Expression of the Inhibitory CD200 Receptor Is Associated with Alternative Macrophage Activation

Classical macrophage activation is inhibited by the CD200 receptor (CD200R). Here, we show that CD200R expression was specifically induced on human in vitro polarized macrophages of the alternatively activated M2a subtype, generated by incubation with IL-4 or IL-13. In mice, peritoneal M2 macrophages, elicited during infection with the parasites Taenia crassiceps or Tryponosoma brucei brucei, expressed increased CD200R levels compared to those derived from uninfected mice. However, in vitro stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages and T crassiceps infection in IL-4-/- and IL-4R-/- mice showed that, in contrast to humans, induction of CD200R in mice was not IL-4 or IL-13 dependent. Our data identify CD200R as a suitable marker for alternatively activated macrophages in humans and corroborate observations of distinct species- and/or site-specific mechanisms regulating macrophage polarization in mouse and man. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Base

An optical mechanism for aberration of starlight

We present a physical-optics based theory of the physical mechanism for aberration of starlight. We apply non-relativistic and relativistic theories for wavefront image formation and include the effects of optically transmitting media within the sensor. We show that the sensors imaging properties combined with finite velocity of light fully accounts for aberration. That is, the influence of the moving sensor on the incident wavefront from the star fully explains aberration. Our treatment differs from all previous derivations because we include wavefront-imaging physics within the sensor model. Our predictions match Earth-sensor based measurements, but differ at larger sensor speeds from predictions of the special relativistic-based theory. While experimental uncertainty resulting from the low Earth-orbital velocity prevents experimental confirmation of the special relativistic model of aberration, we find that Earth-based sensors containing refractive optical media could experimentally differentiate between these competing descriptions and, in addition, yield an independent test of time dilation. We derive and present the details of such an experiment

Cancer in Australia 1998

Cancer in Australia 1998 presents comprehensive national data on cancer incidence and mortality. The report provides 1998 data for cancers by site, age and sex, and summary data for each State and Territory. Incidence and mortality trends since the early 1980s, age patterns for selected cancers, comparisons with New Zealand cancer data and an analysis of cancers of unknown primary site are features of this report. The information in this report is supported by more detailed information for all cancer sites on the AIHW\u27s web site www.aihw.gov.au. Cancer in Australia 1998 is an important reference from the Cancer Series for all those interested in the health of Australians

Case registry systems for pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Europe: are there lessons for the future?

Countries across Europe developed a range of database systems to register pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 cases. Anecdotal reports indicate that some systems were not as useful as expected. This was a cross-sectional, semi-structured survey of health professionals who collected and reported pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 cases in 23 countries within the 27 European Union (EU) Member States plus Norway. We describe here the experiences of using pandemic case register systems developed before and during the pandemic, whether the systems were used as intended and, what problems, if any, were encountered. We conducted the survey to identify improvements that could be made to future pandemic case registers at national and EU level. Despite many inter-country differences, 17 respondents felt that a standardised case register template incorporating a limited number of simple standard variables specified in advance and agreed between the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control could be useful. Intra- and inter-country working groups could facilitate information exchange, clearer system objectives and improved interoperability between systems

What are the odds? Identifying factors related to competitive success in powerlifting

Background: The ability for athletes to gain a competitive advantage over their opponents is well recognised. At times, this advantage may be considered a marginal gain. However, in the context of competition, marginal advantages may be the difference between winning and losing. This investigation explores how competition factors influence the odds of competitive success (i.e. winning) in powerlifting (PL) to assist athletes and coaches in achieving a competitive advantage. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of competition data from raw/classic, Australian powerlifting competitions 2010–2019 was conducted. Data included 10,599 competition entries (males: n = 6567 [62%], females: n = 4032 [38%]). Independent t-tests were used to compare continuous data between sexes or winners and non-winners at an event. Cohen’s d and the 95% confidence interval (d [95% CI]) were calculated. Univariate odds of winning an event based on independent variables (age [irrespective of category], sex, body weight and weight of first lift attempt [regardless of success]), were assessed by separate simple logistic regression. Results: When compared to males, the odds of winning for females were 50% greater (OR [95% CI] 1.500 [1.384, 1.625]; P \u3c 0.001). Athletes who had larger first lift attempts (Squat: + 7.0 kg P \u3c 0.001, Bench Press: + 3.2 kg P \u3c 0.001, and Deadlift: + 6.1 kg P \u3c 0.001and competed for a longer period (winners: 401 vs non-winners: 304 days, P \u3c 0.001) had an increased likelihood winning. Age was associated with increased odds of success for males (OR [95% CI] 1.014 [1.009, 1.019], P \u3c 0.001) per additional year of age for males, but not females (P = 0.509). Conclusions: Multiple factors appear to contribute to the likelihood of winning a PL competition. These results may help coaches to develop competition and training strategies that optimise athletes’ likelihood of competitive success in PL

Psychomotor therapy targeting anger and aggressive behaviour in individuals with mild or borderline intellectual disabilities:A systematic review

Background: Poor anger regulation is considered a risk factor of aggression in individuals with mild or borderline intellectual disabilities. Psychomotor therapy (PMT) targets anger regulation through body- and movement-oriented interventions. This study aims to inform practitioners on efficacy and research-base of PMT in this population. Method: This systematic review evaluated nine studies which met inclusion criteria in terms of participants, intervention procedures, outcomes and certainty of evidence. Results: Seven studies revealed a substantial reduction of aggressive behaviour or anger. Certainty of evidence was rated inconclusive in most cases due to absence of experimental control. Conclusions: We can conclude that body-oriented PMT, involving progressive relaxation and meditation procedure "Soles of the Feet", is a promising approach. However, the paucity of studies and methodological limitations preclude classifying it as an evidence-based practice. This suggests stronger methodological research and research aimed at PMT's mechanisms of action (e.g., improved interoceptive awareness) is warranted.</p

Neighbourhood social and physical environment and general practitioner assessed morbidity.

The aim of our study was to investigate the association between health enhancing and threatening, and social and physical aspects of the neighbourhood environment and general practitioner (GP) assessed morbidity of the people living there, in order to find out whether the effects of environmental characteristics add up or modify each other. We combined GP electronic health records with environmental data on neighbourhoods in the Netherlands. Cross-classified logistic multilevel models show the importance of taking into account several environmental characteristics and confounders, as social capital effects on the prevalence of morbidity disappear when other area characteristics are taken into account. Stratification by area socio-economic status, shows that the association between environmental characteristics and the prevalence of morbidity is stronger for people living in low SES areas. In low SES areas, green space seems to alleviate effects of air pollution on the prevalence of high blood pressure and diabetes, while the effects of green space and social capital reinforce each other

Comparison of methods to identify and characterize Post-COVID syndrome using electronic health records and questionnaires

Background: Some of those infected with coronavirus suffer from post-COVID syndrome (PCS). However, an uniform definition of PCS is lacking, causing uncertainty about the prevalence and nature of this syndrome. We aim to improve understanding by operationalizing different definitions of PCS in different data sources and describing features and clinical subtypes.Methods: We use different methods and data sources. First, a cohort with electronic health records (EHR) from general practices (GPs) and GP out-of-hours-services combined with sociodemographic data for n≈1.000.000 individuals. Second, questionnaires among n=276 individuals who had been infected with coronavirus. Using both data sources, we operationalized definitions of PCS to calculate frequency and characteristics. In a subgroup of the EHR data we conducted community detection analyses to explore possible clinical subtypes of PCS.Results: The frequency of PCS ranged from 15-33%, depending on the method and data source. Across all methods and definitions, the mean age of individuals with PCS was around 53 years and they were more often female. There were small sex differences in the type of symptoms and overall symptoms were persistent for 6 months. Exploratory network analysis revealed three possible clinical subtypes.Discussion: We showed that frequency rates of post-COVID syndrome differ between methods and data sources, but characteristics of the affected individuals are quite stable. Overall, PCS is a heterogeneous syndrome affecting a significant group of individuals who need adequate care. Future studies should focus on care trajectories and qualitative measures such as experiences and quality of life of individuals living with PCS

Adhesive and conformational behaviour of mycolic acid monolayers

We have studied the pH-dependent interaction between mycolic acid (MA) monolayers and hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces using molecular (colloidal probe) force spectroscopy. In both cases, hydrophobic and hydrophilic monolayers (prepared by Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaefer deposition on silicon or hydrophobized silicon substrates, respectively) were studied. The force spectroscopy data, fitted with classical DLVO (Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek) theory to examine the contribution of electrostatic and van der Waals forces, revealed that electrostatic forces are the dominant contribution to the repulsive force between the approaching colloidal probe and MA monolayers. The good agreement between data and the DLVO model suggest that beyond a few nm away from the surface, hydrophobic, hydration, and specific chemical bonding are unlikely to contribute to any significant extent to the interaction energy between the probe and the surface. The pH-dependent conformation of MA molecules in the monolayer at the solid-liquid interface was studied by ellipsometry, neutron reflectometry, and with a quartz crystal microbalance. Monolayers prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett method demonstrated a distinct pH-responsive behaviour, while monolayers prepared by the Langmuir-Schaefer method were less sensitive to pH variation. It was found that the attachment of water molecules plays a vital role in determining the conformation of the MA monolayers. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved