ABSTRACT
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water conducting membrane integral protein channel which is widely expressed in the astrocyte system of the brain. During the development of the AQP4 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent [11C]TGN-020 (N-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)pyridine-3-[11C]-carboxamide), significant radioligand uptake was observed in the skull, where there was no known distribution of any aquaporin family proteins. Herein we confirmed via a newly developed method for bone-tissue immunohistology, a hitherto unrecognized distribution of AQP4, and not AQP1, in the skull. Other bony structures, by contrast, showed virtually no uptake of [11C]TGN-020, and likewise, do not express either AQP4 or AQP1. Immunohistological analysis demonstrated that the AQP4 expression in the skull is restricted to the diploë. Consequently, we suspect AQP4 plays a pivotal role in the formation and maintenance of yellow marrow and the diploë. However, elucidating the exact nature of that role will require further studies.
ABSTRACT
This study examined the diagnosis, race, age, and conviction offenses of those using walking canes at California Medical Facility through a random review of 40 charts and 40 conviction folders. Motivating factors were concern about the potential for misuse of canes as weapons and a desire to further understand the clinical challenges faced by patients. Findings suggest that walking canes are most often prescribed for neurological or musculoskeletal problems, sometimes are prescribed with no apparent indication, and are more readily prescribed to violent offenders. Beyond their weight-bearing medical function, it is possible that canes bear cultural significance in prison culture, perhaps symbolizing pugnacious independence. The anthropological literature on aggression, interpersonal violence, and weapon use is explored to help understand the racial variation in use of fighting accoutrements in prison settings.
