Effects of Microcystis aeruginosa on New Jersey Aquatic Benthic Macroinvertebrates

As increases in anthropogenic eutrophication and climate change contribute to more severe and frequent cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in freshwater ecosystems worldwide, understanding the effects and consequences cyanobacterial blooms have on aquatic organisms is crucial. Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the most common cyanobacteria taxa found in cyanobacterial blooms, producing a number of toxins including Microcystins. This study examined the effects of Microcystis aeruginosa on aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates, specifically the pollution intolerant taxa Ephemeroptera, the pollution moderately intolerant taxa Zygoptera, and the pollution tolerant taxa Chironomidae. In a controlled lab environment, macroinvertebrates were exposed to approximately 100,000 cells/ml of Microcystis aeruginosa. The survival percentage was lower for macroinvertebrates exposed to Microcystis aeruginosa in all three tolerance groups while corresponding with the pollution tolerance levels of the species. These findings support the notion that cyanobacterial blooms have deleterious effects on freshwater ecosystems and can affect aquatic food webs

Secularization in Orleans, France: A Case Study Utilizing Mark Chaves\u27 \u27New Differentiation Theory\u27

Steeped in a heavily religious history, Europe and specifically France provide an intriguing backdrop for a closer look into secularization in present-day Orleans, France. Many various approaches to secularization theory have arisen over the past sixty years. This paper explores the evolution of secularization theory, delving into Mark Chaves\u27 New Differentiation Theory , based upon religious authority\u27s influence on t he individual, societal, and institutional levels. Though created by an American academician, the New Differentiation Theory\u27\u27 provides a new basis of analysis with which one may draw conclusions regarding the state of secularization in a European city (in this case Orleans, France). Beginning with the broader European context then moving toward the specific case in Orleans, t his paper analyzes historical facts and personal interview data from 100 French in Orleans in light of Chaves\u27 categorical approach. This paper utilizes Chaves\u27 secularization theory in order to investigate the interesting trends of religious authority\u27s influence in Orleans, France, thus providing valuable data and analyses for future research in the field of secularization theory and religion

Reduced Order Model of a Spouted Fluidized Bed Utilizing Proper Orthogonal Decomposition

A reduced order model utilizing proper orthogonal decomposition for approximation of gas and solids velocities as well as pressure, solids granular temperature and gas void fraction for use in multiphase incompressible fluidized beds is developed and presented. The methodology is then tested on data representing a flat-bottom spouted fluidized bed and comparative results against the software Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFIX) are provided. The governing equations for the model development are based upon those implemented in the (MFIX) software. The three reduced order models explored are projective, extrapolative and interpolative. The first is an extension of the system solution beyond an original time sequence. The second is a numerical approximation to a new solution based on a small selected parameter deviation from an existing CFD data set. Finally an interpolative methodology approximates a solution between two existing CFD data sets both which vary a single parameter

Beurteilung des mittelfristigen Therapieansprechens nach transarterieller Chemoembolisation des hepatozellulären Karzinoms mittels Volumenperfusions-Computertomographie (VPCT) und Einfluss von unterschiedlichen Partikelgrößen und Epirubicindosen auf den Tumor und das tumorfreie Leberparenchym

In dieser Studie wurden das mittelfristige Therapieansprechen und die Auswirkungen verschiedener Partikelgrößen und Epirubicindosen auf den Tumor und das tumorfreie Leberparenchym beobachtet. Es wurden 45 Patienten, die zwischen Januar 2010 und Februar 2014 aufgrund eines inoperablen HCCs eine TACE mit Wirkstoff-freisetzenden Partikeln (drug-eluting beads (DEB)) erhielten, in die Studie eingeschlossen. Sie wurden mit 2 verschiedenen Partikelgrößen (100-300µm (n=17), 300 bis 500µm (n=28) und zwei verschiedenen Epirubicindosen (25mg (n=32)) behandelt und zu drei Zeitpunkten (Baseline, direkt postinterventionell und im Verlauf) mittels VPCT untersucht. Die Messung der Perfusionsparamter BF, BV und ktrans erfolgte im Tumor, die Berechnung erfolgte mittels Dekonvolutions-Methode im Tumorprogramm. Die Perfusionsparameter ALP, PVP, HPI wurden an drei Orten (Tumor, ipsilateral zum Tumor und kontralateral zum Tumor) gemessen und im Leberprogramm ausgewertet. Zur Berechnung wurde die Kompartimentanalyse (Maximum Slope - und Patlak-Methode ) eingesetzt. Von der Baseline-Untersuchung zur FU1-Untersuchung verringerte sich der Anteil der vitalen Tumoranteile gemäß mRECIST um durchschnittlich 1,03cm (Spannweite, -4,7 -0cm). Mittels VPCT konnte bei allen Patienten eine signifikante Verringerung (p<0.001) von vitalem Tumorgewebe zwischen der Baseline-Untersuchung und der FU1-Untersuchung festgestellt werden. Die Abnahme der Perfusionsparameter war in den jeweiligen maximal perfundierten Anteilen von der Baseline-Untersuchung zur FU1-Untersuchung für die Perfusionsparameter BF, BV und ktrans (p0.05), ebenso wie von der Epirubicindosis (p>0.05). Der initiale Tumordurchmesser gemäß RECIST und der jeweilige anreichernde Tumoranteil gemäß mRECIST korrelierten nicht mit den Perfusionsparametern BF, BV und ktrans. PPV, NPV, Sensitivität und Spezifität der post-interventionellen VPCT (FU1-Untersuchung) in Bezug auf die Vorhersage des anschließenden Tumroverhaltens bei der FU2-Untersuchung ergaben 100%/70%/76%/100%. Bei der FU1-Untersuchung zeigte sich gemäß VPCT unabhängig von der Partikelgröße folgendes Therapieansprechen CR (n=23 [51.1%]), PR (n=18 [40%]) and NR (n=4 [8.9%]). Bei der FU2-Untersuchung war das Therapieansprechen folgendermaßen: CR (n=16 [35.6%]), PR (n=18 [40%]) and NR (n=11 [24.4%]). Als Ergebnis dieser Studie geht hervor, dass die VPCT ein geeignetes Instrument ist, um die Auswirkungen der TACE auf den Tumor und das umgebende Lebergewebe präzise zu beurteilen. Die Auswirkungen der TACE sind unabhängig von Partikelgröße und Epirubicindosis. Die zeitnah postinterventionell durchgeführte VPCT zeigte eine gute Spezifität sowie einen guten positiv prädiktiven Wert in Hinsicht auf die mittelfristige Vorhersage des Tumoransprechens. Im nicht-betroffenen Leberparenchym verursachte die TACE lediglich temporäre Disbalanzen in der dualen Gefäßversorgung der Leber

Adipocyte epigenetic alterations and potential therapeutic targets in transgenerationally inherited lean and obese phenotypes following ancestral exposures

The incidence of obesity has increased dramatically over the past two decades with a prevalence of approximately 40% of the adult population within the United States. The current study examines the potential for transgenerational adipocyte (fat cell) epigenetic alterations. Adipocytes were isolated from the gonadal fat pad of the great-grand offspring F3 generation 1-year old rats ancestrally exposed to DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), atrazine, or vehicle control in order to obtain adipocytes for DNA methylation analysis. Observations indicate that there were differential DNA methylated regions (DMRs) in the adipocytes with the lean or obese phenotypes compared to control normal (non-obese or lean) populations. The comparison of epigenetic alterations indicated that there were substantial overlaps between the different treatment lineage groups for both the lean and obese phenotypes. Novel correlated genes and gene pathways associated with DNA methylation were identified, and may aid in the discovery of potential therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases such as obesity. Observations indicate that ancestral exposures during critical windows of development can induce the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of DNA methylation changes in adipocytes that ultimately may contribute to an altered metabolic phenotype

A gero-informatics tool to enhance the care of hospitalized older adults with cognitive impairment

Approximately 50% of hospitalized elders have cognitive impairment (CI) that increases their vulnerability to hospital-acquired complications. Matching geriatric evaluation and recommendations to the true pace of hospital care may improve the care of elders in general, in particular those with CI. Integrating information technology into geriatric services (gero-informatics) might allow reduction of the time to implementation of geriatric recommendations and prevent the initiation of potentially harmful medications and procedures during the critical first 48 hours of hospitalization. This paper reviews our local gero-informatics early experience of developing a computerized decision support system (CDSS) to enhance hospital care for elders with CI by reducing inappropriate use of anticholinergic medications, urinary catheters, and physical restraints

Are there functional consequences of a reduction in selenium intake in UK subjects?

Dietary Se levels in the UK have fallen over the last 20 years and recent surveys indicate that average Se intakes are 30-40 microg/d, which is well below the current UK reference nutrient intake for adult men (75 microg/d) or women (60 microg/d). Functional consequences of this decline have not been recognised, although epidemiological data suggest it may contribute to increased risk of infections and incidence of some cancers. Previous data have indicated that biochemical changes in Se-dependent proteins occur in otherwise healthy UK subjects given small Se supplements. The current studies have focused on the effect of small Se supplements on the immune response since there is evidence of specific interactions between Se intake and viral replication, and since the potential anti-cancer effects of Se may be mediated by non-antioxidant effects of Se such as changes in immune function. Data indicate that subjects given small Se supplements (50 or 100 microg Se/d) have changes in the activity of Se-dependent enzymes and evidence of improved immune function and clearance of an administered live attenuated virus in the form of poliovirus vaccine. Responses of individual subjects to Se supplements are variable, and current work is evaluating potential explanations for this variability, including genetic variability and pre-existing Se status

The effect of antineoplastic drugs in a male spontaneous mammary tumor model

Male breast cancer is a rare disease. The limited number of clinical cases has led to the primary treatments for men being derived from female breast cancer studies. Here the transgenic strain FVB/N-Tg(MMTV-PyVT)634Mul/J (also known as PyVT) was used as a model system for measuring tumor burden and drug sensitivity of the antineoplastic drugs tamoxifen, cisplatin, and paclitaxel on tumorigenesis at an early stage of mammary carcinoma development in a male mouse model. Cisplatin treatment significantly reduced tumor volume, while paclitaxel and tamoxifen did not attenuate tumor growth. Cisplatin treatment was shown to induce apoptosis, grossly observed by reduced tumor formation, through reduced Bcl-2 and survivin protein expression levels with an increase in caspase 3 expression compared to control tumors. Tamoxifen treatment significantly altered the hormone receptor expression levels of the tumor, while additionally upregulating Bcl-2 and Cyclin D1. This suggests an importance in hormonal signaling in male breast cancer pathogenesis. The results of this study provide valuable information toward the better understanding of male breast cancer and may help guide treatment decisions

“Disadvantaged patient populations”: A theory-informed education needs assessment in an urban teaching hospital

Recent calls in medical education and health care emphasize equitable care for disadvantaged patient populations (DPP), with education&nbsp; highlighted as a key mechanism to move toward this goal. However, in order to develop effective education strategies we must first better understand the DPP concept. We conducted a theory-informed needs assessment to explore the concept of DPP as understood in our hospital.&nbsp; Using an interpretive qualitative approach informed by principles of critical discourse analysis we conducted focus groups with trainees and staff across professions and groups, as identified in the hospital’s strategic plan, representing “patients experiencing disadvantage.” We identified three main perceptions about DPP:&nbsp; 1) disadvantaged patients require care above and beyond what is normal; 2) the system is to blame for failures in serving disadvantaged patients; and 3) labelling patients is problematic and stigmatizing. In response, patients wanted to be first seen as valuable human beings rather than as a burden or category. Patients appreciated that the DPP concept opened up better access to care, but also felt ‘othered’ by the concept. As a result, patients felt they were not accessing the same level of care in terms of compassion and respect. &nbsp;Our findings suggest potential for three, theory-informed educational approaches to help improve care for patients experiencing disadvantage: 1) sharing authentic and varied stories; 2) fostering dialogue; and 3) aligning assessment approaches with educational approaches. Additionally, we suggest a need to define access beyond the ability to receive services; according to our participants, access must also engender a sense of common humanity and respect.&nbsp

Annotation Sensitivity: Training Data Collection Methods Affect Model Performance

When training data are collected from human annotators, the design of the annotation instrument, the instructions given to annotators, the characteristics of the annotators, and their interactions can impact training data. This study demonstrates that design choices made when creating an annotation instrument also impact the models trained on the resulting annotations. We introduce the term annotation sensitivity to refer to the impact of annotation data collection methods on the annotations themselves and on downstream model performance and predictions. We collect annotations of hate speech and offensive language in five experimental conditions of an annotation instrument, randomly assigning annotators to conditions. We then fine-tune BERT models on each of the five resulting datasets and evaluate model performance on a holdout portion of each condition. We find considerable differences between the conditions for 1) the share of hate speech/offensive language annotations, 2) model performance, 3) model predictions, and 4) model learning curves. Our results emphasize the crucial role played by the annotation instrument which has received little attention in the machine learning literature. We call for additional research into how and why the instrument impacts the annotations to inform the development of best practices in instrument design.Comment: EMNLP 2023 Findings: https://aclanthology.org/2023.findings-emnlp.992