable diagnostic accuracy to that of combined indices. Demographically corrected indices were associated with higher cut-scores to maximize overall classification, reflecting the upward adjustment of those scores in a lower education sample. This suggests that, in clinical practice, the test results of individuals with limited education may be more accurately interpreted with the application of demographic corrections. Diagnostic efficiency statistics are presented, and future research directions are discussed.

Assessing elemental ratios as a paleotemperature proxy in shells of patelloid limpets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graniero, L. E.; Surge, D. M.; Gillikin, D. P.

2016-02-01

Archaeological shell and fish middens are rich sources of paleoenvironmental proxy data. Patelloid limpet shells are common constituents in archaeological middens found along European, African, and South American coastlines. Paleotemperature reconstructions using oxygen isotope ratios of limpet shells depend on the ability to constrain the oxygen isotope ratio of seawater; therefore, alternative proxies are necessary for coastal localities where this is not possible. The study evaluates whether Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Li/Ca, Li/Mg, and Sr/Li ratios are reliable proxies of SST in shells of the patelloid limpets, P. vulgata and N. deaurata. We compare Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Li/Ca, Li/Mg, and Sr/Li ratios to the seasonal variations in contemporaneous δ18Oshell records which primarily record seasonal changes in SST. Elemental ratios (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Li/Ca, Sr/Li, Li/Mg) show no significant correlations with reconstructed SST in P. vulgata and N. deaurata shells. Shell δ13C values show no significant ontogenetic trends, suggesting that these limpets show little change in metabolic carbon incorporation into the shell with increasing ontogenetic age. Although growth rate exhibits a logarithmic decrease with age based on calculated linear extension rates, growth rate does not correlate with elemental profiles in these limpets. Overall, elemental ratios (are not reliable recorders of paleotemperature in patelloid limpets. Further research is necessary to establish the controls on elemental ratio concentrations in limpet shells.

Neuronal carbonic anhydrase VII provides GABAergic excitatory drive to exacerbate febrile seizures

PubMed Central

Ruusuvuori, Eva; Huebner, Antje K; Kirilkin, Ilya; Yukin, Alexey Y; Blaesse, Peter; Helmy, Mohamed; Jung Kang, Hyo; El Muayed, Malek; Christopher Hennings, J; Voipio, Juha; Šestan, Nenad; Hübner, Christian A; Kaila, Kai

2013-01-01

Brain carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are known to modulate neuronal signalling. Using a novel CA VII (Car7) knockout (KO) mouse as well as a CA II (Car2) KO and a CA II/VII double KO, we show that mature hippocampal pyramidal neurons are endowed with two cytosolic isoforms. CA VII is predominantly expressed by neurons starting around postnatal day 10 (P10). The ubiquitous isoform II is expressed in neurons at P20. Both isoforms enhance bicarbonate-driven GABAergic excitation during intense GABAA-receptor activation. P13–14 CA VII KO mice show behavioural manifestations atypical of experimental febrile seizures (eFS) and a complete absence of electrographic seizures. A low dose of diazepam promotes eFS in P13–P14 rat pups, whereas seizures are blocked at higher concentrations that suppress breathing. Thus, the respiratory alkalosis-dependent eFS are exacerbated by GABAergic excitation. We found that CA VII mRNA is expressed in the human cerebral cortex before the age when febrile seizures (FS) occur in children. Our data indicate that CA VII is a key molecule in age-dependent neuronal pH regulation with consequent effects on generation of FS. PMID:23881097

Lead mobilization during tectonic reactivation of the western Baltic Shield

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romer, R.L.; Wright, J.E.

Lead isotope data from sulfide deposits of the western part of the Baltic Shield define mixing lines in the [sup 206]Pb/[sup 204]Pb-[sup 207]Pb/[sup 204]Pb diagram. Lead from two types of sulfide deposits have been investigated: (1) Exhalative and volcanogenic deposits that are syngenetic with their host rocks; and (2) vein deposits. The syngenetic deposits locally show a very wide range of lead isotopic compositions that reflect a variable addition of highly radiogenic lead, while the vein deposits, although they have radiogenic lead isotopic compositions, exhibit only limited isotopic variations. In different provinces of the shield, both types of deposits fallmore » on the same lead mixing array. The slope of the lead mixing lines varies as a function of the age of basement rocks and the age of the tectonic event which produced the lead mobilization and therefore relates the source rock age with the age of lead mobilization. Calculated mixing ages fall into several short time periods that correspond either to orogenic events or to major phases of continental rifting. The orogenic events are the ca 360--430 Ma Caledonian, ca 900--1100 Ma Sveconorwegian, and the ca 1800--1900 Ma Svecofennian orogenic cycles. The rifting events correspond to the formation of the ca 280 Ma Oslo rift and the Ordovician (ca 450 Ma) graben system in the area of the present Gulf of Bothnia. Each mixing age indicates that lead was mobilized, probably as a consequence of mild thermal disturbances, and that the crust was permeable to lead migration. The data show that the geographic distribution of sulfide deposits with highly radiogenic lead isotopic compositions coincides with old graben systems, orogenic belts, and orogenic forelands on the Baltic Shield. The ages of vein deposits and their geographic distribution demonstrate multiple tectonic reactivation of the interior of the Baltic Shield in response to orogenic events at its margin. 68 refs., 6 refs., 4 tabs.« less

SHRIMP U-Pb detrital zircon dating to check subdivisions in metamorphic complexes: a case of study in the Nevado-Filábride complex (Betic Cordillera, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santamaría-López, Ángel; Sanz de Galdeano, Carlos

2018-04-01

U-Pb dating on inherited detrital zircons has been applied to obtain the probable maximum age of deposition of the detrital protolith of the Nevado-Filábride complex (Betic Cordillera, Spain). Five of eight samples correspond to the lower part of the lithologic sequence of this complex, where radiometric dating of metasediments has not been presented till the present. The youngest age populations in the majority of samples are Carboniferous. The estimation of the maximum age of deposition in the lower and upper units is 349.1 ± 1.6 and 334.6 ± 2.9 Ma, respectively. In addition, samples show common age populations at ca. 490-630 and ca. 910-1010 Ma. Observations agree with the Carboniferous to early Permian U-Pb ages previously obtained in orthogneisses levels which are situated in the upper part of the complex. Combination of the minimum age of deposition deducible from the orthogneisses studies and the maximum ages of deposition obtained from the detrital zircons of this work, allow establishing the deposition of de studied lithological succession comprised between ca. 282 and 349 Ma or a shorter period.

77 FR 31032 - National Institute on Aging; Notice of Closed Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-24

... applications. Place: Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. Contact Person: Bita... applications. Place: Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. Contact Person: Ramesh... and evaluate grant applications. Place: Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292...

Diffractive heavy quark production in AA collisions at the LHC at NLO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Machado, M. M.; Ducati, M. B. Gay; Machado, M. V. T.

2011-07-15

The single and double diffractive cross sections for heavy quarks production are evaluated at NLO accuracy for hadronic and heavy ion collisions at the LHC. Diffractive charm and bottom production is the main subject of this work, providing predictions for CaCa, PbPb and pPb collisions. The hard diffraction formalism is considered using the Ingelman-Schlein model where a recent parametrization for the Pomeron structure function (DPDF) is applied. Absorptive corrections are taken into account as well. The diffractive ratios are estimated and theoretical uncertainties are discussed. Comparison with competing production channels is also presented.

Diffractive heavy quark production in AA collisions at the LHC at NLO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machado, M. M.; Ducati, M. B. Gay; Machado, M. V. T.

2011-07-01

The single and double diffractive cross sections for heavy quarks production are evaluated at NLO accuracy for hadronic and heavy ion collisions at the LHC. Diffractive charm and bottom production is the main subject of this work, providing predictions for CaCa, PbPb and pPb collisions. The hard diffraction formalism is considered using the Ingelman-Schlein model where a recent parametrization for the Pomeron structure function (DPDF) is applied. Absorptive corrections are taken into account as well. The diffractive ratios are estimated and theoretical uncertainties are discussed. Comparison with competing production channels is also presented.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 knockin mice develop a progressive neuronal dysfunction with age-dependent accumulation of mutant CaV2.1 channels

PubMed Central

Watase, Kei; Barrett, Curtis F.; Miyazaki, Taisuke; Ishiguro, Taro; Ishikawa, Kinya; Hu, Yuanxin; Unno, Toshinori; Sun, Yaling; Kasai, Sayumi; Watanabe, Masahiko; Gomez, Christopher M.; Mizusawa, Hidehiro; Tsien, Richard W.; Zoghbi, Huda Y.

2008-01-01

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG repeat expansions within the voltage-gated calcium (CaV) 2.1 channel gene. It remains controversial whether the mutation exerts neurotoxicity by changing the function of CaV2.1 channel or through a gain-of-function mechanism associated with accumulation of the expanded polyglutamine protein. We generated three strains of knockin (KI) mice carrying normal, expanded, or hyperexpanded CAG repeat tracts in the Cacna1a locus. The mice expressing hyperexpanded polyglutamine (Sca684Q) developed progressive motor impairment and aggregation of mutant CaV2.1 channels. Electrophysiological analysis of cerebellar Purkinje cells revealed similar Ca2+ channel current density among the three KI models. Neither voltage sensitivity of activation nor inactivation was altered in the Sca684Q neurons, suggesting that expanded CAG repeat per se does not affect the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of the channels. The pathogenesis of SCA6 is apparently linked to an age-dependent process accompanied by accumulation of mutant CaV2.1 channels. PMID:18687887

Experiment K-6-05. The maturaton of bone and dentin matrices in rats flown on Cosmos 1887

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simmons, D.; Grynpas, M.; Rosenberg, G.; Durnova, G.

1990-01-01

The chemistry, hydroxyapatite crystal size, and maturation of the bone and dentin is characterized in rats exposed to microgravity for 12.5d in a Soviet Biosatellite (Cosmos-1887). Calvarial and vertebral bone ash was subnormal, but contained a normal percent composition of Ca, P, and Mg. These tissues varied from the norm by having lower Ca/P and higher Ca/Mg ratios than any of their age-matched controls (Vivarium and Synchronous Groups). Gradient density analyses (calvaria) indicated a strong shift to the lower sp.gr. fractions which was commensurate with impaired rates of matrix-mineral maturation. X-ray diffraction data were confirmatory. Bone hydroxyapatite crystal growth in Flight rats was preferentially altered in a way to reduce the dimension of their C-axis. Flight rat dentin was normal with respect to age-matched control Ca, P, Mg, and Zn concentrations and their Ca/P and Ca/Mg ratios. These observations affirm the concept that microgravity adversely affects the maturation of newly formed matrix and mineral moieties in bone.

Canine pulp ratios in estimating pensionable age in subjects with questionable documents of identification.

PubMed

Cameriere, Roberto; Ferrante, Luigi

2011-03-20

One of the most interesting reasons for needing to estimate age in adult subjects is to ascertain the age of a person of questionable pensionable age. This problem is becoming increasingly important in Europe, owing to the high number of immigrants without valid birth certificates. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the application of the apposition of secondary dentine of canines by the method of Cameriere et al. [10], in order to estimate the pensionable age of subjects without proper birth certificates. Periapical X-rays of 180 canines from 90 subjects aged between 50 and 79, 46 men and 44 women, were analysed. Estimated ages were used to test the medico-legal question as to whether an individual was older or younger than 65 years of age. In subjects under 65, age was correctly evaluated in 91% and 89% of individuals using maxillary and mandibular canines, respectively. In subjects over 65, of pensionable age, estimates were correct in 85% and 88% of cases, respectively. The proportion of individuals with correct classifications was 89% for both maxillary and mandibular canines taken together. In only four subjects, the results of maxillary and mandibular canines were discordant; in the other 86 subjects, the test of maxillary and mandibular canines yielded concordant results. Among the latter, the proportion of individuals who were really aged 65 years or older, and who were correctly estimated as such, was 94%, and the proportion of individuals younger than 65 years of age who were correctly estimated as such was 96%. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of dietary calcium deficiency on the cardiac function of broiler chickens based on electro- and echocardiography.

PubMed

Zamani Moghaddam, Abdol Karim; Hassanpour, Hossein; Soroori, Sarang; Yadegari, Mehrdad; Tajeri, Ghodsieh

2010-06-01

To determine the effects of dietary calcium deficiency on the heart function of broiler chickens based on electro- and echocardiography, chicks were reared for 42 days and fed rations with different amounts of calcium. At 28 and 42 days of age, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters were assessed. There were significant reductions of R wave amplitude (leads II and aVR) in the Ca-deficient group II at 42 day of age as compared to the control. S wave amplitudes were decreased in most leads but the decrease was significant (P < 0.05) only at 28 days (lead aVL, Ca-deficient group I) and 42 days (leads III, aVR, aVF, Ca-deficient groups I and II). T wave amplitudes were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased at 42 days (leads II, aVR and aVF) in the Ca-deficient group II compared to the control group. Variations in QT, ST and RR intervals were insignificant in the Ca-deficient groups compared with the control. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in left ventricular diameter at end-systole and a reduction of left ventricular fractional shortening in the Ca-deficient group II at 28 and 42 days as compared to the controls. Right ventricular fractional shortening was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased only in the Ca-deficient group II at 42 days of age. These results suggest that dose-dependent dietary calcium deficiency alters variations in electro- and echocardiographic parameters which could reflect decreased cardiac function in growing broiler chickens.

Ca2+ Responses in Enteric Glia are Mediated by Connexin-43 Hemichannels and Modulate Colonic Transit in Mice

PubMed Central

Fried, David; Gomez-Suarez, Roberto A.; Leinninger, Gina M.; Sévigny, Jean; Parpura, Vladimir; Gulbransen, Brian D.

2014-01-01

Background & Aims In the enteric nervous system, neurotransmitters initiate changes in Ca2+ (Ca2+ responses) in glia, but it is not clear how this process affects intestinal function. We investigated whether Ca2+-mediated responses in enteric glial are required to maintain gastrointestinal function. Methods We used in situ Ca2+ imaging to monitor glial Ca2+ responses, which were manipulated with pharmacologic agents or via glia-specific disruption of the gene encoding connexin-43 (Cx43) (hGFAP::creERT2+/−/Cx43f/f mice). Gastrointestinal function was assessed based on pellet output, total gut transit, colonic bead expulsion, and muscle tension recordings. Proteins were localized and quantified by immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and reverse transcription PCR analyses. Results Ca2+ responses in enteric glia of mice were mediated by Cx43 hemichannels. Cx43 immunoreactivity was confined to enteric glia within the myenteric plexus of the mouse colon; the Cx43 inhibitors carbenoxolone and 43Gap26 inhibited the ability of enteric glia to propagate Ca2+ responses. In vivo attenuation of Ca2+ responses in the enteric glial network slowed gut transit overall and delayed colonic transit—these changes are also observed during normal aging. Altered motility with increasing age was associated with reduced glial Ca2+-mediated responses and changes in glial expression of Cx43 mRNA and protein. Conclusions Ca2+-mediated responses in enteric glia regulate gastrointestinal function in mice. Altered intercellular signaling between enteric glia and neurons might contribute to motility disorders. PMID:24211490

K-Ca Dating of Alkali-Rich Fragments in the Y-74442 and Bhola LL-Chondritic Breccias

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yokoyama, T; Misawa, K.; Okano, O; Shih, C. -Y.; Nyquist, L. E.; Simon, J. I.; Tappa, M. J.; Yoneda, S.

2013-01-01

Alkali-rich igneous fragments in the brecciated LL-chondrites, Krahenberg (LL5) [1], Bhola (LL3-6) [2], Siena (LL5) [3] and Yamato (Y)-74442 (LL4) [4-6], show characteristic fractionation patterns of alkali and alkaline elements [7]. The alkali-rich fragments in Krahenberg, Bhola and Y-74442 are very similar in mineralogy and petrography, suggesting that they could have come from related precursor materials [6]. Recently we reported Rb-Sr isotopic systematics of alkali-rich igneous rock fragments in Y-74442: nine fragments from Y-74442 yield the Rb-Sr age of 4429 plus or minus 54 Ma (2 sigma) for lambda(Rb-87) = 0.01402 Ga(exp -1) [8] with the initial ratio of Sr-87/Sr-86 = 0.7144 plus or minus 0.0094 (2 sigma) [9]. The Rb-Sr age of the alkali-rich fragments of Y-74442 is younger than the primary Rb-Sr age of 4541 plus or minus 14 Ma for LL-chondrite whole-rock samples [10], implying that they formed after accumulation of LL-chondrite parental bodies, although enrichment may have happened earlier. Marshall and DePaolo [11,12] demonstrated that the K-40 - Ca-40 decay system could be an important chronometer as well as a useful radiogenic tracer for studies of terrestrial rocks. Shih et al. [13,14] and more recently Simon et al. [15] determined K-Ca ages of lunar granitic rocks, and showed the application of the K-Ca chronometer for K-rich planetary materials. Since alkali-rich fragments in the LL-chondritic breccias are highly enriched in K, we can expect enhancements of radiogenic Ca-40. Here, we report preliminary results of K-Ca isotopic systematics of alkali-rich fragments in the LL-chondritic breccias, Y-74442 and Bhola.

Does controlling for biological maturity improve physical activity tracking?

PubMed

Erlandson, Marta C; Sherar, Lauren B; Mosewich, Amber D; Kowalski, Kent C; Bailey, Donald A; Baxter-Jones, Adam D G

2011-05-01

Tracking of physical activity through childhood and adolescence tends to be low. Variation in the timing of biological maturation within youth of the same chronological age (CA) might affect participation in physical activity and may partially explain the low tracking. To examine the stability of physical activity over time from childhood to late adolescence when aligned on CA and biological age (BA). A total of 91 males and 96 females aged 8-15 yr from the Saskatchewan Pediatric Bone Mineral Accrual Study (PBMAS) were assessed annually for 8 yr. BA was calculated as years from age at peak height velocity. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children/Adolescents. Tracking was analyzed using intraclass correlations for both CA and BA (2-yr groupings). To be included in the analysis, an individual required a measure at both time points within an interval; however, not all individuals were present at all tracking intervals. Physical activity tracking by CA 2-yr intervals were, in general, moderate in males (r=0.42-0.59) and females (r=0.43-0.44). However, the 9- to 11-yr CA interval was low and nonsignificant (r=0.23-0.30). Likewise, tracking of physical activity by BA 2-yr intervals was moderate to high in males (r=0.44-0.60) and females (r=0.39-0.62). Accounting for differences in the timing of biological maturity had little effect on tracking physical activity. However, point estimates for tracking are higher in early adolescence in males and to a greater extent in females when aligned by BA versus CA. This suggests that maturity may be more important in physical activity participation in females than males. © 2011 by the American College of Sports Medicine

Protective Effects of 17β-Estradiol on Hippocampal Myelinated Fibers in Ovariectomized Middle-aged Rats.

PubMed

Xiao, Qian; Luo, Yanmin; Lv, Fulin; He, Qi; Wu, Hong; Chao, Fenglei; Qiu, Xuan; Zhang, Lei; Gao, Yuan; Huang, Chunxia; Wang, Sanrong; Zhou, Chunni; Zhang, Yi; Jiang, Lin; Tang, Yong

2018-06-14

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) improves hippocampus-dependent cognition. This study investigated the impact of estrogen on hippocampal volume, CA1 subfield volume and myelinated fibers in the CA1 subfield of middle-aged ovariectomized rats. Ten-month-old bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX) female rats were randomly divided into OVX + E2 and OVX + Veh groups. After four weeks of subcutaneous injection with 17β-estradiol or a placebo, the OVX + E2 rats exhibited significantly short mean escape latency in a spatial learning task than that in the OVX + Veh rats. Using stereological methods, we did not observe significant differences in the volumes of the hippocampus and CA1 subfields between the two groups. However, using stereological methods and electron microscopy techniques, the total length of myelinated fibers and the total volumes of myelinated fibers, myelin sheaths and myelinated axons in the CA1 subfields of OVX + E2 rats were significantly 38.1%, 34.2%, 36.1% and 32.5%, respectively, higher than those in the OVX + Veh rats. After the parameters were calculated according to different diameter ranges, the estrogen replacement-induced remodeling of myelinated fibers in CA1 was mainly manifested in the myelinated fibers with a diameter of <1.0 μm. Therefore, four weeks of continuous E2 replacement improved the spatial learning capabilities of middle-aged ovariectomized rats. The E2 replacement-induced protection of spatial learning abilities might be associated with the beneficial effects of estrogen on myelinated fibers, particularly those with the diameters less than 1.0 μm, in the hippocampal CA1 region of middle-aged ovariectomized rats. Copyright © 2018 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Developmental Changes in Isometric Strength: Longitudinal Study in Adolescent Soccer Players.

PubMed

Duarte, Joao P; Valente-Dos-Santos, João; Coelho-E-Silva, Manuel J; Malina, R M; Deprez, Dieter; Philippaerts, Renaat; Lenoir, Matthieu; Vaeyens, Roel

2018-06-20

This study aimed to examine longitudinal changes in isometric strength of the knee extensors (ImKE) and knee flexors (ImKF) at 30° and 60°. The sample was composed of 67 players aged 11.0-13.9 years at baseline over five years. Stature, body mass, skinfolds, and isometric strength (ImKE30°, ImKF30°, ImKE60° and ImKF60°) were measured. Fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM) were derived from skinfolds. Skeletal age was obtained using TW2 RUS. Multilevel random effects regression analyses extracted developmental polynomial models. An annual increment on chronological age (CA) corresponded to 5.6 N (ImKE30°: ), 2.7 N (ImKF30°: ), 4.6 N (ImKE60°: ) and 1.5 N (ImKF60°). An increment of 1 kg in FFM predicted isometric strength as follows: 1.2 N (ImKE30°), 2.1 N (ImKF30°), 3.1 N (ImKE60°) and 2.0 N (ImKF60°). The following equations were obtained: ImKE30°=5.759×CA+1.163×FFM; ImKF30°=-19.369+2.691×CA+0.693×CA 2 +2.108×FFM; ImKE60°=4.553×CA+3.134×FFM; and, ImKF60°=-19.669+1.544×CA+2.033×FFM. Although skeletal maturity had a negligible effect on dependent variables, age and body size, based on FFM, were relevant longitudinal predictors. During adolescence, systematic assessment of knee extensors and knee flexors are strongly recommended to prevent impairment of knee muscle groups. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Parathyroid hormone related protein concentration in human serum and CSF correlates with age.

PubMed

Kushnir, Mark M; Peterson, Lisa K; Strathmann, Frederick G

2018-02-01

Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein (PTHrP) is involved in intracellular calcium (Ca) regulation, and has been demonstrated to participate in regulation of Ca in brain cells, activation of neurons, and modulation of pain. However, there are conflicting reports regarding the presence of PTHrP in CSF. PTHrP and Ca were quantified in paired CSF and serum samples using mass spectrometry-based methods. Associations between PTHrP and Ca concentrations with age, sex and concentrations of nine CSF diagnostic markers in a set of 140 paired serum and CSF patient samples were evaluated. The observed median PTHrP concentration in CSF was 51 times higher than in serum; the median concentration of Ca in CSF was 1.8 times lower than in serum. We observed positive correlation between concentrations of PTHrP in CSF and serum (p=0.013). Distribution of PTHrP concentrations in serum was associated with age (p=0.0068) and the concentrations were higher in women. In samples with serum calcium concentrations within the reference intervals (n=118), central 95% distribution of concentrations for Ca-CSF, PTHrP-serum and PTHrP-CSF were 5.4 (4.5-6.1) mg/dL, 1.2 (0.5-2.5) pmol/L, 62 (22-125) pmol/L, respectively. Our data demonstrate that PTHrP is a normal constituent of human CSF with median concentrations 51 fold higher than in serum. Elevated serum PTHrP concentrations were positively correlated with age and significantly higher in women. Our data suggest that CSF could be a significant source of circulating PTHrP. Copyright © 2017 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Age dependence of pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus and inhibition of CaM kinase II activity in the rat.

PubMed

Singleton, Michael W; Holbert, William H; Ryan, Matthew L; Lee, Anh Tuyet; Kurz, Jonathan E; Churn, Severn B

2005-04-21

This study was conducted to characterize the post-pubertal developmental aspects on seizure susceptibility and severity as well as calcium/calmodulin protein kinase type II (CaM kinase II) activity in status epilepticus (SE). Thirty- to ninety-day-old rats, in 10-day increments, were studied. This corresponds to a developmental age group that has not received thorough attention. The pilocarpine model of SE was characterized both behaviorally and electrographically. Seven criteria were analyzed for electrographical characterization: seizure severity, SE susceptibility, the average number of discrete seizures, average time until first seizure, average time to SE, average time from first discrete seizure to SE, and death. After 1 h of SE, specific brain regions were isolated for biochemical study. Phosphate incorporation into a CaM kinase II-specific substrate, autocamtide III, was used to determine kinase activity. There was no developmental effect on the average number of discrete seizures, average time until first seizure, average time to SE, average time from first discrete seizure to SE, and death; however, there was a significant effect on SE probability and seizure severity. Once SE was expressed, all animals showed a decrease in both cortical and hippocampal CaM kinase II activities. Conversely, seizure activity in the absence of SE did not result in a decrease in CaM kinase II activity. The data suggest that there is a gradual age-dependent modulation of SE susceptibility and seizure severity within the developmental stages studied. Additionally, once status epilepticus is observed at any age, there is a corresponding SE-induced inhibition of CaM kinase II.

Elemental Concentrations in Urban Green Stormwater Infrastructure Soils.

PubMed

Kondo, Michelle C; Sharma, Raghav; Plante, Alain F; Yang, Yunwen; Burstyn, Igor

2016-01-01

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is designed to capture stormwater for infiltration, detention, evapotranspiration, or reuse. Soils play a key role in stormwater interception at these facilities. It is important to assess whether contamination is occurring in GSI soils because urban stormwater drainage areas often accumulate elements of concern. Soil contamination could affect hydrologic and ecosystem functions. Maintenance workers and the public may also be exposed to GSI soils. We investigated soil elemental concentrations, categorized as macro- and micronutrients, heavy metals, and other elements, at 59 GSI sites in the city of Philadelphia. Non-GSI soil samples 3 to 5 m upland of GSI sites were used for comparison. We evaluated differences in elemental composition in GSI and non-GSI soils; the comparisons were corrected for the age of GSI facility, underlying soil type, street drainage, and surrounding land use. Concentrations of Ca and I were greater than background levels at GSI sites. Although GSI facilities appear to accumulate Ca and I, these elements do not pose a significant human health risk. Elements of concern to human health, including Cd, Hg, and Pb, were either no different or were lower in GSI soils compared with non-GSI soils. However, mean values found across GSI sites were up to four times greater than soil cleanup objectives for residential use. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

The use of a personal digital assistant for dietary self-monitoring does not improve the validity of self-reports of energy intake.

PubMed

Yon, Bethany Ann; Johnson, Rachel K; Harvey-Berino, Jean; Gold, Beth Casey

2006-08-01

Underreporting of energy intake is a pervasive problem and resistant to improvement, especially among people with overweight and obesity. The goal of this study was to investigate whether the use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) for dietary self-monitoring would reduce underreporting prevalence and improve the validity of self-reported energy intake. Adults with overweight and obesity (n=61, 92% women, mean age 48.2 years, mean body mass index 32.3) were provided with a PalmZire 21 (Palm, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) loaded with Calorie King's Diet Diary software (version 3.2.2, 2002, Family Health Network, Costa Mesa, CA). Subjects participated in a 24-week in-person behavioral weight control program and were asked to self-monitor their diet and exercise habits using the PDA. Basal metabolic rate and physical activity level were estimated at baseline. Energy intake from 7-day electronic food records were collected within the first month of the weight-control program. As subjects were actively losing weight, Bandini's adjustments were used to correct self-reported energy intake for weight loss. In this group, where 41% of the subjects were categorized as low-energy reporters, the use of a PDA did not improve validity of energy reporting when compared to what is reported in the literature.

Calcium Hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease and brain aging: A framework for integrating new evidence into a comprehensive theory of pathogenesis.

PubMed

2017-02-01

This article updates the Calcium Hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease and brain aging on the basis of emerging evidence since 1994 (The present article, with the subtitle "New evidence for a central role of Ca 2+ in neurodegeneration," includes three appendices that provide context and further explanations for the rationale for the revisions in the updated hypothesis-the three appendices are as follows: Appendix I "Emerging concepts on potential pathogenic roles of [Ca 2+ ]," Appendix II "Future studies to validate the central role of dysregulated [Ca 2+ ] in neurodegeneration," and Appendix III "Epilogue: towards a comprehensive hypothesis.") (Marx J. Fresh evidence points to an old suspect: calcium. Science 2007; 318:384-385). The aim is not only to re-evaluate the original key claims of the hypothesis with a critical eye but also to identify gaps in knowledge required to validate relevant claims and delineate additional studies and/or data that are needed. Some of the key challenges for this effort included examination of questions regarding (1) the temporal and spatial relationships of molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal calcium ion (Ca 2+ ), (2) the role of changes in concentration of calcium ion [Ca 2+ ] in various subcellular compartments of neurons, (3) how alterations in Ca 2+ signaling affect the performance of neurons under various conditions, ranging from optimal functioning in a healthy state to conditions of decline and deterioration in performance during aging and in disease, and (4) new ideas about the contributions of aging, genetic, and environmental factors to the causal relationships between dysregulation of [Ca 2+ ] and the functioning of neurons (see Appendices I and II). The updated Calcium Hypothesis also includes revised postulates that are intended to promote further crucial experiments to confirm or reject the various predictions of the hypothesis (see Appendix III). Copyright © 2016 the Alzheimer's Association. All rights reserved.

Evolution Of An Upper Crustal Plutonic-Volcanic Plumbing System:Insights From High Precision U-Pb Zircon Geochronology Of Intracaldera Tuff And Intrusions In Silver Creek Caldera, Arizona, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, T.; Mundil, R.; Miller, C. F.; Miller, J. S.; Paterson, S. R.

2010-12-01

Study of both plutonic and volcanic regimes in one single magmatic system is a powerful approach towards obtaining a more complete view of the long-term evolution of magma systems. The recently discovered Silver Creek caldera is the source of the voluminous Peach Spring Tuff (PST) (Ferguson, 2008) and presents a unique opportunity to study a field laboratory of a linked plutonic-volcanic system. This relict west-facing half caldera is predominantly filled with trachytic intracaldera tuff with the caldera margin intruded by several petrologically distinct hypabyssal intrusions. These include porphyritic granite with granophyric texture, felsic leucogranite, porphyritic monzonite exposed on NE side of the caldera that is zoned from more felsic to more mafic, and quartz-phyric dikes that intrude the caldera fill. We present preliminary single zircon ages from 4 samples that have been analyzed using the CA-TIMS method after thermal annealing and chemical leaching (Mattinson 2005), including 1 sample from intracaldera tuff and 3 samples from caldera-related intrusions. 3-D total U/Pb isochron ages from all four samples fall within a range of 18.32-18.90 Ma with uncertainties between 0.09 and 0.39 Ma, although some of them lack precision and are compromised by elevated common Pb. For example, zircon from the dated porphyritic monzonite yields an age of 18.32±0.42 Ma (MSWD=2.7) where the excess scatter may result from real age dispersion and/or different compositions of the common Pb contribution. The PST had been dated to ~18.5 Ma by 40Ar/39Ar techniques (Nielson et al., 1990). In order to be compared to U/Pb ages the 40Ar/39Ar age must be adjusted for a revised age for the then used flux monitor (MMbh-1) and corrected for the now quantified systematic bias between 40Ar/39Ar and U/Pb ages (Renne et al., 2010), which results in a corrected age of 18.8 Ma. Thus, the ages for our samples match that of the PST within error. Based on current results, the age difference between the different phases of the intrusion is very small and the ages of the intrusion match within errors the age of the PST. This tight time range indicates that the super-eruption and the subsequent reactivation of the caldera by hypabyssal intrusions happened on a much shorter timescale than the evolution of large magma systems that have been described with durations of up to 10 m.y. Additional geochronology in combination with geochemical and AMS analyses are aimed at a more detailed reconstruction of the emplacement and eruption history of this plutonic-volcanic system.

Age-related prevalence and met need for correctable and uncorrectable near vision impairment in a multi-country study.

PubMed

He, Mingguang; Abdou, Amza; Ellwein, Leon B; Naidoo, Kovin S; Sapkota, Yuddha D; Thulasiraj, R D; Varma, Rohit; Zhao, Jialiang; Kocur, Ivo; Congdon, Nathan G

2014-01-01

To estimate the prevalence, potential determinants, and proportion of met need for near vision impairment (NVI) correctable with refraction approximately 2 years after initial examination of a multi-country cohort. Population-based, prospective cohort study. People aged ≥35 years examined at baseline in semi-rural (Shunyi) and urban (Guangzhou) sites in China; rural sites in Nepal (Kaski), India (Madurai), and Niger (Dosso); a semi-urban site (Durban) in South Africa; and an urban site (Los Angeles) in the United States. Near visual acuity (NVA) with and without current near correction was measured at 40 cm using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution near vision tumbling E chart. Participants with uncorrected binocular NVA ≤20/40 were tested with plus sphere lenses to obtain best-corrected binocular NVA. Prevalence of total NVI (defined as uncorrected NVA ≤20/40) and NVI correctable and uncorrectable to >20/40, and current spectacle wearing among those with bilateral NVA ≤20/63 improving to >20/40 with near correction (met need). Among 13 671 baseline participants, 10 533 (77.2%) attended the follow-up examination. The prevalence of correctable NVI increased with age from 35 to 50-60 years and then decreased at all sites. Multiple logistic regression modeling suggested that correctable NVI was not associated with gender at any site, whereas more educated persons aged >54 years were associated with a higher prevalence of correctable NVI in Nepal and India. Although near vision spectacles were provided free at baseline, wear among those who could benefit was <40% at all but 2 centers (Guangzhou and Los Angeles). Prevalence of correctable NVI is greatest among persons of working age, and rates of correction are low in many settings, suggesting that strategies targeting the workplace may be needed. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Older, Not Younger, Children Learn More False Facts from Stories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fazio, Lisa K.; Marsh, Elizabeth J.

2008-01-01

Early school-aged children listened to stories that contained correct and incorrect facts. All ages answered more questions correctly after having heard the correct fact in the story. Only the older children, however, produced story errors on a later general knowledge test. Source errors did not drive the increased suggestibility in older…

The temporal variation of Mesoarchaean volcanism in the Suomussalmi greenstone belt, Karelia Province, Eastern Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehtonen, E.; Heilimo, E.; Halkoaho, T.; Hölttä, P.; Huhma, H.

2017-03-01

This study concentrates in the Kiannanniemi area, situated in the Archaean Suomussalmi greenstone belt, the Karelia Province, Fennoscandian Shield. A zircon U-Pb geochronological study from this area shows that ages of the volcanic rocks are between ca. 2.94 and 2.82 Ga. The results indicate multiphase felsic and intermediate volcanism in three episodes at ca. 2.94, 2.84 and 2.82 Ga, of which the 2.84 Ga event has not been reported earlier from the Suomussalmi greenstone belt. The youngest zircon population in a sedimentary rock sample suggests a depositional age of ≤2.82-2.81 Ga, and the sample contains also ≥2.96 Ga old zircon grains. Based on both new and previously published geochronological data from the volcanic rocks, we propose a chronostratigraphic model for the whole Suomussalmi greenstone belt, dividing it into four units based on their age: Luoma, Tormua, Ahvenlahti, and Mesa-aho. The youngest volcanic rocks in the Suomussalmi greenstone belt are contemporaneous with some of the volcanic rocks recorded from the Kuhmo and Tipasjärvi greenstone belts of the Karelia Province, Finland. The age group ca. 2.94 Ga, however, has not been so far recorded elsewhere. Conversely, in the Suomussalmi greenstone belt, volcanic rocks with an age of ca. 2.80 Ga and sedimentary rocks with depositional ages of <2.75 Ga, frequently found from the Kuhmo and Tipasjärvi greenstone belts, are unknown.

Digital radiographic evaluation of hand-wrist bone maturation and prediction of age in South Indian adolescents.

PubMed

Mohammed, Rezwana Begum; Reddy, M Asha Lata; Jain, Megha; Singh, Johar Rajvinder; Sanghvi, Praveen; Thetay, Anshuj Ajay Rao

2014-09-01

In the growing years, indicators of the level of maturational development of the individual provide the best means for evaluating biologic age and the associated timing of skeletal growth. The relative stage of maturity of a child may be determined by comparing the child's hand-wrist radiograph to the known standards of skeletal development. In this study, we assessed various levels of skeletal maturation and also identified the relationship between chronological age (CA) and maturation stage using the hand-wrist radiographs in adolescents of Indian origin. Three hundred and thirty hand-wrist digital radiographs of individuals aged 8 to 18 years were evaluated for skeletal maturity levels using Fishman's method. The data was analysed using the SPSS software package (version 12, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Regression analysis was performed for calculating bone age of both males and females. Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficients were estimated separately for males and females to assess the relation between CA and maturation level. An association between skeletal maturation indicator stages and CA (r = 0.82) was significant. Interestingly, female subjects were observed to be advanced in skeletal maturity compared to males. Regression equations were derived to calculate bone age in males, females and the whole sample. The results of this study showed significant association between hand-wrist skeletal maturation levels and CA. Digital radiographic assessment of hand-wrist skeletal maturation can be used as a better choice for predicting average bone age of an individual because of its simplicity, reliability and lesser radiation exposure.

Comparative growth outcome of preterm neonate fed post-discharge formula and breast milk after discharge.

PubMed

Chotigeat, Uraiwan; Vongpakorn, Jarinthorn

2014-06-01

To evaluate the post-discharge growth, laboratory outcome, neurodevelopment and safety of post-discharge formula in comparison to breast milk. A prospective cohort of preterm infants, who were discharged on breast milk or post-discharge formula (PDF) were studied. Demographic data, post-discharge growth, laboratory outcome, neurodevelopment and complications were recorded. These infants were followed-up at 40 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) 2, 4 and 6 months' corrected age. The present study was conducted for 22 months (from September 1, 2011-May 31, 2013). Seventeen infants were enrolled in the study, 7 in the breastfed group and 10 in the PDF group. Mean maternal age in breastfed group were significantly younger compared with PDF-fed group. PDF-fed infants were longer with statistical significantly at 40 weeks PMA and 4 months' corrected age (p < 0.05). At 2 months' corrected age, babies in breast milk group were significantly heavier compared to those in PDF group. Conversely, those in PDF group were heavier than the breastfed group at 4 months' corrected age (p < 0.05). There was no difference of head circumference between groups at follow-up. A higher serum phosphorus and lower serum alkaline phosphatase were related to improve suspected osteopenia of prematurity at 2 months' corrected age in PDF group (p = 0.007). Hematocrit was higher in the PDF group than breastfed group, which was statistically significant at 40 weeks' postmenstrual age and 6 months' corrected age. There were no significant diferences in developmental screening in both groups. Post-discharge formula may improve growth, hematocrit and reduce suspected osteopenia of prematurity. However neurodevelopment outcome and complications were similar to both groups.

Integrating age information from different localities for stratigraphic marker beds: discussion of the Eltville Tephra age (Western Europe)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeeden, Christian; Zens, Joerg; Lehmkuhl, Frank

2015-04-01

Stratigraphic marker beds are often used in geosciences for regional and global correlation. For various reasons dating those layers directly proves to be difficult sometimes. In such cases ages from above and below such a horizon represent minimum- and maximum-ages. If these ages are determined from more than one location, it is possible to combine these ages, test their consistency and finally derive an age in agreement with the findings from most localities. Several approaches to integrate the age information from different localities are discussed, resulting in combined ages consistent with both stratigraphy and most of the dating results. All approach rely on assumptions, most importantly the correctness of ages and their reported uncertainty. The Eltville Tephra originates from an unknown eruption in the Eifel volcanic field is an important maker bed in Rhine-Meuse Area nearby the boundary between the deposition of reworked and primary loess during the LGM (ca. 20 ka). The Eltville Tephra is usually imbedded in loess; dates from directly above and below come almost exclusively from luminescence dating. As different luminescence dating techniques were applied to samples over- and underlying the Eltville Tephra a systematic bias of the sum of these techniques seems unlikely, but may be present due to the fact that most ages are feldspar ages uncorrected for fading. The results of several statistical approaches to deal with ages from various localities are compared, and their chances and shortcomings using well understood artificial data are discussed. These are also used to obtain an integrated datum for the Eltville Tephra including a reproducible uncertainty. This has the potential to improve on existing dates for various other stratigraphic marker beds especially in the terrestrial realm, where often dates for (or around) correlative sediments are obtained from various localities.

Local Aqueous Solvation Structure Around Ca2+ During Ca2+---Cl– Pair Formation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baer, Marcel D.; Mundy, Christopher J.

2016-03-03

The molecular details of single ion solvation around Ca2+ and ion-pairing of Ca2--Cl- are investigated using ab initio molecular dynamics. The use of empirical dispersion corrections to the BLYP functional are investigated by comparison to experimentally available extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements, which probes the first solvation shell in great detail. Besides finding differences in the free-energy for both ion-pairing and the coordination number of ion solvation between the quantum and classical descriptions of interaction, there were important differences found between dispersion corrected and uncorrected density functional theory (DFT). Specifically, we show significantly different free-energy landscapes for bothmore » coordination number of Ca2+ and its ion-pairing with Cl- depending on the DFT simulation protocol. Our findings produce a self-consistent treatment of short-range solvent response to the ion and the intermediate to long-range collective response of the electrostatics of the ion-ion interaction to produce a detailed picture of ion-pairing that is consistent with experiment. MDB is supported by MS3 (Materials Synthesis and Simulation Across Scales) Initiative at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. It was conducted under the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program at PNNL, a multiprogram national laboratory operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy. CJM acknowledges support from US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences. This research used resources of the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, a DOE Office of Science User Facility supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. Additional computing resources were generously allocated by PNNL's Institutional Computing program. The authors thank Prof. Tom Beck for discussions regarding QCT, and Drs. Greg Schenter and Shawn Kathmann for insightful comments.« less

Direct observation of charged domain walls in hybrid improper ferroelectric (Ca,Sr)3Ti2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurushima, Kousuke; Yoshimoto, Wataru; Ishii, Yui; Cheong, Sang-Wook; Mori, Shigeo

2017-10-01

We investigated ferroelectric (FE) domain wall structures including “charged domain walls” of hybrid improper FE (Ca,Sr)3Ti2O7 at the subatomic resolution by dark-field transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution state-of-the-art aberration-corrected high-angle annular-dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Dark-field TEM and high-resolution HAADF-STEM images obtained in the FE phase of single crystals of Ca2.46Sr0.54Ti2O7 revealed the formation of abundant charged domain walls with the head-to-head and tail-to-tail configurations in the FE domain structure, in addition to the FE 180° domain structure. The charged domain walls with the head-to-head and tail-to-tail FE polarizations exist stably and can be characterized as the unique double arc-type displacement of Ca/Sr ions in a unit cell without charge accumulation.

Absolute Frequency Measurement of the {sup 40}Ca{sup +} 4s {sup 2}S{sub 1/2}-3d {sup 2}D{sub 5/2} Clock Transition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chwalla, M.; Kim, K.; Monz, T.

2009-01-16

We report on the first absolute transition frequency measurement at the 10{sup -15} level with a single, laser-cooled {sup 40}Ca{sup +} ion in a linear Paul trap. For this measurement, a frequency comb is referenced to the transportable Cs atomic fountain clock of LNE-SYRTE and is used to measure the {sup 40}Ca{sup +} 4s {sup 2}S{sub 1/2}-3d {sup 2}D{sub 5/2} electric-quadrupole transition frequency. After the correction of systematic shifts, the clock transition frequency {nu}{sub Ca{sup +}}=411 042 129 776 393.2(1.0) Hz is obtained, which corresponds to a fractional uncertainty within a factor of 3 of the Cs standard. In addition,more » we determine the Landeg factor of the 3d{sup 2}D{sub 5/2} level to be g{sub 5/2}=1.200 334 0(3)« less

Empirical calibration of the near-infrared Ca ii triplet - I. The stellar library and index definition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cenarro, A. J.; Cardiel, N.; Gorgas, J.; Peletier, R. F.; Vazdekis, A.; Prada, F.

2001-09-01

A new stellar library at the near-IR spectral region developed for the empirical calibration of the Caii triplet and stellar population synthesis modelling is presented. The library covers the range λλ8348-9020 at 1.5-Å (FWHM) spectral resolution, and consists of 706 stars spanning a wide range in atmospheric parameters. We have defined a new set of near-IR indices, CaT*, CaT and PaT, which mostly overcome the limitations of previous definitions, the former being specially suited for the measurement of the Caii triplet strength corrected for the contamination from Paschen lines. We also present a comparative study of the new and the previous Ca indices, as well as the corresponding transformations between the different systems. A thorough analysis of the sources of index errors and the procedure to calculate them is given. Finally, index and error measurements for the whole stellar library are provided together with the final spectra.

Uranium in foraminiferal calcite as a recorder of seawater uranium concentrations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Russell, A.D.; Emerson, S.; Nelson, B.K.

The authors present results of an investigation of uranium/calcium ratios in cleaned foraminiferal calcite as a recorder of seawater uranium concentrations. For accurate reconstruction of past seawater uranium content, shell calcite must incorporate uranium in proportion to seawater concentration and must preserve its original uranium composition over time. Laboratory culture experiments with live benthic (Amphistegina lobifera) and live planktonic (Globigerinell calida) foraminifera show that the U/Ca ratio of cleaned calcite tests is proportional to the concentration of uranium in solution. After correcting results for the presence of initial calcite, the apparent distribution coefficient D = (U/Ca[sub calcite])/(U/Ca)[sub solution] = 10.6more » [+-] 0.3 (x10[sup [minus]3]) for A. lobifera and D = 7.9 [+-] 0.1 (x10[sup [minus]3]) for G. calida. U/Ca ratios in planktonic foraminifera from core tops collected above 3900 m in the equatorial Atlantic and above 2100 m in the Pacific Ocean show no significant difference among the species analyzed. D estimated form core top samples ranges from 7.6 [+-] 0.4 (x10[sup [minus]3]) for O. universa to 8.4 [+-] 0.5 (x10[sup [minus]3]) for G. ruber. In benthic species C. wuellerstorfi, D = 7.0 [+-] 0.8 (x10[sup [minus]3]). U/Ca and Mg/Ca in G. tumida and G. sacculifer from core tops taken near and below the regional lysocline decrease with water depth. Smaller decreases in U/Ca and Mg/Ca with depth were observed in C. wuellerstorfi. In the planktonic species, the authors believe that U/CA and Mg/Ca are lower in the more dissolution-resistant fraction of calcite, leading to lower U/Ca in more highly dissolved samples.« less

Quantitative analysis of the expression and distribution of calcium channel alpha 1 subunit mRNA in the atria and ventricles of the rat heart.

PubMed

Larsen, Janice K; Mitchell, Jennifer W; Best, Philip M

2002-05-01

Two distinct calcium currents are present in mammalian cardiac myocytes. Utilizing quantitative RT-PCR methods, we have analysed the expression patterns and abundance of four calcium channel alpha 1 subunit mRNAs in different regions of the rat heart and compared them to the known density of calcium currents recorded from rat atria. Our results show that Ca(V)1.2 is the most abundant of the four alpha 1 subunit transcripts in the rat heart. The Ca(V)1.2 message is more abundant in ventricle than in atria and does not vary in expression as a function of developmental age. Ca(V)2.3, Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2 mRNAs are 10-100 times less abundant than Ca(V)1.2. Interestingly, Ca(V)2.3, Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2 are expressed in both atria and ventricle. The abundance of atrial Ca(V)3.1 mRNA does not change significantly during development and remains high in older animals. In contrast, levels of atrial Ca(V)3.2 mRNA are high in embryonic tissue and at 3- and 4-weeks postnatal but become undetectable at 5 weeks. Expression of atrial Ca(V)2.3 mRNA is highest at 4-weeks postnatal and then declines gradually. We have previously documented that the LVA calcium current density is highest within 4-5 weeks after birth and then declines gradually reaching less than 30% of its maximal value at 12-14 weeks. The complex relationship between atrial LVA current density and the abundance of Ca(V)2.3, Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2 mRNA suggests that their contribution to the cardiac LVA current may vary as a function of postnatal age. Copyright 2002 Academic Press.

Impacts of age and calcium on Phytase efficacy in broiler chickens

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A total of 648 straight-run hatchling Heritage 56M × fast feathering Cobb 500F broiler birds were used to determine the effects of Ca concentration and age on phytase efficacy. Corn and SBM based diets with 0.19%non-phytate P were prepared with three Ca (6.5, 8.0 and 9.5 g/kg) concentrations. A 6-ph...

Age-related differences in idiom production in adulthood

PubMed Central

Conner, P. S.; Hyun, J.; O’Connor Wells, B.; Anema, I.; Goral, M.; Monéreau-Merry, M.; Rubino, D.; Kuckuk, R.; Obler, L. K.

2013-01-01

To investigate whether idiom production was vulnerable to age-related difficulties, we asked forty younger (ages 18-30) and forty older healthy adults (ages 60-85) to produce idiomatic expressions in a story-completion task. Younger adults produced significantly more correct idiom responses (73%) than older adults (60%) did. When older adults generated partially correct responses, they were less likely than younger participants to eventually produce the complete target idiom (Old: 32 % / Young: 70%); first-word cues after initial failure to retrieve an idiom resulted in more correct idioms for older (24%) than younger (15%) participants. Correlations between age and idiom correctness were positive for the Young group, and negative for the Older group, suggesting mastery of familiar idioms continues into adulthood. Within each group, scores on the Boston Naming Test correlated with performance on the idiom task. Findings for retrieving idiomatic expressions are thus similar to those for retrieving lexical items. PMID:21728830

Receptors and aging: structural selectivity of the rhamnose-receptor on fibroblasts as shown by Ca(2+)-mobilization and gene-expression profiles.

PubMed

Faury, G; Molinari, J; Rusova, E; Mariko, B; Raveaud, S; Huber, P; Velebny, V; Robert, A M; Robert, L

2011-01-01

Qualitative and quantitative modifications of receptors were shown to play a key role in cell and tissue aging. We recently described the properties of a rhamnose-recognizing receptor on fibroblasts involved in the mediation of age-dependent functions of these cells. Using Ca(2+)-mobilization and DNA-microarrays we could show in the presence of rhamnose-rich oligo- and polysaccharides (RROPs) Ca(2+)-mobilization and changes in gene regulation. Here, we compared the effects of several RROPs, differing in their carbohydrate sequence and molecular weights, in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). It appeared that different structural features were required for maximal effects on Ca(2+)-mobilization and gene-expression profiles. Maximal effect on Ca(2+) influx and intracellular free calcium regulation was exhibited by RROP-1, a 50 kDa average molecular weight polysaccharide, and RROP-3, a 5 kDa average molecular weight oligosaccharide with a different carbohydrate sequence. Maximal effect on gene-expression profiles was obtained with RROP-3. These results suggest the possibility of several different transmission pathways from the rhamnose-receptor to intracellular targets, differentially affecting these two intracellular functions, with potential consequences on aging. Although of only relative specificity, this receptor site exhibits a high affinity for rhamnose, absent from vertebrate glycoconjugates. The rhamnose-receptor might well represent an evolutionary conserved conformation of a prokaryote lectin. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Forensic use of the Greulich and Pyle atlas: prediction intervals and relevance.

PubMed

Chaumoitre, K; Saliba-Serre, B; Adalian, P; Signoli, M; Leonetti, G; Panuel, M

2017-03-01

The Greulich and Pyle (GP) atlas is one of the most frequently used methods of bone age (BA) estimation. Our aim is to assess its accuracy and to calculate the prediction intervals at 95% for forensic use. The study was conducted on a multi-ethnic sample of 2614 individuals (1423 boys and 1191 girls) referred to the university hospital of Marseille (France) for simple injuries. Hand radiographs were analysed using the GP atlas. Reliability of GP atlas and agreement between BA and chronological age (CA) were assessed and prediction intervals at 95% were calculated. The repeatability was excellent and the reproducibility was good. Pearson's linear correlation coefficient between CA and BA was 0.983. The mean difference between BA and CA was -0.18 years (boys) and 0.06 years (girls). The prediction interval at 95% for CA was given for each GP category and ranged between 1.2 and more than 4.5 years. The GP atlas is a reproducible and repeatable method that is still accurate for the present population, with a high correlation between BA and CA. The prediction intervals at 95% are wide, reflecting individual variability, and should be known when the method is used in forensic cases. • The GP atlas is still accurate at the present time. • There is a high correlation between bone age and chronological age. • Individual variability must be known when GP is used in forensic cases. • Prediction intervals (95%) are large; around 4 years after 10 year olds.

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent transcriptional pathways: potential mediators of skeletal muscle growth and development.

PubMed

Al-Shanti, Nasser; Stewart, Claire E

2009-11-01

The loss of muscle mass with age and disuse has a significant impact on the physiological and social well-being of the aged; this is an increasingly important problem as the population becomes skewed towards older age. Exercise has psychological benefits but it also impacts on muscle protein synthesis and degradation, increasing muscle tissue volume in both young and older individuals. Skeletal muscle hypertrophy involves an increase in muscle mass and cross-sectional area and associated increased myofibrillar protein content. Attempts to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie muscle growth, development and maintenance, have focused on characterising the molecular pathways that initiate, maintain and regenerate skeletal muscle. Such understanding may aid in improving targeted interventional therapies for age-related muscle loss and muscle wasting associated with diseases. Two major routes through which skeletal muscle development and growth are regulated are insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent transcriptional pathways. Many reviews have focused on understanding the signalling pathways of IGF-I and its receptor, which govern skeletal muscle hypertrophy. However, alternative molecular signalling pathways such as the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent transcriptional pathways should also be considered as potential mediators of muscle growth. These latter pathways have received relatively little attention and the purpose herein is to highlight the progress being made in the understanding of these pathways and associated molecules: calmodulin, calmodulin kinases (CaMKs), calcineurin and nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT), which are involved in skeletal muscle regulation. We describe: (1) how conformational changes in the Ca(2+) sensor calmodulin result in the exposure of binding pockets for the target proteins (CaMKs and calcineurin). (2) How Calmodulin consequently activates either the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinases pathways (via CaMKs) or calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatases (via calcineurin). (3) How calmodulin kinases alter transcription in the nucleus through the phosphorylation, deactivation and translocation of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. (4) How calcineurin transmits signals to the nucleus through the dephosphorylation and translocation of NFAT from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.

Growth and development in preterm infants fed long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

O'Connor, D L; Hall, R; Adamkin, D; Auestad, N; Castillo, M; Connor, W E; Connor, S L; Fitzgerald, K; Groh-Wargo, S; Hartmann, E E; Jacobs, J; Janowsky, J; Lucas, A; Margeson, D; Mena, P; Neuringer, M; Nesin, M; Singer, L; Stephenson, T; Szabo, J; Zemon, V

2001-08-01

A randomized, masked, controlled trial was conducted to assess effects of supplementing premature infant formulas with oils containing the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4 n6), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n3) on growth, visual acuity, and multiple indices of development. Infants (N = 470) with birth weights 750 to 1800 g were assigned within 72 hours of the first enteral feeding to 1 of 3 formula groups with or without long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: 1) control (N = 144), 2) AA+DHA from fish/fungal oil (N = 140), and 3) AA+DHA from egg-derived triglyceride (egg-TG)/fish oil (N = 143). Infants were fed human milk and/or Similac Special Care with or without 0.42% AA and 0.26% DHA to term corrected age (CA), then fed human milk or NeoSure with or without 0.42% AA and 0.16% DHA to 12 months' CA. Infants fed exclusively human milk to term CA (EHM-T; N = 43) served as a reference. Visual acuity measured by acuity cards at 2, 4, and 6 months' CA was not different among groups. Visual acuity measured by swept-parameter visual-evoked potentials in a subgroup from 3 sites (45 control, 50 AA+DHA [fish/fungal]; 39 AA+DHA [egg-TG/fish]; and 23 EHM-T) was better in both the AA+DHA (fish/fungal; least square [LS] means [cycle/degree] +/- standard error [SE; octaves] 11.4 +/- 0.1) and AA+DHA (egg-TG/fish; 12.5 +/- 0.1) than control (8.4 +/- 0.1) and closer to that of the EHM-T group (16.0 +/- 0.2) at 6 months' CA. Visual acuity improved from 4 to 6 months' CA in all but the control group. Scores on the Fagan test of novelty preference were greater in AA+DHA (egg-TG/fish; LS means +/- SE, 59.4 +/- 7.7) than AA+DHA (fish/fungal; 57.0 +/- 7.5) and control (57.5 +/- 7.4) at 6 months' CA, but not at 9 months' CA. There were no differences in the Bayley Mental Development Index at 12 months' CA. However, the Bayley motor development index was higher for AA+DHA (fish/fungal; LS means +/- SE, 90.6 +/- 4.4) than control (81.8 +/- 4.3) for infants

The synrift evolution of the early Domeyko Basin (Domeyko Range, northern Chile): Coupling detrital 40Ar-39Ar white mica and U-Pb zircon analysis into a tectonostratigraphic framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espinoza, M. E.; Oliveros, V.; Solari, L.

2017-12-01

Compressional tectonics that shaped the western flank of the Andes seems to have been strongly influenced by the heritage of extensional basins developed during the break-up of Gondwana. However, major questions remain about the exact timing, architecture and driving mechanism of these basins (subduction-related rift versus continental rift). In this work, we coupled U-Pb detrital zircon (DZ) and 39Ar-40Ar in detrital muscovites (DM) into a tectonostratigraphic framework in order to unravel the synrift evolution of the Domeyko Basin (northern Chile, 24° - 26° S). U-Pb data indicate that the rifting in the Domeyko Basin occurred in two stages; a first from ca. 240-225 Ma which led to the formation of the Sierra Exploradora sub-basin (SESB) and a second from ca. 217-200 Ma, opening the Sierra de Varas sub-basin (SVSB) and reactivating the SESB. The competition between mechanical subsidence and the volcanic supply rates in these magma-rich depocenters, led to the dominance of the inter-eruption period in the SVSB and a predominance of the syn-eruptive period along the SESB. Geochronology of detrital minerals deposited during the second rift stage reveal significant differences between both sub-basins. At the SVSB, DZ ages show a main peak at ca. 285-295 Ma and much younger WDM ages, with a main peak close to ca. 200 Ma, slightly younger than the depositional age at ca. 213-210 Ma, likely due to partial resetting of the WDM ages by burial. A lack of muscovite-bearing plutonic sources of 230-200 Ma, leads us to interpret that WDM ages indicate a significant cooling of the Permian plutonic sources close to the basin aperture. On the contrary, along the SESB, WDM ages (260-265 Ma) are only slightly younger than DZ ages (280-270 Ma). The small difference between the WDM and the DZ ages, points to a rapid cooling of plutonic source rocks at ca. 260 Ma, coinciding with the age of the San Rafael orogenic phase in northern Chile. DZ data of the Domeyko Basin show a predominance of sediments from the Gondwanic basement with a scarcity of zircons >500 Ma, indicating erosion from the margins of fault-bounded closed basins. All samples fall in the convergent regime of tectonic discriminator plots for DZ data, suggesting a subduction-related origin for these basins, which contrasts with the classical view of these basins as having a continental rift origin.

The tectonic evolution of the Irtysh tectonic belt: New zircon U-Pb ages of arc-related and collisional granitoids in the Kalaxiangar tectonic belt, NW China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Tao; Klemd, Reiner; Gao, Jun; Xiang, Peng; Xu, Xing-Wang; You, Jun; Wang, Xin-Shui; Wu, Chu; Li, Hao; Ke, Qiang

2017-02-01

Precise geochronological constraints of the Irtysh tectonic belt situated between the Saur Island Arc and the Altay Terrane are crucial to a better understanding of the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Recently, we discovered repeatedly deformed arc-related and collisional granitoids in the Kalaxiangar tectonic belt (KTB), which is located in the eastern part of the Irtysh tectonic belt. In this study, we report new whole-rock geochemical, zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopic data of the arc-related and collisional granitoids. Our data reveal that 1) arc-related granodioritic porphyries formed at ca. 382-374 Ma. Recrystallized zircon grains from a (ultra-)mylonitic granodiorite of the Laoshankou zone in the southern KTB display a U-Pb age of ca. 360 Ma; 2) syn-collisional granodioritic porphyries, which distribute along faults and parallel to the cleavage, were emplaced at ca. 367-356 Ma, with εHf(t) values varying from + 7.8 to + 14.2 and Hf model ages from 873 to 459 Ma; 3) a post-collisional A-type granodioritic porphyry, which crosscuts the NW-NNW trending schistosity of the metasedimentary country rocks at a low angle, has an age of ca. 324-320 Ma, while the εHf(t) values range from + 7.6 to + 14.4 with Hf model ages from 850 to 416 Ma; 4) post-collisional strike-slip A-type granite dykes, exposed along strike-slip faults, gave ages between 287 and 279 Ma, whereas the εHf(t) values range from + 4.9 to + 12.7 and the Hf model ages from 995 to 500 Ma; and 5) A-type biotite granite dykes, which intruded along conjugate tension joints, have ages of 274-271 Ma, and εHf(t) values from + 1.5 to + 13.2 with Hf model ages from 1196 to 454 Ma. Consequently, we propose that the collision between the Saur Island Arc and the Altay Terrane occurred in the Early Carboniferous (ca. 367-356 Ma) and the subsequent post-collisional tectonic process continued to the Late Carboniferous (ca. 324-320 Ma). It is further suggested that the Irtysh tectonic belt underwent large-scale strike-slip deformation during the mid-Permian between 287 and 279 Ma. The termination of the Irtysh tectonic belt orogeny is thought to have also occurred during the mid-Permian between 274 and 271 Ma.

Developmental profile of localized spontaneous Ca2+ release events in the dendrites of rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons

PubMed Central

Miyazaki, Kenichi; Manita, Satoshi; Ross, William N.

2012-01-01

Summary Recent experiments demonstrate that localized spontaneous Ca2+ release events can be detected in the dendrites of pyramidal cells in the hippocampus and other neurons (J. Neurosci. 29:7833-7845, 2009). These events have some properties that resemble ryanodine receptor mediated “sparks” in myocytes, and some that resemble IP3 receptor mediated “puffs” in oocytes. They can be detected in the dendrites of rats of all tested ages between P3 and P80 (with sparser sampling in older rats), suggesting that they serve a general signaling function and are not just important in development. However, in younger rats the amplitudes of the events are larger than the amplitudes in older animals and almost as large as the amplitudes of Ca2+ signals from backpropagating action potentials (bAPs). The rise time of the event signal is fast at all ages and is comparable to the rise time of the bAP fluorescence signal at the same dendritic location. The decay time is slower in younger animals, primarily because of weaker Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms at that age. Diffusion away from a brief localized source is the major determinant of decay at all ages. A simple computational model closely simulates these events with extrusion rate the only age dependent variable. PMID:22951184

Neuron-astrocyte signaling is preserved in the aging brain.

PubMed

Gómez-Gonzalo, Marta; Martin-Fernandez, Mario; Martínez-Murillo, Ricardo; Mederos, Sara; Hernández-Vivanco, Alicia; Jamison, Stephanie; Fernandez, Ana P; Serrano, Julia; Calero, Pilar; Futch, Hunter S; Corpas, Rubén; Sanfeliu, Coral; Perea, Gertrudis; Araque, Alfonso

2017-04-01

Astrocytes play crucial roles in brain homeostasis and are emerging as regulatory elements of neuronal and synaptic physiology by responding to neurotransmitters with Ca 2+ elevations and releasing gliotransmitters that activate neuronal receptors. Aging involves neuronal and astrocytic alterations, being considered risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Most evidence of the astrocyte-neuron signaling is derived from studies with young animals; however, the features of astrocyte-neuron signaling in adult and aging brain remain largely unknown. We have investigated the existence and properties of astrocyte-neuron signaling in physiologically and pathologically aging mouse hippocampal and cortical slices at different lifetime points (0.5 to 20 month-old animals). We found that astrocytes preserved their ability to express spontaneous and neurotransmitter-dependent intracellular Ca 2+ signals from juvenile to aging brains. Likewise, resting levels of gliotransmission, assessed by neuronal NMDAR activation by glutamate released from astrocytes, were largely preserved with similar properties in all tested age groups, but DHPG-induced gliotransmission was reduced in aged mice. In contrast, gliotransmission was enhanced in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, indicating a dysregulation of astrocyte-neuron signaling in pathological conditions. Disruption of the astrocytic IP 3 R2 mediated-signaling, which is required for neurotransmitter-induced astrocyte Ca 2+ signals and gliotransmission, boosted the progression of amyloid plaque deposits and synaptic plasticity impairments in APP/PS1 mice at early stages of the disease. Therefore, astrocyte-neuron interaction is a fundamental signaling, largely conserved in the adult and aging brain of healthy animals, but it is altered in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that dysfunctions of astrocyte Ca 2+ physiology may contribute to this neurodegenerative disease. GLIA 2017 GLIA 2017;65:569-580. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intrinsic cytosolic calcium buffering properties of single rat cardiac myocytes.

PubMed Central

Berlin, J R; Bassani, J W; Bers, D M

1994-01-01

Intracellular passive Ca2+, buffering was measured in voltage-clamped rat ventricular myocytes. Cells were loaded with indo-1 (K+ salt) to an estimated cytosolic concentration of 44 +/- 5 microM (Mean +/- SEM, n = 5), and accessible cell volume was estimated to be 24.5 +/- 3.6 pl. Ca2+ transport by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca-ATPase and sarcolemmal Na-Ca exchange was inhibited by treatment with thapsigargin and Na-free solutions, respectively. Extracellular [Ca2+] was maintained at 10 mM and, in some experiments, the mitochondrial uncoupler "1799" was used to assess the degree of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. To perform single cell titrations, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was increased progressively by a train of depolarizing voltage clamp pulses from -40 to +10 mV. The total Ca2+ gain with each pulse was calculated by integration of the Ca current and then analyzed as a function of the rapid change in [Ca2+]i during the pulse. In the range of [Ca2+]i from 0.1 to 2 microM, overall cell buffering was well described as a single lumped Michaelis-Menten type species with an apparent dissociation constant, KD, of of 0.63 +/- 0.07 microM (n = 5) and a binding capacity, Bmax, of 162 +/- 15 mumol/l cell H2O. Correction for buffering attributable to cytosolic indo-1 gives intrinsic cytosolic Ca2+ buffering parameters of KD = 0.96 +/- 0.18 microM and Bmax = 123 +/- 18 mumol/l cell H2O. The fast Ca2+ buffering measured in this manner agrees reasonably with the characteristics of known rapid Ca buffers (e.g., troponin C, calmodulin, and SR Ca-ATPase), but is only about half of the total Ca2+ buffering measured at equilibrium. Inclusion of slow Ca buffers such as the Ca/Mg sites on troponin C and myosin can account for the differences between fast Ca2+ buffering in phase with the Ca current measured in the present experiments and equilibrium Ca2+ buffering. The present data indicate that a rapid rise of [Ca2+]i from 0.1 to 1 microM during a contraction requires approximately 50 microM Ca2+ to be added to the cytosol. PMID:7819510

Updated fracture incidence rates for the US version of FRAX (registered trademark)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Evaluation of results produced by the US version of FRAX (trademarked) indicates that this tool overestimates the likelihood of major osteoporotic fracture. In an attempt to correct this, we updated underlying baseline fracture rates for the model. We used US hospital discharge data from 2006 to ca...

Developing a Qualia-Based Multi-Agent Architecture for Use in Malware Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

executables were correctly classified with a 6% false positive rate [7]. Kolter and Maloof expand Schultz’s work by analyzing different...Proceedings of the 2001 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy. Los Alamitos, CA: IEEE Computer Society, 2001. [8] J. Z. Kolter and M. A. Maloof

Association of young and advanced age of pregnant women with the risk of isolated congenital abnormalities in Hungary - a population-based case-matched control study.

PubMed

Csermely, Gyula; Susánszky, Éva; Czeizel, Andrew E

2015-03-01

To analyze the possible association of maternal age with the risk of all congenital abnormalities (CAs) in a population-based large case-matched control data set. The Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities included 21,494 cases with isolated CA and their 34,311 matched controls. First the distribution of maternal age groups in 24 CA-groups and their matched controls was compared. In the second step, young (19 years or less) and advanced (35 years or more) age groups were compared. Finally, the subgroups of neural-tube defects, congenital heart defects and abdominal wall's CA were evaluated separately. A higher risk of gastroschisis, congenital heart defects, particularly left-sided obstructive defects, undescended testis and clubfoot was found in the youngest age group (19 years or less) of cases. The higher proportion of pregnant women with advanced age (i.e. 35 years or more) showed only a borderline excess in cases with clubfoot. The so-called U-shaped risk of maternal age distribution was found in cases with clubfoot and in the total group of isolated CAs. The maternal age is a contributing factor to the origin of some isolated CAs mainly in young pregnant women.

Interrelationships among invasive and non-invasive indicators of biological maturation in adolescent male soccer players.

PubMed

Malina, Robert M; Coelho E Silva, Manuel J; Figueiredo, António J; Carling, Christopher; Beunen, Gaston P

2012-01-01

The relationships among indicators of biological maturation were evaluated and concordance between classifications of maturity status in two age groups of youth soccer players examined (11-12 years, n = 87; 13-14 years, n = 93). Data included chronological age (CA), skeletal age (SA, Fels method), stage of pubic hair, predicted age at peak height velocity, and percent of predicted adult height. Players were classified as on time, late or early in maturation using the SA-CA difference, predicted age at peak height velocity, and percent of predicted mature height. Factor analyses indicated two factors in players aged 11-12 years (maturity status: percent of predicted mature height, stage of pubic hair, 59% of variance; maturity timing: SA/CA ratio, predicted age at peak height velocity, 26% of variance), and one factor in players aged 13-14 years (68% of variance). Kappa coefficients were low (0.02-0.23) and indicated poor agreement between maturity classifications. Spearman rank-order correlations between categories were low to moderate (0.16-0.50). Although the indicators were related, concordance of maturity classifications between skeletal age and predicted age at peak height velocity and percent predicted mature height was poor. Talent development programmes call for the classification of youth as early, average, and late maturing for the purpose of designing training and competition programmes. Non-invasive indicators of maturity status have limitations for this purpose.