Studies into the mechanism of arsenic-induced neurotoxicity

Arsenic (As) is a notoriously poisonous metalloid with known hazardous effects to human health. The project described in this thesis was aimed at elucidating the probable mechanism of As-induced neurotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. The animal studies in this thesis were designed to answer questions about the effect of As on the peripheral nervous system after sub-acute and chronic intoxication of laboratory rats. Protein composition analysis showed compositional changes in sciatic nerves proteins. Protein expression of neurofilament heavy (NF-H) and neurofilament medium (NF-M) remained unchanged. Neurofilament protein light (NF-L) expression was reduced, while _- and m-calpain protein expression was increased, both in a dose/time pattern. Furthermore, NF-H protein was hypophosphorylated; while NF-L and microtubule-associated protein tau (MAP-tau) proteins were phosphorylated. In the in vitro studies, effects of As species were tested in various cell culture models and the manner of their hyperphosphorylation was further studied for a better understanding of the disruption of neuroskeletal integrity by As. In vitro studies showed that the compositional changes were not caused by the changes on RNA expression levels, rather a post-translational activity. Cells treated with arsenite showed cleavage of p35 to p25 by calpain, which is mediated by an increase of Ca2+ in the cells. Over expression of calpain results in hyperphosphorylation of NF-L and activated calpain is also responsible for NF-L degradation.AZL Onderzoeks- en Ontwikkelingskrediet Apotheek and the J.E. Juriaanse StichtingUBL - phd migration 201

Asynchronous bi-directional relay-assisted communication networks

We consider an asynchronous bi-directional relay network, consisting of two singleantenna transceivers and multiple single-antenna relays, where the transceiver-relay paths are subject to different relaying and/or propagation delays. Such a network can be viewed as a multipath channel which can cause inter-symbol-interference (ISI) in the signals received by the two transceivers. Hence, we model such a communication scheme as a frequency selective multipath channel which produces ISI at the two transceivers, when the data rates are relatively high. We study both multi- and single-carrier communication schemes in such networks. In a multi-carrier communication scheme, to tackle ISI, the transceivers employ an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme to diagonalize the end-to-end channel. The relays use simple amplify-and-forward relaying, thereby materializing a distributed beamformer. For such a scheme, we propose two different algorithms, based on the max-min fair design approach, to calculate the subcarrier power loading at the transceivers as well as the relay beamforming weights. In a single-carrier communication, assuming a block transmission/reception scheme, block channel equalization is used at the both transceivers to combat the inter-blockinterference (IBI). Assuming a limited total transmit power budget, we minimize the total mean squared error (MSE) of the estimated received signals at the both transceivers by optimally obtaining the transceivers??? powers and the relay beamforming weight vector as well as the block channel equalizers at the two transceivers

Flood prevention solutions using remote sensing and agent-based modeling (Case study: Shoush city)

Among all the natural hazards in the country, according to recorded statistics and observations, floods have been the most destructive, and it has the highest frequency of occurrence. Floods are one of the known natural disasters that cause a lot of financial and human losses. This phenomenon can be controlled by identifying flood-prone areas and proper management. In the current era, due to human encroachment on rivers and land-use change or destruction of vegetation, flood damage has increased. These factors cause, in addition to increasing human and financial losses, damages such as soil erosion upstream and sedimentation downstream. In this research, using agent-based modeling in the NetLogo simulation environment, flood-prone areas in Shush city have been identified. The most important input was topography (digital elevation model) and then dynamic and temporal simulation was done by performing tessellation on the area and considering the rainfall in each cell as an agent. Using spatial analysis in ArcGIS software and comparing the simulation results with the location of the city and land use maps of the region, the possible causes of floods in this region have been investigated. Agent-based models with the incorporation of geospatial information systems (GIS) can be used as a new solution to solve spatial problems such as natural crises, destructive environmental impacts, and so on. Finally, preventive measures to prevent floods in this area are proposed

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of a porcelain crowned tooth

The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Open access article.open access articleThe restoration of endodontically treated teeth is one of the main challenges in restorative dentistry since the weakened tooth structure is more prone to biomechanical failures due to significant tooth loss. The aim of this paper is to computational analysis of prepared crowned tooth in order to differentiate the possibility of using porcelain material for typical clinical condition and masticatory load by using the three-dimensional finite element method (3D FEM). In order to have an accurate geometry of tooth model, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is proposed to scan the tooth. The obtained scanned contours exported to ABAQUS FE package for computational stress analysis. The prosthodontics crown FEM has been created and put on simulated chewing stresses. The model is composed of four different materials, namely; prepared tooth, luting cement, substructure (IPS Empress Core), and Ingot (IPS Empress Layer). The generated FEM run and the stress distributions of the crowned tooth is thoroughly investigated. The developed model is extremely useful for indicating tooth biomechanics and has the tendency to deliver a better understanding to designers in the biomedical engineering field and dentistry

Development, test and comparison of two Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis(MCDA) models: A case of healthcare infrastructure location

When planning a new development, location decisions have always been a major issue. This paper examines and compares two modelling methods used to inform a healthcare infrastructure location decision. Two Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) models were developed to support the optimisation of this decision-making process, within a National Health Service (NHS) organisation, in the UK. The proposed model structure is based on seven criteria (environment and safety, size, total cost, accessibility, design, risks and population profile) and 28 sub-criteria. First, Evidential Reasoning (ER) was used to solve the model, then, the processes and results were compared with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). It was established that using ER or AHP led to the same solutions. However, the scores between the alternatives were significantly different; which impacted the stakeholders‟ decision-making. As the processes differ according to the model selected, ER or AHP, it is relevant to establish the practical and managerial implications for selecting one model or the other and providing evidence of which models best fit this specific environment. To achieve an optimum operational decision it is argued, in this study, that the most transparent and robust framework is achieved by merging ER process with the pair-wise comparison, an element of AHP. This paper makes a defined contribution by developing and examining the use of MCDA models, to rationalise new healthcare infrastructure location, with the proposed model to be used for future decision. Moreover, very few studies comparing different MCDA techniques were found, this study results enable practitioners to consider even further the modelling characteristics to ensure the development of a reliable framework, even if this means applying a hybrid approach

Cancer Incidence and Mortality in a Cohort of US Blood Donors: A 20-Year Study

Blood donors are considered one of the healthiest populations. This study describes the epidemiology of cancer in a cohort of blood donors up to 20 years after blood donation. Records from donors who participated in the Retroviral Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS, 1991–2002) at Blood Centers of the Pacific (BCP), San Francisco, were linked to the California Cancer Registry (CCR, 1991–2010). Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were estimated using standard US 2000 population, and survival analysis used to compare all-cause mortality among donors and a random sample of nondonors with cancer from CCR. Of 55,158 eligible allogeneic blood donors followed-up for 863,902 person-years, 4,236 (7.7%) primary malignant cancers were diagnosed. SIR in donors was 1.59 (95% CI = 1.54,1.64). Donors had significantly lower mortality (adjusted HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.66–0.74) compared with nondonor cancer patients, except for respiratory system cancers (adjusted HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.82–1.05). Elevated cancer incidence among blood donors may reflect higher diagnosis rates due to health seeking behavior and cancer screening in donors. A “healthy donor effect” on mortality following cancer diagnosis was demonstrated. This population-based database and sample repository of blood donors with long-term monitoring of cancer incidence provides the opportunity for future analyses of genetic and other biomarkers of cancer

Real-world data on the incidence, mortality, and cost of ischaemic stroke and major bleeding events among non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients in England

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives: Several novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are licensed for atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment in the United Kingdom. We describe the incidence and mortality from ischaemic stroke and major bleeding in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients in England, including treatment patterns before/following introduction of NOACs, healthcare resource utilization (HRU), and costs post-onset of these events. Method: Data were extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to Hospital Episode Statistics secondary care and Office for National Statistics mortality data. Results: Of 42 966 patients with a first AF record between 2011 and 2016, 9143 patients (21.3%) remained without AF (antiplatelets/antithrombotics) treatment post-index diagnosis. The proportion of patients receiving aspirin for ≥3 months post-index declined during the study (50.6%-5.5%), irrespective of CHA2DS2-VASc score, while the proportion prescribed NOACs increased (2.0%-70.1%). Rates of ischaemic stroke per 1000 patient-years (95% CI) were 9.4 (3.8-15.0) with NOACs, 10.4 (8.0-12.9) with warfarin, 20.1 (16.4-23.8) with aspirin, 21.3 (5.3-37.2) with other antiplatelets and 43.6 (39.3-47.8) in patients without AF prescription. Major bleeding occurred at a similar rate with different treatments. All-cause mortality rates were 42.8 (31.4-54.3) with NOACs, 46.3 (41.1-51.5) with warfarin, 56.5 (50.5-62.4) with aspirin, 102.2 (76.2-128.3) with other antiplatelets and 412.8 (399.6-426.0) with no AF prescription. Mean annual National Health Service healthcare costs up to 1 year post-index were lowest in patients receiving aspirin plus other antiplatelets without an event (£6152), and highest in patients with an event without AF prescriptions (£17 957). By extrapolation, national AF HRU in the United Kingdom in 2016 was estimated at £8-16 billion annually. Conclusions: These data provide temporal insights into AF treatment patterns and outcomes for NVAF patients in England and highlight the need to review higher stroke risk AF patients not receiving antiplatelet/antithrombotic prescriptions

A Systematic Review of Arsenic Exposure and Its Social and Mental Health Effects with Special Reference to Bangladesh

Underground water in many regions of the world is contaminated with high concentrations of arsenic and the resulting toxicity has created a major environmental and public health problem in the affected regions. Chronic arsenic exposure can cause many diseases, including various physical and psychological harms. Although the physical problems caused by arsenic toxicity are well reported in literature, unfortunately the consequences of arsenic exposure on mental health are not adequately studied. Therefore we conducted a review of the available literature focusing on the social consequences and detrimental effects of arsenic toxicity on mental health. Chronic arsenic exposures have serious implications for its victims (i.e. arsenicosis patients) and their families including social instability, social discrimination, refusal of victims by community and families, and marriage-related problems. Some studies conducted in arsenic affected areas revealed that arsenic exposures are associated with various neurologic problems. Chronic arsenic exposure can lead to mental retardation and developmental disabilities such as physical, cognitive, psychological, sensory and speech impairments. As health is defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing”, the social dimensions have a large impact on individual’s mental health. Furthermore studies in China und Bangladesh have shown that mental health problems (e.g. depression) are more common among the people affected by arsenic contamination. Our study indicates various neurological, mental and social consequences among arsenic affected victims. Further studies are recommended in arsenic-affected areas to understand the underlying mechanisms of poor mental health caused by arsenic exposure

Assessment of socio-techno-economic factors affecting the market adoption and evolution of 5G networks: Evidence from the 5G-PPP CHARISMA project

5G networks are rapidly becoming the means to accommodate the complex demands of vertical sectors. The European project CHARISMA is aiming to develop a hierarchical, distributed-intelligence 5G architecture, offering low latency, security, and open access as features intrinsic to its design. Finding its place in such a complex landscape consisting of heterogeneous technologies and devices, requires the designers of the CHARISMA and other similar 5G architectures, as well as other related market actors to take into account the multiple technical, economic and social aspects that will affect the deployment and the rate of adoption of 5G networks by the general public. In this paper, a roadmapping activity identifying the key technological and socio-economic issues is performed, so as to help ensure a smooth transition from the legacy to future 5G networks. Based on the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, a survey of pairwise comparisons has been conducted within the CHARISMA project by 5G technology and deployment experts, with several critical aspects identified and prioritized. The conclusions drawn are expected to be a valuable tool for decision and policy makers as well as for stakeholders