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SUMMARYHemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) are specialized cells that undergo endothelial to hematopoietic transition (EHT) to give rise to hematopoietic progenitors. Though not defined as a hematopoietic organ, the lung houses many resident hematopoietic cells, aids in platelet biogenesis, and is a reservoir for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), but lung HECs have never been described. Using explant cultures of murine and human fetal lungs, we demonstrate that the fetal lung is a source of HECs that have the functional capacity to undergo EHT to produce de-novo HSPCs. Flow cytometric and functional assessment of fetal lung explants showed the production of HSPCs that expressed key EHT and pre-HSPC markers. scRNA-Seq and small molecule modulation demonstrated that fetal lung EHT is reliant on canonical EHT signaling pathways. These findings suggest that functional HECs are present in the fetal lung, thus establishing this location as a potential extramedullary site of de-novo hematopoiesis.

Living through a pandemic and social upheaval suggests the importance of revisiting the intersections of the art and activism of Felix Gonzalez-Torres and Gregg Bordowitz. These artists' works express their experiences of living through a pandemic and subsequent social change and draw out key human rights themes. The works' materials, poetics, and invitations to interact offer opportunities for audiences to reflect on complex and ethically relevant social and cultural dynamics that surface during global crises, such as negotiating personal and collective interests, the politics of touch and coexistence, and cultivating resilience and strength.

The respiratory system, which includes the trachea, airways, and distal alveoli, is a complex multi-cellular organ that intimately links with the cardiovascular system to accomplish gas exchange. In this review and as members of the NIH/NHLBI-supported Progenitor Cell Translational Consortium, we discuss key aspects of lung repair and regeneration. We focus on the cellular compositions within functional niches, cell-cell signaling in homeostatic health, the responses to injury, and new methods to study lung repair and regeneration. We also provide future directions for an improved understanding of the cell biology of the respiratory system, as well as new therapeutic avenues., In this review, Basil et al. discuss the complex architecture of the mammalian respiratory system and elaborate on the key aspects of lung repair and regeneration. They also discuss current and future directions for basic research of the respiratory system and the development of new therapeutic avenues.

[EN] The presence of green roofs in urban areas improves the energy efficiency of buildings; contributes to the capture of CO2, decreasing pollution; and improves the appearance of cities, increasing their sustainability. Additionally, green roofs must include plant species with low requirements and maintenance, and thus, succulent species could be useful in Mediterranean semi-arid regions. In this work, the thermal inertia and the effect of different succulent species as thermal barriers on mitigating the increase in temperature inside experimental compartments were studied in comparison to conventional covers used in the Spanish Mediterranean for a whole year. In general, green covers were more efficient than conventional ones for controlling temperature. Thus, temperatures under green covers were up to 8 °C lower than conventional covers and 3¿5 °C lower than the ambient temperature at noon on summer days. Furthermore, significant differences were found between green covers. Thus, despite having high thermal inertia, Aptenia cordifolia showed the worst temperature records, while Aeonium arboreum was the most efficient at mitigating temperature changes both on cold winter nights and hot summer days¿even better than Sedum spp., a usual succulent used commercially. Our results demonstrate that succulent species are efficient materials to use as green covers to improve thermal conditions in buildings in Mediterranean cities. This also suggests that the mixture of succulent species (i.e., not only made of Sedum spp.) with different colors and textures could beautify green roofs without compromising their energy efficiency., This research was developed in the facilities of the Universitat Politècnica de València and with the resources provided by Fondo de Sostenibilidad I+D+I UPV 88702681

[EN] Spectral Solar Photosynthetically Photon Flux Density (PPFD) (380 to 780¿nm) reaching the surface of a plant in different lighting conditions has been analyzed in order to better understand the different photosynthetic performance of plants depending on their spatial situation and the vegetation surrounding. A comparison between the shadow of several trees in a sunny day and the case of a cloudy day in an open space has been studied. Three isolated trees (a palm tree, an olive tree and a shrub oleander) and a tipuana grove have been studied. The study has been developed in Valencia (Spain) during January and February 2017. A portable Asensetek Standard ALP-01 spectrometer with a measurement wavelength range of 380 to 780¿nm, has been used. Conditions with higher PPFD received are found to be, apart from those of a sunny day, those for cloudy day (with a spectral maximum in the Green region of the spectrum), and those for individual trees and shrub shadows in a sunny day (with a spectral maximum in the Blue region). The case in which less amount of PPFD is received is that under the shadow of tipuana grove (with a spectral maximum in the Infrared region of the spectrum). In fact the order of magnitude in which the PPFD in a cloudy day exceeds the PPFD under the tipuana grove shade is up to 20.

[spa] Aquest escrit explica el programa educatiu que ha dut a terme el Servei d’Educació i Activitats de la Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca, informa sobre el programa i hi reflexiona. Concretament, aquest programa es caracteritza per la diversitat dels projectes i del públic a qui va destinat. En destacam “Berenam amb Miró” i la producció de “La Persiana”. El període que tractam abraça des de juny de 2019 a abril de 2021., [spa] Este escrito explica el programa educativo que ha llevado a cabo el Servicio de Educación y Actividades de la Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca y informa y reflexiona sobre este. Concretamente, el programa se caracteriza por la diversidad de proyectos desarrollados y el público al que va destinado. Destacamos los proyectos “Berenam amb Miró” y la producción de “La Persiana”. El periodo que se trata abarca desde junio del año 2019 hasta abril del año 2021.

Las enfermedades neuromusculares son un grupo de enfermedades que afectan inicialmente al músculo esquelético y están caracterizadas por la pérdida progresiva de masa muscular y por la debilidad muscular. Los problemas clínicos en los estados avanzados incluyen tetraplejía, debilidad de los músculos bulbares y dependencia de la ventilación mecánica. La debilidad de músculos respiratorios puede comprometer a tres grupos fundamentales de músculos: los inspiratorios, los espiratorios y los que inervan las vías aéreas superiores. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia de los cuidados respiratorios en estos pacientes, en el año 2017 se inició e implementó por primera vez en el país un Proyecto de evaluación y tratamiento de pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares y afecciones respiratorias a través del Departamento de Rehabilitación Cardiorrespiratoria del Hospital de Clínicas, perteneciente a la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción.

Lung regeneration occurs in a variety of adult mammals after surgical removal of one lung (pneumonectomy). Previous studies of murine post-pneumonectomy lung growth have identified regenerative “hotspots” in subpleural alveolar ducts; however, the cell-types participating in this process remain unclear. To identify the single cells participating in post-pneumonectomy lung growth, we used laser microdissection, enzymatic digestion and microfluidic isolation. Single-cell transcriptional analysis of the murine alveolar duct cells was performed using the C1 integrated fluidic circuit (Fluidigm) and a custom PCR panel designed for lung growth and repair genes. The multi-dimensional data set was analyzed using visualization software based on the tSNE algorithm. The analysis identified 6 cell clusters; 1 cell cluster was present only after pneumonectomy. This post-pneumonectomy cluster was significantly less transcriptionally active than 3 other clusters and may represent a transitional cell population. A provisional cluster identity for 4 of the 6 cell clusters was obtained by embedding bulk transcriptional data into the tSNE analysis. The transcriptional pattern of the 6 clusters was further analyzed for genes associated with lung repair, matrix production, and angiogenesis. The data demonstrated that multiple cell-types (clusters) transcribed genes linked to these basic functions. We conclude that the coordinated gene expression across multiple cell clusters is likely a response to a shared regenerative microenvironment within the subpleural alveolar ducts.

SummaryThere is an increasing appreciation for the heterogeneity of myeloid lineages in the respiratory system, but whether distinct populations associate with the conducting airways remains unknown. We use single cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence to characterize myeloid cells of the mouse trachea during homeostasis and epithelial injury/repair. We identify submucosal macrophages that are similar to lung interstitial macrophages and intraepithelial macrophages, and find that repair of the tracheal epithelium is impaired in Ccr2-deficient mice. Following injury there are early increases in neutrophils and submucosal macrophages, including M2-like macrophages. Unexpectedly, intraepithelial macrophages are initially lost but later replaced from CCR2+ monocytes. Mast cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells are sources of IL13 that polarizes macrophages and directly influences basal cell behaviors. Their proximity to the airway epithelium establishes these myeloid populations as potential therapeutic targets for airway disease.

Pulmonary "air leaks," typically the result of pleural injury caused by lung surgery or chest trauma, result in the accumulation of air in the pleural space (pneumothorax). Air leaks are a major source of morbidity and prolonged hospitalization after pulmonary surgery. Previous work has demonstrated structural heteropolysaccharide (pectin) binding to the mouse pleural glycocalyx. The similar lectin-binding characteristics and ultrastructural features of the human and mouse pleural glycocalyx suggested the potential application of these polymers in humans. To investigate the utility of pectin-based polymers, we developed a simulacrum using freshly obtained human pleura. Pressure-decay leak testing was performed with an inflation maneuver that involved a 3 s ramp to a 3 s plateau pressure; the inflation was completely abrogated after needle perforation of the pleura. Using nonbiologic materials, pressure-decay leak testing demonstrated an exponential decay with a plateau phase in materials with a Young's modulus less than 5. In human pleural testing, the simulacrum was used to test the sealant function of four mixtures of pectin-based polymers. A 50% high-methoxyl pectin and 50% carboxymethylcellulose mixture demonstrated no sealant failures at transpleural pressures of 60 cmH2 O. In contrast, pectin mixtures containing 50% low-methoxyl pectin, 50% amidated low-methoxyl pectins, or 100% carboxymethylcellulose demonstrated frequent sealant failures at transpleural pressures of 40-50 cmH2 O (p

Lophophora williamsii is an ornamental slow growth cactus highly appreciated by cacti growers and hobbyists. Its demand is often satisfied through illegal collection of wild plants and many populations are threatened with extinction. Thus, an efficient in vitro protocol without plant growth regulators will be of great interest for conservation purposes of this cactus. Eight different germination media, combining Murashige and Skoog medium (MS, full and half-strength), sucrose (20 and 30 g L−1) and agar (8 and 10 g L−1), were used to study germination rate, number of seedlings with areoles and initial seedling development. Germination rates among culture media only differed significantly in the first 14 days after sowing (DAS), reaching 67–75% at the end of the assay (49 DAS). Remarkable interactions among media components were detected, and 20 g L−1 sucrose and 8 g L−1 agar combination gave the highest performance for both size and number of areoles. Following germination assay, a growth assay was conducted during 105 days using three growth media (GrM) at different sucrose concentration (15, 30 and 45 g L−1) to evaluate the increase in seedling size and number of areoles. Regardless of their initial size, 15 g L−1 sucrose provided the best results for both traits. Size increase was higher in the 4–5 mm seedling group, while increase in areoles was greater in 2-3 mm seedlings. It was possible to develop an in vitro protocol, in absence of plant growth regulators, which allows maximizing L. williamsii germination and growth during its first stages of development, which may increase the availability of plants in the market and avoid exhaustion of wild populations. Furthermore, plants grown ex situ could be reintroduced in endangered natural populations.

A contribution of pulmonary blood distension to alveolar opening was first proposed more than 100 years ago. To investigate the contribution of blood distension to lung mechanics, we studied control mice (normal perfusion), mice after exsanguination (absent perfusion) and mice after varying degrees of parenchymal resection (supra-normal perfusion). On inflation, mean tracheal pressures were higher in the bloodless mouse (4.0α2.5 cmH2O); however, there was minimal difference between conditions on deflation (0.7α0.9 cmH2O). To separate the peripheral and central mechanical effects of blood volume, multi-frequency lung impedance data was fitted to the constant-phase model. The presence or absence of blood had no effect on central airway resistance (p>.05). In contrast, measures of tissue damping (G), tissue elastance (H) and hysteresivity (η) demonstrated a significant increase in bloodless mice relative to control mice (p

In the normal lung, a dominant structural element is an elastic "line element" that originates in the central bronchi and inserts into the distal airspaces. Despite its structural importance, the process that leads to development of the cable line element is unknown. To investigate the morphologic events contributing to its development, we used optical clearing methods to examine the postnatal rat lung. An unexpected finding was numerous spheres, with a median diameter of 1-2 µm, within the primary septa of the rat lung. The spheres demonstrated green autofluorescence, selective fluorescent eosin staining, reactivity with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester, and specific labeling with anti-tropoelastin monoclonal antibody-findings consistent with tropoelastin. The sphere number peaked on rat postnatal day 4 (P4) and were rare by P14. The disappearance of the spheres was coincident with the development of the cable line element in the rat lung. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated no consistent association between parenchymal cells and sphere alignment. In contrast, the alignment of tropoelastin spheres appeared to be the direct result of interactions of scaffold proteins including collagen fibers and fibrillin microfibrils. We conclude that the spatial organization of the cable line element appears to be independent of tropoelastin deposition, but dependent on crosslinking to scaffold proteins within the primary septa. Anat Rec, 300:1670-1679, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In many mammals, including humans, removal of one lung (pneumonectomy) results in the compensatory growth of the remaining lung. Compensatory growth involves not only an increase in lung size, but also an increase in the number of alveoli in the peripheral lung; however, the process of compensatory neoalveolarization remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)—a cytoplasmic protein characteristic of myofibroblasts—is induced in the pleura following pneumonectomy. SMA induction appears to be dependent on pleural deformation (stretch) as induction is prevented by plombage or phrenic nerve transection (P < 0.001). Within 3 days of pneumonectomy, the frequency of SMA⁺ cells in subpleural alveolar ducts was significantly increased (P < 0.01). To determine the functional activity of these SMA⁺ cells, we isolated regenerating alveolar ducts by laser microdissection and analyzed individual cells using microfluidic single-cell quantitative PCR. Single cells expressing the SMA (Acta2) gene demonstrated significantly greater transcriptional activity than endothelial cells or other discrete cell populations in the alveolar duct (P < 0.05). The transcriptional activity of the Acta2⁺ cells, including expression of TGF signaling as well as repair-related genes, suggests that these myofibroblast-like cells contribute to compensatory lung growth. Keywords: compensatory growth; gene expression; lung; myofibroblasts, National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant HL94567), National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant CA009535), National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant ES000002)

Se han estudiado los efectos de la administración de MDZ, durante 120 días, sobre el hipocampo en dos grupos de ratas Wistar: uno integrado por 50 ratas de 2 meses de edad y otro por otras 50 de 24 meses. Según el tratamiento se han dividido ambos grupos en 3 lotes. 20 ratas de cada grupo, han recibido diariamente 1 mg/kg, otras 20, 3 mg/kg, y 10 solamente suero salino. La acción del MDZ se ha investigado, a nivel general, verificando la mortalidad espontánea de los animales, la evolución de su peso y la capacidad de recordar un estimulo aversivo mediante el test de evitación pasiva. A nivel del hipocampo, se ha estudiado la pérdida neuronal, cariometría y citometría y los cambios experimentados por las neuronas parvalbumina-positivas. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que el MDZ, a las dosis utilizadas, no produce cambios significativos en la mortalidad, peso y memoria. A nivel celular sólo en el grupo de ratas viejas, tratadas con 3 mg/kg de MDZ, se observaron indicios de neurotoxicidad reflejada en un aumento del número de neuronas oscuras y picnóticas y en una reducción de tamaño global de las neuronas de CA1, CA4 y GD. Estos resultados sugieren que la acción neurotóxica del MDZ es muy escasa, siendo en el grupo de ratas viejas tratadas con 3 mg/kg por día donde han aparecido indicios de la acción neurotóxica.

People developing their daily activities outdoors are likely to receive high doses of ultraviolet radiation (UV). In this chapter, three different cases of study on the effect of UV-R on skin have been analyzed: in the first one UV-R dose athletes from different sports (tennis, hiking, and running) in their workout have been studied. The second case is focused on the maximum values UV-R dose can reach for construction workers in Valencia (Spain) (39°280 N, 0°220 W). Finally, the last case of study focuses on UVER (erythemal ultraviolet radiation) received on a driver and passenger position inside a vehicle. In the three cases VioSpor blue line dosimeters (with a response profile close to that of human skin) have been employed for measurements.

SUMMARY There is an increasing appreciation for the heterogeneity of myeloid lineages in the lung, but relatively little is known about populations specifically associated with the conducting airways. We use single-cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence to characterize myeloid cells of the mouse trachea during homeostasis and epithelial injury/repair. We identify submucosal macrophages, similar to lung interstitial macrophages, and intraepithelial macrophages. Following injury, there are early increases in neutrophils and submucosal macrophages, including M2-like macrophages. Intraepithelial macrophages are lost after injury and later restored by CCR2+ monocytes. We show that repair of the tracheal epithelium is impaired in Ccr2-deficient mice. Mast cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells are sources of interleukin-13 (IL-13) that polarize macrophages and directly influence basal cell behaviors. Their proximity to the airway epithelium establishes these myeloid populations as potential therapeutic targets for airway disease., Graphical Abstract, In Brief Engler et al. identify molecularly unique populations of monocytes and macrophages associated with the tracheal epithelium. The composition of the tracheal myeloid compartment changes upon injury, and repair is delayed in the absence of Ccr2+ monocytes. Injury-associated myeloid cells and type 2 cytokines directly affect basal cell behaviors.

In 2014, the population of Latinos living in the United States was approximately 55.4 million and by the year 2050, the projected growth is 106 million; expanding by nearly double (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). Although the Hispanic population has been a key element to the economic driving force within the United States, a continuous lack of available resources continues to exist (i.e., employment opportunities for Latinos with a disability; Pew Research Center, 2015). Moreover, the need towards understanding the various employment challenges Hispanics culture frequently face is still a crucial component for providing successful job placement services (Moore, Giesen, & Cavenaugh, 2005).Historically, employment rates have been considerably lower among individuals with disabilities (IWD). For instance, a Harris poll revealed 21% of IWD reported either being employed part-time or full-time in comparison to 59% of people without a disability (Taylor, Krane, & Orkis, 2010). Equally important is the estimate of unemployment found among ethnic/racial groups. Research suggests that 11% of African Americans experience the highest rate of unemployment, followed by Latinos (7.2%), and White (5.1%) (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014). Interestingly, when factoring in ethnic and racial minorities in conjunction with having a disability, the unemployment rate among Latinos increased to 16.1%. However, despite the overall success of job placement services often provided for people with disabilities (PWD), ethnicity/race tend to be a contributing factor for unemployment rates.Undeniably, barriers (i.e., stigma and discrimination) have been identified as a recurring cause leading to unemployment among culturally diverse IWD (Luzzo & McWhirter, 2001). These often include discrimination, insufficient available resources, lack of government assistance, and lack of awareness involving services provided by one's local community (Bolton, Bellini, & Brookings, 2000). A case in point, approximately 80% of individuals aged 16 and over identified their disability as the highest barrier towards unemployment; followed by lack of education and training ( 14%), lack of transportation (11.7%) and lack of accommodations when employed (10.3%), often leading to unemployment (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). To facilitate a process by which barriers are reduced and simultaneously decreasing unemployment rates, state/federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies often collaborate with community rehabilitation programs (CRP) to assist PWD in securing paid employment. Services often rendered include: (a) vocational assessments, (b) adjustment services, (c) job coaching, (d) on the job training, (e) transportation services, (f) job placement, (g) facility-based work, (h) supportive employment, and (i) competitive employment (Hagen-Foley, Rosenthal, & Thomas, 2005; Inge et al. 2009; & Suarez-Balcazar et al., 2013).Job PlacementJob placement is a process by which PWD receive employment services including matching of a job seeker's skills with that of an employers need for filling an open job position. More specifically, the process involves understanding the consumer's interests, goals, personality, aptitudes, work-knowledge, abilities, and skills (Gower, Rudstam, & Young, 2014). Furthermore, the job seeker's psychological, social, and physical aptitudes are additional factors considered during the job placement process. Confirming our case in point, 34.8% of consumers receive cognitive and/or psychological assessments to evaluate intellectual ability, behavioral characteristics, vocational aptitude, self-concept, and career interests (Hayward & Schmidt-Davis, 2003). In conjunction with the preceding services often provided when assisting PWD obtain employment, meaningful and longstanding professional relations with employers and the community often ensue. However, "a good fit" between employer and employee is critical for job placement. …

This article analyzes the influence of Ultraviolet Erythematic Radiation (UVER) dose received by construction workers in Valencia highlighting the upper limit of the dose received for a worker in different periods of a year. Building construction usually implies workers to stand for several hours outdoors while working until roof top is finished. In Valencia, construction carried out near the coastline has been very intense in the last few years with the construction of a great amount of summer flats. This article focuses on the maximum values UVER can reach in different seasons of the year for cities with similar latitude to Valencia (39°280N, 0°220W), as an important way of warning construction workers about the necessity of taking preventive actions. Viospor dosimeters placed on a mannequin have been used in this study. The measurements took place between 2012 December and 2013 July., This work was carried out with financing from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness Project CGL2010-15931/CLI and Generalitat Valenciana within PROMETEO/2010/064 project, and the Ministry of Science and Innovation in the CGL200761813 project.

The propagation of a free massless scalar field in a [Formula: see text]-dimensional Minkowski space modeling, a wormhole is considered. The wormhole model consists on two timelike trajectories, which represent the entrance and the exit of the wormhole, connected via some transfer function that specifies how incoming modes that reach the entrance are transferred to the exit. We find that particles and energy fluxes are generically produced except for transfer functions that represent global conformal transformations. We consider several examples involving exit trajectories which are asymptotically inertial, asymptotically null, and also involving a faster-than-light motion to illustrate the peculiarities of the emitted energy fluxes and quantum correlations.

Objectives: The mesothelium, the surface layer of the heart, lung, bowel, liver and tunica vaginalis, is a complex tissue implicated in organ-specific diseases and regenerative biology; however, the mechanism of mesothelial repair after surgical injury is unknown. Previous observations indicated seeding of denuded mesothelium by free-floating mesothelial cells may contribute to mesothelial healing. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of mesothelial cells in pleural fluid during the 7 days following pulmonary surgery. Study design: Flow cytometry was employed to study pleural fluid of 45 patients after lung resection or transplantation. We used histologically validated mesothelial markers (CD71 and WT1) to estimate the prevalence of mesothelial cells. Results: The viability of pleural fluid cells approached 100%. Leukocytes and mesothelial cells were identified in the pleural fluid within the first week after surgery. The leukocyte concentration was relatively stable at all time points. In contrast, mesothelial cells, identified by CD71 and WT1 peaked on POD3. The broad expression of CD71 molecule in postoperative pleural fluid suggests that many of the free-floating non-leukocyte cells were activated or proliferative mesothelial cells. Conclusion: We demonstrated that pleural fluid post lung surgery is a source of mesothelial cells; most of these cells appear to be viable and, as shown by CD71 staining, activated mesothelial cells. The observed peak of mesothelial cells on POD3 is consistent with a potential reparative role of free-floating mesothelial cells after pulmonary surgery.

Pulmonary “air leaks,” typically the result of pleural injury caused by lung surgery or chest trauma, result in the accumulation of air in the pleural space (pneumothorax). Air leaks are a major source of morbidity and prolonged hospitalization after pulmonary surgery. Previous work has demonstrated structural heteropolysaccharide (pectin) binding to the mouse pleural glycocalyx. The similar lectin-binding characteristics and ultrastructural features of the human and mouse pleural glycocalyx suggested the potential application of these polymers in humans. To investigate the utility of pectin-based, we developed a simulacrum using freshly obtained human pleura. Pressure-decay leak testing was performed with an inflation maneuver that involved a 3 second ramp to a 3 second plateau pressure; the inflation as completely abrogated after needle perforation of the pleura. Using non-biologic materials, pressure-decay leak testing demonstrated an exponential decay with a plateau phase in materials with a Young’s modulus less than 5. In human pleural testing, the simulacrum was used to test the sealant function of four mixtures of pectin-based polymers. A 50% high-methoxyl pectin and 50% carboxymethylcellulose mixture demonstrated no sealant failures at transpleural pressures of 60 cm H(2)0. In contrast, pectin mixtures containing 50% low-methoxyl pectin, 50% amidated low-methoxyl pectins, or 100% carboxymethylcellulose demonstrated frequent sealant failures at transpleural pressures of 40–50 cm H(2)O (p

Disability and Vocational Rehabilitation in Rural Settings is an exceptionally timely, unique, and comprehensive body of work that was created to ultimately help persons with disabilities and their family members living in underserved and rural geographic areas of the United States as well as internationally. This text brings renewed interest to the complex interplay of the unique cultural differences that challenge persons with disabilities who are disadvantaged on so many different levels politically and economically, especially in mental and physical healthcare, accessibility to services, and government entitlement programs that assist individuals and families transitioning in and out of poverty. Counselor educators and researchers, preprofessional rehabilitation counselors, and others in the related counseling professions will easily recognize this material as a highly respected body of work. Clearly, this text has been handcrafted by a group of expert authors that have a unique point of view to offer the rehabilitation counseling and related counseling professions.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is a public law that combines job-training programs under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 into a single funding stream. A key part of this Act is the requirement for a state workforce development plan, describing how it will furnish employment, training, support, and placement services. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the implications of workforce development for rural areas and its potential impact on persons with disabilities. Attention is given to the subgroups that are specifically identified in WIOA, including at-risk youth and veterans including veterans with disabilities and homeless veterans. Finally, this chapter includes discussion on the benefits of WIOA to persons with disabilities in rural settings.

Challenges to rural communities in Canada do not solely fall on the reduction of agriculturally based industries but the lack of educational opportunities and attainment of its citizens, high percentage of unskilled workers, poorer health conditions in comparison to their urban counterpart, barriers to transportation, higher proportion of adults age 65 and over, and extreme weather conditions. Rural regions of Canada have a shortage of healthcare and human service providers because of a lack of equitable distribution. Canada is made up of provinces and territories with various core themes that affect rural settings. In this chapter, we explore the conditions affecting rural Canada and discuss implications and recommendations for the rehabilitation counseling professional.

Rural communities have an unwritten but lived protocol of self-sufficiency, independence, and autonomy. Historically, residents of rural communities have always demonstrated resilience and strength through economic downturns, natural disasters, and demographic shifts. This chapter reviews the characteristics of rural communities: its people, values and beliefs, and “rural code” of behavior. The intent is to discuss the positive aspects of rural culture and value from a strength-based approach, as well as the concerns of the social conditions of resilience.

The geographical attributes of rural, frontier, and territory communities present transportation and mobility challenges depending on what part of the country individuals reside, particularly for those with disabilities in the rural United States. The chapter addresses geographical topography factors in relation to inclement climate and weather patterns pertaining to the unique barriers faced by those with disabilities. The intent is to identify strategies of how these barriers can be addressed by vocational rehabilitation counselors in service delivery.

This study examined 420 veterans and service members to assess their receptiveness toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Overall findings indicated veterans and service members did not have adequate knowledge of all CAM techniques; however, only 12.8% of respondents indicated disinterest in participating in CAM after being given a brief description of the benefits of specific alternative medicine techniques. Furthermore, the perceptions and preferences among the participants were examined in relation to receiving counseling. Subsequently, differences in gender, presence of a mental health diagnosis, mood difficulties (e.g., quick to get angry), area of life difficulties (e.g., isolation from friends and family), education, ethnicity, and time since discharge were examined to assess for predictive factors that may contribute to interest in engaging in CAM. Implications for rehabilitation practice, education, and research are discussed.

The axial connective tissue system is a fiber continuum of the lung that maintains alveolar surface area during changes in lung volume. Although the molecular anatomy of the axial system remains undefined, the fiber continuum of the lung is central to contemporary models of lung micromechanics and alveolar regeneration. To provide a detailed molecular structure of the axial connective tissue system, we examined the extracellular matrix of murine lungs. The lungs were decellularized using a 24 hr detergent treatment protocol. Systematic evaluation of the decellularized lungs demonstrated no residual cellular debris; morphometry demonstrated a mean 39 ± 7% reduction in lung dimensions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated an intact structural hierarchy within the decellularized lung. Light, fluorescence, and SEM of precision-cut lung slices demonstrated that alveolar duct structure was defined by a cable line element encased in basement membrane. The cable line element arose in the distal airways, passed through septal tips and inserted into neighboring blood vessels and visceral pleura. The ropelike appearance, collagenase resistance and anti-elastin immunostaining indicated that the cable was an elastin macromolecule. Our results indicate that the helical line element of the axial connective tissue system is composed of an elastin cable that not only defines the structure of the alveolar duct, but also integrates the axial connective tissue system into visceral pleura and peripheral blood vessels.

A variety of diseases can lead to loss of lung tissue. Currently, this can be treated only symptomatically. In mice, a complete compensatory lung growth within 21 days after resection of the left lung can be observed. Understanding and transferring this concept of compensatory lung growth to humans would greatly improve therapeutic options. Lung growth is always accompanied by a process called angiogenesis forming new capillary blood vessels from preexisting ones. Among the processes during lung growth, the formation of transluminal tissue pillars within the capillary vessels (intussusceptive pillars) is observed. Therefore, pillars can be understood as an indicator for active angiogenesis and microvascular remodelling. Thus, their detection is very valuable when aiming at characterization of compensatory lung growth. In a vascular corrosion cast, these pillars appear as small holes that pierce the vessels. So far, pillars were detected visually only based on 2D images. Our approach relies on high-resolution synchrotron microcomputed tomographic images. With a voxel size of 370 nm we exploit the spatial information provided by this imaging technique and present the first algorithm to semiautomatically detect intussusceptive pillars. An at least semiautomatic detection is essential in lung research, as manual pillar detection is not feasible due to the complexity and size of the 3D structure. Using our algorithm, several thousands of pillars can be detected and subsequently analysed, e.g. regarding their spatial arrangement, size and shape with an acceptable amount of human interaction. In this paper, we apply our novel pillar detection algorithm to compute pillar densities of different specimens. These are prepared such that they show different growing states. Comparing the corresponding pillar densities allows to investigate lung growth over time.

In most mammals, removing one lung (pneumonectomy) results in the compensatory growth of the remaining lung. In mice, stereological observations have demonstrated an increase in the number of mature alveoli; however, anatomic evidence of the early phases of alveolar growth has remained elusive. To identify changes in the lung microstructure associated with neoalveolarization, we used tissue histology, electron microscopy, and synchrotron imaging to examine the configuration of the alveolar duct after murine pneumonectomy. Systematic histological examination of the cardiac lobe demonstrated no change in the relative frequency of dihedral angle components (Ends, Bends, and Junctions) ( P > 0.05), but a significant decrease in the length of a subset of septal ends (“E”). Septal retraction, observed in 20–30% of the alveolar ducts, was maximal on day 3 after pneumonectomy ( P < 0.01) and returned to baseline levels within 3 wk. Consistent with septal retraction, the postpneumonectomy alveolar duct diameter ratio (Dout:Din) was significantly lower 3 days after pneumonectomy compared to all controls except for the detergent-treated lung ( P < 0.001). To identify clumped capillaries predicted by septal retraction, vascular casting, analyzed by both scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron imaging, demonstrated matted capillaries that were most prominent 3 days after pneumonectomy. Numerical simulations suggested that septal retraction could reflect increased surface tension within the alveolar duct, resulting in a new equilibrium at a higher total energy and lower surface area. The spatial and temporal association of these microstructural changes with postpneumonectomy lung growth suggests that these changes represent an early phase of alveolar duct remodeling.

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and hemodynamic performance of the 3f Enable (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) sutureless bioprosthesis in the early postoperative period. Its implantation technique was also evaluated highlighting the modifications in regard to the original technique and mistakes made throughout the learning curve. Methods This is a prospective, nonrandomized study. From February 2011 to March 2014, a total of 60 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with the 3f Enable valve at the Hospiten Rambla. All intraoperative and postoperative data were prospectively collected. Results The mean age was 81.3 ± 3.78 years. Mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation I was 13.78%. An associated concomitant procedure was performed in 23 patients (38.3%). The extracorporeal circulation and crossclamping times were 49.8 ± 15.7 minutes and 35.4 ± 8.9 minutes, respectively. The average stay in the intensive care unit was 34.7 hours. Mean systolic pressure gradients ranged from 8.01 mm Hg (size 19 valve) to 7.2 mm Hg (size 25 valve). Mean effective orifice area ranged from 1.9 cm 2 (size 19 valve) to 2.5 cm 2 (size 25 valve). Severe mismatch ( 2 /m 2 ) did not occur in any patient. Only 1.66% of patients had more than mild aortic insufficiency at discharge. The early (30-day) mortality was 6.6% (n = 4). Conclusions The 3f Enable bioprosthesis is an important alternative to conventional prostheses, with reduction of surgery times and good hemodynamic results on discharge. It is especially useful for high-risk patients and octogenarians. Studies on a greater number of patients and long-term follow-ups are necessary.

This study examined the educational experiences and preferences of 215 current military and veteran students regarding their viewpoints of outside support toward their education, university support, classroom experiences and preferences, views of instructor and student interactions, and perceptions of being a military student in comparison with civilian students. The presence of current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms was assessed as well as the frequency of symptoms in the classroom. Results indicated that about two thirds of military and veteran students indicated current physical and emotional difficulties. However, symptoms in the classroom were generally experienced infrequently. Military student viewpoints are presented in each of the five domains, and significant differences based on gender, combat experience, and time since discharge are discussed. Implications for rehabilitation counselors working with veterans are noted.

Pleural injury and associated air leaks are a major influence on patient morbidity and healthcare costs after lung surgery. Pectin, a plant-derived heteropolysaccharide, has recently demonstrated potential as an adhesive binding to the glycocalyx of visceral mesothelium. Since bioadhesion is a process likely involving the interpenetration of the pectin-based polymer with the glycocalyx, we predicted that the pectin-based polymer may also be an effective sealant for pleural injury. To explore the potential role of an equal (weight%) mixture of high-methoxyl pectin and carboxymethylcellulose as a pleural sealant, we compared the yield strength of the pectin-based polymer to commonly available surgical products. The pectin-based polymer demonstrated significantly greater adhesion to the lung pleura than the comparison products (p 0.05). In 7-day survival experiments, the application of the pectin-based polymer after pleural injury was associated with no observable toxicity, 100% survival (N = 5), and restored lung function. We conclude that this pectin-based polymer is a strong and nontoxic bioadhesive with the potential for clinical application in the treatment of pleural injuries.