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Selected AbstractsGlucose-responsive insulin-producing cells from stem cellsDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 6 2002David J. Kaczorowski Abstract Recent success with immunosuppression following islet cell transplantation offers hope that a cell transplantation treatment for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes may be possible if sufficient quantities of safe and effective cells can be produced. For the treatment of type 1 diabetes, the two therapeutically essential functions are the ability to monitor blood glucose levels and the production of corresponding and sufficient levels of mature insulin to maintain glycemic control. Stem cells can replicate themselves and produce cells that take on more specialized functions. If a source of stem cells capable of yielding glucose-responsive insulin-producing (GRIP) cells can be identified, then transplantation-based treatment for type 1 diabetes may become widely available. Currently, stem cells from embryonic and adult sources are being investigated for their ability to proliferate and differentiate into cells with GRIP function. Human embryonic pluripotent stem cells, commonly referred to as embryonic stem (ES) cells and embryonic germ (EG) cells, have received significant attention owing to their broad capacity to differentiate and ability to proliferate well in culture. Their application to diabetes research is of particular promise, as it has been demonstrated that mouse ES cells are capable of producing cells able to normalize glucose levels of diabetic mice, and human ES cells can differentiate into cells capable of insulin production. Cells with GRIP function have also been derived from stem cells residing in adult organisms, here referred to as endogenous stem cell sources. Independent of source, stem cells capable of producing cells with GRIP function may provide a widely available cell transplantation treatment for type 1 diabetes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] DO WOLBACHIA- ASSOCIATED INCOMPATIBILITIES PROMOTE POLYANDRY?EVOLUTION, Issue 1 2008Fleur E. Champion de Crespigny The genetic incompatibility avoidance hypothesis as an explanation for the polyandrous mating strategies (mating with more than one male) of females of many species has received significant attention in recent years. It has received support from both empirical studies and a meta-analysis, which concludes that polyandrous females enjoy increased reproductive success through improved offspring viability relative to monandrous females. In this study we investigate whether polyandrous female Drosophila simulans improve their fitness relative to monandrous females in the face of severe Wolbachia- associated reproductive incompatibilities. We use the results of this study to develop models that test the predictions that Wolbachia should promote polyandry, and that polyandry itself may constrain the spread of Wolbachia. Uniquely, our models allow biologically relevant rates of incompatibility to coevolve with a polyandry modifier allele, which allows us to evaluate the fate of the modifier and that of Wolbachia. Our empirical results reveal that polyandrous females significantly reduce the reproductive costs of Wolbachia, owing to infected males being poor sperm competitors. The models show that this disadvantage in sperm competition can inhibit or prevent the invasion of Wolbachia. However, despite the increased reproductive success obtained by polyandrous females, the spread of a polyandry modifier allele is constrained by any costs that might be associated with polyandry and the low frequency of incompatible matings when Wolbachia has reached a stable equilibrium. Therefore, although incompatibility avoidance may be a benefit of polyandry, our findings do not support the hypothesis that genetic incompatibilities caused by Wolbachia promote the evolution of polyandry. [source] The Deciduous Forest , Boreal Forest EcotoneGEOGRAPHY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 7 2010David Goldblum Ecotones have been subject to significant attention over the past 25 years as a consensus emerged that they might be uniquely sensitive to the effects of climate change. Most ecotone field studies and modeling efforts have focused on transitions between forest and non-forest biomes (e.g. boreal forest to Arctic tundra, forest to prairie, subalpine forests to alpine tundra) while little effort has been made to evaluate or simply understand forest,forest ecotones, specifically the deciduous forest , boreal forest ecotone. Geographical shifts and changes at this ecotone because of anthropogenic factors are tied to the broader survival of both the boreal and deciduous forest communities as well as global factors such as biodiversity loss and dynamics of the carbon cycle. This review summarizes what is known about the location, controlling mechanisms, disturbance regimes, anthropogenic impacts, and sensitivity to climate change of the deciduous forest , boreal forest ecotone. [source] Rational Design of Conjugated Polymer Supramolecules with Tunable Colorimetric ResponsesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2009Dong June Ahn Abstract Polydiacetylenes (PDAs), a family of highly ,-conjugated polymers, have unique characteristics associated with their ability to self-assemble. Disruption of the extensively delocalized enyne backbones of molecularly ordered PDA sidechains induces a blue-to-red color change, which has been elegantly applied in the design of chemosensors. Recently, colorimetrically reversible PDAs have received significant attention, not only to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of PDA chromism, but also to develop methodologies to overcome limitations associated with their colorimetrically irreversible counterparts. In this article, recent progress made in the field of colorimetrically tunable (reversible, stable, or sensitive) PDAs is described. Major emphasis is given to rational design strategies developed in our group. Relevant mechanistic investigations, a diagnostic method to test colorimetric reversibility, as well as future challenges in this area will be also discussed. [source] Designed Fabrication of Silica-Based Nanostructured Particle Systems for Nanomedicine Applications,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 23 2008Yuanzhe Piao Abstract Suitably integrating multiple nanomaterials into nanostructured particle systems with specific combinations of properties has recently attracted significant attention in the research community. In particular, numerous particle systems have been designed and fabricated by integrating diverse materials with monodispersed silica nanoparticles. One or more distinct nanomaterials can be assembled on, encapsulated within, or integrated both inside and on the surface of silica nanoparticles using different chemistries and techniques to create multifunctional nanosystems. Research on these particle systems for biomedical applications has progressed rapidly during recent years due to the synergistic advantages of these complexes compared to the use of single components. This feature article surveys recent research progress on the fabrication strategies of these nanoparticle systems and their applications to medical diagnostics and therapy, thereby paving the way for the emerging field of nanomedicine. [source] Inter- and intra-observer reliability of radiographic scores commonly used for the evaluation of haemophilic arthropathyHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 3 2008M. SILVA Summary., Although the severity of haemophilic arthropathy is commonly assessed using established radiographic scoring systems, there is limited available information about their inter- and intra-observer reliability. The purpose of the present study was to establish the inter-observer reliability (IEOR) and intra-observer reliability (IAOR) of three different methods available for the classification of haemophilic arthropathy, including the Arnold and Hilgartner classification, a modification to the Arnold and Hilgartner system described by Luck et al., and the classification described by Pettersson et al. Antero-posterior and lateral radiographs of 54 haemophilic joints were included for the analysis. To determine the IEOR for each one of the three radiographic systems, the radiographs were randomly evaluated by four observers, including two orthopaedic surgeons, one orthopaedic resident and one haematologist. For the determination of IAOR, all four reviewers repeated the assessment in a similar fashion, after a period of at least 2 weeks. IEOR and IAOR for the three classification systems was established using kappa (,) statistics. A Spearman rank correlation was used to determine the similarities between each reviewer's own interpretative scales. The IEOR was low for the Arnold and Hilgartner system (, = 0.35, P , 0.001) and the Luck system (, = 0.38, P , 0.001), but even lower for the Pettersson system (, = 0.06, P = 0.1). For the Pettersson system, particularly low , values were observed for the presence or absence of osteoporosis (, = 0.11, P = 0.0027), enlarged epiphysis (, = 0.10, P = 0.0039), erosion of joint margins (, = 0.11, P = 0.0018), and joint deformity (, = 0.16, P = 0.00001). However, a relatively high Spearman rank correlation for all three scales [rs = 0.75 (P < 0.001) for Arnold and Hilgartner system, rs = 0.74 (P < 0.001) for the Luck system and rs = 0.81 (P < 0.001) for Pettersson system] indicated an overall, general agreement among the reviewers with regard to the severity of the haemophilic arthropathy. There was a moderate IAOR value for both, the Arnold and Hilgartner system (, = 0.57, P = 0.00001) and the Luck system (, = 0.62, P = 0.00001) with a low IAOR value for the Pettersson system [, = 0.22, P = 0.00001). Currently available radiographic scoring systems for haemophilic arthropathy have low inter- and intra-observer reliability rates. Improvements, either through education or modification of the scoring systems, are critical in an era where correlations between clinical and radiographic scores have received significant attention. [source] Decoupling and balancing of space and time errors in the material point method (MPM)INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 10 2010Michael Steffen Abstract The material point method (MPM) is a computationally effective particle method with mathematical roots in both particle-in-cell and finite element-type methods. The method has proven to be extremely useful in solving solid mechanics problems involving large deformations and/or fragmentation of structures, problem domains that are sometimes problematic for finite element-type methods. Recently, the MPM community has focused significant attention on understanding the basic mathematical error properties of the method. Complementary to this thrust, in this paper we show how spatial and temporal errors are typically coupled within the MPM framework. In an attempt to overcome the challenge to analysis that this coupling poses, we take advantage of MPM's connection to finite element methods by developing a ,moving-mesh' variant of MPM that allows us to use finite element-type error analysis to demonstrate and understand the spatial and temporal error behaviors of MPM. We then provide an analysis and demonstration of various spatial and temporal errors in MPM and in simplified MPM-type simulations. Our analysis allows us to anticipate the global error behavior in MPM-type methods and allows us to estimate the time-step where spatial and temporal errors are balanced. Larger time-steps result in solutions dominated by temporal errors and show second-order temporal error convergence. Smaller time-steps result in solutions dominated by spatial errors, and hence temporal refinement produces no appreciative change in the solution. Based upon our understanding of MPM from both analysis and numerical experimentation, we are able to provide to MPM practitioners a collection of guidelines to be used in the selection of simulation parameters that respect the interplay between spatial (grid) resolution, number of particles and time-step. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Bayesian meta-modelling of engineering design simulations: a sequential approach with adaptation to irregularities in the response behaviourINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 15 2005A. Farhang-Mehr Abstract Among current meta-modelling approaches, Bayesian-based interpolative methods have received significant attention in the literature. These methods are particularly known for their capability to adapt to the response function behaviour in order to generate good meta-models with fewer experiments. Current Bayesian adaptation techniques, however, are mainly based on the assumption that some variables are more important (or sensitive) than others. These less sensitive variables are weighted less or ignored to reduce the dimension of the design space. This assumption limits the scope and applicability of these models since in many practical cases none of the variables can be completely ignored or weighted less than others. This paper proposes a pragmatic approach that identifies regions of the design space where more experiments are needed based on the response function behaviour. The proposed approach adaptively utilizes the information obtained from previous experiments, builds interim meta-models, and identifies ,irregular' regions in which more experiments are needed. The behaviour of the interim meta-model is then quantified as a spatial function and incorporated into the next stage of the design to sequentially improve the accuracy of the obtained meta-model. The performance of the new approach is demonstrated using a numerical and an engineering example. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Blocking performance of fixed-paths least-congestion routing in multifibre WDM networksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 2-3 2002Ling Li Abstract Wavelength-routed all-optical networks have been receiving significant attention for high-capacity transport applications. Good routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) algorithms are critically important in order to improve the performance of wavelength-routed WDM networks. Multifibre WDM networks, in which each link consists of multiple fibres and each fibre carries information on multiple wavelengths, offer the advantage of reducing the effect of the wavelength continuity constraint without using wavelength converters. A wavelength that cannot continue on the next hop on the same fibre can be switched to another fibre using an optical cross-connect (OXC) if the same wavelength is free on one of the other fibres. However, the cost of a multifibre network is likely to be higher than a single-fibre network with the same capacity, because more amplifiers and multiplexers/demultiplexers may be required. The design goal of a multifibre network is to achieve a high network performance with the minimum number of fibres. In this paper, we study the blocking performance of fixed-paths least-congestion (FPLC) routing in multifibre WDM networks. A new analytical model with the consideration of link-load correlation is developed to evaluate the blocking performance of the FPLC routing. The analytical model is a generalized model that can be used in both regular (e.g. mesh-torus) and irregular (e.g. NSFnet) networks. It is shown that the analytical results closely match the simulation results, which indicate that the model is adequate in analytically predicting the performance of the FPLC routing in different networks. Two FPLC routing algorithms, wavelength trunk (WT)-based FPLC and lightpath (LP)-based FPLC, are developed and studied. Our analytical and simulation results show that the LP-based FPLC routing algorithm can use multiple fibres more efficiently than the WT-based FPLC and the alternate path routing. In both the mesh-torus and NSFnet networks, limited number of fibres is sufficient to guarantee high network performance. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Rice bran protein-based edible filmsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Abayomi P. Adebiyi Summary The development of degradable and edible films from protein sources has drawn significant attention for the utilisation of natural resources as well as for the alleviation of the environmental burden. Rice bran protein (RBP) was applied to protein film preparation in this study. The protein solutions were casted on plastic tissue culture dishes with glycerol as a plasticiser after heat treatment. Functional properties of the films were then measured. The puncture strength (PS) of RBP films increased up to pH 8.0 and then decreased. PS of protein films depends on the degree of protein purity, quality and composition. Higher concentration of glycerol weakened the films. The pH affected the water solubility of RBP films and the films showed least solubility at pH 3.0. RBP could be utilised in the preparation of degradable protein-based films. The RBP-based film had functional properties comparable to those of the soy protein-based ones. [source] Entropy-based metrics in swarm clusteringINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, Issue 9 2009Bo Liu Ant-based clustering methods have received significant attention as robust methods for clustering. Most ant-based algorithms use local density as a metric for determining the ants' propensities to pick up or deposit a data item; however, a number of authors in classical clustering methods have pointed out the advantages of entropy-based metrics for clustering. We introduced an entropy metric into an ant-based clustering algorithm and compared it with other closely related algorithms using local density. The results strongly support the value of entropy metrics, obtaining faster and more accurate results. Entropy governs the pickup and drop behaviors, while movement is guided by the density gradient. Entropy measures also require fewer training parameters than density-based clustering. The remaining parameters are subjected to robustness studies, and a detailed analysis is performed. In the second phase of the study, we further investigated Ramos and Abraham's (In: Proc 2003 IEEE Congr Evol Comput, Hoboken, NJ: IEEE Press; 2003. pp 1370,1375) contention that ant-based methods are particularly suited to incremental clustering. Contrary to expectations, we did not find substantial differences between the efficiencies of incremental and nonincremental approaches to data clustering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Retention, Distribution, and Effects of Intraosseously Administered Ibandronate in the Infarcted Femoral Head,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2007James Aya-ay Abstract The local distribution, retention, and effects of intraosseous administration of ibandronate in the infarcted femoral heads were studied. Intraosseous administration effectively delivered and distributed ibandronate in the infarcted femoral heads and decreased the femoral head deformity in a large animal model of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Introduction: Bisphosphonate therapy has gained significant attention for the treatment of ischemic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (IOFH) because of its ability to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, which has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of femoral head deformity. Because IOFH is a localized condition, there is a need to explore the therapeutic potential of local, intraosseous administration of bisphosphonate to prevent the femoral head deformity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution, retention, and effects of intraosseous administration of ibandronate in the infarcted head. Materials and Methods: IOFH was surgically induced in the right femoral head of 27 piglets. One week later, a second operation was performed to inject 14C-labeled or unlabeled ibandronate directly into the infarcted head. 14C-ibandronate injected heads were assessed after 48 h, 3 weeks, or 7 weeks later to determine the distribution and retention of the drug using autoradiography and liquid scintillation analysis. Femoral heads injected with unlabeled ibandronate were assessed at 7 weeks to determine the degree of deformity using radiography and histomorphometry. Results: Autoradiography showed that 14C-Ibandronate was widely distributed in three of the four heads examined at 48 h after the injection. Liquid scintillation analysis showed that most of the drug was retained in the injected head, and almost negligible amount of radioactivity was present in the bone and organs elsewhere at 48 h. At 3 and 7 weeks, 50% and 30% of the 14C-drug were found to be retained in the infarcted heads, respectively. Radiographic and histomorphometric assessments showed significantly better preservation of the infarcted heads treated with intraosseous administration of ibandronate compared with saline (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides for the first time the evidence that local intraosseous administration is an effective route to deliver and distribute ibandronate in the infarcted femoral head to preserve the femoral head structure after ischemic osteonecrosis. In a localized ischemic condition such as IOFH, local administration of bisphosphonate may be preferable to oral or systemic administration because it minimizes the distribution of the drug to the rest of the skeleton and bypasses the need for having a restored blood flow to the infarcted head for the delivery of the drug. [source] Fibrous Dysplasia as a Stem Cell Disease,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue S2 2006Mara Riminucci Abstract At a time when significant attention is devoted worldwide to stem cells as a potential tool for curing incurable diseases, fibrous dysplasia of bone (FD) provides a paradigm for stem cell diseases. Consideration of the time and mechanism of the causative mutations and of nature of the pluripotent cells that mutate in early embryonic development indicates that, as a disease of the entire organism, FD can be seen as a disease of pluripotent embryonic cells. As a disease of bone as an organ, in turn, FD can be seen as a disease of postnatal skeletal stem cells, which give rise to dysfunctional osteoblasts. Recognizing FD as a stem cell disease provides a novel conceptual angle and a way to generate appropriate models of the disease, which will continue to provide further insight into its natural history and pathogenesis. In addition, skeletal stem cells may represent a tool for innovative treatments. These can be conceived as directed to alter the in vivo behavior of mutated stem cells, to replace mutated cells through local transplantation, or to correct the genetic defect in the stem cells themselves. In vitro and in vivo models are currently being generated that will permit exploration of these avenues in depth. [source] Evaluation of a novel Bacillus strain from a north-western Spain hot spring as a source of extracellular thermostable lipaseJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2009Francisco J. Deive Abstract BACKGROUND: Thermophilic microorganisms are receiving significant attention as a source of useful thermostable enzymes. However, the number of known strains is still limited, and very often their most interesting biocatalysts are intracellular or membrane-bound and produced at low levels. Thus, the isolation and study of novel extracellular enzyme-producing thermophilic microorganisms is very interesting. Moreover, the assessment of bioreactor performance is crucial, given the scarce information on the large-scale culture of these strains. RESULTS: The production of a thermostable extracellular lipase in submerged cultures of a thermophilic microorganism, recently isolated in north-west Spain, was investigated. The strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as belonging to genus Bacillus. The influence of operating variables (i.e. pH, temperature, aeration) on lipase biosynthesis was analysed. Enzyme production at bioreactor scale was investigated, special attention being paid to the effect of aeration and agitation rates. CONCLUSION: The best conditions for the studied process were determined in shake flasks as pH 7.0, 55 °C and high aeration levels. Also, the non-association between lipase production and cell growth was ascertained. The culture of this novel strain was successfully carried out in laboratory-scale bioreactors, thus proving its potential for further applications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Progranulin: normal function and role in neurodegenerationJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2008Jason L. Eriksen Abstract Progranulin (PGRN) is a multifunctional protein that has attracted significant attention in the neuroscience community following the recent discovery of PGRN mutations in some cases of frontotemporal dementia. Most of the pathogenic mutations result in null alleles, and it is thought that frontotemporal dementia in these families results from PGRN haploinsufficiency. The neuropathology associated with PGRN mutations is characterized by the presence of tau-negative, ubiquitin-immunoreactive neuronal inclusions (frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions) that are also positive for the transactivation response DNA binding protein with Mr 43 kD. The clinical phenotype includes behavioral abnormalities, language disorders and parkinsonism but not motor neuron disease. There is significant clinical variation between families with different PGRN mutations and among members of individual families. The normal function of PGRN is complex, with the full-length form of the protein having trophic and anti-inflammatory activity, whereas proteolytic cleavage generates granulin peptides that promote inflammatory activity. In the periphery, PGRN functions in wound healing responses and modulates inflammatory events. In the CNS, PGRN is expressed by neurons and microglia; consequently, reduced levels of PGRN could affect both neuronal survival and CNS inflammatory processes. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the molecular genetics, neuropathology, clinical phenotype and functional aspects of PGRN in the context of neurodegenerative disease. [source] Sexual dysfunction in dermatological diseasesJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 9 2009AT Ermertcan Abstract Decrease or loss of sexual function in many chronic diseases has recently attracted significant attention owing to its impact on quality of life. Generic and disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaires measure changes in work, school, social life and emotional status regarding the disease and its treatment. Specific questionnaires have been designed to evaluate changes in sexuality and sexual function. Sexual dysfunction, especially female sexual dysfunction, in different diseases became a popular and important health concern in recent years. There are a lot of studies about sexual dysfunction in the areas of other specialities of medicine, but there are only a few studies in dermatological diseases. In this paper, sexual dysfunction and the studies performed about this subject in dermatology will be reviewed. Conflict of Interest None declared. [source] Using the Computer to Compare Foreign and Native Language Writing Processes: A Statistical and Case Study ApproachMODERN LANGUAGE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2000Helga Thorson Writing process research has attracted significant attention in English composition studies. However, much less research exists on the relationship between foreign language (FL) and first language (L1) writing processes. This study focuses on whether university students studying a FL (in this case German) at an American university use the same processes and writing strategies in FL and L1 writing in two different genres (letter and article). Using a computerized tracking device, individual writing sessions were analyzed through statistical techniques and individual case studies. Statistical results provided evidence that students wrote less, but revised more, when writing in the FL than in the L1. In their L1, students tended to revise less in the letter genre than when writing an article. The author advocates using the computer for writing process research, given that it is an unobtrusive and efficient method of data collection and because it provides researchers with an easy way to replicate research and to share data. [source] Women With ADHD: It Is an Explanation, Not the Excuse Du JourPERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE, Issue 3 2010CNS-BC, Roberta Waite EdD PURPOSE., To call attention to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a psychiatric disorder that can limit women's potential and overall well-being. CONCLUSION., ADHD, a legitimate neurobiological disorder that is often hidden, ignored, or misdiagnosed among women, causes them to struggle in silence. Proper interventions for women with ADHD that provide significant attention to context mitigate challenges across psychological, academic, occupational, and social domains. This should amend the diagnosis du jour concept, thereby supporting mechanisms to improve early intervention and positive outcomes. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS., Primary care practitioners play a central role in recognition, intervention, and recovery of women with ADHD. [source] Design Strategies for the Multivariate Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control ChartQUALITY AND RELIABILITY ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2004Murat Caner Testik Abstract The multivariate exponentially weighted moving average (MEWMA) control chart has received significant attention from researchers and practitioners because of its desirable properties. There are several different approaches to the design of MEWMA control charts: statistical design; economic,statistical design; and robust design. In this paper a review and comparison of these design strategies is provided.Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] PSYCHOSOCIAL INVESTIGATION OF INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO THE EXPERIENCE OF OVINE JOHNE'S DISEASE IN RURAL VICTORIAAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2004Bernadette Hood Objective: This paper explores the psychosocial outcomes for individuals and communities in rural Victoria who experienced the outbreak of Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD). Design: The study uses a qualitative methodology to analyse the minutes of evidence provided by the inquiry into the control of OJD to identify the psychosocial events, experiences and outcomes associated with the control of this outbreak. The inquiry was undertaken by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Victorian State Government. Setting: Public hearings were undertaken by the committee across several rural Victorian communities and the state capital, Melbourne. Subjects: The transcripts detail 136 submissions from 98 individuals and 23 organisations. Outcome measures: The analysis aimed to provide insight into the impact of the disease on individuals and communities and also to explore the factors individuals perceived as associated with these outcomes. Results: While the paper identifies that aspects of stock loss associated with the outbreak caused substantial emotional and economic distress, for farmers the most significant finding was the impact of the government control program on individuals, families and rural communities. The control program was perceived as having very limited scientific credibility and its implementation was described as heartless, inflexible and authoritarian. Involvement with the program resulted in farmers reporting emotions, such as, trauma, shame, guilt and stigma. Families became discordant and the sense of community within rural townships fragmented. Psychological outcomes of grief, depression and anxiety emerged as prevalent themes within families and communities. Conclusions: These data highlight the need for significant attention to the management of rural disasters, such as, the OJD program. [source] Novel role for ,-adrenergic signalling in skeletal muscle growth, development and regenerationCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010James G Ryall Summary 1. In adult mammals, skeletal muscle mass is maintained through a precise balance of protein synthesis and protein degradation, whereas during development cellular (not protein) turnover predominates. When protein balance is shifted towards synthesis, skeletal muscle hypertrophy ensues. In contrast, increased protein degradation leads to skeletal muscle atrophy. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is among the best documented of the growth factors and regulates skeletal muscle mass by increasing protein synthesis and decreasing protein degradation. However, an IGF-I-independent growth pathway has been identified that involves the activation of ,-adrenoceptors and subsequent skeletal muscle growth, development and hypertrophy. 2. Although the importance of ,-adrenergic signalling in the heart has been well documented and continues to receive significant attention, it is only more recently that we have started to appreciate the importance of this signalling pathway in skeletal muscle structure and function. Studies have identified an important role for ,-adrenoceptors in myogenesis and work from our laboratory has identified a novel role for ,-adrenoceptors in regulating skeletal muscle regeneration after myotoxic injury. In addition, new data suggest that ,-adrenoceptors are markedly upregulated during differentiation of C2C12 cells. 3. It is now clear that ,-adrenoceptors play an important role in regulating skeletal muscle structure and function. Importantly, a clearer understanding of the pathways regulating skeletal muscle mass may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of muscle wasting disorders, including sarcopenia, cancer cachexia and the muscular dystrophies. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||