Bringing Southern Bluefin Tuna Back from the Brink: Enhancing Understanding of the Scientific Process in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission

The Commission of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western Pacific Ocean, or the WCPFC, manages fish stocks of significant financial and ecological value across a vast area of the Pacific Ocean. WCPFC members, however, have disagreed sharply over management measures for tuna, sharks, and other species. These disagreements have arisen due to ambiguous text in the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western Pacific Ocean regarding the roles of the Convention’s subsidiary bodies and providers of scientific advice. Some members argue that only the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-like Species in the North Pacific Ocean, or the ISC, and the Northern Committee may provide scientific and management advice for those fish stocks occurring north of twenty degrees north latitude. Other members, however, believe that the Convention’s Scientific Committee has the ultimate responsibility to provide advice to the WCPFC for all stocks. These institutional disagreements are having profound, adverse impacts on species. This Article concludes that the Convention grants the Scientific Committee the authority to review the assessments and other work of the providers of scientific information and make recommendations to the Commission concerning conservation and management of all stocks in the Convention Area. This gives the Scientific Committee the authority and the duty to review the ISC’s scientific advice and recommendations deriving from it. To clarify any ambiguity, this Article recommends that the WCPFC revise the rules of procedure of the Northern Committee, the memorandum of understanding between the WCPFC and the ISC, and the WCPFC’s resolution on best available science

A Microfluidic Platform for Precision Small-volume Sample Processing and Its Use to Size Separate Biological Particles with an Acoustic Microdevice.

A major advantage of microfluidic devices is the ability to manipulate small sample volumes, thus reducing reagent waste and preserving precious sample. However, to achieve robust sample manipulation it is necessary to address device integration with the macroscale environment. To realize repeatable, sensitive particle separation with microfluidic devices, this protocol presents a complete automated and integrated microfluidic platform that enables precise processing of 0.15-1.5 ml samples using microfluidic devices. Important aspects of this system include modular device layout and robust fixtures resulting in reliable and flexible world to chip connections, and fully-automated fluid handling which accomplishes closed-loop sample collection, system cleaning and priming steps to ensure repeatable operation. Different microfluidic devices can be used interchangeably with this architecture. Here we incorporate an acoustofluidic device, detail its characterization, performance optimization, and demonstrate its use for size-separation of biological samples. By using real-time feedback during separation experiments, sample collection is optimized to conserve and concentrate sample. Although requiring the integration of multiple pieces of equipment, advantages of this architecture include the ability to process unknown samples with no additional system optimization, ease of device replacement, and precise, robust sample processing

Creencias asociadas a la hiperplasia prostática benigna

The purpose of the research is to conduct a review on the rol of the beliefs associated to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cognitive, behavioral and attitudinal aspects are evaluated related to irrational beliefs with relation to this illness whose prevalence is in the rise in male colombian population.El objeto de la siguiente investigaciÛn fue desarrollar una revisiÛn sobre el papel de las creencias asociadas a la hiperplasia prost·tica benigna. Se eval ̇an aspectos cognitivos comportamentales actitudinales que se relacionan con creencias irracionales con respecto a esta enfermedad, cuya prevalencia epidemiolÛgica es cada vez m·s fuerte en la poblaciÛn masculina colombiana

Enrichment of the exocytosis protein STX4 in skeletal muscle remediates peripheral insulin resistance and alters mitochondrial dynamics via Drp1

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Syntaxin 4 (STX4) levels are reduced in human diabetic skeletal muscle, and global transgenic enrichment of STX4 expression improves insulin sensitivity in mice. Here, we show that transgenic skeletal muscle-specific STX4 enrichment (skmSTX4tg) in mice reverses established insulin resistance and improves mitochondrial function in the context of diabetogenic stress. Specifically, skmSTX4tg reversed insulin resistance caused by high-fat diet (HFD) without altering body weight or food consumption. Electron microscopy of wild-type mouse muscle revealed STX4 localisation at or proximal to the mitochondrial membrane. STX4 enrichment prevented HFD-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction through a mechanism involving STX4-Drp1 interaction and elevated AMPK-mediated phosphorylation at Drp1 S637, which favors fusion. Our findings challenge the dogma that STX4 acts solely at the plasma membrane, revealing that STX4 localises at/proximal to and regulates the function of mitochondria in muscle. These results establish skeletal muscle STX4 enrichment as a candidate therapeutic strategy to reverse peripheral insulin resistance

Phase I clinical trial of HER2-specific immunotherapy with concomitant HER2 kinase inhibtion

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Patients with HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer, despite initially benefiting from the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and the EGFR/HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib, will eventually have progressive disease. HER2-based vaccines induce polyclonal antibody responses against HER2 that demonstrate enhanced anti-tumor activity when combined with lapatinib in murine models. We wished to test the clinical safety, immunogenicity, and activity of a HER2-based cancer vaccine, when combined with lapatinib.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We immunized women (n = 12) with metastatic, trastuzumab-refractory, HER2-overexpressing breast cancer with dHER2, a recombinant protein consisting of extracellular domain (ECD) and a portion of the intracellular domain (ICD) of HER2 combined with the adjuvant AS15, containing MPL, QS21, CpG and liposome. Lapatinib (1250 mg/day) was administered concurrently. Peripheral blood antibody and T cell responses were measured.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>This regimen was well tolerated, with no cardiotoxicity. Anti-HER2-specific antibody was induced in all patients whereas HER2-specific T cells were detected in one patient. Preliminary analyses of patient serum demonstrated downstream signaling inhibition in HER2 expressing tumor cells. The median time to progression was 55 days, with the majority of patients progressing prior to induction of peak anti-HER2 immune responses; however, 300-day overall survival was 92% (95% CI: 77-100%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>dHER2 combined with lapatinib was safe and immunogenic with promising long term survival in those with HER2-overexpressing breast cancers refractory to trastuzumab. Further studies to define the anticancer activity of the antibodies induced by HER2 vaccines along with lapatinib are underway.</p> <p>Trial registry</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00952692">NCT00952692</a></p

Dispelling the myth that habitual caffeine consumption influences the performance response to acute caffeine supplementation

Objective: To investigate the influence of habitual caffeine intake on aerobic exercise performance responses to acute caffeine supplementation. Methods: A double-blind, crossover, counterbalanced study was performed. Forty male endurance-trained cyclists were allocated into tertiles according to their daily caffeine intake: low (58 ± 29 mg.d-1), moderate (143 ± 25 mg.d-1), and high consumers (351 ± 139 mg.d-1). Participants completed three trials in which they performed simulated cycling time-trials in the fastest time possible following ingestion of: caffeine (CAF: 6 mg.kg-1 BM), placebo (PLA), and no supplement (CON). Results: Mixed-model analysis revealed time-trial performance was significantly improved in CAF compared to PLA and CON (29.92±2.18 min vs 30.81±2.67 and 31.14±2.71 min; P = 0.05). Blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were not different between trials and tertiles (P>0.05). Conclusion: Performance effects of acute caffeine supplementation during a ~30 min cycling TT performance were not influenced by the level of habitual caffeine consumption

What is a good medical decision? A research agenda guided by perspectives from multiple stakeholders

Informed and shared decision making are critical aspects of patient-centered care, which has contributed to an emphasis on decision support interventions to promote good medical decision making. However, researchers and healthcare providers have not reached a consensus on what defines a good decision, nor how to evaluate it. This position paper, informed by conference sessions featuring diverse stakeholders held at the 2015 Society of Behavioral Medicine and Society for Medical Decision Making annual meetings, describes key concepts that influence the decision making process itself and that may change what it means to make a good decision: interpersonal factors, structural constraints, affective influences, and values clarification methods. This paper also proposes specific research questions within each of these priority areas, with the goal of moving medical decision making research to a more comprehensive definition of a good medical decision, and enhancing the ability to measure and improve the decision making process

Modelo estratégico integral para los procesos de selección de FECEDA (Fondo de Empleados Oficiales del Departamento del Meta)

Las ilustraciones representan cada una de las preguntas y respuestas realizadas a los gerentes de la organización.El Fondo de Empleados Oficiales del Departamento del Meta - FECEDA, es una organización que presenta un crecimiento sostenido y gran solidez patrimonial, con una trayectoria de más de 30 años brindando servicios para el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida y el bienestar integral de todos sus asociados. Con el transcurrir de los años FECEDA implementa decisiones y acciones para su desarrollo, hoy en día es el fondo de empleados más representativo en el departamento del Meta, cuenta con más de 3.500 asociados, genera 36 puestos de trabajos directos además de un número indeterminado de empleos indirectos Para realizar la selección de acuerdo a lo que las organizaciones esperan, muchas veces debemos detectar las expectativas implícitas que éstas tienen. Para ello hay que tener en cuenta el tipo de empresa, su cultura, el mercado, el discurso con el cual se maneja, el clima organizacional, las relaciones formales (organigrama), la descripción de tareas del puesto. Para esto es necesario realizar una entrevista con el gerente o responsable. Por lo tanto, es importante acordar una entrevista con el/la responsable de recursos humanos y de ser necesario con quienes puedan aportar datos que ayuden a elaborar el perfil requerido.The Official Employees Fund of the Meta Department - FECEDA, is an organization that presents a sustained growth and great patrimonial solidity, with a trajectory of more than 30 years providing services for the improvement of the quality of life and the integral well-being of all its associates. Over the years, FECEDA implements decisions and actions for its development, today it is the most representative employee fund in the Meta department, it has more than 3,500 associates, it generates 36 direct jobs in addition to an undetermined number of indirect jobs To make the selection according to what organizations expect, many times we must detect the implicit expectations that they have. To do this, the type of company, its culture, the market, the discourse with which it is handled, the organizational climate, the formal relationships (organization chart), the job description of the position must be taken into account. This requires an interview with the manager or person in charge. Therefore, it is important to arrange an interview with the person responsible for human resources and, if necessary, with those who can provide data to help develop the required profile

Examining the role of parental self-regulation in family physical activity: a mixed-methods approach.

Physical activity (PA) is essential for good health. However, parents risk becoming less active because of the demands of parenting. This has consequences for children as parents are role models. The present study used a mixed-methods approach to explore parental self-regulation associated with PA. Data were collected from 36 parents with preschool-aged children. They were interviewed about their PA and their family's PA. Parents also completed PA and self-regulation questionnaires and wore an accelerometer for five days. Qualitative data were examined using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. It showed that parents felt that they had limited time for personal PA. Mothers' self-regulation was driven by an ethic of care and subjective norms, whereas fathers' self-regulation was driven by beliefs about the importance of autonomy. Nevertheless, both parents saw caring for their children as the main priority. Quantitative data were examined using multiple regression analyses. Results showed that different self-regulatory behaviours predicted the PA of mothers and fathers. Which predictors were significant depended on the type of activity and how it was measured. The findings warrant longitudinal research that would enable the effect of family dynamics on self-regulation associated with PA to be assessed