Search results for "LTER"
showing 10 items of 3539 documents
Performance Estimation using the Fitness-Fatigue Model with Kalman Filter Feedback
2016
Abstract Tracking and predicting the performance of athletes is of great interest, not only in training science but also, increasingly, for serious hobbyists. The increasing availability and use of smart watches and fitness trackers means that abundant data is becoming available, and the interest to optimally use this data for performance tracking and training optimization is great. One competitive model in this domain is the 3-time-constant fitness-fatigue model by Busso based on the model by Banister and colleagues. In the following, we will show that this model can be written equivalently as a linear, time-variant state-space model. With this understanding, it becomes clear that all meth…
Meridianos distintos (Jīng Bié) y sistema linfático, comparación anatómica y funcional
2016
The analysis of possible meeting points between Chinese and Western medicine makes an addition to the gradual progress towards mutual understanding and synergy of both disciplines. The description of trajectories and functions of the Divergent Channels seems to suggest certain parallels regarding western anatomy and lymph system function. From the anatomical perspective, the trajectory of the JīngBie resembles the arrangement and energy flux direction to the lymph system. Besides, the position of the main JīngBie points, such as “Departure points” and “Window of Heaven points” tends to match regions with a high presence of lymph nodes. Also, the JīngBie functions resemble the physiology of …
A Fast Multiresolution Approach Useful for Retinal Image Segmentation
2018
Retinal diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy present several deformities of fundus oculi which can be analyzed both during screening and monitoring such as the increase of tortuosity, lesions of tissues, exudates and hemorrhages. In particular, one of the first morphological changes of vessel structures is the increase of tortuosity. The aim of this work is the enhancement and the detection of the principal characteristics in retinal image by exploiting a non-supervised and automated methodology. With respect to the well-known image analysis through Gabor or Gaussian filters, our approach uses a filter bank that resembles the “à trous” wav…
Meridianos tendinomusculares (Jīng Jīn) y tejido fascial, comparativa anatómica y funcional
2016
The description of the pathways of the Jīng Jīn meridians is based on empirical observations carried out more than 2000 years ago, and though historical records have shown their possible anatomical basis, nowadays these energetic pathways lack a solid scientific base from the biomedical standpoint. Nonetheless, the comparison between the pathways and function of the Jīng Jīn with the new insights regarding contributions to anatomy and physiology of the fascial system brought from western medicine allows for meeting points and closer relations between the two areas of knowledge. Physiologically, both the Jīng Jīn and the fascial system participate in common structural, biomechanical, integra…
Indicaxanthin from Opuntia Ficus Indica (L. Mill) impairs melanoma cell proliferation, invasiveness, and tumor progression.
2018
Abstract Background: A strong, reciprocal crosstalk between inflammation and melanoma has rigorously been demonstrated in recent years, showing how crucial is a pro-inflammatory microenvironment to drive therapy resistance and metastasis. Purpose: We investigated on the effects of Indicaxanthin, a novel, anti-inflammatory and bioavailable phytochemical from Opuntia Ficus Indica fruits, against human melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. Study Design and Methods: The effects of indicaxanthin were evaluated against the proliferation of A375 human melanoma cell line and in a mice model of cutaneous melanoma. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, apoptosis by Annexin V-Fluorescein Isothio…
Epimagnolin A, a tetrahydrofurofuranoid lignan from Magnolia fargesii, reverses ABCB1-mediated drug resistance.
2018
Abstract Background Epimagnolin A is an ingredient of the Chinese crude drug Shin-i, derived from the dried flower buds of Magnolia fargesii and Magnolia flos, which has been traditionally used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion, empyema, and sinusitis. The pharmacokinetic activity of epimagnolin A remains to be evaluated. Purpose In this study, we examined the possible interactions of epimagnolin A with human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCB1, a membrane protein vital in regulating the pharmacokinetics of drugs and xenobiotics. Study design/methods The interaction of epimagnolin A with ABCB1 was evaluated in calcein, ATPase, and MTT assays by using Flp-I…
Could university training and a proactive attitude of coworkers be associated with influenza vaccination compliance? A multicentre survey among Itali…
2016
Background Although influenza vaccination has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, vaccination coverage rates among health care workers and among medical residents appear generally low. Several investigations have been performed worldwide to analyze the healthcare workers’ educational deficiencies. This multicentre survey aimed to investigate at a nationwide level training quality and work environment associated with seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among Italian medical residents. Methods A retrospective cohort study was carried out from April 2012 to June 2012 on medical residents regularly attending the post-graduate medical schools of 18 Italian Universities via an anonymous…
Observational prospective study on Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630 in the prevention of vaginal infections, during and after systemic antibiotic ther…
2018
We performed a prospective cohort parallel observational study on the use of Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630 in the prevention of vaginal infections. Eligible were women with a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (15 days) and documented history of recurrent vaginal infections; and/or cystitis (15 days); and/or treatment with antibiotics for bacterial respiratory tract infections during the week before the study entry. Study subjects were prescribed Lactobacillus plantarum P 17630 100.000.000 UFC one vaginal capsule per day for 6 days, then a capsule per week for 16 weeks. Eligible subjects were enrolled in two parallel cohorts: 85 women using (group A) and 39 not using (group B) Lactobacillu…
Acute telomerase components depletion triggers oxidative stress as an early event previous to telomeric shortening
2018
Loss of function of dyskerin (DKC1), NOP10 and TIN2 are responsible for different inheritance patterns of Dyskeratosis congenita (DC; ORPHA1775). They are key components of telomerase (DKC1 and NOP10) and shelterin (TIN2), and play an important role in telomere homeostasis. They participate in several fundamental cellular processes by contributing to Dyskeratosis congenita through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Presence of oxidative stress was postulated to result from telomerase ablation. However, the resulting disturbed redox status can promote telomere attrition by generating a vicious circle, which promotes cellular senescence. This fact prompted us to study if acute loss of …
Alternative Methods to Animal Testing in Safety Evaluation of Cosmetic Products
2018
Abstract This chapter reviews alternative methods recommended for animal testing in various toxicological areas. An alternative model to achieve complete animal replacement for acute toxicity testing is not possible. Skin corrosion/irritation alternative methods have been validated and accepted. For eye irritation testing, no single method is able to replace the Draize rabbit eye test. Skin sensitization methods imply refinement and reduction of numbers of animals. An in vitro dermal absorption test could be an alternative to in vivo testing. There are no generally accepted alternative methods to replace the usual repeated-dose toxicity in vivo assays. To determine the genotoxic and mutagen…