Meeting report: International symposium on the genetics of aging and life history II

The second International Symposium on the Genetics of Aging and Life History was held at the campus of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, South Korea, from May 14 to 16, 2014. Many leading scientists in the field of aging research from all over the world contributed to the symposium by attending and presenting their recent work and thoughts. The aim of the symposium was to stimulate international collaborations and interactions among scientists who work on the biology of aging. In the symposium, the most recent and exciting work on aging research was presented, covering a wide range of topics, including the genetics of aging, age-associated diseases, and cellular senescence. The work was conducted in various organisms, including C. elegans, mice, plants, and humans. Topics covered in the symposium stimulated discussion of novel directions for future research on aging. The meeting ended with a commitment for the third International Symposium on the Genetics of Aging and Life History, which will be held in 2016. © Artan et al11sciescopu

Learning curve using the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System in assessing facial palsy:An observational study in 100 patients

Little is known about facial function assessments of inexperienced observers in facial palsy. In this observational study learning curve was examined of two inexperienced observers assessing facial function of 100 patients using the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System. Interobserver agreement gradually improved over time, stabilizing after approximately 70 assessments. Best agreement on the voluntary movement subscore was observed, followed by synkinesis and resting symmetry subscores. Inexperienced observers can perform facial function assessments in facial palsy, but should be adequately trained first

Interactome analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans synapses by TurboID-based proximity labeling

Proximity labeling provides a powerful in vivo tool to characterize the proteome of subcellular structures and the interactome of specific proteins. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is one of the most intensely studied organisms in biology, offering many advantages for biochemistry. Using the highly active biotin ligase TurboID, we optimize here a proximity labeling protocol for C. elegans. An advantage of TurboID is that biotin's high affinity for streptavidin means biotin-labeled proteins can be affinity-purified under harsh denaturing conditions. By combining extensive sonication with aggressive denaturation using SDS and urea, we achieved near-complete solubilization of worm proteins. We then used this protocol to characterize the proteomes of the worm gut, muscle, skin, and nervous system. Neurons are among the smallest C. elegans cells. To probe the method's sensitivity, we expressed TurboID exclusively in the two AFD neurons and showed that the protocol could identify known and previously unknown proteins expressed selectively in AFD. The active zones of synapses are composed of a protein matrix that is difficult to solubilize and purify. To test if our protocol could solubilize active zone proteins, we knocked TurboID into the endogenous elks-1 gene, which encodes a presynaptic active zone protein. We identified many known ELKS-1-interacting active zone proteins, as well as previously uncharacterized synaptic proteins. Versatile vectors and the inherent advantages of using C. elegans, including fast growth and the ability to rapidly make and functionally test knock-ins, make proximity labeling a valuable addition to the armory of this model organism

Hybrid seven-bar press mechanism: link optimization and kinetostatic analysis

An optimization study with kinetostatic analysis is performed on hybrid seven-bar press mechanism. This study is based on previous studies performed on planar hybrid seven-bar linkage. Dimensional synthesis is performed, and optimum link lengths for the mechanism are found. Optimization study is performed by using genetic algorithm (GA). Genetic Algorithm Toolbox is used with Optimization Toolbox in MATLAB®. The design variables and the constraints are used during design optimization. The objective function is determined and eight precision points are used. A seven-bar linkage system with two degrees of freedom is chosen as an example. Metal stamping operation with a dwell is taken as the case study. Having completed optimization, the kinetostatic analysis is performed. All forces on the links and the crank torques are calculated on the hybrid system with the optimized link lengths

Health-related quality of life in facial palsy:translation and validation of the Dutch version Facial Disability Index

Contains fulltext : 229876.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcome measures are essential in the evaluation of facial palsy. Aim of this study was to translate and validate the Facial Disability Index (FDI) for use in the Netherlands. METHODS: The FDI was translated into Dutch according to a forward-backward method. Construct validity was assessed by formulating 22 hypotheses regarding associations of FDI scores with the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale, the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire, the Short Form-12 and the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System. Validity was considered adequate if at least 75% (i.e. 17 out of 22) of the hypotheses were confirmed. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Cronbach's α was calculated as a measure of internal consistency. Participants were asked to fill out the FDI a second time after 2 weeks to analyse test-retest reliability. Lastly, smallest detectable change was calculated. RESULTS: In total, 19 hypotheses (86.4%) were confirmed. Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable fit for the two factor structure of the original FDI (root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, standardized root mean square residual = 0.081, comparative fit index = 0.925, Chi-square = 50.22 with 34 degrees of freedom). Internal consistency for the FDI physical function scale was good (α > 0.720). Internal consistency for the FDI social/well-being scale was slightly less (α > 0.574). Test-retest reliability for both scales was good (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.786). Smallest detectable change at the level of the individual was 17.6 points for the physical function and 17.7 points for the social/well-being function, and at group level 1.9 points for both scales. CONCLUSION: The Dutch version FDI shows good psychometric properties. The relatively large values for individual smallest detectable change may limit clinical use. The translation and widespread use of the FDI in multiple languages can help to compare treatment results internationally

The Deconfinement Phase Transition in One-Flavour QCD

We present a study of the deconfinement phase transition of one-flavour QCD, using the multiboson algorithm. The mass of the Wilson fermions relevant for this study is moderately large and the non-hermitian multiboson method is a superior simulation algorithm. Finite size scaling is studied on lattices of size $8^3\times 4$, $12^3\times 4$ and $16^3\times 4$. The behaviours of the peak of the Polyakov loop susceptibility, the deconfinement ratio and the distribution of the norm of the Polyakov loop are all characteristic of a first-order phase transition for heavy quarks. As the quark mass decreases, the first-order transition gets weaker and turns into a crossover. To investigate finite size scaling on larger spatial lattices we use an effective action in the same universality class as QCD. This effective action is constructed by replacing the fermionic determinant with the Polyakov loop identified as the most relevant Z(3) symmetry breaking term. Higher-order effects are incorporated in an effective Z(3)-breaking field, $h$, which couples to the Polyakov loop. Finite size scaling determines the value of $h$ where the first order transition ends. Our analysis at the end - point, $h_{ep}$, indicates that the effective model and thus QCD is consistent with the universality class of the three dimensional Ising model. Matching the field strength at the end point, $h_{ep}$, to the $\kappa$ values used in the dynamical quark simulations we estimate the end point, $\kappa_{ep}$, of the first-order phase transition. We find $\kappa_{ep}\sim 0.08$ which corresponds to a quark mass of about 1.4 GeV .Comment: LaTex, 25 pages, 18 figure

Effects of nutritional components on aging

Nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals regulate various physiological processes and are essential for the survival of organisms. Reduced overall caloric intake delays aging in various organisms. However, the role of each nutritional component in the regulation of lifespan is not well established. In this review, we describe recent studies focused on the regulatory role of each type of nutrient in aging. Moreover, we will discuss how the amount or composition of each nutritional component may influence longevity or health in humans.open112016sciescopu