Predicting surface strains at the human distal radius during an in vivo loading task — Finite element model validation and application

Bone strains resulting from physical activity are thought to be a primary driver of bone adaptation, but cannot be directly noninvasively measured. Because bone adapts nonuniformly, physical activity may make an important independent structural contribution to bone strength that is independent of bone mass and density. Our objective was to create and validate methods for subject-specific finite element (FE) model generation that would accurately predict the surface strains experienced by the distal radius during an in vivo loading task, and to apply these methods to a group of 23 women aged 23–35 to examine variations in strain, bone mass and density, and physical activity. Four cadaveric specimens were experimentally tested and specimen-specific FE models were developed to accurately predict periosteal surface strains (root mean square error=16.3%). In the living subjects, when 300 N load was simulated, mean strains were significantly inversely correlated with BMC (r=−0.893), BMD (r=−0.892) and physical activity level (r=−0.470). Although the group of subjects was relatively homogenous, BMD varied by two-fold (range: 0.19–0.40 g/cm³) and mean energy-equivalent strain varied by almost six-fold (range: 226.79–1328.41 με) with a simulated 300 N load. In summary, we have validated methods for estimating surface strains in the distal radius that occur while leaning onto the palm of the hand. In our subjects, strain varied widely across individuals, and was inversely related to bone parameters that can be measured using clinical CT, and inversely related to physical activity history.     

The physiological and behavioral effects of radio music on singly housed baboons

Abstract: The response of four singly caged baboons to radio music was measured using behavioral and physiological indices. Heart rate and blood pressure, measured through a tether system, as well as behavior, were recorded during a two-week period in which radio music was available in half of the samples. The behavior of the subjects, as well as their blood pressure, did not vary in relation to radio music. Heart rate was significantly lower when the radio was on.     

δ-aminolevulinic acid transport and synthesis,porphyrin synthesis and heme catabolism in chick embryo liver and heart cells

Liver and heart represent two organs with markedly different needs for heme as related to their metabolic roles. To examine these diferences chick embryo heart and liver cells were compared with respect to transport of δ-aminolevulinic acid and activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase, porphyrin synthesis and heme oxygenase. Heart cells were found to have a low rate of δ-aminolevulinic acid uptake, a high resting level of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity and a lower level of heme oxygenase activity as compared with liver cells. The hepatic cell uptake of δ-aminolevulinic acid was 6–25-times that of heart cells. The embryonal heart cell appears to be a balanced autonomous system for the synthesis and degradation of heme. The embryonal liver cell represents a cell system permeable to exogenous δ-aminolevulinic acid, which is also responsive to and inducible by external stimuli.     

Monomethylarsonous Acid (MMAIII) Has an Adverse Effect on the Innate Immune Response of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Arsenic is the number one contaminant of concern with regard to human health according to the World Health Organization. Epidemiological studies on Asian and South American populations have linked arsenic exposure with an increased incidence of lung disease, including pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, both of which are associated with bacterial infection. However, little is known about the effects of low dose arsenic exposure, or the contributions of organic arsenic to the innate immune response to bacterial infection. This study examined the effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) induced cytokine secretion by human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) by inorganic sodium arsenite (iAs^III) and two major metabolites, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA^III) and dimethylarsenic acid (DMA^V), at concentrations relevant to the U.S. population. Neither iAs^III nor DMA^V altered P. aeruginosa induced cytokine secretion. By contrast, MMA^III increased P. aeruginosa induced secretion of IL-8, IL-6 and CXCL2. A combination of iAs^III, MMA^III and DMA^V (10 pbb total) reduced IL-8 and CXCL1 secretion. These data demonstrate for the first time that exposure to MMA^III alone, and a combination of iAs^III, MMA^III and DMA^V at levels relevant to the U.S. may have negative effects on the innate immune response of human bronchial epithelial cells to P. aeruginosa.     

The oldest record of serpent aggregation

Three virtually complete skeletons in east-central Wyoming of the Oligocene erycinine boid snakes Ogmophis and Calamagras represent the oldest known record of serpent aggregation. The skeletons are articulated and coiled loosely together in life-like positions in a horizontal plane within sediments of the White River Formation. The fossils represent an autochthonous, fluvial burial of snakes some 32 million years ago. Taphonomic considerations suggest the preservation of an aggregative event that occurred just prior to death. We suggest that serpent aggregation is a conservative, relatively unchanged form of behaviour, with a minimum age of 32 million years before present.