The use of weather nowcasting convolutional neural network extrapolators in cardiac PET imaging.

Introduction: Algorithms to predict short-term changes in local weather modalities have been used in meteorology for many years. These algorithms predict the temporospatial change in the movement of weather patterns such as cloud cover or precipitation. This paper extends convolutional neural network models for weather prediction/nowcasting to predict evolution in the extrapolation of sequentially acquired count data seen with cardiac positron tomography (PET) data to expected value temporally rather than spatially.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Protects against Immune-Mediated Killing of Neurons in Culture and in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Several studies have reported that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). As MS is an inflammatory disorder with degeneration of axons and neurons, we examined whether the biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), could protect against the T cell-mediated killing of human neurons in culture, and the axonal loss seen in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Human neurons were exposed to activated human T lymphocytes and the loss of neurons was documented 24 hours later by counting the number of microtubule-associated protein-2 positive cells.

Stimulation of monocytes, macrophages, and microglia by amphotericin B and macrophage colony-stimulating factor promotes remyelination.

Approaches to stimulate remyelination may lead to recovery from demyelinating injuries and protect axons. One such strategy is the activation of immune cells with clinically used medications, since a properly directed inflammatory response can have healing properties through mechanisms such as the provision of growth factors and the removal of cellular debris. We previously reported that the antifungal medication amphotericin B is an activator of circulating monocytes, and their tissue-infiltrated counterparts and macrophages, and of microglia within the CNS.

Laquinimod reduces neuroaxonal injury through inhibiting microglial activation.

Objective: Laquinimod is an emerging oral medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) that reduces brain atrophy and progression of disability in two Phase III clinical trials. The mechanism of these effects is unclear. Persistent activation of microglia occurs in MS and contributes to injury.

Pocket pathologist: A mobile application for rapid diagnostic surgical pathology consultation.

Introduction: Telepathology allows the digital transmission of images for rapid access to pathology experts. Recent technologic advances in smartphones have allowed them to be used to acquire and transmit digital images of the glass slide, representing cost savings and efficiency gains over traditional forms of telepathology. We report our experience with developing an iPhone application (App - Pocket Pathologist) to facilitate rapid diagnostic pathology teleconsultation utilizing a smartphone.

Reduction of microglial activity in a model of multiple sclerosis by dipyridamole.

Background: Despite extensive and persistent activation of microglia in multiple sclerosis (MS), microglia inhibitors have not yet been identified for treatment of the disorder. We sought to identify medications already in clinical use that could inhibit the activation of microglia. On the basis of the reported inhibitory effects of dipyridamole on phosphodiesterase activity that result in the production of various anti-inflammatory outcomes, we selected it for study.

Structured approach to patients with memory difficulties in family practice.

Objective: To provide family physicians with a structured approach to patients presenting with memory difficulties.

Sources Of Information: The approach is based on an accredited memory clinic training program developed by the Centre for Family Medicine Memory Clinic in partnership with the Ontario College of Family Physicians.

Main Message: Use of a structured clinical reasoning approach can assist physicians in achieving an accurate diagnosis in patients presenting with memory difficulties.

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in demyelinated lesions impair remyelination.

Objective: Failure of remyelination is a critical impediment to recovery in multiple sclerosis (MS). Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) have been reported to accumulate in MS lesions, and we thus examined the functional roles of CSPGs on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), oligodendrocytes, and remyelination.

Methods: We evaluated the expression of CSPGs in lysolecithin-injected mouse spinal cord, an animal model of demyelination and spontaneous remyelination.

Predominance of Th2 polarization by vitamin D through a STAT6-dependent mechanism.

Background: Vitamin D has several reported immunomodulatory properties including the reduced generation of pro-inflammatory CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1) cells and the increase in levels of the anti-inflammatory Th2 subset. Less clear has been the impact of vitamin D on the pro-inflammatory Th17 subset, and whether and how vitamin D may preferentially drive the polarization of one of the T helper subsets.

Methods: Using human peripheral blood-derived mononuclear cells and mouse splenocytes and lymph node cells in culture, we examined whether and how vitamin D preferentially skews T cells towards the Th1, Th2 or Th17 subsets.

A quantitative analysis of suspected environmental causes of MS.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with purported environmental causes. Consistent correlations have been found in various settings for latitude, smoking exposure, sunlight, and vitamin D deficiency. We analysed the contribution of various environmental factors to the risk of developing MS from a population perspective.

Seasonal variation of maternal serum vitamin D in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Background: Research has suggested that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency is common at northern latitudes, and that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency may be common during pregnancy. We measured the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-[OH]D) status of pregnant women across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in both summer and winter to investigate seasonal differences, age associations, and differences in geospatial distribution across the province.

Methods: We uniformly and randomly sampled blood from pregnant women in each of 79 census consolidated subdivisions across Newfoundland and Labrador from January to March 2007 and from July to September 2007.

Vitamin D insufficiency common in newborns, children and pregnant women living in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor bone health, colorectal cancer, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Two national health-related societies in Canada have made recommendations for vitamin D supplementation, yet little research has been reported on the vitamin D status of Canadians. Lifestyle changes, such as sunscreen use, spending less time outdoors and insufficient intake of vitamin D-containing foods as well as northern latitude, may be affecting human vitamin D status.

The geospatial relation between UV solar radiation and type 1 diabetes in Newfoundland.

Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) has been previously associated with northern latitude and vitamin D insufficiency. This study investigates the geospatial association between average daily ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiance and T1DM across the province of Newfoundland (NL), Canada. NL has one of the highest documented incidences of T1DM worldwide.

Time series analysis of ultraviolet B radiation and type 1 diabetes in Newfoundland.

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been previously been associated with decreased levels of vitamin D. This study investigates the temporal association between average daily ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiance and T1DM in Newfoundland.

Methods: A complete list of patients diagnosed with T1DM in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador was constructed using multiple sources.

Very high and increasing incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Objective: To determine the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among children aged 0-14 yr inclusive in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).

Methods: Prospective and retrospective cohort study of the incidence of T1DM in children aged 0-14 yr from 1987 to 2005. Identified cases during this time period were ascertained from several sources and verified using the capture-recapture technique.

Observations on recent studies showing increased co-occurrence of autoimmune diseases.

The co-occurrence of autoimmune diseases has been epidemiologically studied and has aided in our understanding of autoimmunity. However, as new perspectives develop on the pathogenesis and natural history of autoimmune diseases, a refinement in the methodology for the study of the co-occurrence of disease is warranted in order to maximize the information that one may realize from such studies. This paper presents some recent results of co-occurrence studies and then proposes several refinements in the design of epidemiological studies in light of current understanding of the natural history of autoimmune diseases.