Cryptic Speciation Among Meiofaunal Flatworms

Meiofauna are unusual in that they typically have widespread distribution, despite being small-bodied and unable to swim. This is known as the meiofaunal paradox; cryptic speciation has been suggested as a possible explanation for the meiofaunal paradox. In order to determine whether cryptic speciation and genetic differentiation across populations of meiofaunal flatworms could be detected along the eastern coast of North America, I collected specimens of two different morphospecies of meiofaunal flatworms (Paramonotus sp. and Proschizorhynchella sp.) from different locations in North Carolina and Florida. Specimens were sequenced for four different genetic markers: 18S gene, 28S gene, ITS region, and cox-1 gene. For Proschizorhynchella sp. I found evidence that Proschizorhynchella sp. consisted of two cryptic species: one in Onslow Bay, NC and one in Florida. For Paramonotus sp. I found that all populations consisted of the same biological species (all populations of Paramonotus sp. were found in Onslow Bay). I also found that 18S and 28S showed no variation across populations for both morphospecies and that the ITS region showed no genetic variation across populations for Paramonotus sp. There was, however, variation across the different populations of Proschizorhynchella sp. for both the ITS region and the cox-1 gene. For Paramonotus sp. there was some genetic variation across populations for the cox-1 gene. For the two sites where both morphospecies were present, there was a numerical difference in the amount of genetic variation across these two sites for these two morphospecies, wherein the variation across sites was numerically higher for Proschizorhynchella sp. than it was for Paramonotus sp

Scrape-off layer width of parallel heat flux on tokamak COMPASS

Edge plasmas in the divertor configuration were studied on the COMPASS tokamak. The dependence of the decay length of the parallel heat flux q|| was measured at different values of plasma current and line-averaged density. We have found that q|| decreases with both the plasma current and the line-averaged density, which is in agreement with previous results achieved on the JET tokamak

Observations on the vibration of axially-tensioned elastomeric pipes conveying fluids

A study of the effect of axial tension on the vibration of a single-span elastomeric pipe clamped at both ends conveying fluid has been carried out both experimentally and theoretically. A new mathematical model using a penalty function technique and the method of kinematic correction and fictitious loads has been developed. The influence of flowing fluid and axial tension on natural frequencies and mode shapes of the system has been described using this model and compared with experimental observations. Linear and non-linear dynamic response of the harmonically excited pipe has also been investigated for varying flow velocities and initial axial tensions

Does psychedelic therapy have a transdiagnostic action and prophylactic potential?

Addressing global mental health is a major twenty-first century challenge. Current treatments have recognised limitations; in this context, new ones that are prophylactic and effective across diagnostic boundaries would represent a major advance. The view that there exists a core of transdiagnostic overlap between psychiatric disorders has re-emerged in recent years, and evidence that psychedelic therapy holds promise for a range of psychiatric disorders supports the position that it may be trans diagnostically effective. Here we propose that psychedelic therapy's core, trans diagnostically relevant action, lies in its ability to increase neuronal and mental plasticity, thus enhancing the potential for change, which we consider to be a key to its therapeutic benefits. Moreover, we suggest that enhanced plasticity via psychedelics, combined with a psychotherapeutic approach, can aid healthy adaptability and resilience, protective factors for long-term well-being. We present candidate neurological , and psychological markers of this plasticity and link them with a predictive processing model of the action of psychedelics. We propose that a model of psychedelic induced plasticity combined with an adequate therapeutic context has prophylactic and transdiagnostic potential, implying that it could have abroad, positive impact on public health

Preliminary Water Assessment Reports of The Test Basins of The Watch Project

This report presents the initial plans of the case studies how they link to rest of the Watch project and on which water resources they will focus. This report will function as the basis for further discussions on how to improve the integration of the case studies within the project and to develop a more general protocol for each of the case studies. Currently 5 catchments are used within the Watch project, they differ in climatic and hydro-geological features and expected climate changes: the Glomma River basin (Eastern Norway), the upper Guadiana basin (Central Spanish Plateau), the Nitra River basin (central Slovakia), the Upper-Elbe basin (part of the Elbe River) and the island of Crete. Also the water resources issues vary over these cases. Agricultural (and domestic) water use is under pressure in the Mediterranean catchments probably aggravating with the expected increase in drought frequency under future climate. The Norwegian catchment provides hydropower services under threat of precipitation increase rather than decrease. The central European catchments are threatened mainly by increased variability, i.e. increased frequencies of extremes in a densely populated environment, and river flow may need additional buffers (reservoirs) to reduce floodrisk and store water for dry period

Monitoring of the very early changes of left ventricular diastolic function in patients with acute leukemia treated with anthracyclines

To analyze the very early changes of diastolic LV function during and after chemotherapy (CT) in patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia. Methods: 26 patients with acute leukemia have been studied. The cardiac echo evaluation was performed at the baseline (before CT), after the first CT (mean cumulative anthracyclines dose 136.3 ± 28.3 mg m–2), after the last CT (mean cumulative anthracyclines dose 464.3 ± 117.5 mg m–2) and circa 6 months after the completion of CT. Results: We found a significant decrease in LVEF (65.3 ± 4.5% vs 60.2 ± 5.7%, p < 0.01), the fractional shortening of the LV (34.8 ± 3.7%, vs 29.5 ± 5.0%, p < 0.01), but the mitral flow rapid filling velocity (E-wave) was not changed (0.74 ± 0.18 ms–1, vs 0.67 ± 0.17 ms–1, p ns), and atrial filling velocity (A-wave) increased (0.66 ± 0.15 ms–1 vs 0.78 ± 0.18 ms–1, p < 0.01). E/A ratio significantly decreased (1.18 ± 0.35 vs 0.89 ± 0.27, p < 0.01). IVRT increased (71.5 ± 11.6 ms vs 84.0 ± 11.6 ms, p < 0.01). DT E-wave velocity increased (162.3 ± 25.8 ms vs 206.7 ± 25.5 ms, p < 0.01). After the first CT, the signs of LV diastolic dysfunction were detected in 5 (19.2%) patients. 6 months after the last CT, two of these patients (7.7%) developed LV systolic dysfunction with the clinical symptoms of heart failure. Six months after the last CT, 12 (46.2%) patients developed the signs of LV diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Chemotherapy can induce early changes of diastolic left ventricular function. We consider using Doppler echocardiography as the election tool not only for baseline cardiologic screening but also for the monitoring of the earliest subclinical signs of cardiotoxicity.Цель: проанализировать ранние изменения диастолической функции левого желудочка (ЛЖ) во время проведения химиотерапии (ХТ) и после ХТ у больных с первичнодиагностированной острой лейкемией. Методы: обследованы 26 больных с острой лейкемией. Эхокардиограммы снимали до ХТ, после первого курса ХТ (среднее значение суммарной дозы антрациклинов 136,3 ± 28,3 мг м-2), после окончания ХТ (среднее значение суммарной дозы антрациклинов 464,3 ± 117,5 мг м-2) и через 6 мес после завершения ХТ. Результаты: выявлено значительное уменьшение фракции выброса ЛВ (65,3 ± 4,5% против 60,2 ± 5,7%, p < 0,01), фракции укорочения диастолы ЛЖ (34,8 ± 3,7% против 29,5 ± 5,0%, p < 0,01). Скорость наполнения митрального потока (E-волна) не изменялась (0,74 ± 0,18 мс–1против 0,67 ± 0,17 м с–1), и предсердная скорость наполнения (A-волна) повышалась (0,66 ± 0,15 мс–1 против 0,78 ± 0,18 мс–1, p < 0,01). Отношение E/A существенно уменьшалось (1,18 ± 0,35 против 0,89 ± 0,27, p < 0,01). Время изоволюметрического расслабления увеличивалось (71,5 ± 11,6 мс против 84,0 ± 11,6 мс, p < 0,01). Время замедления кровотока E-волны увеличивалось (162,3 ± 25,8 мс против 206,7 ± 25,5 мс, p < 0,01). После первого курса ХТ признаки диастолической дисфункции ЛЖ выявлены у 5 (19,2%) больных. Через 6 мес после окончания ХТ у 2 больных (7,7%) развилась систолическая дисфункция ЛЖ с клиническими симптомами паралича сердца, а у 12 (46,2%) больных выявлены признаки диастолической дисфункции ЛЖ. Выводы: ХТ может вызывать ранние изменения диастолической функции ЛЖ. Предлагается использовать эхокардиографию Допплера не только для предварительного скрининга, но и для мониторнига ранних субклинических признаков кардиотоксичности

Amazing grace: The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving

ABSTRACT: Kenneth Ring (1991) argued that near-death experiences (NDEs) act as compensatory gifts helping individuals cope with and understand life&apos;s difficulties. He saw NDEs as conferring &quot;amazing grace&quot; on individuals whose lives were spinning out of control toward self-destruction. Expanding on Ring&apos;s contention that NDEs can be seen as healing gifts, this study presents evidence of seven categorical situations where participating in or knowledge of NDEs and nearing-death awareness experiences serve as healing agents in facing one&apos;s own death or the death of a significant other. NDEs and nearing death awareness seem to free persons from paralyzing death anxiety and, consequently, allow them to focus on additional ways to help each other face dying and grieving. When hearing the term near-death experience (NDE), one thinks of some or many of the following elements: a sense that one is near death; perceiving that one&apos;s consciousness has been separated from the physical body; entering a darkness and moving at great speed through a transitional space, often described as a tunnel; meetin

Use of multiple biomarkers for evaluation of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

To assess cardiac toxicity of anthracycline treatment with six biomarkers of cardiac injury: myoglobin, creatine kinase MB (CK-MB mass), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), glycogen phosphorylase BB (GPBB). Methods: We evaluated anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in 12 acute myeloid leukemia patients (mean age 51.3 ± 10.7 years, 7 females). All biomarkers were measured at the baseline, after first chemotherapy (CT) with anthracyclines, after last CT with anthracyclines (total cumulative dose 479.8 ± 106.2 mg/m2) and 6 months thereafter. Values above the reference range were considered elevated. Results: GPBB increased above the cut-off (7.30 µg/L) in 2 (16.7%) patients after first CT, in 3 (25.0%) patients after last CT and remained elevated in 2 (16.7%) patients within 6 months after CT. CTnI became elevated (above 0.40 µg/L) in 1 (8.3%) patient after first and last CT and within 6 months after CT. CTnT remained negative (below 0.01 µg/L) during CT in all patients. Six months after CT, delayed cTnT positivity was found in 1 (8.3%) patient. All patients with cTnI or cTnT positivity had elevated GPBB. Other biomarkers (myoglobin, CK-MB mass, H-FABP) remained within the reference range in all patients. Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that GPBB could be a new promising marker for detection of anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity and probably superior to cardiac troponins. The predictive value for development of cardiomyopathy in the future is not clear and will be evaluated during a prospective follow-up.Цель: провести оценку кардиотоксичности, вызываемой антрациклином, с помощью ряда биомаркеров поражения сердца: миоглобина, креатин-киназы MB (CK-MB mass), кардиального тропонина T (cTnT), кардиального тропонина I (cTnI), белка, связывающего жирные кислоты (H-FABP), и гликогенфосфорилазы BB (GPBB). Методы: оценку кардиотоксичности проводили у 12 больных острой миелоидной лейкемией (средний возраст — 51,3 ± 10,7 года, 7 женщин). Измерены начальные показатели всех биомаркеров, а также таковые после проведения первой и последней химиотерапии (ХT) антрациклинами (общая накопленная доза — 479,8 ± 106,2 мг/м2 ) и через 6 мес после завершения терапии. Значения выше начальных рассматривали как повышенные. Результаты: уровень GPBB превысил норму (7,30 µg/L) у 2 больных (16,7%) после первой ХT, у 3 (25,0%) — после последней ХT и оставался повышенным у 2 больных (16,7%) и через 6 мес после ХT. Уровень CTnI повысился (более 0,40 µg/L) у 1 больного (8,3%) после первой и последней ХT, а также и через 6 мес после ХT. Значения CTnT оставались в пределах нормы (ниже 0,01 µg/L) во время проведения CT у всех пациентов. Через 6 мес после ХT отдаленная положительная реакция на cTnT выявлена у 1 больного (8,3%). У всех пациентов с положительными cTnI или cTnT установлен повышенный уровень GPBB. Другие биомаркеры (миоглобин, CK-MB, H-FABP) оставались в пределах нормы у всех больных. Выводы: предварительные результаты, полученные в данном исследовании, позволяют предположить, что GPBB можно рассматривать как новый перспективный маркер для выявления кардиотоксичности, вызванной антрациклинами, и, возможно, превосходит предложенные ранее тропонины. Возможная прогностическая ценность этого маркера при развитии кардиомиопатии пока не установлена