Multiple categories: the equivalence of a globular and a cubical approach

We show the equivalence of two kinds of strict multiple category, namely the well known globular omega-categories, and the cubical omega-categories with connections.Comment: Latex2E, xy, 38 pages. New version 17 Dec 2001, as accepted by Advances in Mathematics: minor but useful corrections. Some pictures adde

Validation of an NSP-based (negative selection pattern) gene family identification strategy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Gene family identification from ESTs can be a valuable resource for analysis of genome evolution but presents unique challenges in organisms for which the entire genome is not yet sequenced. We have developed a novel gene family identification method based on negative selection patterns (NSP) between family members to screen EST-generated contigs. This strategy was tested on five known gene families in Arabidopsis to see if individual paralogs could be identified with accuracy from EST data alone when compared to the actual gene sequences in this fully sequenced genome.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The NSP method uniquely identified family members in all the gene families tested. Two members of the FtsH gene family, three members each of the PAL, RF1, and ribosomal L6 gene families, and four members of the CAD gene family were correctly identified. Additionally all ESTs from the representative contigs when checked against MapViewer data successfully identify the gene locus predicted.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We demonstrate the effectiveness of the NSP strategy in identifying specific gene family members in Arabidopsis using only EST data and we describe how this strategy can be used to identify many gene families in agronomically important crop species where they are as yet undiscovered.</p

Agrarian diet and diseases of affluence – Do evolutionary novel dietary lectins cause leptin resistance?

BACKGROUND: The global pattern of varying prevalence of diseases of affluence, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, suggests that some environmental factor specific to agrarian societies could initiate these diseases. PRESENTATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS: We propose that a cereal-based diet could be such an environmental factor. Through previous studies in archaeology and molecular evolution we conclude that humans and the human leptin system are not specifically adapted to a cereal-based diet, and that leptin resistance associated with diseases of affluence could be a sign of insufficient adaptation to such a diet. We further propose lectins as a cereal constituent with sufficient properties to cause leptin resistance, either through effects on metabolism central to the proper functions of the leptin system, and/or directly through binding to human leptin or human leptin receptor, thereby affecting the function. TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS: Dietary interventions should compare effects of agrarian and non-agrarian diets on incidence of diseases of affluence, related risk factors and leptin resistance. A non-significant (p = 0.10) increase of cardiovascular mortality was noted in patients advised to eat more whole-grain cereals. Our lab conducted a study on 24 domestic pigs in which a cereal-free hunter-gatherer diet promoted significantly higher insulin sensitivity, lower diastolic blood pressure and lower C-reactive protein as compared to a cereal-based swine feed. Testing should also evaluate the effects of grass lectins on the leptin system in vivo by diet interventions, and in vitro in various leptin and leptin receptor models. Our group currently conducts such studies. IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS: If an agrarian diet initiates diseases of affluence it should be possible to identify the responsible constituents and modify or remove them so as to make an agrarian diet healthier

Managing patients at risk for age-related macular degeneration: a Canadian strategy

Background: To develop a consensus strategy for the management of patients at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for Canadian ophthalmologists, optometrists and physicians. Methods: Development of a consensus strategy began with a review of the literature and existing guidelines. A panel of retina specialists, ophthalmologists, and optometrists from across Canada assessed this evidence to distill what was learned and use this knowledge as the basis for developing a consensus strategy for managing patients at risk of AMD. Results: The expert panel has developed a series of recommendations for Canadian eyecare providers (eg. ophthalmologists, optometrists) and physicians to adopt as a preventive strategy for patients at risk of AMD. Interpretation: This consensus strategy is a practical guideline that can be adopted in the office setting to manage patients at risk of AMD and to advise patients with questions and concerns about AMD

Gestion des patients à risque de dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge : une stratégie canadienne

Contexte&nbsp;: Élaborer une stratégie consensuelle pour la gestion des patients à risque de dégénérescence maculaire liée à l’âge (DMLA) à l’intention des ophtalmologistes, optométristes et médecins du Canada. Méthodes&nbsp;: L’élaboration d’une stratégie consensuelle a débuté avec la recension des textes et un examen des lignes directrices existantes. Un groupe de spécialistes de la rétine, d’ophtalmologistes et d’optométristes provenant d’un bout à l’autre du Canada a évalué cette information probante pour distiller ce qui a été appris et utiliser ces connaissances comme point de départ pour l’élaboration d’une stratégie consensuelle pour la gestion des patients à risque de DMLA. Résultats&nbsp;: Le groupe d’experts a élaboré une série de recommandations à l’intention des fournisseurs de soins oculovisuels (p. ex., ophtalmologistes, optométristes) et médecins du Canada pour l’adoption d’une stratégie préventive dans le cas des patients à risque de DMLA. Interprétation&nbsp;: La présente stratégie consensuelle est une ligne directrice pratique qui peut être adoptée dans un bureau pour gérer les patients à risque de DMLA et pour informer les patients qui ont des questions ou des préoccupations relatives à la DMLA

Recommendations on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring for Gaucher Disease

Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Referencia Erros Inatos, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Fac Med, Dept Propedeut Complementar, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paul, Fac Med, Hosp Clin Inst Crianca, Unidade Hepatol Pediat, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Dept Bioquim ICBS, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilHosp Clin Porto Alegre, Serv Genet, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Parana, Dept Pediat, Discipline Hematol & Oncol, BR-80060000 Curitiba, Parana, BrazilHosp Evangel Londrina, Serv Hematol, Londrina, Parana, BrazilClin Dr Ricardo Pires Doencas Metab, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilFac Serv Med Santa Casa São Paulo, Disciplina Hematol & Oncol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Referencia Erros Inatos, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc