Derivation and validation of murine histologic alterations resembling asthma, with two proposed histologic grade parameters

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The objective was to define murine histologic alterations resembling asthma in a BALB/c OVA model and to suggest grading criteria. Identified were six salient histologic findings in lungs with putative allergic inflammation: 1) bronchoarterial space inflammation; 2) peri-venular inflammation; 3) inflammation about amuscular blood vessels; 4) inter-alveolar space inflammation, not about capillaries; 5) pleural inflammation; and 6) eosinophils within the inflammatory aggregates. An initial study comprised six groups of twelve mice each: 1) stressed, control; 2) stressed, sensitized; 3) stressed, challenged; 4) not physically stressed, control; 5) not physically stressed, sensitized; 6) not physically stressed, challenged. A second study comprised four experimental groups of twenty mice each: 1) stressed, control; 2) stressed, challenged; 3) not physically stressed, control; 4) not physically stressed, challenged. A third study evaluated two grading criteria, 1) the proportion of non-tracheal respiratory passages with inflammatory aggregates and 2) mitoses in the largest two non-tracheal respiratory passages, in five groups of five mice each, evaluated at different times after the last exposure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The first study suggested the six histological findings might reliably indicate the presence of alterations resembling asthma: whereas 82.4% of mice with a complete response had detectable interleukin (IL)-5, only 3.8% of mice without one did; whereas 77.8% of mice with a complete response were challenged mice, only 6.7% of mice without complete responses were. The second study revealed that the six histological findings provided a definition that was 97.4% sensitive and 100% specific. The third study found that the odds of a bronchial passage's having inflammation declined 1) when mitoses were present (OR = 0.73, 0.60 - 0.90), and 2) with one day increased time (OR = 0.75, 0.65 - 0.86).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A definition of murine histologic alterations resembling asthma in the BALB/c OVA mouse was developed and validated. The definition will be of use in experiments involving this model to ensure that all mice said to have undergone an asthmatic attack did indeed reveal allergic pulmonary inflammation. Proposed grading criteria should be further evaluated with additional studies using physiologic measures of attack severity and increased airway resistance.</p

Validating cognitive support for operators of complex human-machine systems

Modem nuclear power plants (NPPs) are complex systems whose performance is the result of an intricate interaction of human and system control. A complex system may be defined as one which supports a dynamic process involving a large number of elements that interact in many different ways. Safety is addressed through defense-in-depth design and preplanning; i.e., designers consider the types of failures that are most likely to occur and those of high consequence, and design their solutions in advance. However, complex interactions and their failure modes cannot always be anticipated by the designer and may be unfamiliar to plant personnel. These situations may pose cognitive demands on plant personnel, both individually and as a crew. Other factors may contribute to the cognitive challenges of NPP operation as well, including hierarchal processes, dynamic pace, system redundancy and reliability, and conflicting objectives. These factors are discussed in this paper

Survivin expression in ovarian cancer

Aim: To examine the expression of survivin in benign ovarian tumors, ovarian carcinomas of different stages. Methods: We screened the expression of survivin mRNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 114 ovarian tissue samples. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to estimate survivin mRNA levels in the samples with positive survivin expression. Results: No survivin mRNA was expressed in all normal ovarian specimens, while it appeared in 73% of ovarian carcinomas, 47% of borderline ovarian carcinomas and 19% of benign ovarian tumors. The survivin mRNA expression rate was positively associated with clinical stage (P = 0.026) and differentiation grade (P = 0.049). There was notably statistically significant difference in the survivin mRNA expression rate dependent on different histological types (serous, mucinous, endometrioid, P = 0.008), but not – dependent on lymph node metastasis (P = 0.921) and ascites (P = 0.87). In tissues with positive expression of survivin, we also found that mean survivin mRNA expression levels were higher in ovarian carcinomas than that in benign ovarian tumors and borderline ovarian carcinoma tissues (P < 0.001). Among ovarian carcinomas, the high survivin mRNA expression levels correlated with the clinical stages, differentiation grade, lymph node metastasis, but not — with ascites and histological type. Conclusion: Our study suggest that survivin is associated with progression of ovarian carcinoma.Цель: исследовать экспрессию сурвивина в доброкачественных и злокачественных новообразованиях яичника. Методы: экспрессия мРНК сурвивина исследована методом RT-PCR в 114 образах ткани яичника человека. Для установления уровня экспресии мРНК сурвивина применяли количественный PCR в режиме реального времени. Результаты: экспрессия мРНК сурвивина не выявлена в образцах нормальной ткани яичника, но зарегистрирована в 73% случаев рака яичника, 47% случаев серозных опухолей яичника серозного типа и 19% образцов доброкачественных опухолей. Установлена положительная зависимость между уровнем экспрессии мРНК сурвивина и клинической стадией заболевания (P = 0,026), и степенью дифференцировки опухоли (P = 0,049). Выявлена статистически значимая зависимость уровня экспрессии мРНК сурвивина от гистологического типа опухоли (серозного, мукозного, эндометриоидного, P = 0,008) и отсутствие таковой от наличия метастазов в лимфатических узлах (P = 0.921) или асцита (P = 0.87). Также установлено, что средние уровни экспрессии мРНК сурвивина выше при раке яичника, чем в ткани доброкачественных новобразований или серозных опухолей яичника пограничного типа (P < 0,001). При раке яичника высокий уровень экспрессии мРНК сурвивина коррелировал с клинической стадией заболевания, степенью дифференцировки опухолевых клеток, но не коррелировал с гистологическим типом новообразования. Выводы: результаты свидетельствуют о том, что экспрессия сурвивина ассоциирована с прогрессией рака яичника. Ключевые слова: сурвивин, рак яичника, опухолевая прогрессия

Evaluation of a Low-Cost, PC-Based Driving Simulator to Assess Persons with Cognitive Impairments Due to Brain Injury

Brain injury due to accident or stroke frequently results in cognitive impairment, reducing an individual’s ability to judge driving situations accurately. Rehabilitation professionals typically use a combination of clinical and on-road tests to determine whether an individual is safe to drive. Weighing the safety of the community, the candidate, and the driving evaluator, these on-road tests are often conducted under road, traffic and weather conditions less demanding than those that a driver might face in the “real world,” and thus may offer less than complete information regarding the candidate’s responses to such real-world driving challenges. Indeed, individuals with mild cognitive deficits may perform adequately under such testing conditions but unsafely when driving challenges increase. Complicating this situation further, those with mild to moderate acquired cognitive impairments may be largely unaware of their own limitations, and thus more intolerant of perceived delays or challenges to their desire to drive again. Although continuing advances have improved performance and fidelity while significantly reducing costs, most interactive driving simulators remain too expensive for widespread clinical application. In a project funded by the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, National Institutes of Health, we sought to determine, on a pilot basis, whether a low-cost, PC-based driving simulator could provide clinicians with information useful to their efforts to assess the safe ability to drive of individuals with cognitive impairments. We developed two comprehensive simulator-based driving scenarios, one quite basic and one more challenging, and pilot-tested them on ten subjects – five with moderate cognitive impairments, and five age and sex matched-controls without impairment. The “simple” scenario was developed to match the essential demands of the first half of an existing on-road driving evaluation; the “complex” scenario was based on the second half of the on-road evaluation into which more demanding, but still common, driving challenges were integrated. Road types, lane widths, pavement markings, traffic signals, horizontal and vertical curvature, and the proximal built environment were all created in simulation to provide a convincing generic representation of the on-road test. Challenges incorporated into the “complex” phase of the scenario, which were absent from the “simple” phase, included traffic events such as: cross-traffic failing to stop at a STOP sign; pedestrians crossing the driver’s path; vehicles suddenly pulling out in front of the subject from the road shoulder; opposing thru traffic appearing suddenly from behind slower moving vehicles as the subject attempted to turn left; slower moving lead vehicles causing passing decisions; traffic streams forcing gap acceptance decisions; etc. Results from the simulator were compared to results from the on-road evaluation. In addition, data gathered from subject exit interviews was used to judge simulator verisimilitude and efficacy in changing self-awareness of deficit. Because the cognitive impairments associated with brain injury often reduce the individual’s awareness of his or her own limitations, we looked at evidence that performance on the simulator could contribute to an individual’s own understanding of his or her driving strengths and weaknesses. The results of the pilot study will lead to an enhancement of simulator capabilities, and to a comprehensive clinical trial at multiple sites. This paper will present the findings of this pilot investigation and an overview of the expanded clinical study

Some recent radio talks.

Myxomatosis is losing its punch - By A. R. TOMLINSON, Chief Vermin Control Officer The results of the testing of field strains of myxomatosis just released by the Australian National University are of vital importance to every farmer in Western Australia. They show clearly that the predicted decline in the effectiveness of myxomatosis has occurred. Worse still, they reveal that the decline has been more rapid in some areas than observers anticipated. The importance of good seed in vegetable production. - By T. WACHTEL, Vegetable Adviser, Horticultural Division The seed is the foundation of the crop that eventually is to be harvested. As an American textbook on vegetable vegetable growing puts it: Within the seed coat may be locked up the key to future success or failure. A vegetable crop can be much poorer than the seed, but it cannot be better. Water conservation on the farm - By J. W. LEWIS, Irrigation Adviser, Bunbury Water conservation on the farm is becoming increasingly important in this State, and on most properties in the South-West water can be conserved easily and economically. Coupled with the use of modern spray irrigation systems, this trend may well revolutionise farming methods in years to come and lead the way to greater agricultural prosperity. Itch mite in sheep - By C. R. TOOP, Chief Veterinary Surgeon During the past 12 months there has been a sharp rise in the incidence of itch mite and many cases have been reported both from sheep markets and individual properties. The symptoms of itch mite infestation are very similar to those produced by hce but, unlike the sheep louse, the itch mite is invisible to the naked eye and the microscopic examination of scrapings taken from the skin after the wool has been closely clipped is necessary for its detection. Orchard irrigation - By J. CRIPPS, Horticultural Adviser There are no fruits grown in Western Australia which do not give larger crops if irrigated, although the majority of fruit growers do not have irrigation installations. Powdery mildew diseases in the home garden - By OLGA M. GOSS, B.Sc. Hons., Plant Pathologist Most of you will be only too familiar with the powdery mildew diseases which occur so frequently during the warmer months in your gardens. The most common plants badly affected by these diseases are grape vines, roses, hydrangeas, delphinium, Iagerstroemia and melons of various types. Cat Flu - A matter of serious concern - By J. SHILKIN, B.V.Sc, Veterinary Surgeon The importance of cats in the community is not generally realised by the public, yet severe epidemics among the feline population should be a matter of considerable concern. The presence of a reasonably large cat population in our cities is most important in keeping rat and mice numbers down to a low level, and their importance on farming properties is too well known to need any comment. Rat-borne diseases do occur m man in Australia and rats are always a potential danger as carriers and spreaders of some extremely serious diseases of man. Even good farmers can cause erosion. - By BRIAN MARSH, B.Sc. (Agric), Soil Conservation Adviser The particular aspects of soil conservation I am to discuss has not been publicised before, and the suggestions contained in this talk may be of use to you during seeding operations this year. It is often asked, Will the use of clover really prevent erosion

European Paediatric Formulation Initiative (EuPFI)-Formulating Ideas for Better Medicines for Children.

© American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists 2016, published by Springer US, available online at doi: https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-016-0584-1The European Paediatric Formulation Initiative (EuPFI), founded in 2007, aims to promote and facilitate the preparation of better and safe medicines for children through linking research and information dissemination. It brings together the capabilities of the industry, academics, hospitals, and regulators within a common platform in order to scope the solid understanding of the major issues, which will underpin the progress towards the future of paediatric medicines we want.The EuPFI was formed in parallel to the adoption of regulations within the EU and USA and has served as a community that drives research and dissemination through publications and the organisation of annual conferences. The membership and reach of this group have grown since its inception in 2007 and continue to develop and evolve to meet the continuing needs and ambitions of research into and development of age appropriate medicines. Five diverse workstreams (age-appropriate medicines, Biopharmaceutics, Administration Devices, Excipients and Taste Assessment & Taste Masking (TATM)) direct specific workpackages on behalf of the EuPFI. Furthermore, EuPFI interacts with multiple diverse professional groups across the globe to ensure efficient working in the area of paediatric medicines. Strong commitment and active involvement of all EuPFI stakeholders have proved to be vital to effectively address knowledge gaps related to paediatric medicines, discuss potential areas for further research and identify issues that need more attention and analysis in the future.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Optics of beam transport in the NSLS uv-FEL

The NSLS-FEL is designed as a single pass FEL to generate radiation 1 mJ per pulse (10 psec) in 10{sup {minus}4} bandwidth, with continuously tunable wavelength in the range 100--300 nm. A superconducting, recirculating linac provides electron beams of energy 20 MeV to 260 MeV at 4{pi} mm mrad normalized rms emittance with less than 0.1% momentum spread and 2 mm rms bunch length. The optics in this machine is seriously restricted by the requirement to not degrade the electron beam quality. We present a lattice design for the transport lines to be used in beam injection, linac focussing and recirculations. These beam lines are tuned to be linearly achromatic and isochronous, to avoid beam breakup in the cavities, and to minimize second order distortions of the emittance. Special transport lines are designed that allow rapid switching of the electron beam to drive two different FEL wigglers. This provides the capability for up to four simultaneous, high power, independently energy tuned laser beam

Preferred analysis methods for single genomic regions in RNA sequencing revealed by processing the shape of coverage

The informational content of RNA sequencing is currently far from being completely explored. Most of the analyses focus on processing tables of counts or finding isoform deconvolution via exon junctions. This article presents a comparison of several techniques that can be used to estimate differential expression of exons or small genomic regions of expression, based on their coverage function shapes. The problem is defined as finding the differentially expressed exons between two samples using local expression profile normalization and statistical measures to spot the differences between two profile shapes. Initial experiments have been done using synthetic data, and real data modified with synthetically created differential patterns. Then, 160 pipelines (5 types of generator × 4 normalizations × 8 difference measures) are compared. As a result, the best analysis pipelines are selected based on linearity of the differential expression estimation and the area under the ROC curve. These platform-independent techniques have been implemented in the Bioconductor package rnaSeqMap. They point out the exons with differential expression or internal splicing, even if the counts of reads may not show this. The areas of application include significant difference searches, splicing identification algorithms and finding suitable regions for QPCR primer

Phosphonic (phosphorous) acid controls Plasmopara viticola the cause of downy mildew of grapevines

Abstract Phosphonic (phosphorous) acid (Fol