Effects of robotic-assisted gait training on the central vascular health of individuals with spinal cord injury: A pilot study.

Objective: To investigate the effect of a short-term, robotic-assisted (exoskeleton) gait training (RGT) program on central and peripheral hemodynamic measures in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Parallel group, non-randomized trial with before (baseline) and after (follow-up) assessments. Setting: Single-center, community-based neuro-physiotherapy practice. Participants: Twelve individuals with SCI (ASI A to C). Interventions: Participants completed either a 5-day RGT program plus physiotherapy (n = 6), or a usual care physiotherapy only program (control group; n = 6). The RGT program consisted of daily 60-min physiotherapy and 90-min of RGT. Outcome measures were measured before and after the rehabilitation program. Main outcome measure(s): The primary outcome measure was arterial wave reflection (Augmentation index [AIx]), with central and peripheral blood pressures also reported. Data are presented as mean (SD) and effect sizes (partial eta squared; η2 p). Results: There was a significant reduction in AIx (30 ± 18–21 ± 15%; η2 p=0.75) and mean arterial pressure (89 ± 11–82 ± 10 mmHg; η2 p=0.47) following completion of the RGT program (both P < 0.05). There were no changes in these measures for the control group. Although not significantly different, medium to large effects were observed in favor of RGT for all other central and peripheral measures (η2 p=0.06–0.21), except for heart rate and pulse pressure (η2 p<0.04). Conclusions: RGT using an exoskeleton is a promising therapy for improving cardiovascular health in patients with SCI. Specifically, this study indicates decreased arterial wave reflection and supports the need for larger randomized controlled trials

Map-aware adaptive automotive RADAR

A dedicated short range radar system is provided for use with a GPS system. The radar system includes a transmitter which transmits a microwave radio signal. A receiver is coupled to a horizontally scanning receiver antenna array which receives an echo, if present, from the radio signal transmitted by the transmitter. The radio receiver then generates an output signal representative of the echo. A control circuit then receives the output signal from the antenna array as well as the output signal from the GPS system. The control circuit then varies the mode of operation of the receiver and/or the transmitter as a function of the type of roadway for optimal radar performance.https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/patents/1000/thumbnail.jp

Immunity to self co-generates regulatory T cells

Immune responses to self are kept in check by tolerance mechanisms, including suppression by regulatory T cells (Tregs). The defective generation of Tregs specific for self-antigens may lead to autoimmune disease. We identified a novel population of human CD4^+^ Tregs, characterized by high surface expression of CD52, which is co-generated in response to autoantigen. Blood CD4^+^CD52^hi^ T cells were generated preferentially in response to low-dose autoantigen and suppressed proliferation and interferon-[gamma] production by other T cells. Depletion of resting CD4^+^CD52^hi^ T cells enhanced the T-cell response to autoantigen. CD4^+^CD52^hi^ Tregs were neither derived from nor distinguished by markers of conventional resting CD4^+^CD25^+^ Tregs. In response to the pancreatic islet autoantigens glutamic acid decarboxylase, the generation of CD4^+^CD52^hi^ Tregs was impaired in individuals with and at-risk for type 1 diabetes, compared to healthy controls and individuals with type 2 diabetes. CD4^+^CD52^hi^ Tregs co-generated to self-antigen may therefore contribute to immune homeostasis and protect against autoimmune disease

Multidetector CT improving surgical outcomes in breast cancer (MISO-BC) : a randomised controlled trial

Background: Early diagnosis of malignant axillary nodes in breast cancer guides the extent of axillary surgery: patients with known axillary malignancy receive a more extensive single operation at the same time as surgery to their breast. A multicentre randomised controlled trial assessed whether a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the axilla could more accurately diagnose malignant axillary lymph node involvement in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer when compared to usual care. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer (identified via screening and symptomatic pathways) at two NHS Trusts in the North East of England were recruited and randomised in equal numbers. Both groups received routine diagnostic and surgical care. In addition, one group received a CT scan of their axilla on the same side as the breast cancer. The primary endpoint was the need to undergo a second axillary surgical procedure. Findings: The trial recruited 297 patients of whom 291 contributed to findings. The proportion of patients undergoing a second operation was similar (CT vs UC: 19.4% vs. 19.7%; CT-UC: −0.3%, 95%CI: = −9.5% to 8.9%, χ2 [1]: p = 1.00). Patients in the two groups were similar before treatment, had similar types and grade of cancer, experienced similar patterns of post-operative complications and reported similar experiences of care. Interpretation: CT scan-guided care did not result in a change in the number of patients requiring a second operation; similar numbers of patients needed further axillary surgery in both groups. New diagnostic imaging technologies regularly enter NHS centres. It is important these are evaluated rigorously before becoming routine care

Bryophytes dominate plant regulation of soil microclimate in alpine grasslands

publishedVersio

Potvrđivanje učinkovitosti testa identifikacije poremećaja uzrokovanih alkoholom (AUDIT) – verzija na Dusun jeziku u konzumenata alkohola u Sabahu, Borneo

Introduction: The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) developed by WHO is instrumental in identifying individuals on the alcohol misuse spectrum. However there is no culturally appropriate Dusun language version in Sabahan Borneo. This study aims to develop and validate a Dusun language version of AUDIT (AUDIT-D). Methods: AUDIT was translated to Dusun and back translated to English and Malay. The first version was pilot tested in 20 participants and harmonised. The harmonised version was administered to 50 Dusun first language speakers fluent in Malay from villages in rural Sabah. Participants filled in socio-demographic questionnaires, Dusun (AUDIT-D) and Bahasa Malaysia (AUDIT-M) versions of AUDIT, and validated Bahasa Malaysia versions of the M.I.N.I. alcohol dependence subscale and CAGE. Results: ROC curves calculated AUDIT-D dependence cut-off of 9 and more, with prevalence of dependence at 46%. Factor analysis of AUDIT-D yielded a one - or three-factor solution, distinct from the AUDIT-M factor structure. Cronbach alpha coefficients for the total AUDIT-D was 0.83. Significant Spearman’s correlations existed between AUDIT-D and AUDIT-M scores (Spearman’s rho=0.999, p<.001). AUDIT-D and AUDIT-M were both significantly correlated with M.I.N.I. alcohol dependence subscales (rho=0.624 and 0.617 respectively, with p<0.0001). Both were not significantly correlated with CAGE. Conclusion: The AUDIT-D questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties, properties and demonstrates similar factor structures to other areas with high alcohol dependence prevalence. It is suitable for the assessment and identification of alcohol use disorders in the unique Sabahan Borneo cultural landscape.Uvod: Test identifikacije poremećaja uzrokovanih alkoholom (AUDIT eng. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) kojeg je razvila Svjetska zdravstvena organizacija (WHO), od iznimne je koristi u identifikaciji pojedinaca koji boluju od poremećaja ponašanja uzrokovanih alkoholom. Doduše, ne postoji kulturološki primjerena verzija testa na Dusun jeziku u saveznoj državi Sabah na otoku Borneu, Malezija. Cilj ovog istraživanja je razviti i potvrditi verziju AUDIT test na Dusun jeziku. Metode: AUDIT test je preveden na Dusun jezik, zatim s Dusun jezika na engleski i malezijski. Prva verzija je bila pilot test koji je uključio 20 ispitanika, te je bio usklađen. Usklađena verzija testa je provedena na 50 ispitanika čiji je prvi jezik bio Dusun, te su također bili tečni u malezijskom jeziku, a bili su žitelji ruralnih sela Sabaha. Ispitanici su ispunili socio-demografske upitnike, Dusun (AUDIT-D) i Bahasa malezijske (AUDIT-M) verzije testa, usklađene verzije M.I.N.I. testa alkoholne ovisnosti na Bahasa malezijskom jeziku, te CAGE upitnik. Rezultati: ROC krivulje izračunale su graničnu ovisnost AUDIT-D od 9 i više, s prevalencijom ovisnosti od 46%. Faktorska analiza AUDIT-D dala je jedno- ili trofaktorsko rješenje, za razliku od strukture faktora u AUDIT-M testu. Cronbach alfa koeficijenti za ukupni AUDIT-D bili su 0,83. Značajne Spearmanove korelacije postojale su između AUDIT-D i AUDIT-M rezultata (Spearmanov rho = 0,999, p <0,001). AUDIT-D i AUDIT-M bili su značajno povezani s M.I.N.I. podskupinama za ovisnosti o alkoholu (rho = 0,624 i 0,617, s p <0,0001). Oba nisu pokazala značajnu povezanost s CAGE upitnikom. Zaključak: AUDIT-D upitnik ima prihvatljiva psihometrijska svojstva i pokazuje slične faktorske strukture u odnosu na druga područja s visokom prevalencijom ovisnosti o alkoholu. Prikladan je za procjenu i utvrđivanje poremećaja ponašanja uzrokovanih konzumacijom alkohola u jedinstvenom kulturnom krajoliku Sabaha

Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Sympathetic Neurons: A Potential Model for Understanding Neuroblastoma Pathogenesis

Background and Aims: Previous studies modelling human neural crest differentiation from stem cells have resulted in a low yield of sympathetic neurons. Our aim was to optimise a method for the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to sympathetic neuron-like cells (SN) to model normal human SNS development. Results: Using stromal-derived inducing activity (SDIA) of PA6 cells plus BMP4 and B27 supplements, the H9 hESC line was differentiated to neural crest stem-like cells and SN-like cells. After 7 days of PA6 cell coculture, mRNA expression of SNAIL and SOX-9 neural crest specifier genes and the neural marker peripherin (PRPH) increased. Expression of the pluripotency marker OCT 4 decreased, whereas TP53 and LIN28B expression remained high at levels similar to SHSY5Y and IMR32 neuroblastoma cell lines. A 5-fold increase in the expression of the catecholaminergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the noradrenergic marker dopamine betahydroxylase (DBH) was observed by day 7 of differentiation. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting for the neural crest marker p75, enriched for cells expressing p75, DBH, TH, and PRPH, was more specific than p75 neural crest stem cell (NCSC) microbeads. On day 28 post p75 sorting, dual immunofluorescence identified sympathetic neurons by PRPH and TH copositivity cells in 20% of the cell population. Noradrenergic sympathetic neurons, identified by copositivity for both PHOX2B and DBH, were present in 9.4% ± 5.5% of cells. Conclusions: We have optimised a method for noradrenergic SNS development using the H9 hESC line to improve our understanding of normal human SNS development and, in a future work, the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma