Dalhousie University

About: Dalhousie University is a education organization based out in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 25660 authors who have published 58465 publications receiving 2082403 citations. The organization is also known as: Dalhousie College & The Governors of Dalhousie College and University.

Spinal cholinergic interneurons regulate the excitability of motoneurons during locomotion

Abstract: To effect movement, motoneurons must respond appropriately to motor commands. Their responsiveness to these inputs, or excitability, is regulated by neuromodulators. Possible sources of modulation include the abundant cholinergic "C boutons" that surround motoneuron somata. In the present study, recordings from motoneurons in spinal cord slices demonstrated that cholinergic activation of m2-type muscarinic receptors increases excitability by reducing the action potential afterhyperpolarization. Analyses of isolated spinal cord preparations in which fictive locomotion was elicited demonstrated that endogenous cholinergic inputs increase motoneuron excitability during locomotion. Anatomical data indicate that C boutons originate from a discrete group of interneurons lateral to the central canal, the medial partition neurons. These results highlight a unique component of spinal motor networks that is critical in ensuring that sufficient output is generated by motoneurons to drive motor behavior.

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor, in the treatment of psoriasis: a Phase 2b randomized placebo-controlled dose-ranging study.

Abstract: Summary Background Tofacitinib is a novel, oral Janus kinase inhibitor under investigation as a potential treatment for plaque psoriasis. Objectives This Phase 2b, 12-week, dose-ranging study (A3921047, NCT00678210) aimed to characterize the exposure–response, efficacy and safety of tofacitinib vs. placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods One hundred and ninety-seven patients were randomized. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) score at week 12. Results At week 12, PASI 75 response rates were significantly higher for all tofacitinib twice-daily groups: 25·0% (2 mg; P < 0·001), 40·8% (5 mg; P < 0·0001) and 66·7% (15 mg; P < 0·0001), compared with placebo (2·0%). Significant increases in the proportion of PASI 75 responses were seen by week 4 and were maintained at week 12. Exposure–response over the 0–15 mg tofacitinib twice-daily dose range was successfully characterized. PASI 50, PASI 90 and Physician’s Global Assessment response rates were also higher for tofacitinib vs. placebo. The most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) were infections and infestations: 22·4% (2 mg twice daily), 20·4% (5 mg twice daily), 36·7% (15 mg twice daily) and 32·0% (placebo). Discontinuations due to AEs were 6·0%, 2·0%, 4·1% and 6·1% of patients in the placebo, and 2, 5 and 15 mg twice-daily tofacitinib groups, respectively. Dose-dependent increases from baseline in mean serum high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, and decreases in haemoglobin and neutrophils were observed. Conclusion Short-term treatment with oral tofacitinib results in significant clinical improvement in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and is generally well tolerated.

"What We Breathe Impacts Our Health: Improving Understanding of the Link between Air Pollution and Health"

Abstract: Air pollution contributes to the premature deaths of millions of people each year around the world, and air quality problems are growing in many developing nations. While past policy efforts have succeeded in reducing particulate matter and trace gases in North America and Europe, adverse health effects are found at even these lower levels of air pollution. Future policy actions will benefit from improved understanding of the interactions and health effects of different chemical species and source categories. Achieving this new understanding requires air pollution scientists and engineers to work increasingly closely with health scientists. In particular, research is needed to better understand the chemical and physical properties of complex air pollutant mixtures, and to use new observations provided by satellites, advanced in situ measurement techniques, and distributed micro monitoring networks, coupled with models, to better characterize air pollution exposure for epidemiological and toxicological research, and to better quantify the effects of specific source sectors and mitigation strategies.

Human dimensions of Marine Protected Areas

Abstract: Charles, A., and Wilson, L. 2009. Human dimensions of Marine Protected Areas. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 6-15.Planning, implementing, and managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) requires that attention be paid not only to the biological and oceanographic issues that influence the performance of the MPA, but equally to the human dimensions: social, economic, and institutional considerations that can dramatically affect the outcome of MPA implementation. This paper explores ten human dimensions that are basic to the acceptance and ultimate success of MPAs: objectives and attitudes, “entry points” for introducing MPAs, attachment to place, meaningful participation, effective governance, the “people side” of knowledge, the role of rights, concerns about displacement, MPA costs and benefits, and the bigger picture around MPAs. These people-orientated factors and their impact on the success and effectiveness of MPAs are examined in relation to experiences with MPAs globally, and in relation to two Canadian examples specifically, one coastal (Eastport, Newfoundland) and the other offshore (the Gully, Nova Scotia).