scholarly journals Morphology and structure ofHomo erectushumeri from Zhoukoudian, Locality 1

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Xing ◽  
Kristian J. Carlson ◽  
Pianpian Wei ◽  
Jianing He ◽  
Wu Liu
Keyword(s):  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Strength Properties ◽  
Upper Paleolithic ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Regional Variability ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Populations ◽  
Multiple Regions

BackgroundRegional diversity in the morphology of theH. erectuspostcranium is not broadly documented, in part, because of the paucity of Asian sites preserving postcranial fossils. Yet, such an understanding of the initial hominin taxon to spread throughout multiple regions of the world is fundamental to documenting the adaptive responses to selective forces operating during this period of human evolution.MethodsThe current study reports the first humeral rigidity and strength properties of East AsianH. erectusand places its diaphyseal robusticity into broader regional and temporal contexts. We estimate true cross-sectional properties of Zhoukoudian Humerus II and quantify new diaphyseal properties of Humerus III using high resolution computed tomography. Comparative data for AfricanH. erectusand Eurasian Late PleistoceneH. sapienswere assembled, and new data were generated from two modern Chinese populations.ResultsDifferences between East Asian and AfricanH. erectuswere inconsistently expressed in humeral cortical thickness. In contrast, East AsianH. erectusappears to exhibit greater humeral robusticity compared to AfricanH. erectuswhen standardizing diaphyseal properties by the product of estimated body mass and humeral length. East AsianH. erectushumeri typically differed less in standardized properties from those of side-matched Late Pleistocene hominins (e.g., Neanderthals and more recent Upper Paleolithic modern humans) than did AfricanH. erectus, and often fell in the lower range of Late Pleistocene humeral rigidity or strength properties.DiscussionQuantitative comparisons indicate that regional variability in humeral midshaft robusticity may characterizeH. erectusto a greater extent than presently recognized. This may suggest a temporal difference withinH. erectus, or possibly different ecogeographical trends and/or upper limb loading patterns across the taxon. Both discovery and analysis of more adultH. erectushumeri are critical to further evaluating and potentially distinguishing between these possibilities.

scholarly journals FRI0056 LUNG COMPROMISE SCREENING IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY RA. A MULTICENTRIC CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 604.1-604
Author(s):  
F. Benavidez ◽  
G. Rodriguez ◽  
A. Riopedre ◽  
D. Mata ◽  
A. Benitez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Lung Involvement ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multicentric Study ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Immunological Tests ◽  
Pulmonary Manifestations

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects 0.4-1.3% of general population (1). It can affect lungs in different ways, with interstitial lung disease (ILD) as the most severe. Clinically evident ILD has been reported in 10-42% of patients, with a great impact in prognosis (2).Objectives:Toidentify the prevalence of lung involvement in early rheumatoid arthritis patients (ERA) without previous known lung disease and describe the association between high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), lung functional tests (LFT) and clinical findings.Methods:Cross sectional multicentric study. We included ERA patients (1 year or less since diagnose) consecutively. Patients with previous RA related lung disease or biologic/targeted synthetic Dmard treatment were excluded. HRCT, immunological tests (rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ANA), LFT and clinical evaluation were performed.Results:We included 74 patients, 63 (85,1%) woman, mean (SD) of 47 (17,7) years. Thirty-seven patients (50%) were current or former smokers. Abnormal findings in HRCT were found in 62 patients (88,6%): ILD in 6 (8,6%), airway involvement in 40 (70%) and emphysema in 7 (10%). Ten patients (13,5%) had abnormal auscultation (2 sibilances, 2 roncus, and 6 crackles). Six patients (8,1%) had digital clubbing. Regarding immunological tests, 54/61 (88,5%) patients were positive for Anti CCP, and 53/61 (86,9%) were positive for FR. We compared features of patients with findings related to RA in HRCT (interstitial and/or airway) with those without them. We found no differences in the mean (SD) of DAS-28 [4,74 (1,38) vs 4,32 (1,39); p= 0,27]. The prevalence of anti- CCP was not higher in patients with abnormal HRCT [38/44 (86,3%) vs 16/17 (94,1%); p=0,39]. Patients with abnormal HRCT were older [median (IQR) 50,5 years (44,5-59,5) vs 43 years (32-51); p=0,008) and showed higher VSG values [mean (SD) 39,09 (24,03) vs 27,38 (17,6); p= 0,043]. Abnormal physical examination or dyspnea (class 2 mMRC or higher) was significantly associated with HRCT abnormalities [26 (50%) vs 3 (13,6%); p=0.003) and the presence of ILD on HRCT was significantly associated with crackles on the auscultation [4/68(6,25%) vs 2/6 (33,33%); p 0,023].Conclusion:This study shows a high prevalence of lung involvement in ERA patients of less 1 year from diagnosis. Also, we showed a significant association between HRCT and physical examination findings. This data highlights the importance of the clinical examination in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. More studies with bigger samples and longitudinal follow up are needed to confirm and complete our results.References:[1]Rooney BK, Silman AJ. Epidemiology of the rheumatic diseases. Curr Opin Rheumatol [Internet]. 1999 Mar [cited 2016 Jul 19];11(2):91–7. Available from:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10319210.[2]Antin-Ozerkis D, Evans J, Rubinowitz A, Homer RJ, Matthay RA. Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clin Chest Med [Internet]. 2010;31(3):451–78. Available from:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ccm.2010.04.003.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Quantitative not qualitative histology differentiates aneurysmal from nondilated ascending aortas and reveals a net gain of medial components

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameh Yousef ◽  
Nana Matsumoto ◽  
Issam Dabe ◽  
Makoto Mori ◽  
Alden B. Landry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Quantitative Assessment ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Aortic Dilatation ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Medial Degeneration ◽  
The Media

AbstractMedial degeneration is a common histopathological finding in aortopathy and is considered a mechanism for dilatation. We investigated if medial degeneration is specific for sporadic thoracic aortic aneurysms versus nondilated aortas. Specimens were graded by pathologists, blinded to the clinical diagnosis, according to consensus histopathological criteria. The extent of medial degeneration by qualitative (semi-quantitative) assessment was not specific for aneurysmal compared to nondilated aortas. In contrast, blinded quantitative assessment of elastin amount and medial cell number distinguished aortic aneurysms and referent specimens, albeit with marked overlap in results. Specifically, the medial fraction of elastin decreased from dilution rather than loss of protein as cross-sectional amount was maintained while the cross-sectional number, though not density, of smooth muscle cells increased in proportion to expansion of the media. Furthermore, elastic lamellae did not thin and interlamellar distance did not diminish as expected for lumen dilatation, implying a net gain of lamellar elastin and intralamellar cells or extracellular matrix during aneurysmal wall remodeling. These findings support the concepts that: (1) medial degeneration need not induce aortic aneurysms, (2) adaptive responses to altered mechanical stresses increase medial tissue, and (3) greater turnover, not loss, of mural cells and extracellular matrix associates with aortic dilatation.

Giving help in return: family reciprocity by older Singaporeans

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
LOIS M. VERBRUGGE ◽  
ANGELIQUE CHAN
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Multivariate Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Chores ◽  
Ability And Willingness

ABSTRACTReciprocity is a powerful principle in social ties. The ethos of family reciprocity is especially strong in Asian societies. We study contemporaneous family exchanges, hypothesising that the more current help older Singaporeans receive from family, the more they give in return. Cross-sectional analyses were undertaken of data from two national Singapore surveys conducted in 1995 and 1999. The help received by older people is measured by income and cash support, payment of household expenses by others, having a companion for away-from-home activities, and having a principal carer. The help given by older people is measured by baby-sitting, doing household chores, giving financial help to children, and advising on family matters. Multivariate models are used to examine the factors that affect an older person's ability and willingness to give help. The results show that the more financial support Singapore seniors received from kin, the more baby-sitting and chores they provided. In their swiftly modernising society, Singapore seniors are maintaining family reciprocity by giving time in return for money. We discuss how during the coming decades, reciprocity in Southeast and East Asian societies may shift from instrumental to more affective behaviours.

Diagnostic Accuracy of HRCT Chest in Detection of Covid-19 Infection Taking PCR as Gold Standard

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1679-1681
Author(s):  
Afaque Ali ◽  
Majid Shaikh ◽  
Ahsanullah . ◽  
Adeel Ahmed ◽  
Abid Ali Sahito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Radiology Department ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Head Of Department

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest in detection of covid-19 infection taking PCR as gold standard. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Radiology department of Tabba Hospital, Karachi. Duration: From March 2019 to September 2020 Material and Methods: All the clinically suspected patients of covid-19, of any age, both genders and those referred to radiology for High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest to detect the covid-19 infection were included. After two days, patients’ PCR reports were collected from the ward, after taking informed consent and permission from head of department. The diagnostic accuracy of HRCT was established with respect to sensitivity, PPV, NPV, and specificity by taking PCR as gold standard. All the information was collected via study proforma. Results: Total 70 patients suspected for COVID-19 were studied, and the patients’ mean age was 58.23±9.52 years. Males were in majority 54(77.1%). As per HRCT findings, COVID-19 infection was positive in 46 patients, however, 48 patients were detected positive for COVID-19 infection as per PCR findings. In the detection of COVID-19 infection, HRCT chest showed sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 90%, PPV of 83%, NPV of 84% and diagnostic accuracy of 94%; by taking PCR as gold standard. Conclusion: High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a reliable diagnostic approach in promptly detecting the COVID-19; with 91% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 83% positive predictive value, 84% negative predictive value and 94% diagnostic accuracy. Keywords: Accuracy, HRCT, COVID-19

MODEST OVERWEIGHT AND HEALTHY DIETARY HABITS REDUCE RISK OF DEMENTIA: A NATIONWIDE SURVEY IN TAIWAN

2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
C.-Y. Lee ◽  
Y. Sun ◽  
H.-J. Lee ◽  
T.-F. Chen ◽  
P.-N. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Evidence of the associations of dietary habits and body mass index with dementia is inconsistent and limited in East Asian countries. Objective: We aim to explore the associations of dietary habits and body mass index with the odds of dementia. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting: A nationwide, population-based, door-to-door, in-person survey. Participants: Selected by computerized random sampling from all 19 counties in Taiwan. Measurement: Diagnosis of dementia using the criteria recommended by the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association. Lifestyle factors, dietary habits and demographic data were compared between normal subjects and participants with dementia. Results: A total of 10432 residents were assessed, among whom 2049 were classified as having a mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 929 were diagnosed with dementia, and 7035 were without dementia or MCI. After adjustment for age, gender, education, body mass index (BMI), dietary habits, habitual exercises and co-morbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and cerebrovascular diseases, we found inverse associations of dementia with the consumption of fish (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.94), vegetables (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.95), coffee (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-0.97), green tea (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.75) and other types of tea (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28-0.60). There was no association between dementia and fruit consumption. Compared with people who had a normal BMI (18 < BMI <= 24), older overweight people (24 < BMI <=30) had a reduced risk of dementia with an adjusted OR of 0.77 (95% CI 0.61-0.96). Conclusions: Our study provides preliminary evidence that suggests that the consumption of fish, vegetables, tea, and coffee has potential benefits against dementia in East Asian population. Being modestly overweight (nadir risk at BMI = 25) in late life was associated with decreased odds of dementia. The benefit of fruits may be offset by their high sugar content.

Shear strength properties of plain and spirally profiled cable bolts

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 1490-1495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naj Aziz ◽  
Ali Mirzaghorbanali ◽  
Jan Nemcik ◽  
Kay Heemann ◽  
Stefan Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Shear Strength ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Peak Load ◽  
Strength Properties ◽  
Shear Displacement ◽  
Vertical Shear ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cable Bolts ◽  
Strength Capacity ◽  
Cable Bolt

An experimental investigation into the performance of two 22 mm diameter, 60 t tensile strength capacity Hilti cable bolts in shear was conducted using the double-shear testing apparatus at the laboratory of the School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong. The tested cable bolts were (i) Hilti 19 wire HTT-UXG plain strand and (ii) Hilti 19 wire HTT-IXG spirally profiled (smaller cross-sectional area than the plain one) cable bolt, with indentation only on the surface of the outer strands. These cable bolts are of sealed wire construction type, consisting of an outer 5.5 mm diameter wire layer overlying the middle 3 mm diameter wire strands. Both layers are wrapped around a single solid 7 mm diameter strand wire core. The double-shearing test was carried out in 40 MPa concrete blocks, contained in concrete moulds. Cable bolts were encapsulated in concrete using Orica FB400 pumpable grout. Prior to encapsulation, each cable bolt was pre-tensioned initially to 50 kN axial force. A 500 t capacity servocontrolled compression testing machine was used for both tests, and during each test the vertical shear displacement was limited to 70 mm of travel. The rate of vertical shear displacement was maintained constant at 1 mm/min. The maximum shear load achieved for the plain strand cable was 1024 kN, while the spiral cable peak load was 904 kN, before the cable bolt wires began to individually snap, leading to the cable bolt break-up into two sections. It is apparent that spiral profiles of the outer wires weaken both the tensile and shearing strength. Finally, another set of tests was undertaken using the British Standard single-shear approach, producing lower shear strength values.

scholarly journals Radiocaron Dates and Archaeology of the Late Pleistocene in the Japanese Islands

Radiocarbon ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 477-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Ono ◽  
Hiroyuki Sato ◽  
Takashi Tsutsumi ◽  
Yuichiro Kudo
Keyword(s):  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
New World ◽  
Upper Paleolithic ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Early Upper Paleolithic ◽  
Strongly Connected ◽  
Radiocarbon Chronology ◽  
Japanese Islands ◽  
Late Upper Paleolithic ◽  
Early Upper

We discuss the radiocarbon chronology of Late Pleistocene archaeology in the Japanese islands. In sum, 429 samples from more than 100 archaeological sites were compiled and then divided into three periods and four stages. The Early Upper Paleolithic, characterized by Trapezoid industries, lasted during approximately 34-26 ka. The Late Upper Paleolithic period includes both the backed-blade stage and point-tool stage, the latter appearing chronologically later than the former. This stage covers ~25–15 ka. The Final Upper Paleolithic and Incipient Jomon are distinguished by the appearance of microblade industries and the emergence of pottery at the end of this period. This period covers approximately 14-12 ka. The microblade tradition, in the broadest sense, is strongly connected to the background of peopling of the New World. New data on the transitional stage from the Middle to the Upper Paleolithic are also discussed in regards to three archaeological sites. Issues on the application of the 14C calibration to the whole Japanese Upper Paleolithic are critically evaluated.

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