Rates of lobar atrophy in asymptomatic MAPT mutation carriers.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the rates of lobar atrophy in the asymptomatic microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) mutation carriers.MethodsMAPT mutation carriers (n = 14; 10 asymptomatic, 4 converters from asymptomatic to symptomatic) and noncarriers (n = 13) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging and were followed annually with a median of 9.2 years. Longitudinal changes in lobar atrophy were analyzed using the tensor-based morphometry with symmetric normalization algorithm.ResultsThe rate of temporal lobe atrophy in asymptomatic MAPT mutation carriers was faster than that in noncarriers. Although the greatest rate of atrophy was observed in the temporal lobe in converters, they also had increased atrophy rates in the frontal and parietal lobes compared to noncarriers.DiscussionAccelerated decline in temporal lobe volume occurs in asymptomatic MAPT mutation carriers followed by the frontal and parietal lobe in those who have become symptomatic. The findings have implications for monitoring the progression of neurodegeneration during clinical trials in asymptomatic MAPT mutation carriers

Categorical Dimensions of Human Odor Descriptor Space Revealed by Non-Negative Matrix Factorization

In contrast to most other sensory modalities, the basic perceptual dimensions of olfaction remain unclear. Here, we use non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) – a dimensionality reduction technique – to uncover structure in a panel of odor profiles, with each odor defined as a point in multi-dimensional descriptor space. The properties of NMF are favorable for the analysis of such lexical and perceptual data, and lead to a high-dimensional account of odor space. We further provide evidence that odor dimensions apply categorically. That is, odor space is not occupied homogenously, but rather in a discrete and intrinsically clustered manner. We discuss the potential implications of these results for the neural coding of odors, as well as for developing classifiers on larger datasets that may be useful for predicting perceptual qualities from chemical structures

On unitarizability in the case of classical p-adic groups

In the introduction of this paper we discuss a possible approach to the unitarizability problem for classical p-adic groups. In this paper we give some very limited support that such approach is not without chance. In a forthcoming paper we shall give additional evidence in generalized cuspidal rank (up to) three.Comment: This paper is a merged and revised version of ealier preprints arXiv:1701.07658 and arXiv:1701.07662. The paper is going to appear in the Proceedings of the Simons Symposium on Geometric Aspects of the Trace Formul

Why is there no queer international theory?

Over the last decade, Queer Studies have become Global Queer Studies, generating significant insights into key international political processes. Yet, the transformation from Queer to Global Queer has left the discipline of International Relations largely unaffected, which begs the question: if Queer Studies has gone global, why has the discipline of International Relations not gone somewhat queer? Or, to put it in Martin Wight’s provocative terms, why is there no Queer International Theory? This article claims that the presumed non-existence of Queer International Theory is an effect of how the discipline of International Relations combines homologization, figuration, and gentrification to code various types of theory as failures in order to manage the conduct of international theorizing in all its forms. This means there are generalizable lessons to be drawn from how the discipline categorizes Queer International Theory out of existence to bring a specific understanding of International Relations into existence

Predicting change in quality of life from age 79 to 90 in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921

Purpose: Quality of life (QoL) decreases in very old age, and is strongly related to health outcomes and mortality. Understanding the predictors of QoL and change in QoL amongst the oldest old may suggest potential targets for intervention. This study investigated change in QoL from age 79 to 90 years in a group of older adults in Scotland, and identified potential predictors of that change. Method: Participants were members of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921 who attended clinic visits at age 79 (n = 554) and 90 (n = 129). Measures at both time points included QoL (WHOQOL-BREF: four domains and two single items), anxiety and depression, objective health, functional ability, self-rated health, loneliness, and personality. Results: Mean QoL declined from age 79 to 90. Participants returning at 90 had scored significantly higher at 79 on most QoL measures, and exhibited better objective health and functional ability, and lower anxiety and depression than non-returners. Hierarchical multiple regression models accounted for 20.3–56.3% of the variance in QoL at age 90. Baseline QoL was the strongest predictor of domain scores (20.3–35.6% variance explained), suggesting that individual differences in QoL judgements remain largely stable. Additional predictors varied by the QoL domain and included self-rated health, loneliness, and functional and mood decline between age 79 and 90 years. Conclusions: This study has identified potential targets for interventions to improve QoL in the oldest old. Further research should address causal pathways between QoL and functional and mood decline, perceived health and loneliness

The biodistribution of triamcinolone acetonide injections in severe keloids:an exploratory three-dimensional fluorescent cryomicrotome study

Intralesional corticosteroid injections are a first-line treatment for keloids; yet clinical treatment results are highly variable and often suboptimal. Variation in triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) biodistribution may be an important reason for the variable effects of TAC treatment in keloids. In this exploratory study we investigated the biodistribution of TAC in keloids and normal skin using different drug delivery techniques. Fluorescent-labeled TAC suspension was administered into keloids and normal skin with a hypodermic needle and an electronic pneumatic jet injector. TAC biodistribution was represented by the fluorescent TAC volume and 3D biodistribution shape of TAC, using a 3D-Fluorescence-Imaging Cryomicrotome System. Twenty-one keloid and nine normal skin samples were analyzed. With needle injections, the mean fluorescent TAC volumes were 990 µl ± 479 in keloids and 872 µl ± 227 in normal skin. With the jet injector, the mean fluorescent TAC volumes were 401 µl ± 252 in keloids and 249 µl ± 67 in normal skin. 3D biodistribution shapes of TAC were highly variable in keloids and normal skin. In conclusion, TAC biodistribution in keloids is highly variable for both needle and jet injection. This may partly explain the variable treatment effects of intralesional TAC in keloids. Future research is needed to confirm this preliminary finding and to optimize drug delivery in keloids.</p

Feasibility of a subcutaneous gluteal turnover flap without donor site scar for perineal closure after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer

Background: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) carries a high risk of perineal wound morbidity. Perineal wound closure using autologous tissue flaps has been shown to be advantageous, but there is no consensus as to the optimal method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel gluteal turnover flap (GT-flap) without donor site scar for perineal closure after APR. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent APR for primary or recurrent