Age-related change in spurs and spur sheaths of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Williams ◽  
M. Serena ◽  
T. R. Grant
Keyword(s):  
Small Proportion ◽  
Age Assessment ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Species Management ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Spur Length

Non-invasive techniques for age assessment of wild mammals are needed for effective species management as well as research. In the case of the platypus, we investigated how morphology of calcaneal spurs and associated features in males and vestigial spur sheaths in females varies with age. Total spur length in males (spur tip to base of subtending epidermal collar) is greatest at 19–24 months and falls thereafter, with significant linear relationships evident between spur length and age of subadults (13–24 months old) and adults (≥25 months old). However, collar length/total spur length discriminates better between subadults and older animals than either collar length or total spur length alone. Juveniles can be reliably identified up to the age of 12 months (males) and 9 months (females) by the presence, respectively, of a sheath encasing the spur or a rudimentary spur sheath. A small proportion of young subadults (males, 4%; females, ≤2%) will be misclassified as juveniles due to sheaths being retained for longer than normal. Studies that need to identify juveniles very accurately as an age class should avoid sampling populations from August–October on the south-eastern Australian mainland (or May–October if subadult males also need to be identified correctly).

Study of functional state of microcirculatory channel system in periodontal tissues in persons of different age groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-94
Author(s):  
L. Yu. Orekhova ◽  
A. A. Petrov ◽  
E. S. Loboda ◽  
I. V. Berezkina ◽  
K. V. Shadrina
Keyword(s):  
Functional State ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Peripheral Resistance ◽  
Circulatory System ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Periodontal Tissues ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Group 12 ◽  
Therapeutic Measures

Relevance. The study of age-related features of microcirculation in periodontal tissues, using non-invasive functional research methods, allows us to develop the optimal range of therapeutic measures, as well as form a “personalized therapeutic case”.Purpose. Study of the functional state of the microvasculature in the tissues of the parodont in individuals of various age groups.Materials and methods. A standard dental examination of 80 patients was carried out, the sample of participants was ranked in 4 groups by age: 1 group – 12 years old, 2 group – 15 years old, 3 group – from 16 to 18 years old, 4 group – from 22 to 24 years old. Hygiene and periodontal indices were determined for all patients, such as papillarymarginal-alveolar (PMA) in the Parma modification, the Mulleman bleeding index in the Cowell modification (SBI), and the simplified Green Vermillion index of oral hygiene (OHI–s), caries intensity indicators for a permanent bite (CPI), as well as ultrasound dopplerography of periodontal tissues using the apparatus "Minimax-Doppler-K".Results. When studying microcirculation in periodontal tissues, distinctive characteristics of linear (Vas) and volumetric (Qas) blood flow rates, as well as indicators of pulsation indices (PI) and peripheral resistance (RI) in people of different age groups were recorded.Conclusions. This study confirms the presence of various hemodynamic indicators of periodontal tissues in the studied groups, which is due to structural features of the circulatory system in age periods.

Diagnostic Value of Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening of β-thalassemia by Cell Free Fetal DNA and Fetal NRBC

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-111
Author(s):  
Nadia Shafei ◽  
Mohammad Saeed Hakhamaneshi ◽  
Massoud Houshmand ◽  
Siavash Gerayeshnejad ◽  
Fardin Fathi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Multiple Displacement Amplification ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Beta Thalassemia ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Fetal Dna ◽  
Prenatal Diagnostic ◽  
Cell Free Fetal Dna ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Background: Beta thalassemia is a common disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. The most prenatal diagnostic methods are the invasive techniques that have the risk of miscarriage. Now the non-invasive methods will be gradually alternative for these invasive techniques. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the diagnostic value of two non-invasive diagnostic methods for fetal thalassemia using cell free fetal DNA (cff-DNA) and nucleated RBC (NRBC) in one sampling community. Methods: 10 ml of blood was taken in two k3EDTA tube from 32 pregnant women (mean of gestational age = 11 weeks), who themselves and their husbands had minor thalassemia. One tube was used to enrich NRBC and other was used for cff-DNA extraction. NRBCs were isolated by MACS method and immunohistochemistry; the genome of stained cells was amplified by multiple displacement amplification (MDA) procedure. These products were used as template in b-globin segments PCR. cff-DNA was extracted by THP method and 300 bp areas were recovered from the agarose gel as fetus DNA. These DNA were used as template in touch down PCR to amplify b-globin gen. The amplified b-globin segments were sequenced and the results compared with CVS resul. Results: The data showed that sensitivity and specificity of thalassemia diagnosis by NRBC were 100% and 92% respectively and sensitivity and specificity of thalassemia diagnosis by cff-DNA were 100% and 84% respectively. Conclusion: These methods with high sensitivity can be used as screening test but due to their lower specificity than CVS, they cannot be used as diagnostic test.

Nanotherapies for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Disease: Recent Advancements and Challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vamshi Krishna Rapalli ◽  
Srividya Gorantla ◽  
Tejashree Waghule ◽  
Arisha Mahmood ◽  
Prem Prakash Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Posterior Part ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Disease Site ◽  
Therapeutic Molecules ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the common diseases affecting the posterior part of the eye, of a large population above 45 years old. Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor- A (Anti-VEGF-A) agents have been considered and approved as therapeutic agents for the treatment of AMD. Due to the large molecular weight and poor permeability through various eye membranes, VEGF-A inhibitors are given through an intravitreal injection, even though the delivery of small therapeutic molecules by topical application to the posterior part of the eye exhibits challenges in the treatment. To overcome these limitations, nanocarrier based delivery systems have been utilized to a large extent for the delivery of therapeutics. Nanocarriers system offers prodigious benefits for the delivery of therapeutics to the posterior part of the eye in both invasive and non-invasive techniques. The nano size can improve the permeation of therapeutic agent across the biological membranes. They provide protection from enzymes present at the site, targeted delivery or binding with the disease site and extend the release of therapeutic agents with prolonged retention. This leads to improved therapeutic efficacy, patient compliance, and cost effectiveness of therapy with minimum dose associated side-effects. This review has summarized various nanocarriers explored for the treatment of AMD and challenges in translation.

Responses to External Emotions or their Transitions at Central to Peripheral Nervous System Levels: A Methodological Contribution to Mental Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-152
Author(s):  
Bingren Zhang ◽  
Chu Wang ◽  
Chanchan Shen ◽  
Wei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Volunteers ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Event Related Potentials ◽  
Emotional Stimuli ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Psychiatric Problems ◽  
Different Levels

Background: Responses to external emotional-stimuli or their transitions might help to elucidate the scientific background and assist the clinical management of psychiatric problems, but pure emotional-materials and their utilization at different levels of neurophysiological processing are few. Objective: We aimed to describe the responses at central and peripheral levels in healthy volunteers and psychiatric patients when facing external emotions and their transitions. Methods: Using pictures and sounds with pure emotions of Disgust, Erotica, Fear, Happiness, Neutral, and Sadness or their transitions as stimuli, we have developed a series of non-invasive techniques, i.e., the event-related potentials, functional magnetic resonance imaging, excitatory and inhibitory brainstem reflexes, and polygraph, to assess different levels of neurophysiological responses in different populations. Results: Sample outcomes on various conditions were specific and distinguishable at cortical to peripheral levels in bipolar I and II disorder patients compared to healthy volunteers. Conclusions: Methodologically, designs with these pure emotions and their transitions are applicable, and results per se are specifically interpretable in patients with emotion-related problems.

scholarly journals When SEM becomes a deceptive tool of analysis: the unexpected discovery of epidermal glands with stalked ducts on the ultimate legs of geophilomorph centipedes

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Sombke ◽  
Carsten H. G. Müller
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Function ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Defensive Role ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Sensory Structures ◽  
Taxonomic Studies ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Epidermal Glands ◽  
Intrinsic Musculature

Abstract Background The jointed appendage is a key novelty in arthropod evolution and arthropod legs are known to vary enormously in relation to function. Among centipedes, the ultimate legs always are distinctly different from locomotory legs, and different centipede taxa evolved different structural and functional modifications. In Geophilomorpha (soil centipedes), ultimate legs do not participate in locomotion and were interpret to serve a sensory function. They can be sexually dimorphic and in some species, male ultimate legs notably appear “hairy”. It can be assumed that the high abundance of sensilla indicates a pronounced sensory function. This study seeks for assessing the sensory diversity, however, documents the surprising and unique case of an extensive glandular epithelium in the ultimate legs of three phylogenetically distant species. Results The tightly aggregated epidermal glands with stalked ducts – mistakenly thought to be sensilla – were scrutinized using a multimodal microscopic approach comprising histology as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy in Haplophilus subterraneus. Hence, this is the first detailed account on centipede ultimate legs demonstrating an evolutionary transformation into a “secretory leg”. Additionally, we investigated sensory structures as well as anatomical features using microCT analysis. Contrary to its nomination as a tarsus, tarsus 1 possesses intrinsic musculature, which is an indication that this podomere might be a derivate of the tibia. Discussion The presence and identity of ultimate leg associated epidermal glands with stalked ducts is a new discovery for myriapods. A pronounced secretory as well as moderate sensory function in Haplophilus subterraneus can be concluded. The set of characters will improve future taxonomic studies, to test the hypotheses whether the presence of these specialized glands is a common feature in Geophilomorpha, and that tarsus 1 may be a derivate of the tibia. As the number of epidermal glands with stalked ducts is sexually dimorphic, their function might be connected to reproduction or a sex-specific defensive role. Our results, in particular the unexpected discovery of ‘glandular hairs’, may account for a striking example for how deceptive morphological descriptions of epidermal organs may be, if based on non-invasive techniques alone.

scholarly journals Continuous Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring via Contact Lenses: Current Approaches and Future Perspectives

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
David Bamgboje ◽  
Iasonas Christoulakis ◽  
Ioannis Smanis ◽  
Gaurav Chavan ◽  
Rinkal Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embedded System ◽  
Contact Lenses ◽  
Glucose Monitoring ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Biofuel Cell ◽  
Glucose Measurement ◽  
Rf Power ◽  
Lacrimal Fluid ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that must be carefully managed to prevent serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a crucial tool for managing diabetes and, at present, all relevant procedures are invasive while they only provide periodic measurements. The pain and measurement intermittency associated with invasive techniques resulted in the exploration of painless, continuous, and non-invasive techniques of glucose measurement that would facilitate intensive management. The focus of this review paper is the existing solutions for continuous non-invasive glucose monitoring via contact lenses (CLs) and to carry out a detailed, qualitative, and comparative analysis to inform prospective researchers on viable pathways. Direct glucose monitoring via CLs is contingent on the detection of biomarkers present in the lacrimal fluid. In this review, emphasis is given on two types of sensors: a graphene-AgNW hybrid sensor and an amperometric sensor. Both sensors can detect the presence of glucose in the lacrimal fluid by using the enzyme, glucose oxidase. Additionally, this review covers fabrication procedures for CL biosensors. Ever since Google published the first glucose monitoring embedded system on a CL, CL biosensors have been considered state-of-the-art in the medical device research and development industry. The CL not only has to have a sensory system, it must also have an embedded integrated circuit (IC) for readout and wireless communication. Moreover, to retain mobility and ease of use of the CLs used for continuous glucose monitoring, the power supply to the solid-state IC on such CLs must be wireless. Currently, there are four methods of powering CLs: utilizing solar energy, via a biofuel cell, or by inductive or radiofrequency (RF) power. Although, there are many limitations associated with each method, the limitations common to all, are safety restrictions and CL size limitations. Bearing this in mind, RF power has received most of the attention in reported literature, whereas solar power has received the least attention in the literature. CLs seem a very promising target for cutting edge biotechnological applications of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic relevance.

scholarly journals Material characterisation of a painted beehive panel by advanced spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques in combination with hyperspectral imaging

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Klara Retko ◽  
Maša Kavčič ◽  
Lea Legan ◽  
Polonca Ropret ◽  
Bojana Rogelj Škafar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Hyperspectral Imaging ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Extreme Temperature ◽  
Transformation Products ◽  
Paint Layer ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Painting Technique ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Conservation Interventions

AbstractIn this study, a painted beehive panel from the collection of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum was examined with respect to its material composition with the aim to reveal the painting technique. Due to the state of degradation due to outdoor weathering (UV irradiation, rainfall, extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations), as well as past conservation interventions, the object represented a complex analytical challenge. We aimed for non-invasive techniques (FTIR in reflection mode, Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging in the range of 400–2500 nm); however, in order to explore paint layers, cross-sections were also analysed using Raman spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy in transmission mode and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry were also used on sample fragments. Various original materials were identified such as pigments and binders. The surface coating applied during conservation interventions was also characterised. Additionally, organic compounds were found (oxalate, carboxylate), representing transformation products. The potential use of Prussian blue as a background paint layer is discussed.

scholarly journals Oxygen administration for patients with ARDS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinichiro Ohshimo
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Lung Injury ◽  
Positive Pressure ◽  
Respiratory Drive ◽  
Severe Hypoxemia ◽  
Airway Occlusion ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Oxygen Administration ◽  
Essential Interventions ◽  
Invasive Techniques

AbstractAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a fatal condition with insufficiently clarified etiology. Supportive care for severe hypoxemia remains the mainstay of essential interventions for ARDS. In recent years, adequate ventilation to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI) as well as lung-protective mechanical ventilation has an increasing attention in ARDS.Ventilation-perfusion mismatch may augment severe hypoxemia and inspiratory drive and consequently induce P-SILI. Respiratory drive and effort must also be carefully monitored to prevent P-SILI. Airway occlusion pressure (P0.1) and airway pressure deflection during an end-expiratory airway occlusion (Pocc) could be easy indicators to evaluate the respiratory drive and effort. Patient-ventilator dyssynchrony is a time mismatching between patient’s effort and ventilator drive. Although it is frequently unrecognized, dyssynchrony can be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Dyssynchrony includes trigger asynchrony, cycling asynchrony, and flow delivery mismatch. Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) is a form of iatrogenic injury from inadequate use of mechanical ventilation. Excessive spontaneous breathing can lead to P-SILI, while excessive rest can lead to VIDD. Optimal balance between these two manifestations is probably associated with the etiology and severity of the underlying pulmonary disease.High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) are non-invasive techniques for supporting hypoxemia. While they are beneficial as respiratory supports in mild ARDS, there can be a risk of delaying needed intubation. Mechanical ventilation and ECMO are applied for more severe ARDS. However, as with HFNC/NPPV, inappropriate assessment of breathing workload potentially has a risk of delaying the timing of shifting from ventilator to ECMO. Various methods of oxygen administration in ARDS are important. However, it is also important to evaluate whether they adequately reduce the breathing workload and help to improve ARDS.

Monkey Model for IgE-Mediated Otitis Media with Effusion

1983 ◽  
Vol 92 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 30-30
Author(s):  
R. A. Friedman ◽  
W. J. Doyle ◽  
J. Fagin ◽  
C. D. Bluestone ◽  
P. Fireman
Keyword(s):  
Otitis Media With Effusion ◽  
Challenge Test ◽  
Complement C3 ◽  
Monkey Model ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Additional Funding ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Total Complement ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Cellular Components

Allergic and other immune mechanisms have been suggested as important in the etiology and pathogenesis of OME, and both humoral and cellular components of the immune response have been identified in MEEs obtained from patients with OME. Yet, specific and direct documentation of an immune basis for OME has not been forthcoming. To establish a causal relationship between an immune hypersensitivity and middle ear pathophysiology, a provocative intranasal antigen challenge test has been designed using the nine-step inflation-deflation tympanometric test for ET dysfunction. These initial studies were undertaken by OMRC personnel in association with the allergy and immunology service. Subsequently, on the basis of the preliminary observations additional funding was obtained (NIAID AI 19262) to confirm and extend these studies to document antigen-induced ET dysfunction in allergic adults and children, and to establish a clinical relevance for antigen-induced ET dysfunction. Because questions concerning the etiology and pathogenesis required invasive techniques and are not suitable in humans, a monkey animal model has also been developed. Our future plans will be to further develop the monkey model of OME employing IgE and other immune reactions in monkeys with normal ET function, or with compromised, surgically created ET function. The experimental MEE will be assayed for immune components, including IgA and its secretory piece; IgG, IgM, and IgE, total complement; C3, C4, and cells including polymorphonuclear leukocytes, eosinophils, and lymphocytes (both T and B cells). Since OME is mainly a disease of the young child, it is essential that age-related differences be explored in each aspect of our experimental model. The reversal and prevention of ET dysfunction and/or OME with several drugs, including cromolyn, steroids, and antihistamines, will be studied in humans and in the monkey model.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document