Comparison of the generic neuronal differentiation and neuron subtype specification functions of mammalian achaete-scute and atonal homologs in cultured neural progenitor cells

In the vertebrate peripheral nervous system, the proneural genes neurogenin 1 and neurogenin 2 (Ngn1 and Ngn2), and Mash1 are required for sensory and autonomic neurogenesis, respectively. In cultures of neural tube-derived, primitive PNS progenitors NGNs promote expression of sensory markers and MASH1 that of autonomic markers. These effects do not simply reflect enhanced neuronal differentiation, suggesting that both bHLH factors also specify neuronal identity like their Drosophila counterparts. At high concentrations of BMP2 or in neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), however, NGNs like MASH1 promote only autonomic marker expression. These data suggest that that the identity specification function of NGNs is more sensitive to context than is that of MASH1. In NCSCs, MASH1 is more sensitive to Notch-mediated inhibition of neurogenesis and cell cycle arrest, than are the NGNs. Thus, the two proneural genes differ in other functional properties besides the neuron subtype identities they can promote. These properties may explain cellular differences between MASH1- and NGN-dependent lineages in the timing of neuronal differentiation and cell cycle exit

Languaging in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) Classrooms: implications for English across the curriculum

Invited colloquiumLanguage is a primary semiotic (meaning-making) resource in construing the world, and the world (or content) is grasped mainly through language (Halliday, 1993). Hence, it has been argued that successful learning or knowledge construction depends on “guidance through interaction in the context of shared experience” (Rose & Martin, 2012, p. 58), or through the process of languaging, where language is used to mediate formulation of concepts (Swain & Lapkin, 2013). These highlight the importance of ‘dialogue’ or ‘dialogic discourse’. However, what actually constitutes ‘dialogic discourse’ and how this can be achieved by teachers and students in classrooms are still being explored, especially in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) classrooms, where such languaging processes and dialogic discourses take place through students’ (and often teachers’) ...postprin

Protecting the Aging Retina

Aging retina, notably the aging macula, is prone to develop degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of visual loss in individuals aged 65 or above in developed countries. However, current treatments are very limited. Since degeneration, dysfunction, and death of retinal neurons are demonstrated in the pathogenesis of AMD, neuroprotective strategies could serve as a possible way to treat AMD. In this chapter, we will briefly introduce risk factors, pathophysiology, affected neurons, classification, clinical manifestation, and current treatments of AMD. Finally, neuroprotection in both AMD animal models and patients will be discussed

Lutein and the Aging Eye

Lutein is a carotenoid highly concentrated in the macula of the retina. Lutein cannot be synthesized and must be supplied in the diet, for example, dark green leafy vegetable and egg yolk. Lutein is believed to absorb blue light, leading to the protection of retina from light-related damage. It can also protect the retina against oxidative stress and inflammation. In fact, dietary and supplementary lutein have been shown to be associated with possible reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of elderly blindness, attributed largely to lutein’s antioxidant properties. Lutein is also beneficial as a nutritional supplement in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, lutein is very safe and widely used. In this chapter, we will discuss the basic chemistry of lutein; its uptake, transport, distribution, and functions in the normal eye. Lastly, the effects of lutein in age-related eye diseases will be summarized

Nutritional Supplement Use and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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EFFECTS OF A PRODUCE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM ON NUTRITIONAL OUTCOMES AND FOOD PURCHASES IN NORTH CAROLINA

The goal of this project is to assess if participation in a $40/month produce prescription program for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants with diet sensitive health conditions (SuperSNAP) is associated with changes in food purchase composition and nutritional outcomes compared to matched SNAP beneficiaries. We also assessed if the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to any other shifts. This study used retail transaction data (October 2019-April 2022) linked with nutrition label data to assess changes in purchase composition across key food categories and nutrient profile changes. We applied a linear mixed effects model with overlap weights to perform a difference-in-difference analysis of purchases by SuperSNAP program enrollees (treatment) compared to SNAP participants who were not in SuperSNAP (control).The analytical sample included 1,447 SuperSNAP shoppers and 41,003 control shoppers. SuperSNAP participation was associated with a 6.7% (95% CI (5.9, 7.6), p <0.000) increase in share of calories from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes without additives. Compared to control shoppers, share of total calories purchased by SuperSNAP shoppers decreased by 1.7% (95% CI (-2.2, -1.1), p <0.000) from sugar sweetened beverages and 2.1% (95% CI (-2.8, -1.5), p <0.000) from ultra-processed non-essential foods. We did not find differences in these shifts in purchase compositions since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. This study shows the promise of targeted produce prescription programs for SNAP participants in encouraging shifts in purchase composition.Master of Scienc

Animal Models of Diabetic Retinopathy (Part 2)

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of preventable vision impairment and blindness in the working-age population worldwide. Numerous animal models have been developed for therapeutic drug screening and to further increase our understanding of the molecular and cellular pathological processes involved in DR. Following our discussion of mouse models in “Animal Models of Diabetic Retinopathy Part 1,” we describe the cellular, molecular, and morphological features of both rodent and nonrodent models of DR and their respective advantages and limitations in this chapter. To date, no animal model can holistically reproduce the pathological progression of human DR; most only display early or advanced lesions of DR. However, a thorough understanding of genotypic and phenotypic expressions of existing models will facilitate researchers’ selection of the appropriate model to simulate their desired clinical scenarios

Optimal stimulation duration of tens in the management of osteoarthritic knee pain

Objective: This study examined the optimal stimulation duration of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for relieving osteoarthritic knee pain and the duration (as measured by half-life) of post-stimulation analgesia. Subjects: Thirty-eight patients received either: (i) 20 minutes (TENS20); (ii) 40 minutes (TENS40); (iii) 60 minutes (TENS60) of TENS; or (iv) 60 minutes of placebo TENS (TENSPL) 5 days a week for 2 weeks. Methods: A visual analogue scale recorded the magnitude and pain relief period for up to 10 hours after stimulation. Results: By Day10, a significantly greater cumulative reduction in the visual analogue scale scores was found in the TENS40 (83.40%) and TENS60 (68.37%) groups than in the TENS20 (54.59%) and TENSPL (6.14%) groups (p 3 0.000), such a group difference was maintained in the 2-week followup session (p 3 0.000). In terms of the duration of post-stimulation analgesia period, the duration for the TENS40 (256 minutes) and TENS60 (258 minutes) groups was more prolonged than in the other 2 groups (TENS20 = 168 minutes, TENSPL = 35 minutes) by Day10 (p 3 0.000). However, the TENS40 group produced the longest pain relief period by the follow-up session. Conclusion: 40 minutes is the optimal treatment duration of TENS, in terms of both the magnitude (VAS scores) of pain reduction and the duration of post-stimulation analgesia for knee osetoarthritis.<br /

Summary of research projects supported by the Health Services Research Fund (HSRF) and the Health Care and Promotion Fund (HCPF)

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