Genome-wide association and Mendelian randomisation analysis provide insights into the pathogenesis of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A small proportion of HF cases are attributable to monogenic cardiomyopathies and existing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have yielded only limited insights, leaving the observed heritability of HF largely unexplained. We report results from a GWAS meta-analysis of HF comprising 47,309 cases and 930,014 controls. Twelve independent variants at 11 genomic loci are associated with HF, all of which demonstrate one or more associations with coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation, or reduced left ventricular function, suggesting shared genetic aetiology. Functional analysis of non-CAD-associated loci implicate genes involved in cardiac development (MYOZ1, SYNPO2L), protein homoeostasis (BAG3), and cellular senescence (CDKN1A). Mendelian randomisation analysis supports causal roles for several HF risk factors, and demonstrates CAD-independent effects for atrial fibrillation, body mass index, and hypertension. These findings extend our knowledge of the pathways underlying HF and may inform new therapeutic strategies

Genome-Wide Association Study in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers Identifies Novel Loci Associated with Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk

BRCA1-associated breast and ovarian cancer risks can be modified by common genetic variants. To identify further cancer risk-modifying loci, we performed a multi-stage GWAS of 11,705 BRCA1 carriers (of whom 5,920 were diagnosed with breast and 1,839 were diagnosed with ovarian cancer), with a further replication in an additional sample of 2,646 BRCA1 carriers. We identified a novel breast cancer risk modifier locus at 1q32 for BRCA1 carriers (rs2290854, P = 2.7×10-8, HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.09-1.20). In addition, we identified two novel ovarian cancer risk modifier loci: 17q21.31 (rs17631303, P = 1.4×10-8, HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.17-1.38) and 4q32.3 (rs4691139, P = 3.4×10-8, HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.17-1.38). The 4q32.3 locus was not associated with ovarian cancer risk in the general population or BRCA2 carriers, suggesting a BRCA1-specific associat

Kinetic studies of POSS–DGEBA precursors derived from monoamine functional POSS using dynamic dielectric sensing and nuclear magnetic resonance

Incorporation of pre‐reacted monofunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)–epoxy adducts dramatically improves dispersion of POSS in epoxy–amine networks. The relationship between reaction kinetics and mechanism for formation of POSS–epoxy adducts versus reaction temperature was investigated. Reactivities of epoxy–monoamine functional POSS molecules were determined using in situ reaction monitoring by dynamic dielectric sensing and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. The amine‐functional POSS–epoxy isothermal reaction showed reduced reactivity due to reduced molecular mobility, that is, diffusion limitations. Kinetic parameters were determined by fitting 29Si NMR data to the model of Kamal that was extended to include diffusion. Fitting of this model to experimental data showed very good agreement over the entire conversion range for pre‐reaction between amine‐functionalized POSS and epoxy. An autocatalytic mechanism, the same as that for the neat epoxy–amine systems, was indicated. Gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate molecular weight evolution and morphology of final networks cured by 4,4′ diaminodiphenyl sulfone using pre‐reacted POSS–epoxy adducts. POSS aggregate size decreased with increased pre‐reaction temperature; more homogenous POSS dispersion was observed with higher pre‐reaction temperature. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that Tg of composites decreased slightly compared to that of the neat matrix and there appeared to be little change in microstructural heterogeneity

Farm management matters in 1987

3.00Available from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:8488.85(FMU-S--14) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

Management matters in 1989

3.00SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:8488.85(FMU-S--21) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Management matters in 1986

3.00Available from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:8488.85(FMU-S--10) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo