Relaxin-1–deficient mice develop an age-related progression of renal fibrosis

Relaxin-1–deficient mice develop an age-related progression of renal fibrosis.BackgroundRelaxin (RLX) is a peptide hormone that stimulates the breakdown of collagen in preparation for parturition and when administered to various models of induced fibrosis. However, its significance in the aging kidney is yet to be established. In this study, we compared structural and functional changes in the kidney of aging relaxin-1 (RLX-/-) deficient mice and normal (RLX+/+) mice.MethodsThe kidney cortex and medulla of male and female RLX+/+ and RLX-/- mice at various ages were analyzed for collagen content, concentration, and types. Histologic analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of relaxin and relaxin receptor mRNA expression, receptor autoradiography, glomerular isolation/analysis, and serum/urine analysis were also employed. Relaxin treatment of RLX-/- mice was used to confirm the antifibrotic effects of the peptide.ResultsWe demonstrate an age-related progression of renal fibrosis in male, but not female, RLX-/- mice with significantly (P < 0.05) increased tissue dry weight, collagen (type I) content and concentration. The increased collagen expression in the kidney was associated with increased glomerular matrix and to a lesser extent, interstitial fibrosis in RLX-/- mice, which also had significantly increased serum creatinine (P < 0.05) and urinary protein (P < 0.05). Treatment of RLX-/- mice with relaxin in established stages of renal fibrosis resulted in the reversal of collagen deposition.ConclusionThis study supports the concept that relaxin may provide a means to regulate excessive collagen deposition during kidney development and in diseased states characterized by renal fibrosis

What is the meaning of paid employment for well-being?:A focus group study on differences and similarities between autistic adults with and without employment

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to explore the meaning of work for the subjective well-being of autistic adults with and without paid (competitive) employment and to evaluate the differences and similarities between these groups.MethodsEight focus groups were conducted, including a total of 64 autistic adults. Four groups entailed participants with current paid employment (including part-time) and four groups entailed participants without paid employment. All discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim to enable inductive thematic content analysis. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 9.ResultsGenerally, both groups viewed paid employment as very important for well-being, albeit for different reasons. Three themes were found: (1) Not having paid employment was associated with lacking societal recognition, and subsequent low self-esteem, which was a dominant theme in those without work; (2) Work can seriously damage (mental) health and well-being, found in both groups; and (3) Paid employment provides many benefits for well-being, with subthemes: 'purpose,' 'social contacts,' 'growth and use of talents,' 'structure and calmness,' and 'income and freedom', which was a dominant theme in those with paid employment.ConclusionsBoth groups found paid employment highly important for their well-being, albeit for different reasons. However, both also agreed that paid employment can be very harmful to (mental) health and well-being. Suitable, well-supported jobs are important for well-being, may help to buffer stress in other life areas, and may even prevent autistic burnout. More studies are needed on how healthy jobs can be created where autistic individuals get positive energy and experience high well-being. This will also help to reduce socio-economic inequality.</p

Barriers to and facilitators for finding and keeping competitive employment:A focus group study on autistic adults with and without paid employment

PurposeThe aim of the study was to gain more insight into barriers to and facilitators for finding and keeping competitive employment for autistic adults. Research questions were: (1) What barriers and facilitators do autistic adults report in finding and keeping competitive employment?; and (2) What are differences and similarities between autistic adults with and without paid employment regarding barriers and facilitators for sustainable employment?MethodsEight focus groups were conducted (N = 64 autistic adults). Four groups included only participants without paid employment (N = 24), and four groups consisted exclusively of participants with current paid employment (including part-time, N = 40). All discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim to enable inductive thematic content analysis. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 9.ResultsTen themes and thirty-four subthemes were found. Many were interconnected. Themes facilitating sustainable employment included a positive workplace atmosphere, a supportive supervisor, being able to do work that aligns with interests and talents, favorable physical working conditions, coaching, higher self-insight, higher self-esteem, and proactivity. Most themes and subthemes emerged from both groups. Differences between the groups were that those with paid employment seemed to have experienced more friendly workplaces and supervisors, had received better coaching in finding and keeping employment, had higher self-insight and higher self-esteem, were more assertive and proactive.ConclusionsAs many (sub-)themes were interrelated, the results suggest that to improve work participation, particularly two key areas are promising: (1) to realize more friendly, well-being oriented and inclusive workplaces, and (2) to increase autistic adults’ self-insight into personal needs for positive wellbeing and self-knowledge regarding talents, wishes and well-being boundaries

Archeologisch onderzoek Markgraven te Almelo : inventariserend veldonderzoek

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Archeologisch onderzoek Oude Deldenseweg 11a Enter : inventariserend veldonderzoek

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Inventariserend Veldonderzoek - GRONTMIJ ARCHEOLOGISCHE RAPPORTEN 882

Uit het bureauonderzoek is gebleken dat de archeologische verwachting voor het plangebied hoog is. Er kunnen archeologische resten verwacht worden die dateren vanaf de Steentijd tot en met de Nieuwe Tijd. De archeologische waarden worden direct onder het esdek en de overgang van het esdek naar de C-horizont verwacht. Uit het veldonderzoek is gebleken dat de bodem in het plangebied bestaat uit een hoge zwarte enkeerdgrond van lemig fijn zand (eenheid zEZ23) waarvan de E- en B-horizont is verdwenen. Dit duidt op een verstoring van het bodemprofiel. Er zijn tijdens het veldonderzoek geen primaire archeologische indicatoren waargenomen

Archeologisch onderzoek Klomperweg 175 te Lunteren : inventariserend veldonderzoek

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