All posts by medical

Anatomy

Nervous system 6: the autonomic nervous system anatomy and function – Nursing Times

This article discusses the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for involuntary reactions such as heart rate, blood pressure and respiration.This is a Self-assessment article and comes with a self-assessment test.

NT Self-assessment articles offer bitesize CPD and are accompanied by multiple-choice assessments with feedback. Test yourself on this article or click here to choose other subjects from the Self-assessment archive.

This article the sixth in a series about the nervous system discusses the function of the autonomic nervous system, which is a component of the peripheral nervous system. It regulates involuntary processes including heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, body temperature, digestive processes and urinary functions. The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Citation: Bayram-Weston Z et al (2022) Nervous system 6: the autonomic nervous system anatomy and function. Nursing Times [online]; 118: 8.

Authors: Zubeyde Bayram-Weston is senior lecturer in biomedical science; Maria Andrade-Sienz is honorary associate professor in biomedical science; John Knight is associate professor in biomedical science; all at the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University.

The first article in this series introduced the nervous system, which comprises the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The next two articles focused on the CNS, and the following two on the PNS. This sixth and final article of the series continues to discuss the PNS, focusing on the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

As its name suggests, the ANS is primarily the self-regulating division of the nervous system. It consists of motor neurons that convey information from the spinal cord and brain stem to the cardiac tissues and multiple regions of smooth muscle and glandular epithelial tissue. In this way, the ANS regulates involuntary functions including:

Although the ANS is regarded as part of the PNS, it has active components that reside in both the CNS and the PNS.

The dendrites and neuronal cell bodies of some autonomic neurons are in the grey matter of the spinal cord or brain stem. Their axons extend from these structures and terminate in a ganglion, which is a collection of cell bodies outside the CNS. The peripheral autonomic nerves mainly carry efferent fibres. As shown in Fig 1, the motor component of the ANS consists of two neurons:

This organisation differs significantly from the somatic nervous system, where only a single motor neuron travels from the CNS to an innervated structure, such as a skeletal muscle, for example allowing one to wiggle a toe.

The ANS is separated both structurally and functionally into two divisions: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). When in balance, these two systems work together well in the body. However, they cannot both work at the same time: one must be switched off for the other to work (Kiernan and Rajakumar, 2014).

As discussed in the previous article in this series, the spinal cord consists of a roughly H-shaped area of grey matter surrounded by white matter; the autonomic areas are located in the lateral horn of the grey matter. The cardiovascular and respiratory centres are in the brain stem (in the reticular formation). Both the SNS and the PSNS are ultimately controlled and regulated by the hypothalamus, and the paraventricular nucleus is the key hypothalamic site for this control. Complex neural pathways within the CNS interconnect and relay information between the hypothalamus and sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

The SNS is so called because it acts in sympathy with the emotions. In association with rage or fear, the SNS triggers the stress response (fight or flight response), preparing the body for movement by causing increased heart and breathing rates, dilated pupils, slowed digestion, sweaty skin and increased blood flow to muscles. The SNS is therefore an energy-demanding system (VanPutte et al, 2017).

The sympathetic divisions cell bodies are located in the spinal cord, between the first thoracic region (T1) and the second lumbar region (L2); it is therefore also called the thoracolumbar division. The preganglionic axons of the SNS make synapses shortly after leaving the spinal cord in the sympathetic (paravertebral or sympathetic chain) ganglia. These preganglionic axons travel in a variety of ways:

If the preganglionic axons pass through the sympathetic chain ganglion and synapse in collateral ganglia (Fig 1c), these fibres are called splanchnic nerves. The splanchnic nerves contribute to the innervation of the internal organs and are named according to the region they are innervating. For example, those innervating the thorax and abdomen are named thoracic, lumbar or sacral splanchnic nerves. Those innervating the aorta are named after the branches the ganglions are closest to and named celiac, superior mesenteric or inferior mesenteric nerves.

Preganglionic sympathetic neurons that supply the adrenal medulla also travel in the splanchnic nerves and do not synapse before reaching the gland. Therefore, the secretory cells in the adrenal medulla are regarded as modified postganglionic neurons. Because preganglionic neurons axons are all myelinated, transmission of action potentials to the adrenal medulla is extremely quick and initiates the rapid release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are mediators of the stress response. This explains why being suddenly frightened triggers the sympathetic stress response almost instantly.

The PSNS counterbalances the sympathetic system. It initiates the rest and digest responses and causes the opposite effects to those of the SNS, including reduced heart and breathing rates, constricted pupils, and secretion by the salivary glands and many other organs of the digestive tract. While the SNS is energy-demanding, the PSNS conserves energy by promoting physiological effects associated with the resting state.

The neuron cell bodies of the PSNS are located in the cranial nerve nuclei and in the sacral region of the spinal cord (Fig 2); this division is therefore also known as the craniosacral division. Unlike in the SNS, in the PSNS the preganglionic fibres travel close to the organ they innervate before making synapses with relatively short postganglionic neurons. The dendrites and cell bodies of parasympathetic postganglionic neurons are in the parasympathetic ganglia (terminal ganglia). These are near the effector they innervate, and their short axons spread out into the walls of the organs. As a result, each parasympathetic postganglionic neuron synapses to a single effector, for example innervation of the lacrimal glands or salivary glands (Patton and Thibodeau, 2016).

Parasympathetic fibres arising from the brain stem travel to viscera of the head, thorax and abdomen, whereas parasympathetic fibres arising from the sacral region (S2, S3 and S4) run either separately or together with spinal nerves. The preganglionic fibres unite to form the pelvic nerve, which innervates the viscera of the pelvic cavity, such as the bladder, pelvic genital organs and part of the urethra.

Preganglionic parasympathetic fibres emerge in four cranial nerves:

Parasympathetic stimulation though the oculomotor nerve synapses in the ciliary ganglion (Fig 2). Postganglionic fibres innervate the smooth muscle sphincter of the pupil and the ciliary muscle to produce the accommodation reflex.

The facial nerve synapses in the:

The glossopharyngeal nerve synapses in the otic ganglion, which innervates the parotid salivary gland (Fig 2).

Strong parasympathetic stimulation though the vagus nerve reduces heart rate and cardiac output, lowering blood pressure and increasing secretion of digestive juices and insulin (Fig 2) (Thibodeau, 2018).

The physiological effects of autonomic stimulation depend on the nature of the receptors on the target cells. In addition, released neurotransmitters influence the action of the next cell. Drugs are available that either induce or suppress sympathetic or parasympathetic activity. This can be achieved using:

Sympathetic preganglionic fibres and parasympathetic preganglionic and postganglionic fibres release acetylcholine (Fig 3); this is the same neurotransmitter released by somatic efferent neurons. These fibres are characterised as cholinergic, because they release acetylcholine. Most sympathetic postganglionic fibres release norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and therefore are referred to as adrenergic (Fig 3). Only a few sympathetic postganglionic fibres release acetylcholine, such as those that innervate the sweat glands (Marieb and Hoehn, 2018).

Broadly, two major types of adrenergic receptor are recognised: the and receptors (Fig 3). Cells of the effector organs may have only one or both types. The adrenergic receptors are subdivided according to the action produced 1 adrenergic activity is associated with excitation or stimulation, whereas 2 adrenergic activity is associated with inhibition or relaxation. Most adrenergic receptors on effector organs belong to the 1 class. The receptors are also subdivided 1 receptors increase heart rate and contractility and cause the release of renin from the kidney, while 2 receptors assist all remaining effects of the receptors.

Norepinephrine stimulates all 1 and 1 receptors and only certain 2 receptors. The main response to norepinephrine is stimulation of 1 adrenergic receptors that cause vasoconstriction (blood vessel narrowing). In response to vasoconstriction in the extremities, norepinephrine sends blood to essential organs such as the brain and heart. It also creates greater resistance for the heart to beat against, thereby increasing blood pressure. If blood pressure drops dangerously low, norepinephrine can be used to return it to normal.

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is produced in the adrenal glands and stimulates all four types of receptor; it induces general vasodilation due to most of the receptors in the muscle vasculatures. In effect, epinephrine directly activates and upregulates the SNS (McCorry, 2007).

Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors are the two main types of cholinergic receptors, and both are activated by acetylcholine. However, nicotinic receptors are present on the plasma membrane of chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland and the motor endplate (neuromuscular junctions), whereas muscarinic receptors present on the plasma membrane of all effectors, including cardiac muscle, smooth muscle and glands. Although the same neurotransmitter binds to both types of receptor, the mechanism of action is different in each (McCorry, 2007).

Many organs are innervated by both the SNS and the PSNS (Fig 2), but the two divisions generally cause opposite responses. For example, in the small intestine the SNS reduces peristalsis and the PSNS increases peristalsis. However, there are exceptions. For example, peripheral vascular resistance is increased dramatically by sympathetic action but not altered by parasympathetic action.

The SNS favours body function that can support energetic physical activity, whereas the PSNS regulates body function that can conserve and restore energy (Table 1). The effects of sympathetic stimulation are longer-lasting and more widespread than those of parasympathetic stimulation.

Generally, sympathetic stimulation promotes responses that protect the body, for example increased blood glucose levels, temperature and blood pressure. In emergency situations, a general and widespread response of the sympathetic system occurs. Regulation of vasomotor tone is considered the single most important function of the sympathetic nervous system (Thibodeau, 2018).

Increased parasympathetic activity promotes rest and digestion. It is characterised by reduced heart rate and enhanced organ function, especially in the digestive system. Stimulation of the vagus nerve in the gastrointestinal tract increases peristalsis and secretion and relaxes the sphincters. Activation of the PSNS in the head provided by the oculomotor, facial and glossopharyngeal nerves causes pupil constriction, tear secretion and increased salivary gland secretion. Stimulation of the sacral division of the PSNS contracts the urinary bladder and assists the process of genital erection (Fig 2) (Tortora and Derrickson, 2014).

Most blood vessels involved in the control of blood pressure are innervated by sympathetic fibres, so to decrease blood pressure, it is more important to block or paralyse the continuous discharge of the SNS than to promote the activity of the PSNS.

The variety and number of effectors innervated by the ANS means that autonomic disorders have diverse and widespread consequences. Autonomic dysfunction develops when the nerves of the ANS are damaged; this is known as autonomic neuropathy or dysautonomia. It can affect part of or the entire ANS and can range from mild to life-threatening.

People can experience different symptoms depending on the cause, and the effects may be mild to severe. Symptoms of an autonomic nerve disorder include:

Some patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus develop a condition called gastroparesis, in which damage to autonomic nerves leads to poor emptying of the stomach; food remains for long periods and begins to ferment.

Orthostatic (postural) hypotension is also often related to improper regulation of the ANS. This is a condition in which the body is affected by changes in position. After standing up suddenly from a sitting position, the blood pressure in the upper body (including the brain) is temporally reduced due to a shift of blood to the lower part of the body. This can cause dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sweating and fainting. Lying down improves symptoms. People with diabetes or syphilis often experience orthostatic hypotension, because these conditions cause damage to the sympathetic nerves (Siegel and Sapru, 2010). Orthostatic hypotension also becomes more common in old age, as the ANSs efficiency and ability to respond quickly decreases. It is therefore often recommended that older patients rise from chairs, beds and the toilet slowly to allow the age-compromised ANS time to respond.

Spinal shock can occur in response to physical damage to the spinal cord. Because the sympathetic nerves leave the spinal cord between T1 and L2, spinal shock causes a temporary suppression of all reflex activity below the level of injury. However, because the vagus nerve is a cranial nerve and not part of the spinal column, it is not affected. Spinal shock can last from a few hours to a few weeks (Atkinson and Atkinson, 1996).

Spinal shock may lead to a condition called neurogenic shock (vasogenic shock). This is a sudden loss of the sympathetic nerves system signals, and the critical features are:

Collectively, the drop in blood pressure and slowed heart rate quickly reduce blood flow to the brain, causing fainting (Fig 4).

This final article in the series about the CNS has explained that almost every organ system depends on ANS control through its two divisions. The SNS is referred to as the fight or flight division because it works under conditions of increased physical activity or stress. The PSNS is known as the rest and digest division, because it has more effect under conditions of rest.

References

Atkinson PP, Atkinson JL (1996) Spinal shock. Mayo Clinic Proceedings; 71: 4, 384-389.

Bayram-Weston Z (2020) The nervous system. In: Knight J et al (eds) Understanding Anatomy and Physiology in Nursing. Sage.

Dave S, Cho JJ (2022) Neurogenic Shock. StatPearls Publishing.

Huether SE, McCance KL (2017) Understanding Pathophysiology. Elsevier.

Kiernan JA, Rajakumar N (2014) Barrs the Human Nervous System: An Anatomical Viewpoint. Wolters Kluwer.

Marieb E, Hoehn K (2018) Human Anatomy and Physiology, Global Edition. Pearson.

McCorry LK (2007) Physiology of the autonomic nervous system. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education; 71: 4, 78.

Mtui E et al (2016) Fitzgeralds Clinical Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience. Elsevier.

Patton K, Thibodeau G (2016) The Human Body in Health and Disease. Elsevier.

Siegel A, Sapru HN (2010) Essential Neuroscience. Wolters Kluwer.

Thibodeau P (2018) Anthonys Textbook of Anatomy and Physiology. Elsevier.

Tortora GJ, Derrickson B (2014) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Wiley.

VanPutte CL et al (2017) Seeleys Anatomy and Physiology. McGraw-Hill.

Don't miss more great clinical content from Nursing TimesNT Bitesize learning videos helping you to organise learning to fit in with your scheduleClinical zones keep up to date with articles in your clinical subject or nursing role/settingCPD zone user-friendly online learning units on fundamental aspects of nursingJournal Club clinical articles with discussion handouts for participatory CPDPractical Procedures 'how to' guides and teaching materials for clinical proceduresSelf-assessment clinical articles with linked online assessments for bitesize CPDSystems of Life applied anatomy and physiology to support your practice

Originally posted here:
Nervous system 6: the autonomic nervous system anatomy and function - Nursing Times

Anatomy

1984, the year that changed everything: review of The Anatomy of Loss by Arjun Raj Gaind – The Hindu

A tale of the 1984 pogrom and survivors guilt, The Anatomy of Loss is raw and occasionally dramatic

A tale of the 1984 pogrom and survivors guilt, The Anatomy of Loss is raw and occasionally dramatic

It will soon be 40 years, yet the crucial events of 1984 the attack on the Golden Temple that was codenamed Operational Bluestar, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the call for a pogrom by Rajiv Gandhi, and the Sikh riots still remain amongst the pivotal moments that have shaped the history of independent India. For many of us now in our 40s-60s, there are many emotions involved: the horror of either losing loved ones or hearing the horrific stories of those who had; the feeling of abandonment of knowing that people elected to look after us had chosen to kill with impunity instead; and survivors guilt for those of us who heard the mobs braying on the roads of Delhi at night and woke each morning to a litany of deaths amongst their family and friends.

Perhaps why 1984 still resonates is because it wasnt an isolated incident. It was the result of 300 years of history. The Sikhs were amongst the few enemies that the British respected enough to induct into the British Indian army. As a result, despite the annexation of Punjab in 1849, many Sikhs chose to fight on the British side in 1857 and helped them win WWII.

Read | A searing look into the 1984 anti-Sikh riots

While the Sikhs accepted both keshdhari(with long hair) and sahajdhari(slow converts) as Sikhs, the British started counting them separately in their censuses. After 1849, they also allowed Sikh religious property to be registered in the name of the managers. This misuse of revenues caused major concern and, by 1920, militant reformers took matters into their own hands and began the forcible takeover of Sikh shrines. This created conflict with the law, and after many deaths, finally culminated in 1925 with the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, which provided an institutional framework for the Sikh communal consciousness and separatism from the Hindus that still continues.

A photo exhibition on the 1984 Sikh genocide, at Palika Park in Connaught Place, New Delhi| Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

The agitation also saw the formation of the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) and its political wing,theAkali Dal. Theformergot access totheleadership of the Sikh communityand the resources from religious properties, while the latterremained committed to the idea of a separate Sikh identity. This grew into the conflict that had one culmination in 1984.

Read |One Maharaja too many: a short story by Arjun Raj Gaind

The Anatomy of Loss is about this survivors guilt, as well as generational trauma that of the narrators and his grandfathers. It starts on October 31, 1984, when eight-year-old Himmat is visiting his maternal grandparents at their farm near Amritsar and Indira Gandhis death is announced. His grandfather, a well-known poet and professor named Gobind, immediately shaves his beard to hide his identity. That night, Gobinds best friend asks him to save his son who has been taken away by the police. Gobind refuses, but then decides to go the next morning and is taken into custody and tortured.

Anatomy of Loss

Arjun Raj Gaind

Bloomsbury

599

Worried about Himmat and his own safety, he refuses to save another boy being tortured by the police, and this sours the grandfathers and grandsons relationship to the extent that Himmat refuses to meet him ever again. But it also alienates Himmat from all sense of connection.

The second part of the book, post-1984, is more narrative, self-indulgent, and frankly dramatic like the parts where Himmat finds a copy of his grandfathers book dedicated to him in a bookshop at Heathrow, which the bookseller hands to him for free. But the parts about 1984 are gut-wrenching.Many are true incidents that we remember, like Usha Albuquerque breaking down on All India Radio. Ironically, however, much of the second half is also real. Gaind studied at SOAS in London and was almost recruited by youngsters trying to revive the idea of Khalistan (the book is heavily anti-Khalistan), but for me, the author, and the publishing house, its interesting that the horror of 1984 hangs over us like a miasma that is never to be let go off. Other pogroms have come and gone, but all of us who survived 1984 are still to make our peace with it.

Visit link:
1984, the year that changed everything: review of The Anatomy of Loss by Arjun Raj Gaind - The Hindu

Anatomy

Senior Lecturer Anatomy and Physiology job with UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE | 301696 – Times Higher Education

Location:ParkvilleRole type:Full time/ContinuingFaculty:Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesDepartment/School:Department of Anatomy and PhysiologySalary: Level C $135,032 - $155,698 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our campuses are situated, the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Peoples, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Dja Dja Wurrung People. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet and learn was the place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal, and that the local Aboriginal Peoples have had and continue to have a unique role in the life of these lands.

About the Department of Anatomy and Physiology

The Department is widely recognised for our innovation in teaching, both through the development of online resources and in the use of active learning approaches in face-to-face teaching. Constant review and refinement of the curriculum and educational methods ensures that we best prepare students for scientific independence as they enter graduate and postgraduate professional and research careers.

About the Role

The Department of Anatomy and Physiology is seeking to appoint a highly skilled and motivated Senior Lecturer who will develop and maintain a high-level research program in a field of muscle biology that is complementary to existing areas of research strength in the Department. The Department is particularly seeking expertise in the following areas as they relate to muscle biology: cell/molecular biology; stem and/or developmental biology; metabolism; and/or neurobiology. We particularly value contributions to interdisciplinary research, an innovative mindset, and high-quality research that has led to novel discoveries relevant to human health.

Responsibilities include:

About You

You will have a PhD in biomedical sciences or a related discipline with a demonstrated strong track record in performing independent and team-based research in an area of research as it relates to muscle biology.You are highly organised with excellent time management skills, and can simultaneously work on multiple tasks independently and be flexible and responsive to changing priorities.

You will also have:

About the University

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the leading universities in the world. We are proud of our people, our commitment to research and teaching excellence, and our global engagement.

Benefits of Working with Us

In addition to having the opportunity to grow and be challenged, and to be part of a vibrant campus life, our people enjoy a range of rewarding benefits:

To find out more, visithttps://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/staff-benefits.

Be Yourself

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, females, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please submit your application including a brief cover letter, your resume and your responses against the selection criteria^ (found in the Position Description) for the role.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go tohttp://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact us athr-talent@unimelb.edu.au

The University of Melbourne is required to comply with applicable health guidance and directions issued from the Victorian Health Minister. All University of Melbourne employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless an exemption order applies. Applicants must meet this requirement when submitting an application.

Applications close:17 Aug 2022 11:55 PMAUS Eastern Standard Time

See original here:
Senior Lecturer Anatomy and Physiology job with UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE | 301696 - Times Higher Education

Anatomy

Presented at SCCT – New Plaque Clinical Data Provides Additional Insights on Anatomy and Physiology in Clinical Decision Making for Patients -…

Get inside Wall Street with StreetInsider Premium. Claim your 1-week free trial here.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HeartFlow, Inc., the leader in revolutionizing precision heart care, released two datasets utilizing its HeartFlow AI-based Plaque technology* (referred in below as HeartFlow Plaque). The first dataset - HeartFlows largest study to date - studied over 11,800 patients and enables physicians to understand a patient's burden of coronary plaque compared to their age and sex-matched peers. The second dataset demonstrated that HeartFlow Plaque* may be a reasonable non-invasive alternative to invasive angiography for assessment of coronary plaque.1 Both studies were presented at the 17th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) in Las Vegas, NV, July 15-17th, 2022.

The Nomographic CT Quantitative Plaque Data from a Large International Population, presented by Georgios Tzimas, MD, University of British Columbia, Providence Health Care supported the clinical utility of being able to distinguish patients with high or low volumes of plaque across a population. HeartFlow Plaque* was applied to over 11,800 coronary computed tomography angiograms (CCTAs) and atherosclerotic plaque burden data were stratified by age and sex. Understanding how an individual patients plaque volume compares to that of the general population can provide context for physicians as they consider the best treatment plan for an individual patient. The information may also help motivate patients to adhere to recommended medications or lifestyle modifications.

The Quantitative Assessment Of AI-based CCTA Plaque Volume Compared With IVUS2 presentation by Kersten Petersen, PhD, Senior Manager, Research, showed that HeartFlow Plaque* agreed well with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measures of plaque volume (correlation coefficient of 0.92). This confirms that HeartFlow Plaque* from CCTA is accurate when compared to IVUS and shows a strong correlation across a wide range of plaque volumes and types. By accurately quantifying the amount of plaque present in a patients coronary arteries, physicians can be provided with meaningful quantitative plaque information from CT images.

Weve known for years that atherosclerosis and coronary risk are multifactorial, reflecting aspects both of plaque burden and composition, as well as physiological influences. Understanding both plaque burden and physiology are imperative to assessing patient risk and optimizing treatment plans for patients with coronary artery disease, said Campbell Rogers, MD, FACC, Chief Medical Officer, HeartFlow. The new data reflect the companys belief in the value of precise plaque information being additive to the critical physiological data we provide through FFRCT. We look forward to introducing HeartFlow Plaque* and working with physicians to understand better the interplay of plaque and physiology across the spectrum of coronary disease.

*Currently pending 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Not available for sale.

About the HeartFlow FFRct Analysis

Starting with a standard coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA), the HeartFlow Analysis leverages algorithms trained using deep learning (a form of AI) and highly trained analysts to create a digital, personalized 3D model of the heart. The HeartFlow Analysis then uses powerful computer algorithms to solve millions of complex equations to simulate blood flow and provides FFRct values along the coronary arteries. This information is used by physicians in evaluating the impact a blockage may be having on blood flow and determine the optimal course of treatment for each patient. A positive FFRct value (0.80) indicates that a coronary blockage is impeding blood flow to the heart muscle to a degree which may warrant invasive management.

Data demonstrating the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the HeartFlow Analysis have been published in more than 500 peer-reviewed publications, including long-term data out to five years.1 The HeartFlow Analysis offers the highest diagnostic performance available from a non-invasive test.3 To date, clinicians around the world have used the HeartFlow Analysis for more than 130,000 patients to aid in the diagnosis of heart disease.1

About HeartFlow Plaque* Overview

The HeartFlow Plaque* overview will provide plaque volume and characterize the type of plaque present. The HeartFlow Plaque* feature is based on a fully automated deep-learning (a form of AI) algorithm for characterizing and quantifying plaque. In an internal study, the HeartFlow Plaque* technology was found to be more reliable than expert CT readers in identifying different types of plaque and quantifying total plaque volume.4 By adding the plaque overview to the physiological information currently provided by the HeartFlow Analysis, physicians will gain a more comprehensive understanding of a patients coronary disease burden and support efficient risk stratification of patients who may be at high risk of death from a heart attack.

About HeartFlow

HeartFlow is the leader in revolutionizing precision heart care, uniquely combining human ingenuity with advanced technology. HeartFlows non-invasive HeartFlow FFRct Analysis leverages artificial intelligence to create a personalized three-dimensional model of the heart. Clinicians can use this model to evaluate the impact a blockage has on blood flow and determine the best treatment for individual patients. HeartFlows technology is reflective of our Silicon Valley roots and incorporates over two decades of scientific evidence with the latest advances in artificial intelligence. The HeartFlow FFRct Analysis is commercially available in the United States, UK, Europe and Japan. For more information, visit http://www.heartflow.com.

Contact

For Investors:Leigh Salvo or Jack DrooganGilmartin Group[emailprotected]

For Media:Linly KuHeartFlow[emailprotected]

Go here to see the original:
Presented at SCCT - New Plaque Clinical Data Provides Additional Insights on Anatomy and Physiology in Clinical Decision Making for Patients -...

Anatomy

‘Severance’ star Tramell Tillman has read what people write about his ‘anatomy’ on Reddit – Entertainment Weekly News

Severance star Tramell Tillman has read what people write on Reddit | EW.com Skip to content Top Navigation Close this dialog window Explore EW.com Close this dialog window Share & More Close this dialog window View image

Severance star Tramell Tillman has read what people write about his 'anatomy' on Reddit

this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.

See the original post here:
'Severance' star Tramell Tillman has read what people write about his 'anatomy' on Reddit - Entertainment Weekly News

Cell Biology

Beyond the Books at AU: Biology Major Follows Passion for Research With Internship at Avera Health – Augie

Augustana University student Vedant Thakkar 24, of Vadodara, India, is majoring in biology with concentrations in cell & molecular biology as well as minoring in chemistry. This summer, Thakkar is interning with Avera Health at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls. There, he is responsible for testing a therapy consisting of two novel drugs in breast cancer cell models observing their effects on the cancer cells individually and in a combination at various concentrations. Following his time at AU, Thakkar plans to earn a Ph.D. in cell & molecular biology and eventually become a research scientist.

Q: What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

A: Currently, I am serving as the co-president of the Cancer Awareness Club and involved as a volunteer with the Augustana Garden. Moreover, this year, I will be helping out incoming international students as an ACE ambassador!

Q: Where or how did you hear about Augustana?

A: I got an email from Wade Gemar 08, my admission counselor and one of the most amazing people I know!

Q: What is/are the reason(s) you chose to come to Augustana?

A: Three things made me choose Augie. Firstly, my admission counselor, Wade, was amazingly helpful and he answered all of my queries about Augustana and life as an international student in the United States. Also, I had reached out to the biology department with questions and I got a really good response. These two things strengthened my belief that at Augie, I would be able to access the resources I need and have support from a strong community. Lastly, I had a lengthy conversation with Kirtana Krishna Kumar 20. Her insight into the community around Sioux Falls, and the tremendous amount of opportunities this city has to offer in the biomedical industry, cemented my decision to attend Augustana.

Q: How did you get the internship? Did anyone help you? What did that journey look like?

A: I applied to this internship through the job search portal on Avera Healths website, based on the recommendation of my sister, Barsha Shah 23. I managed to successfully clear two interviews with the translational oncology department and was offered the position of student intern for Summer 2022. Ann Kolbrek, my career & academic planning (CAP) specialist, helped me in preparation for the interview by providing me with amazing tips and tools that highlighted my skills better. Also, I had constant support and advice from the faculty in the biology department, especially Dr. Jennifer A.A. Gubbels, my academic advisor.

Q: What do you like most about your internship?

A: There are a multitude of things that I absolutely love about my internship. I get the first-hand experience of seeing the bench-to-bed process of drug discovery and distribution. In addition to that, my internship is designed with several workshops that allow me to learn tools and access resources for academic and professional development. Finally, I am able to connect with some of the best scientific minds in the Midwest like my principal investigator, Pradip De, and fellow scientists, such as Nandini Dey, Jennifer Aske, Xiaoqian Lin and Adam Dale 19.

Q: What do you hope to learn/gain from the internship?

A: My previous experiences have prepared me for the professional corporate world. However, I want to utilize this internship to apply and refine the tools I have gained previously. Also, this internship is very hands-on and I bear the majority of the responsibility for my project. Hence, I will learn how to be more independent and accountable. Furthermore, the internship has pushed me to learn more in-depth about the concepts that I have learned in my classes at Augie. As a result, I am more intrigued by cell biology and I want to explore cancer biology a lot more!

Q: Why is experiential learning important for your future endeavors?

A: I believe that experiential learning is crucial for individual growth and success. My experiential learning experiences have allowed me to strengthen my core concepts which has yielded a stronger academic foundation on which I can grow and build my career. Moreover, I have learned a rare skill the ability to transfer academic knowledge into the practical world. Finally, this internship is allowing me to explore my interests in scientific research and discern what field of study in biology I want to pursue in my future education.

Overall, I believe that experiential learning will give me access to a unique portfolio of skills and experiences that will convert in the future into, hopefully, a lucrative career.

Q: How important is building relationships/connections?

A: To succeed in the corporate world, I strongly believe that networking and establishing solid connections is very crucial. Many of my past and current internship opportunities were results of connections with various health care professionals, especially in the scientific research realm, around Sioux Falls, and at Augustana. Also, having ample connections creates the possibility of wonderful collaborations, which can accelerate ones career goals.

Learn about the 2,000+ jobs and internships posted annually by the Augustana University Student Success Center at Augie Opportunities.

See the rest here:
Beyond the Books at AU: Biology Major Follows Passion for Research With Internship at Avera Health - Augie

Cell Biology

Discovered a mathematical principle that explains how cells connect with each other to form tissues and organs – EurekAlert

An international team of scientists has discovered a new mathematical principle that explains how cells connect with each other to form tissues, an important step forward in understanding how organs are formed during embryonic development and the pathologies associated with this process. The finding is led by the Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), a joint center of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Valencia (UV), and the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), the Virgen del Roco University Hospital, and the University of Seville.

The study, published in the prestigious journal Cell Systems, has been carried out using the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model, and may have future implications for the creation of artificial tissues and organs in the laboratory, a great challenge for Biology and Biomedicine.

In 2018, this team published an article in the journal Nature Communications, that had a great scientific and media impact, in which they demonstrated that epithelial cells can adopt a geometric shape during the formation of organs that had not been described until then: the scutoid.

"That the cells adopt this geometric shape is due to the energy savings that it entails when 'packaging' to form tissues when there is a certain level of curvature, for example when a fold is formed in a tissue", explains one of the authors who lead this work, Luisma Escudero, IBIS researcher. Our research represented an important paradigm shift, because until then epithelia had always been studied using mathematical concepts to describe their organization in two dimensions, something that is related to the connection between cells and how they communicate with each other to form these organs correctly".

However, we showed that epithelial cells can have complex three-dimensional shapes (scutoids), and cells and organs are indeed three-dimensional. In this article we consider whether there are mathematical and/or biophysical principles in 3D and, by combining experiments with fly tissues and computational models of tubular tissues, we have been able to develop a biophysical model that relates, for the first time, the geometry of the tissue and the physical properties of the cells with how they are connected to each other, says Escudero.

The key, the 'social relationships' of cells

Javier Buceta, I2SysBio researcher and co-leader of the study, establishes a simile to explain this new scientific advance, resorting to Anthropology. The anthropologist Robin Dunbar determined that human beings have an average of five close friends that are given by different social and personal factors. At the cellular level, our article has revealed that there is an 'equivalent' principle, concluding that the number of close 'neighbors' of a cell, that is, its 'close friends', is determined in this case by the geometry of the tissue and its energy relationships.

"Thus, taking into account a series of energetic, biological and geometric considerations, we have discovered that, for example, the more connections an epithelial cell has with others, the more energy it needs to establish new connections with other cells, while if it is little connected to other 'neighbors', the cell needs less energy to establish that link, highlights Buceta.

In this research, the scientists altered tissues, reducing adhesion between cells to put their model to test. "This makes the cellular organization to change, as it is easier, less costly in energy terms, for cells to make new contacts," says Buceta. The results of the experiments confirmed the quantitative principle proposed by the researchers.

The researchers point out that, by analyzing the behavior of tissues from the point of view of materials, other previous works have observed that their 'stiffness' depends on cellular connectivity. In this way, tissues can behave in a more or less viscous way, that is, more solid-like or more fluid-like. Our results quantitatively show how the geometry of the scutoids determines cellular connectivity and, therefore, how they can be a biological instrument to regulate the material properties of tissues and organs, conclude Escudero and Buceta.

In addition to the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville and the Institute of Integrative Systems Biology, researchers from the University of Seville, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of the Basque Country, among other institutions, have also participated in this work.

Observational study

Cells

Discovered a mathematical principle that explains how cells connect with each other to form tissues and organs

13-Jul-2022

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

Excerpt from:
Discovered a mathematical principle that explains how cells connect with each other to form tissues and organs - EurekAlert

Cell Biology

Ticks and Lyme Disease: USM Researchers Co-Author Paper That Examines microRNAs in Ticks – The University of Southern Mississippi

Thu, 07/14/2022 - 14:22pm | By: Ivonne Kawas

According to recent estimates reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of Lyme disease have rapidly increased in the United States to more than 476,000 annually, and healthcare-related costs exceed $1 billion annually.

Most cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. are due to the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto transmitted by bite of a black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis.

A research paper recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by researchers at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) opens up a new area of study: to explain the functional role of MicroRNAs (miRNAs)in tick biology and tick-pathogen-host interactions.

miRNAs, a small non-coding RNA molecule that contains 19-25 nucleotides in length that regulate posttranscriptional gene expression, are predicted to have a role in tick immunity and can aid scientists in understanding the process of how the disease is developed.

The lead author of this study, Dr. Deepak Kumar, postdoctoral researcher in USMs Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, and collaborators published new insights in the paper titled: Identification of microRNAs in the Lyme Disease VectorIxodes scapularis, as they examined the potential of manipulating the novel class of tick miRNAs.

The team of researchers note that miRNAs have tremendous potential to regulate cellular processes, including immune pathways within the tick to control bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections; however, there has been limited data on differentially expressed miRNAs in the black-legged tickafter infection withthe spirochete bacteria.

In the study, they identified that miRNAs differentially expressed in Borrelia burgdorferi-infected ticks. They explain that the potential of manipulating the novel class of tick miRNAs in the context of Borrelia transmission will likely aid in developing tick-borne pathogen control strategies that can pave the way to prevent or treat the infection.

Collaborators included Latoyia Downs, graduate student in USMs School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences; Dr. Monica Embers, associate professor of microbiology and immunology division of immunology at Tulane National Primate Research Center; and professors in USMs Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Dr. Alex Flynt and Dr. Shahid Karim.

The researchers sequenced, assembled, and annotated tick miRNAs, a key informative dataset enabling insights into molecular adaptations of Borrelia burgdorferi to survive in Ixodes scapularis. The team added >254 new and novel miRNAs to the existing database.

Tick-borne diseases are rising due to climatic changes and are predicted to increase, said co-author Dr. Karim. The increase in tick-borne diseases is a significant threat to public health in the absence of preventive measures. The field of tick miRNAs is primarily neglected and unexplored. This work is the tip of the iceberg, as it opens up a new avenue to exploit the full potential of miRNAs in ticks.

The International Journal of Molecular Sciencesis an international,peer-reviewed, open access journal providing an advanced forum for biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, molecular biophysics, molecular medicine, and all aspects of molecular research in chemistry, and is published semimonthly online by MDPI. Its affiliates include The Australian Society of Plant Scientists (ASPS), Epigenetics Society, European Calcium Society (ECS), European Chitin Society (EUCHIS), Spanish Society for Cell Biology (SEBC) and others.

The research was published in a special issue of the journal, Molecular Biology of Disease Vectors. Read the paper.

See more here:
Ticks and Lyme Disease: USM Researchers Co-Author Paper That Examines microRNAs in Ticks - The University of Southern Mississippi

Cell Biology

Research Assistant in the Division of Science Biology, Dr. Dan Ohtan Wang job with NEW YORK UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI | 300862 – Times Higher Education

Description

The Wang Neuroepitranscriptomics Laboratory in the Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, seeks to recruit a research assistant to work on projects focused on understanding RNA modification signaling pathways in the nervous system and their function in synaptic, neuronal and behavioral plasticity.

Research in the Wang Neuroepitranscriptomics laboratory focuses on the study of the neural mechanisms of dynamic RNA regulation and its role in regulating synaptic, neuronal and behavioral plasticity, using behavioral, biochemical, molecular and cell biology, fluorescence imaging, and next-generation sequencing methods. Central goals of the laboratory are the study of the neural mechanisms underlying dynamic RNA modifications upon cognitive development and decline. To achieve these objectives, research projects rely on genetically engineered mice models, behavioral analysis, molecular dissection, high-throughput sequencing, and cell biological approaches. Responsibilities of the research assistant include conducting literature reviews, maintaining colonies of laboratory mice, conducting behavioral and imaging data, programming experiments and data analysis routines, and training new lab members. The research assistant will also assist in drafting research reports for dissemination of research findings.

Applicants with a strong interest in understanding experience-driven gene-expression changes in neurons, good organization skills and communication skills are encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold a Bachelors/ Master's degree in Science or equivalent and prior experience in a lab setting. The ideal candidate will have basic programming experience with MATLAB, experience with genetically engineered mice and RNA sequencing data, and a background in experimental psychology or neuroscience. Organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.

The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and transportation allowances. Applications will be accepted immediately and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. To be considered, all applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, statement of past research activities, transcript and contact information for at least two references, all in pdf format. If you have any questions, please emailok2108@nyu.edu(Dan Ohtan Wang, laboratory PI).

About NYUAD

NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYUs global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.

EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Employer

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

For people in the EU, click here for information on your privacy rights under GDPR:www.nyu.edu/it/gdpr

NYU is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion.

Link:
Research Assistant in the Division of Science Biology, Dr. Dan Ohtan Wang job with NEW YORK UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI | 300862 - Times Higher Education

Cell Biology

Rutgers Scientist Who Researches the Sense of Smell Named Rita Allen Foundation Scholar – Rutgers University

Kevin Monahan will use award to extend his research into spinal cord injuries

Before the COVID-19 pandemic when losing the sense of smell and taste became a common sign of infection Kevin Monahan says most people took smell for granted.

Smell has really been underappreciated, said Monahan, an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. His research into our sense of smell earned him recognition as a 2022 Rita Allen Foundation Scholar.

It was not the focus of our attention like hearing and vision until COVID took the sense of smell and taste away from people and they realized how important it was to them, he said.

He is one of five scholars to earn this years award for early-career leaders in biomedical sciences whose research holds exceptional promise for revealing new pathways to advance human health. He joins a distinguished group of honorees who have made fundamental contributions to their fields and historically gone on to earn some of the most prestigious honors including the Nobel prize.

Monahan understands the importance of smell: the aroma of fresh-baked brownies that can bring back a pleasant childhood memory or the stink of garbage on a New York City Street that will turn the same nose up in disgust. He has spent years researching smell on the molecular level.

At Rutgers, the Monahan Lab studies just how the olfactory system or sense of smell can identify so many different scents, about one trillion for humans who have about 10 million nerve cells in their nose and 400 dedicated sense of smell genes.

While this biological interaction allows humans to smell pleasant and not-so-pleasant odors, each neuron has only one receptor that signals to the brain to identify whether it was stimulated by the smell of freshly mown grass or freshly brewed coffee.

Monahans research recognized by the Allen Foundation focuses on these specialized sensory cells high inside the nose that send messages to the brain to identify smell. Working with mice, his aim is to decipher the regulatory mechanism to determine how one gene is selected to stimulate the smell.

It gets really complicated because there are hundreds of different receptors and they are in one part of the nose, not the other, Monahan said.There are many complexities that we are just beginning to understand.

Monahans team is not only trying to identify the mechanism that makes this gene expression occur to understand the sense of smell on a molecular level more clearly, but to also to examine the implications the research may have on the nervous system in general.

Ive always been interested in understanding the diversity of cell types, the specialized cells that make the nervous system work and how you turn on the right genes to generate a different outcome, Monahan said.

He and the four other scholars from Harvard, Stanford, Columbia and Brown universities will receive grants of up to $110,000 annually for five years. They have been selected to conduct innovative research on critical topics in cancer, immunology and neuroscience.

The funding will be used to continue his research on how 3D DNA structures in the nucleus of cells impact gene regulation, while developing novel molecular tools to understand and analyze brain circuits and investigate the evolution of the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is responsible for language, memory, reasoning, thought, learning, decision-making, intelligence and personality.

Monahan says the funding from the Allen grant will enable him to build on what he has learned about how the brain works regarding the sense of smell and take his research on gene regulation in a new direction.

He plans to work with Victoria Abraira, an assistant professor of cell biology and neuroscience in the School of Arts and Sciences, who studies mice to understand what happens to the human spinal cord after injury, and whether the chronic pain state can change the nuclear structure of a cell.

My lab is really interested in how different types of cells in the nervous system respond to the environment, said Monahan. We want to know how does an injury with chronic pain change the neurons. To deal with these injuries, we need to have a better understanding of the cells in your spinal cord to determine what is going wrong and what needs to be done to fix it.

Read the original here:
Rutgers Scientist Who Researches the Sense of Smell Named Rita Allen Foundation Scholar - Rutgers University