Ion beam analysis of microcrystalline quartz artifacts from the Reed Mound Site, Delaware County, Oklahoma

Ion beam analysis (IBA) has been a powerful, non-destructive tool for archaeological research worldwide for over four decades, yet its full potential is seldom realized in North American archaeology. Herein the potential of particle induced X-ray emission spectrometry (PIXE) as a tool for future Ozarks chert provenance studies is evaluated based on its ability to facilitate (1) discrimination of Ozarks chert materials from different geological formations and (2) identification of discrete groups of artifacts from the same geological formation. In addition, PIXE was also used to evaluate the elemental heterogeneity of Ozarks chert materials. Thirty chert (microcrystalline quartz) artifacts were visually sorted and classified according to macroscopic features characteristic of certain chert resources from particular Ozarks geological formations. The elemental concentrations obtained from PIXE analysis underwent multivariate statistical analyses in order to gain insight from the data. The results indicate that PIXE could be a useful tool for assigning Ozarks chert materials to their respective geological formations, and possibly for determining regional or sub-regional provenance

Context-dependent regulation of endothelial cell metabolism: differential effects of the PPARβ/δ agonist GW0742 and VEGF-A

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) has pro-angiogenic functions, but whether PPARβ/δ modulates endothelial cell metabolism to support the dynamic phenotype remains to be established. This study characterised the metabolic response of HUVEC to the PPARβ/δ agonist, GW0742, and compared these effects with those induced by VEGF-A. In HUVEC monolayers, flux analysis revealed that VEGF-A promoted glycolysis at the expense of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), whereas GW0742 reduced both glycolysis and FAO. Only VEGF-A stimulated HUVEC migration and proliferation whereas both GW0742 and VEGF-A promoted tubulogenesis. Studies using inhibitors of PPARβ/δ or sirtuin-1 showed that the tubulogenic effect of GW0742, but not VEGF-A, was PPARβ/δ- and sirtuin-1-dependent. HUVEC were reliant on glycolysis and FAO, and inhibition of either pathway disrupted cell growth and proliferation. VEGF-A was a potent inducer of glycolysis in tubulogenic HUVEC, while FAO was maintained. In contrast, GW0742-induced tubulogenesis was associated with enhanced FAO and a modest increase in glycolysis. These novel data reveal a context-dependent regulation of endothelial metabolism by GW0742, where metabolic activity is reduced in monolayers but enhanced during tubulogenesis. These findings expand our understanding of PPARβ/δ in the endothelium and support the targeting of PPARβ/δ in regulating EC behaviour and boosting tissue maintenance and repair

Ion Beam Analysis of Microcrystalline Quartz Artifacts from the Reed Mound Site, Delaware County, Oklahoma

This paper from the 23rd Conference on Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry conference proceedings evaluates the potential of particle induced X-ray emission spectrometry as a tool for future Ozarks chert provenance studies based on its ability to facilitate discrimination of Ozarks chert materials from different geological formations and identification of discrete groups of artifacts from the same geological formation

Point-of-care ultrasound training for non-physician emergency care practitioners in rural Uganda

Background: In 2009, a novel task-shifting programme was started in rural Uganda to create access to quality acute and emergency care. Collaborative partners on the project are the Global Emergency Care Collaborative and Karoli Lwanga “Nyakibale” Hospital, Rukungiri, Uganda. One element of this training programme for non-physician emergency-care practitioners (ECPs) is the use point-of-care ultrasound for common emergency applications. As in much of sub-Saharan Africa, radiological diagnostic testing is insufficient in the district hospital's emergency department in which the ECP programme is conducted. X-ray and comprehensive ultrasound is potentially accessible during daytime hours only; however, it is sometimes limited by insufficient availability of materials and trained staff. Methods: The use of point-of-care ultrasound has been taught to ECPs through didactic and bedside teaching. As part of the basic curriculum, lectures are given on the use of emergency ultrasound; basic ultrasound physics and safety; extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (E-FAST); ultrasound-guided nerve blocks; echocardiography; hepatobiliary ultrasound; lung, skin, and soft tissue ultrasound; and obstetric ultrasound. As the programme and skills of the ECPs have advanced, additional ultrasound applications have been added to the curriculum including aorta, renal, Deep vein thrombosis, inferior vena cava, and appendiceal ultrasound. In addition to the lecture component, bedside teaching is a major component. Visiting board-eligible or certified emergency physicians with advanced ultrasound training intermittently proctor exams at scheduled intervals with each emergency care practitioner throughout the course of their training. Findings: Through the course of this training programme, non-physician practitioners have integrated the use of bedside ultrasound into their clinical practice of emergency care. Interpretation: In a rural resource-limited setting where other diagnostic imaging is insufficient, bedside ultrasound can be taught to non-physician emergency practitioners to diagnose a myriad of emergency disorders. Funding: None