Polarization of macrophages toward M2 phenotype is favored by reduction in iPLA2β (group VIA phospholipase A2)*

Macrophages are important in innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophage participation in inflammation or tissue repair is directed by various extracellular signals and mediated by multiple intracellular pathways. Activation of group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) causes accumulation of arachidonic acid, lysophospholipids, and eicosanoids that can promote inflammation and pathologic states. We examined the role of iPLA2β in peritoneal macrophage immune function by comparing wild type (WT) and iPLA2β−/− mouse macrophages. Compared with WT, iPLA2β−/− macrophages exhibited reduced proinflammatory M1 markers when classically activated. In contrast, anti-inflammatory M2 markers were elevated under naïve conditions and induced to higher levels by alternative activation in iPLA2β−/− macrophages compared with WT. Induction of eicosanoid (12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2))- and reactive oxygen species (NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4))-generating enzymes by classical activation pathways was also blunted in iPLA2β−/− macrophages compared with WT. The effects of inhibitors of iPLA2β, COX2, or 12-LO to reduce M1 polarization were greater than those to enhance M2 polarization. Certain lipids (lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidic acid, and prostaglandin E2) recapitulated M1 phenotype in iPLA2β−/− macrophages, but none tested promoted M2 phenotype. These findings suggest that (a) lipids generated by iPLA2β and subsequently oxidized by cyclooxygenase and 12-LO favor macrophage inflammatory M1 polarization, and (b) the absence of iPLA2β promotes macrophage M2 polarization. Reducing macrophage iPLA2β activity and thereby attenuating macrophage M1 polarization might cause a shift from an inflammatory to a recovery/repair milieu

Manipulation of Muscle Creatine and Glycogen Changes Dual X-ray Absorptiometry Estimates of Body Composition

Standardizing a dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) protocol is thought to provide a reliable measurement of body composition. Purpose: We investigated the effects of manipulating muscle glycogen and creatine content independently and additively on DXA estimates of lean mass. Method: Eighteen well-trained male cyclists undertook a parallel group application of creatine loading (n = 9) (20 g·d−1 for 5 d loading; 3 g·d−1 maintenance) or placebo (n = 9) with crossover application of glycogen loading (12 v 6 g·kg−1 BM per day for 48 h) as part of a larger study involving a glycogen-depleting exercise protocol. Body composition, total body water, muscle glycogen and creatine content were assessed via DXA, bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy and standard biopsy techniques. Changes in the mean were assessed using the following effect-size scale: > 0.2 small, > 0.6, moderate, > 1.2 large and compared with the threshold for the smallest worthwhile effect of the treatment. Results: Glycogen loading, both with and without creatine loading, resulted in substantial increases in estimates of lean body mass (mean ± SD; 3.0% ± 0.7% and 2.0% ± 0.9%) and leg lean mass (3.1% ± 1.8% and 2.6% ± 1.0%) respectively. A substantial decrease in leg lean mass was observed after the glycogen depleting condition (−1.4% ± 1.6%). Total body water showed substantial increases after glycogen loading (2.3% ± 2.3%), creatine loading (1.4% ± 1.9%) and the combined treatment (2.3% ± 1.1%). Conclusions: Changes in muscle metabolites and water content alter DXA estimates of lean mass during periods in which minimal change in muscle protein mass is likely. This information needs to be considered in interpreting the results of DXA-derived estimates of body composition in athletes

Diagnóstico y estudio de la eficiencia en los procesos de calidad del análisis de orina

The general analysis of urine is the oldest of the laboratory tests. It consists of a set of physicochemical tests that must be performed on a urine sample, the standardization of Clinical Laboratories is a valuable strategy for the continuous improvement and reliability of analytical procedures. Having clear this concept, the present investigation aims. Establish the diagnosis and study of the efficiency in the quality processes of urinalysis. With this we generate a hypothesis that must be framed for its solution. In what way will the diagnosis of efficiency influence the quality processes of urinalysis, will it help the standardization of processes? The research used the systematic review bibliographic design. Pertinent design to carry out the search for information through bibliographic sources such as: scientific articles and theses from the repositories. The design of this research work will seek the diagnosis of efficiency in the quality processes of urinalysis. in search of the standardization of processes. Through the study we can identify that the central process of the laboratory is the primary process and consists of three stages: pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases. Detailing the indicators used to measure the variables of efficiency and quality in the general processes of urine. They comply with: collection of the sample, reception in the laboratory, registration and processing, performance of the analytical test, registration of the result, reporting and archiving of the result, and disposal/archiving of the sample.El análisis general de orina es el más antiguo de los exámenes de laboratorio. Consiste en un conjunto de pruebas fisicoquímicas que se deben realizar en una muestra de orina, la estandarización de Laboratorios Clínicos, es una valiosa estrategia para la mejora continua y confiabilidad de los procedimientos analíticos. Teniendo claro este concepto, la presente investigación pretende.  Establecer el diagnóstico y estudio de la eficiencia en los procesos de calidad del análisis de orina. Con ello generamos una hipótesis que debe ser enmarcada para su solución ¿De qué manera influirá el diagnóstico de la eficiencia en los procesos de calidad del análisis de orina, ayudará a la estandarización de procesos? La investigación utilizó el diseño bibliográfico de revisión sistemática. Diseño pertinente para efectuar la búsqueda de información por medio de fuentes bibliográficas tales como: artículos científicos y tesis provenientes de los repositorios. El diseño de este trabajo de investigación, buscara el diagnóstico de la eficiencia en los procesos de calidad del análisis de orina. en busca de la estandarización de los procesos. Mediante el estudio podemos identificar que el proceso central del laboratorio es el proceso primario y consiste en tres etapas: fases preanalíticas, analíticas y postanalíticas. Detallando que los indicadores empleados para medir las variables de eficiencia y calidad en los procesos generales de la orina. Cumplen con:  recolección de la muestra, recepción en el laboratorio, registro y procesamiento, la realización de prueba analítica, el registro del resultado, el informe y archivo del resultado y desecho/archivo de la muestra

Options for modulating intra-specific competition in colonial pinnipeds: the case of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in the Wadden Sea

Colonial pinnipeds may be subject to substantial consumptive competition because they are large, slow-moving central place foragers. We examined possible mechanisms for reducing this competition by examining the diving behaviour of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) after equipping 34 seals (11 females, 23 males) foraging from three locations; Romo, Denmark and Lorenzenplate and Helgoland, Germany, in the Wadden Sea area with time-depth recorders. Analysis of 319,021 dives revealed little between-colony variation but appreciable inter-sex differences, with males diving deeper than females, but for shorter periods. Males also had higher vertical descent rates. This result suggests that males may have higher overall swim speeds, which would increase higher oxygen consumption, and may explain the shorter dive durations compared to females. Intersex variation in swim speed alone is predicted to lead to fundamental differences in the time use of three-dimensional space, which may help reduce consumptive competition in harbour seals and other colonial pinnipeds

Interval Management: Development and Implementation of an Airborne Spacing Concept

Interval Management is a suite of ADS-B-enabled applications that allows the air traffic controller to instruct a flight crew to achieve and maintain a desired spacing relative to another aircraft. The flight crew, assisted by automation, manages the speed of their aircraft to deliver more precise inter-aircraft spacing than is otherwise possible, which increases traffic throughput at the same or higher levels of safety. Interval Management has evolved from a long history of research and is now seen as a core NextGen capability. With avionics standards recently published, completion of an Investment Analysis Readiness Decision by the FAA, and multiple flight tests planned, Interval Management will soon be part of everyday use in the National Airspace System. Second generation, Advanced Interval Management capabilities are being planned to provide a wider range of operations and improved performance and benefits. This paper briefly reviews the evolution of Interval Management and describes current development and deployment plans. It also reviews concepts under development as the next generation of applications

Ursinus College Alumni Journal, March 1968

Why can\u27t we have plays like we used to have? • Alumni respond to a questionnaire • Dr. Maurice Whitman Armstrong • Alumni Loyalty Fund mid-year report • From the President • Interview: Dr. Millard E. Gladfelter • Some plain facts about Ursinus • Candidates for office • Committee on future giving meets • Campus clippings: New faculty members; Future beyond tomorrow; Ursinus evaluated; Advanced study; New history chairman • Nudity in films: a point of view • For the sake of an old pal • Sporting scene: Basketball team excels; Cross-country team undefeated; All sports banquet; Wrestling • Class notebook • Weddings • Births • In memoriam • Letters to the editorhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/alumnijournal/1091/thumbnail.jp

Pregnancy cohorts and biobanking in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Background: Technological advances and high throughput biological assays can facilitate discovery science in biobanks from population cohorts, including pregnant women. Biological pathways associated with health outcomes differ depending on geography, and high-income country data may not generalise to low-resource settings. We conducted a systematic review to identify prospective pregnancy cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that include biobanked samples with potential to enhance discovery science opportunity. Methods: Inclusion criteria were prospective data collection during pregnancy, with associated biobanking in SSA. Data sources included: scientific databases (with comprehensive search terms), grey literature, hand searching applicable reference lists and expert input. Results were screened in a three-stage process based on title, abstract and full text by two independent reviewers. The review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019147483). Results: Fourteen SSA studies met the inclusion criteria from database searches (n=8), reference list searches (n=2) and expert input (n=4). Three studies have ongoing data collection. The most represented countries were South Africa and Mozambique (Southern Africa) (n=3), Benin (Western Africa) (n=4) and Tanzania (Eastern Africa) (n=4); including an estimated 31 763 women. Samples commonly collected were blood, cord blood and placenta. Seven studies collected neonatal samples. Common clinical outcomes included maternal and perinatal mortality, malaria and preterm birth. Conclusions: Increasingly numerous pregnancy cohorts in SSA that include biobanking are generating a uniquely valuable resource for collaborative discovery science, and improved understanding of the high regional risks of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Future studies should align protocols and consider their added value and distinct contributions

RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway: genetic associations with stress fracture period prevalence in elite athletes

Context: The RANK/RANKL/OPG signalling pathway is important in the regulation of bone turnover, with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes within this pathway associated with bone phenotypic adaptations. Objective: To determine whether four SNPs associated with genes in the RANK/RANKL/OPG signalling pathway were associated with stress fracture injury in elite athletes. Design, Participants, and Methods: Radiologically confirmed stress fracture history was reported in 518 elite athletes, forming the Stress Fracture Elite Athlete (SFEA) cohort. Data were analysed for the whole group, and were sub-stratified into male and cases of multiple stress fracture group. Genotypes were determined using proprietary fluorescence-based competitive allele-specific PCR assays. Results: SNPs rs3018362 (RANK) and rs1021188 (RANKL) were associated with stress fracture injury (p<0.05). 8.1% of stress fracture group and 2.8% of the non-stress fracture group were homozygote for the rare allele of rs1021188. Allele frequency, heterozygotes and homozygotes for the rare allele of rs3018362 were associated with stress fracture period prevalence (p<0.05). Analysis of the male only group showed 8.2% of rs1021188 rare allele homozygotes to have suffered a stress fracture while 2.5% of the non-stress fracture group were homozygous. In cases of multiple stress fractures, homozygotes for the rare allele of rs1021188, and individuals possessing at least one copy of the rare allele of rs4355801 (OPG) were shown to be associated with stress fracture injury (p<0.05). Conclusions: The data support an association between SNPs in the RANK/RANKL/OPG signalling pathway and the development of stress fracture injury. The association of rs3018362 (RANK) and rs1021188 (RANKL) with stress fracture injury susceptibility supports their role in the maintenance of bone health, and offers potential targets for therapeutic interventions

Ursinus College Alumni Journal, March 1966

First words • From the President • A commitment to change • The Ursinus plan • We\u27re planning a brand-new old-time Alumni Day • A disarmed world: two views • The one-world syndrome • Scenario for a disarmed conflict • The paid-up parade • Centennial fund moves toward first-year goal • Of strength & endurance • Check your candidates • The agency has transposed the key of campus life • Campus clippings: Gift from Gulf; Kodak focuses on U.C.; The fine arts; Folklore grant; Neighbors of the college; Scholarship winner; College Boards; Visual aids; Meistersingers • Sporting scene: Football; Soccer; Tennis; Track; Baseball; Basketball • Ursinus phys-edders continue to excel • Women of distinction • Regionals • Class notebook • Weddings • Births • In memoriam • End quotes: The story of solicitationhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/alumnijournal/1087/thumbnail.jp