Goodmanbeier2714

The mere perception of manipulable objects usually grasped with a power-grip (e.g., an apple) or a precision-grip (e.g., a cherry) potentiate power-grip- and precision-grip-responses, respectively. This effect is seen as to be driven by automatic access of the representation of manipulable objects that includes a motor representation of usually performed grasping behaviors (i.e., the embodied view). Nevertheless, a competing account argues that this effect could be due to an overlapping of size codes used to represent both manipulable objects and response options. Indeed, objects usually grasped with a power- and a precision-grip (e.g., an apple vs. a cherry) could be coded as large- and small-objects, respectively; and power- and precision-grip responses as large- and small-responses, respectively. We conducted 4 experiments to test this hypothesis. In Experiment 1, the response device usually used in studies reporting a potentiation effect is fixed horizontally (the grasping component of responses was removbehaviors as advocated in several embodied views. Moreover, data support the possibility that responses are coded thanks to a size code that extends the Theory of Event Coding.Sphingosine kinase (SphK) is primarily responsible for the production of Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) that plays an important role in many biological and pathobiological processes including cancer, inflammation, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Most research has focused on developing inhibitors of SphK1 rather than inhibitors of the other isoform SphK2 which has great importance in several pathophysiologic pathways. Exploration of new analogues for improving the potency and selectivity of SphK2 inhibitors is critical. We now have designed, synthesized, and evaluated eighteen new 1,2,3-triazole analogues for their SphK2 inhibitory activity using a ADP-Glo kinase assay, and explored their in vivo anti-tumor bioactivity. Several compounds including 21c, 21e, 21g, 25e-h, 29a-c have high selectivity for SphK2 over SphK1; compound 21g displayed the highest potency with an IC50 value of 0.23 μM. In addition, three compounds 21a, 21b, and 25b have high anti-tumor activity against U-251 MG human glioblastoma cells. Molecular modeling study was performed to elucidate the polar head group and 1,2,3-triazole pharmacophore impact on the SphK2 selectivity.The positive clinical effects caused by skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth or after repeated skin-to-skin contact of premature infants (kangaroo care) or fullterm infants are well documented in the literature. However, information regarding the physiological mechanisms mediating these effects are surprisingly scarce and incomplete. In this article the oxytocinergic system and the cutaneous sensory pathways by which the oxytocinergic system is activated in response to skin-to-skin contact are presented in more detail. In addition, we discuss how the effects of skin-to-skin treatment can be attributed to different aspects of the effect spectrum of the oxytocinergic or calm and connection system. The structure of the oxytocinergic system, comprising the peripheral (circulating, hormonal) and the central (neurotransmitter) components, as well as, the pathways and mechanisms by which these functions are coordinated are described. Also the various effects induced by the oxytocinergic system (the calm and he HPA-axis and the sympathetic nervous system probably involving alpha 2-adrenoceptors. read more It is of clinical importance to be aware of the mechanisms by which skin-to-skin contact induces short and longterm positive effects in parents and newborns. If ward routines are adapted to ascertain a maximal stimulation of these mechanisms, the function of the oxytocinergic system will be optimized, which will be linked to a better clinical outcome for parents and newborns.

Vitamin K may play a potential role in bone metabolism, although further evidence is needed. The mechanisms behind its skeletal effects and optimum intake for maintaining bone health remain poorly defined. To elucidate these two issues, we investigated the association between circulating vitamin K

(phylloquinone) concentrations with fracture risk, bone mineral density (BMD), hip geometry and plasma dephospho-uncarboxylated-Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP), an extra-hepatic vitamin K dependent protein (VKDP), in post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMO).

We studied 374 women aged (mean [SD]) 68.7[12.3] years with PMO. Information including demographics, lifestyle habits and previous fractures was captured through a questionnaire. Serum was analysed for vitamin K

. BMD at the lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN) (n=277) and hip structural analysis (HSA) parameters (n=263) were derived from DXA scans. VKDPs including undercarboxylated prothrombin (PIVKA-II) and dp-ucMGP were measured in a sub-gro measures of bone quality.

Our data suggest that the positive effect of vitamin K on fracture risk may be related to its effects on bone strength. Higher concentrations of serum vitamin K1 may be required for vitamin K's skeletal effects compared to coagulation. Further prospective or interventional studies are needed for confirmation and should include measures of bone quality.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) participates in phosphate, calcium and vitamin D metabolism. In children these interactions and modifying factors are largely unknown.

This study evaluates temporal changes and modifiers of FGF23 concentrations from 12 to 24months, in healthy children, participating in a randomized vitamin D intervention (VIDI). Participants received vitamin D

of 10 or 30μg/day from age 2weeks to 24months. At 12 and 24months, growth measurements and venous blood samples were obtained for analyses of intact (iFGF23) and C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, iron and ferritin. Changes in FGF23 and modifying factors were examined by linear mixed models.

The study included 594 infants. Girls had higher iFGF23 than boys (p<0.001 for both 12 and 24months), cFGF23 did not differ between the sexes. Adjusted mean iFGF23 decreased from 41.4 to 38.1pg/mL in boys (p<0.001) and from 45.2 to 42.5pg/mL in girls (p=0.002). Adjusted mean cFGF23 decreased from 2.