University of Calgary

About: University of Calgary is a education organization based out in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 44284 authors who have published 104970 publications receiving 3669161 citations. The organization is also known as: U of C & UCalgary.

Cerebral Microglia Recruit Monocytes into the Brain in Response to Tumor Necrosis Factorα Signaling during Peripheral Organ Inflammation

Abstract: In inflammatory diseases occurring outside the CNS, communication between the periphery and the brain via humoral and/or neural routes results in central neural changes and associated behavioral alterations. We have recently identified another immune-to-CNS communication pathway in the setting of organ-centered peripheral inflammation: namely, the entrance of immune cells into the brain. In our current study, using a mouse model of inflammatory liver injury, we have confirmed the significant infiltration of activated monocytes into the brain in mice with hepatic inflammation and have defined the mechanism that mediates this trafficking of monocytes. Specifically, we show that in the presence of hepatic inflammation, mice demonstrate elevated cerebral monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 levels, as well as increased numbers of circulating CCR2-expressing monocytes. Cerebral recruitment of monocytes was abolished in inflamed mice that lacked MCP-1/CCL2 or CCR2. Furthermore, in mice with hepatic inflammation, microglia were activated and produced MCP-1/CCL2 before cerebral monocyte infiltration. Moreover, peripheral tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α signaling was required to stimulate microglia to produce MCP-1/CCL2. TNFα signaling via TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) is required for these observed effects since in TNFR1 deficient mice with hepatic inflammation, microglial expression of MCP-1/CCL2 and cerebral monocyte recruitment were both markedly inhibited, whereas there was no inhibition in TNFR2 deficient mice. Our results identify the existence of a novel immune-to-CNS communication pathway occurring in the setting of peripheral organ-centered inflammation which may have specific implications for the development of alterations in cerebral neurotransmission commonly encountered in numerous inflammatory diseases occurring outside the CNS.

Rethinking research methods for the resource‐based perspective: isolating sources of sustainable competitive advantage

Abstract: An exploration of traditional perspectives and contemporary propositions regarding sustainable competitive advantage points to the conclusion that the locus of advantage is located specifically within organizational effects. The key issue emerges that research investigating sources of sustainable competitive advantage must be done not only on organizations but also in organizations. The fallout from this conclusion is, however, that the research methodologies traditionally used in strategy research will not unambiguously uncover these sources of sustainable advantage. Using organizational culture as an example of a possible source of sustainable advantage within a resource-based paradigm, a four-step research framework is suggested for isolating these organizational effects. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A review of rapid prototyping technologies and systems

Abstract: Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) technologies have emerged for quickly creating 3D products directly from computer-aided design systems. These technologies significantly improve the present prototyping practices in industry. This paper reviews the main technologies and applications of RP&M. The principles and the features of those RP&M technologies are presented. Some existing problems and research issues on these new technologies are introduced. We also include two current research and application examples in using rapid prototyping for further illustration.

Prognosis for long-term survival and renal recovery in critically ill patients with severe acute renal failure: a population-based study

Abstract: Severe acute renal failure (sARF) is associated with considerable morbidity, mortality and use of healthcare resources; however, its precise epidemiology and long-term outcomes have not been well described in a non-specified population. Population-based surveillance was conducted among all adult residents of the Calgary Health Region (population 1 million) admitted to multidisciplinary and cardiovascular surgical intensive care units between May 1 1999 and April 30 2002. Clinical records were reviewed and outcome at 1 year was assessed. sARF occurred in 240 patients (11.0 per 100,000 population/year). Rates were highest in males and older patients (≥65 years of age). Risk factors for development of sARF included previous heart disease, stroke, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, connective tissue disease, chronic renal dysfunction, and alcoholism. The annual mortality rate was 7.3 per 100,000 population with rates highest in males and those ≥65 years. The 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year case-fatality rates were 51%, 60%, and 64%, respectively. Increased Charlson co-morbidity index, presence of liver disease, higher APACHE II score, septic shock, and need for continuous renal replacement therapy were independently associated with death at 1 year. Renal recovery occurred in 78% (68/87) of survivors at 1 year. sARF is common and males, older patients, and those with underlying medical conditions are at greatest risk. Although the majority of patients with sARF will die, most survivors will become independent from renal replacement therapy within a year.

Access to Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Suspected Sleep Apnea

Abstract: Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Respiratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pneumology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Universite Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; and Department of Respiratory Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia