Simultaneous structures in sign languages: Acquisition and emergence

The visual-gestural modality affords its users simultaneous movement of several independent articulators and thus lends itself to simultaneous encoding of information. Much research has focused on the fact that sign languages coordinate two manual articulators in addition to a range of non-manual articulators to present different types of linguistic information simultaneously, from phonological contrasts to inflection, spatial relations, and information structure. Children and adults acquiring a signed language arguably thus need to comprehend and produce simultaneous structures to a greater extent than individuals acquiring a spoken language. In this paper, we discuss the simultaneous encoding that is found in emerging and established sign languages; we also discuss places where sign languages are unexpectedly sequential. We explore potential constraints on simultaneity in cognition and motor coordination that might impact the acquisition and use of simultaneous structures.

Molecular Solid Tumor Algorithm – Simplified Patient-Centric/Cost-Effective Approach by Pathologists

Introduction/Objective

The process from the time the patient is diagnosed with cancer and receives their first treatment is complex and time-consuming. It requires adherence to national comprehensive cancer network (NCCN) guidelines; is challenged with limited tissue, how and when to order tests, and reimbursement timelines with pre- authorizations. We evaluated the role of the pathologists, who are an integral part of patient care, along with oncologists and surgeons.

Methods/Case Report

254 cases from various types of solid tumors (paraffin-embedded blocks) were collected from several pathology departments. Tests (two panels NGS-DNA/RNA expression, FISH, PD-L1, and IHC) were ordered as early as on the day of diagnosis to as late as 18 months following the diagnosis. Cancer cases reviewed were Colo-Rectal (72), Lung (48), Breast (24), Gastric (10), CNS (8), Melanoma (4), Head/Neck (20), GU (16), Sarcomas (8), Thyroid (6), Hepatic (8), Female Genital Tract (7) and Unknown Primary (23).

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

We evaluated pathology reports, identified blocks, reviewed H&E slides, utilized NCCN guidelines in collaboration with oncologists. Tests were ordered using established billing criteria. Following tests were performed: PD-L1 (190 - 75%), FISH (50 - 20%), and NGS – two simple panel approach (215 - 85%). Using the aforesaid methods, our NGS results were successful in >95%. We were able to identify actionable and prognostic mutations in >80% of tumors.

Conclusion

Our algorithm has been designed considering NCCN guidelines and are updated frequently with new therapeutic targets and actionable mutations. The emphasis is to conserve diagnostic tissue and ensure timely ordering of tests as medically necessary. This can be adopted by pathologists in conjunction with clinical information, pathology reports, and be used as a part of diagnostic workups to reduce delays in treatment, avoid tissue loss, utilize current billing (inpatient/outpatient) practices, pre-authorization and eventually improving patient care as well as reduce overall healthcare costs.

Expanding Echo: Coordinated Head Articulations as Nonmanual Enhancements in Sign Language Phonology

Echo phonology was originally proposed to account for obligatory coordination of manual and mouth articulations observed in several sign languages. However, previous research into the phenomenon lacks clear criteria for which components of movement can or must be copied when the articulators are so different. Nor is there discussion of which nonmanual articulators can echo manual movement. Given the prosodic properties of echoes (coordination of onset/offset and of dynamics such as speed) as well as general motoric coordination of various articulators in the human body, we expect that the mouth is not the only nonmanual articulator involved in echo phonology. In this study, we look at a fixed set of lexical items across 36 sign languages and establish that the head can echo manual movement with respect to timing and to the axis/axes of manual movement. We propose that what matters in echo phonology is the visual percept of temporally coordinated movement that repeats a salient movement property in such a way as to give the visual impression of a copy. Our findings suggest that echoes are not obligatory motor couplings of two or more articulators but may enhance phonological distinctions that are otherwise difficult to see.

Cell model for the identification and characterization of prion-like components from Alzheimer brain tissue

Intracerebral injection of brain extracts from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients into appropriate mouse models was previously found to drastically accelerate the deposition of Aβ amyloid in the recipient animals indicating a prion-like activity. In this study we show that this prion-like activity can be also identified by using a cell culture model of Aβ plaque formation. Analysis of biochemical fractions of AD brain extract indicate that the seeding-activity correlated with the presence of Aβ peptide and Aβ-derived aggregates. In vitro-formed fibrils were also active but their activity was low and depending on the fibril structure and conditions of fibril formation. Our data indicate a conformational basis of the observed seeding effect and suggest the utility of our cell model for further studies on the prion-like activity of AD extracts.

Acetyl-lupeolic acid inhibits Akt signaling and induces apoptosis in chemoresistant prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

The triterpenoid acetyl-lupeolic acid (ac-LA) isolated from the oleogum resin of Boswellia carterii reduced the viability of a panel of cancer cell lines more efficiently than lupeol. There was no detectable intracellular conversion of ac-LA to lupeol and vice versa. In contrast to docetaxel, ac-LA did not induce selection of treatment-resistant cancer cells. By various parameters including DNA fragmentation, ac-LA was shown to induce apoptosis in androgen-independent PC-3 cells, whereas in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, ac-LA led to cell accumulation in the G₂/M phase of the cell cycle, but not to apoptosis. In silico docking combined with in vitro kinase assays implied that ac LA potently inhibits Akt mainly by direct binding to the pleckstrin homology domain. Consistently, an Akt1 mutant deficient of the PH domain afforded partial resistance to ac-LA and complete resistance to lupeol and the Akt inhibitor III. Ac-LA inhibited phosphorylation of downstream targets of the Akt signaling pathway, which was followed by inhibition of the mTOR target p70 ribosomal six protein kinase and the nuclear accumulation of p65/NF-κB, β-catenin, and c-myc, as well as loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Ac-LA exhibited antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antitumorigenic effects on PC-3-tumors xenografted either on chick chorioallantoic membranes or in nude mice. Ac-LA exhibited a clearly better safety profile than docetaxel or lupeol during chronic administration in vivo. In contrast to lupeol, ac-LA also inhibited release of vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro and accordingly angiogenesis in vivo. Thus, ac-LA deserves further exploration as a potential new antitumor compound.

Hydrostatic Pressure Increases the Catalytic Activity of Amyloid Fibril Enzymes

We studied the combined effects of pressure (0.1-200 MPa) and temperature (22, 30, and 38 °C) on the catalytic activity of designed amyloid fibrils using a high-pressure stopped-flow system with rapid UV/Vis absorption detection. Complementary FT-IR spectroscopic data revealed a remarkably high pressure and temperature stability of the fibrillar systems. High pressure enhances the esterase activity as a consequence of a negative activation volume at all temperatures (about -14 cm(3)  mol(-1) ). The enhancement is sustained in the whole temperature range covered, which allows a further acceleration of the enzymatic activity at high temperatures (activation energy 45-60 kJ mol(-1) ). Our data reveal the great potential of using both pressure and temperature modulation to optimize the enzyme efficiency of catalytic amyloid fibrils.

Polymorphism of Amyloid Fibrils In Vivo

Polymorphism is a wide-spread feature of amyloid-like fibrils formed in vitro, but it has so far remained unclear whether the fibrils formed within a patient are also affected by this phenomenon. In this study we show that the amyloid fibrils within a diseased individual can vary considerably in their three-dimensional architecture. We demonstrate this heterogeneity with amyloid fibrils deposited within different organs, formed from sequentially non-homologous polypeptide chains and affecting human or animals. Irrespective of amyloid type or source, we found in vivo fibrils to be polymorphic. These data imply that the chemical principles of fibril assembly that lead to such polymorphism are fundamentally conserved in vivo and in vitro.

Carboxyl- and amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles differentially affect the polarization profile of M1 and M2 macrophage subsets

Macrophages are key regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Exposure to microenvironmental stimuli determines their polarization into proinflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. M1 exhibit high expression of proinflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β, and M2 promote tissue repair, but likewise support tumor growth and cause immune suppression by expressing IL-10. Thus, the M1/M2 balance critically determines tissue homeostasis. By using carboxyl- (PS-COOH) and amino-functionalized (PS-NH2) polystyrene nanoparticles, the effects of surface decoration on the polarization of human macrophages were investigated. The nanoparticles did not compromise macrophage viability nor did they affect the expression of the M1 markers CD86, NOS2, TNF-α, and IL-1β. By contrast, in M2, both nanoparticles impaired expression of scavenger receptor CD163 and CD200R, and the release of IL-10. PS-NH2 also inhibited phagocytosis of Escherichia coli by both, M1 and M2. PS-COOH did not impair phagocytosis by M2, but increased protein mass in M1 and M2, TGF-β1 release by M1, and ATP levels in M2. Thus, nanoparticles skew the M2 macrophage polarization without affecting M1 markers. Given the critical role of the M1 and M2 polarization for the immunological balance in patients with cancer or chronic inflammation, functionalized nanoparticles might serve as tools for reprogramming the M1/M2 polarization.

Functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles as a platform for studying bio-nano interactions

Nanoparticles of various shapes, sizes, and materials carrying different surface modifications have numerous technological and biomedical applications. Yet, the mechanisms by which nanoparticles interact with biological structures as well as their biological impact and hazards remain poorly investigated. Due to their large surface to volume ratio, nanoparticles usually exhibit properties that differ from those of bulk materials. Particularly, the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles is crucial for their durability and solubility in biological media as well as for their biocompatibility and biodistribution. Polystyrene does not degrade in the cellular environment and exhibits no short-term cytotoxicity. Because polystyrene nanoparticles can be easily synthesized in a wide range of sizes with distinct surface functionalizations, they are perfectly suited as model particles to study the effects of the particle surface characteristics on various biological parameters. Therefore, we have exploited polystyrene nanoparticles as a convenient platform to study bio-nano interactions. This review summarizes studies on positively and negatively charged polystyrene nanoparticles and compares them with clinically used superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.

Amino-functionalized nanoparticles as inhibitors of mTOR and inducers of cell cycle arrest in leukemia cells

Activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been implicated in anticancer drug resistance, type 2 diabetes, and aging. Here, we show that surface functionalization of polystyrene nanoparticles with amino groups (PS-NH2), but not with carboxyl groups (PS-COOH), induces G2 cell-cycle arrest and inhibition of proliferation in three leukemia cell lines. Besides, PS-NH2 inhibit angiogenesis and proliferation of leukemia cells xenografted onto the chick chorioallantoic membrane. At the molecular level, PS-NH2 inhibit, whereas PS-COOH activate mTOR signaling in leukemia cells. Consistently, PS-NH2 block activation of the mTOR downstream targets, Akt and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1, and induce overexpression of the cell-cycle regulator p21(Cip1/Waf1) and degradation of cyclin B1. After addition, both types of particles rapidly induce autophagy in leukemia cells. Yet, only in PS-NH2-treated cells, acidic vesicular organelles show elevated pH and impaired processing of procathepsin B. Moreover, solely in PS-NH2-treated cells, autophagy is followed by permeabilization of acidic vesicular organelles and induction of apoptosis. By contrast, primary macrophages, which do not exhibit activated mTOR signaling, proved relatively resistant to PS-NH2-induced toxicity. These data indicate that functionalized nanoparticles can be used to control activation of mTOR signaling pathways, and to influence proliferation and viability of malignant cells.

Investigation of the performance of digital mammographic X-ray equipment: determination of noise equivalent quanta (NEQQC) and detective quantum efficiency (DQEQC) compared with the automated analysis of CDMAM test images with CDCOM and CDIC programs

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the values for noise equivalent quanta, detective quantum efficiency, modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum, and the values for the parameters for automated CDMAM test phantom analyses required to achieve satisfactory quality of digital mammograms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During the course of tests according to PAS 1054 (8 CR and 12 DR systems), test images were made with a test phantom insertion plate containing two lead edges in nearly horizontal and vertical directions. Only original data were processed with a program that was developed at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (FH-Köln). All equipment systems complied with the requirements regarding visual recognition of gold-plated mammo detail test objects. CDMAM test images were also evaluated using the CDIC (CUAS) and CDCOM (EUREF) programs.

RESULTS

CDMAM test images show comparable values for the parameters, precision, sensitivity and specificity. DR systems require about half the dose used for CR systems for similar results. The NEQ values achieved with the dose used for the CDMAM test images show larger scatter ranges. The MTF of the different equipment system types differ significantly from each other.

CONCLUSION

Visual evaluation of CDMAM test images can be replaced by automated evaluation. Limiting values were determined for each parameter. Automated evaluation of CDMAM test phantom images should be used to determine the physical parameter NEQQC. This method is much more sensitive to noise and sharpness influences and has a higher validity than diagnostic methods. Automated evaluation objectivizes testing.

Amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in human macrophages

Specifically designed and functionalized nanoparticles hold great promise for biomedical applications. Yet, the applicability of nanoparticles is critically predetermined by their surface functionalization. Here we demonstrate that amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH(2)) of ∼100 nm in diameter, but not carboxyl- or nonfunctionalized particles, trigger NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent release of proinflammatory interleukin 1β (IL-1β) by human macrophages. PS-NH(2) induced time-dependent proton accumulation in lysosomes associated with lysosomal destabilization, release of cathepsin B, and damage of the mitochondrial membrane. Accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species was accompanied by oxidation of thioredoxin, a protein playing a central role in maintaining the cellular redox balance. Upon oxidation, thioredoxin dissociated from the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). Liberated TXNIP, in turn, interacted with the NLRP3 protein, resulting in a conformational change of the pyrin domain of the NLRP3 protein, as was predicted by molecular modeling. Consequently, this prompted assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex with recruitment and activation of caspase-1, inducing IL-1β release by cleavage of pro-IL-1β. The central role of the NLRP3 inflammasome for cytokine production was confirmed by in vitro knockdown of NLRP3 and of the adaptor protein ASC, confirming that other inflammasomes were not activated by PS-NH(2). The PS-NH(2)-mediated proinflammatory macrophage activation could be antagonized by the radical scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine, which prevented mitochondrial damage, caspase-1 activation, and the subsequent release of IL-1β. Our study reveals the molecular mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by amino-functionalized nanoparticles and suggests a strategy as to how such adverse effects could be antagonized.

Differential uptake of functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles by human macrophages and a monocytic cell line

Tumor cell lines are often used as models for the study of nanoparticle-cell interactions. Here we demonstrate that carboxy (PS-COOH) and amino functionalized (PS-NH2) polystyrene nanoparticles of ∼100 nm in diameter are internalized by human macrophages, by undifferentiated and by PMA-differentiated monocytic THP-1 cells via diverse mechanisms. The uptake mechanisms also differed for all cell types and particles when analyzed either in buffer or in medium containing human serum. Macrophages internalized ∼4 times more PS-COOH than THP-1 cells, when analyzed in serum-containing medium. By contrast, in either medium, THP-1 cells internalized PS-NH2 more rapidly than macrophages. Using pharmacological and antisense in vitro knockdown approaches, we showed that, in the presence of serum, the specific interaction between the CD64 receptor and the particles determines the macrophage uptake of particles by phagocytosis, whereas particle internalization in THP-1 cells occurred via dynamin II-dependent endocytosis. PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells differed in their uptake mechanism from macrophages and undifferentiated THP-1 cells by internalizing the particles via macropinocytosis. In line with our in vitro data, more intravenously applied PS-COOH particles accumulated in the liver, where macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system reside. By contrast, PS-NH2 particles were preferentially targeted to tumor xenografts grown on the chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chicken eggs. Our data show that the amount of internalized nanoparticles, the uptake kinetics, and its mechanism may differ considerably between primary cells and a related tumor cell line, whether differentiated or not, and that particle uptake by these cells is critically dependent on particle opsonization by serum proteins.

[A retrospective efficacy and safety study of UVB-TL01 phototherapy and PUVA therapy in palmoplantar psoriasis]

BACKGROUND

Topical therapy is generally insufficient in palmoplantar psoriasis. UVBTL01 phototherapy is a therapeutic alternative and we conducted a retrospective study of the efficacy and safety of this approach and of PUVA therapy in palmoplantar psoriasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients treated with UVBTL01 or PUVA therapy from November 2001 to April 2008 were included in the study. Phototherapy was given three times a week. Evaluation was performed after 20 sessions, again after 30 sessions and then at the end of the treatment. Therapeutic outcome was classed as "failure", "slight improvement" or "improvement or clear skin".

RESULTS

UVBTL01 phototherapy and PUVA therapy were effective, with "improvement or clear skin" in respectively 52% and 61% of cases and "slight improvement" in 16% and 23% of cases at the end of the treatment. With UVBTL01, adverse effects occurred in 20% of cases (erythema 18%, first-degree burns 7%) and treatment was discontinued as a result in only 4% of cases. Adverse effects occurred in 50% in patients on PUVA therapy, mainly due to methoxypsoralen intake.

CONCLUSION

UVBTL01 phototherapy and PUVA therapy are efficacious treatments in palmoplantar psoriasis; UVBTL01 phototherapy involves fewer constraints and has fewer adverse effects.

[Comparison of two automatic evaluation methods on Images of the CDMAM test phantom]

PURPOSE

To test the sensitivity of automatic methods for evaluating CDMAM test images with respect to noise.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CDMAM test images were analyzed with two computer programs. The images were made with different tube loads [mAs]. The other exposure conditions remained constant. They were analyzed with the CDCOM program, which is offered by the EUREF as a free download, and with the CDMAM Image Checker (CDIC), which was developed by the authors.

RESULTS

The determination of the sensitivity in one image always delivers the same result when the same type of computer program is used. This means that the precision of both programs is sufficient. The dose sensitivity of CDIC is two times higher than the sensitivity of CDCOM. However, the required entrance dose (ESAK) for a faultless evaluation with the CDIC program is in the range of 10 mGy. The nominal sensitivity values for the CDCOM program attain a higher level. Differences in dose of more than 5 % should be detectable by both programs.

CONCLUSION

Methods that dispense with visual inspections to determine the performance of X-ray units for mammography can be applied in the acceptance test or the yearly constancy tests according to the German X-ray directive ( section sign 16). The CDCOM program cannot be characterized fully because the data is not complete. Finally the detection methods are not clear. Therefore, the CDCOM program can be called a black box method, while the CDIC has to be called an open source method (general public license).

Planning of a community-based approach to injury control and safety promotion in a rural community

This paper describes the planning of a community-based approach to injury control and safety promotion, the Kolan Injury Prevention Program. The process involved the establishment of a local steering committee, 11 months of injury surveillance, a critical review of the evidence base, community consultations and assessment of community resources. There were 412 recorded injury cases during the surveillance period, with higher rates among men, manual workers, those aged 15-34 years, sport/leisure activities and around the home and farm. Salient issues for residents included a lack of access to safety information and skills, particularly with regard to first aid and bush fire for isolated residents and rurally inexperienced new residents. While injury prevention was identified as an important issue for the community, the rapidly changing size and nature of the community and its infrastructure made this a particularly challenging issue. Challenges included limited availability of volunteers from key sectors, lack of formal data collection systems, difficulties in mobilising support for a broad issue like injury, limited communication networks and the negative impact of distance and role uncertainty on community ownership of the program. This case study illustrates the steps involved in an effective community-based needs assessment addressing injury prevention. Such an approach, if carried out systematically, will help ensure that the strategies and programs developed will be both appropriate and likely to obtain the support of the local community.

A study of postdiagnosis breast cancer concerns for women living in rural and remote Queensland. Part II: Support issues

This paper presents the recent findings from a study on the postdiagnosis support needs of women with breast cancer living in rural and remote Queensland. The findings presented in this discussion focus on support needs from the perspective of the women experiencing breast cancer as well as health service providers. The tyranny of distance imposes unique hardships, such as separation from family and friends, during a time of great vulnerability for treatment, the need to travel long distances for support and follow-up services, and extra financial burdens, which can combine to cause strains on the marital relationship and family cohesion. Positive indications are, however, that the rural communities operate on strong, informal networks of support. This network of family, friends and community can, and does, play an active role in the provision of emotional and practical support.

A study of postdiagnosis breast cancer concerns for women living in rural and remote Queensland. Part I: Personal concerns

The findings presented in this paper are part of a research project designed to provide a preliminary indication of the support needs of postdiagnosis women with breast cancer in remote and isolated areas in Queensland. This discussion will present data that focuses on the women's expressed personal concerns. For participants in this research a diagnosis of breast cancer involves a confrontation with their own mortality and the possibility of a reduced life span. This is a definite life crisis, creating shock and needing considerable adjustment. Along with these generic issues the participants also articulated significant issues in relation to their experience as women in a rural setting. These concerns centred around worries about how their partner and families cope during their absences for treatment, the additional burden on the family of having to cope with running the property or farm during the participant's absence or illness, added financial strain brought about by the cost of travel for treatment, maintenance of properties during absences, and problems created by time off from properties or self-employment. These findings accord with other reports of health and welfare services for rural Australian and the generic literature on psycho-oncology studies of breast cancer.

The value of using a prenatal education planning model: application to an aboriginal community

A conceptual model for planning adolescent prenatal programs was developed that anticipated future trends, was easily modifiable, and fostered community self-direction (Loos & Morton, 1996). However, the model's reliability with diverse groups in atypical settings required testing. Validation of its reliability focused on adolescent Aboriginal women living in an isolated northern community. Use of the model helped identify modifications in program design, implementation, and evaluation to meet the ethno-cultural, socioeconomic, and age-related needs differences of this population, suggesting that this model is an effective tool for program development.

Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease: some neglected implications of the experience of personal loss and grief

This article questions some traditional conceptualizations of caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD). The phenomenology of caregiving in rural and isolated regions of northern Canada is examined within a framework developed from the constructs of personal loss and grief. Sixty-eight caregivers for persons with AD shared their thoughts and feelings about personal losses perceived to have occurred in their lives with the advent of the caregiving role. Four themes were identified suggesting a role perceived by caregivers as one in which they become subsumed to the needs of the person in care. Diminution of self in the caregiver role has been neglected in the literature.

The client's view of hospitalization during pregnancy

The thoughts and feelings expressed by the prenatal hospitalized client are important considerations for care, yet few investigations of this subject have been reported. A qualitative study using descriptive exploratory methods (a questionnaire and tape recorded interview) addressed these questions using a phenomenological approach. The sample comprised 11 women at 26-38 weeks' gestation. Results revealed experiences of loneliness, boredom, and powerlessness. The findings imply that the emotional needs of this particular group may not be met by current nursing interventions.