An Evaluation of Current Legitimacy-Based Objections to NAFTA\u27s Chapter 11 Investment Dispute Resolution Process

The year 1994 saw the conclusion of a very important trilateral trade and investment treaty in North America: the North American Free Trade Agreement. Since then, this agreement has had a tremendous impact on the trading relations among the three signatory states-the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Of particular significance is Chapter 11, the Investment Chapter. One of the main objectives of Chapter 11 is to provide an effective means for the resolution of disputes between a foreign investor and the host government. To this end, it provides a mechanism whereby private parties can initiate arbitration proceedings against the host state before an international tribunal such as, for example, the International Convention for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, commonly referred to as ICSID

Improved techniques to enhance the yield of paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) for commercial cultivation

Cultivation of Volvariella volvacea in circular compact bed method recorded maximum yield of 972.8 g/bed (biological efficiency of 23.8%). Seeding the beds with 15 and 20 days old spawn with well developed chlamydospores contributed for significantly higher yields. Oil palm bunch waste in combination with rice straw or alone recorded significantly higher yields of 876.3 and 832 g/bed, and cotton waste, in combination with rice straw or alone, recorded 841.6 g and 778 g/bed, respectively. In vitro evaluation of the micronutrient based boosters VVB1 (CaCO3 400 ppm + CaCl2 50 ppm + KH2PO4 50 ppm + NaCl 50 ppm + Na2HPO4 50 ppm) and VVB2 (CaCl2 400 ppm + Na2HPO4 100 ppm) produced profuse mycelium with aerial silky strands, early chlamydospore formation (20.8 and 21.8 days) and increased chlamydospore density (7.8 × 102 and 7.2 × 102 spores/ml). Yields of 960 g/bed with more number of sturdy fruiting bodies were observed in beds sprayed with VVB1. V. volvacea can be successfully cultivated from March to September with 18 to 20% biological efficiency. Storage of V. volvacea at egg stage in air tight plastic box at deep freeze (-20°C) conditions remained intact until 36 h without spoilage.Keywords: Paddy straw mushroom, Volvariella volvacea, boosters, bed methods, cultivation technique

Identification of unprecedented anticancer properties of high molecular weight biomacromolecular complex containing bovine lactoferrin (HMW-bLf)

With the successful clinical trials, multifunctional glycoprotein bovine lactoferrin is gaining attention as a safe nutraceutical and biologic drug targeting cancer, chronic-inflammatory, viral and microbial diseases. Interestingly, recent findings that human lactoferrin oligomerizes under simulated physiological conditions signify the possible role of oligomerization in the multifunctional activities of lactoferrin molecule during infections and in disease targeting signaling pathways. Here we report the purification and physicochemical characterization of high molecular weight biomacromolecular complex containing bovine lactoferrin (≥250 kDa), from bovine colostrum, a naturally enriched source of lactoferrin. It showed structural similarities to native monomeric iron free (Apo) lactoferrin (∼78-80 kDa), retained anti-bovine lactoferrin antibody specific binding and displayed potential receptor binding properties when tested for cellular internalization. It further displayed higher thermal stability and better resistance to gut enzyme digestion than native bLf monomer. High molecular weight bovine lactoferrin was functionally bioactive and inhibited significantly the cell proliferation (p<0.01) of human breast and colon carcinoma derived cells. It induced significantly higher cancer cell death (apoptosis) and cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner in cancer cells than the normal intestinal cells. Upon cellular internalization, it led to the up-regulation of caspase-3 expression and degradation of actin. In order to identify the cutting edge future potential of this bio-macromolecule in medicine over the monomer, its in-depth structural and functional properties need to be investigated further

Toll like receptors play a role in general immunity, eye infection and inflammation : TLRs for nanodelivery

Dendritic cells [DCs] are potent antigen presenting cells [APC], which plays a vital role in immune system by detecting and capturing pathogens in the body. DCs perform a pivotal role in induction of T cell response. Regulation of immune response can be achieved by specific antigen [Ag] delivery to DCs. A delivery system that can efficiently target and present Ags to DCs for the purpose of anti-tumour activity is currently a topic of significant research interest. DCs are receiving attention due to their key role in anti cancer host response and due to their adjuvanic property in tumour vaccines. Role of toll like receptors [TLR] in innate immune system and their part in eventual stimulation of adaptive immunity is exploited to develop vaccines. TLR agonists in conjugation with vaccines are shown to increase therapeutic efficacy in some cases. TLRs also play a vital role in protecting the cornea from invading pathogens. Due to adverse effects in the treatment of ocular inflammations, cancer and in viral infections, an alternate approach such as the use of TLRs will solve the inquisitive question regarding side effects. The intended delivery is attained by the use of nanoparticles which in turn leads to prolonged half-life in the body. Co-delivery of Ags, TLRs and immunomodulators using nanoparticles has been demonstrated to elicit potent cellular immune responses and are currently under development of clinically applicable immunisations and vaccines

Identifying inaccuracies on emergency medicine residency applications

BACKGROUND: Previous trials have showed a 10–30% rate of inaccuracies on applications to individual residency programs. No studies have attempted to corroborate this on a national level. Attempts by residency programs to diminish the frequency of inaccuracies on applications have not been reported. We seek to clarify the national incidence of inaccuracies on applications to emergency medicine residency programs. METHODS: This is a multi-center, single-blinded, randomized, cohort study of all applicants from LCME accredited schools to involved EM residency programs. Applications were randomly selected to investigate claims of AOA election, advanced degrees and publications. Errors were reported to applicants' deans and the NRMP. RESULTS: Nine residencies reviewed 493 applications (28.6% of all applicants who applied to any EM program). 56 applications (11.4%, 95%CI 8.6–14.2%) contained at least one error. Excluding "benign" errors, 9.8% (95% CI 7.2–12.4%), contained at least one error. 41% (95% CI 35.0–47.0%) of all publications contained an error. All AOA membership claims were verified, but 13.7% (95%CI 4.4–23.1%) of claimed advanced degrees were inaccurate. Inter-rater reliability of evaluations was good. Investigators were reluctant to notify applicants' dean's offices and the NRMP. CONCLUSION: This is the largest study to date of accuracy on application for residency and the first such multi-centered trial. High rates of incorrect data were found on applications. This data will serve as a baseline for future years of the project, with emphasis on reporting inaccuracies and warning applicants of the project's goals

Longitudinal strain of right ventricular free wall by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography is useful for detecting pulmonary hypertension

Aims Echocardiography is widely used for screening pulmonary hypertension (PH). More recently developed two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) can assess regional deformation of the myocardium and is useful for detecting left ventricular dysfunction. However, its usefulness to assess right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the ability of peak systolic strain (PSS) and post-systolic strain index (PSI) at the RV free wall determined by 2D-STE to detect PH. Main methods Thirty-six images (27 images from PH patients, nine from patients with connective tissue disease without PH) obtained by 2D-STE were analysed. We investigated the relationship between RV hemodynamics measured by right heart catheterization and PSS, PSI and other echocardiographic parameters reflecting RV overload including RV end-diastolic diameter (RVDd) and tricuspid valve regurgitant pressure gradient (TRPG). Key findings PSS, PSI, RVDd and TRPG were all correlated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Furthermore, when PSS and MPAP were measured twice, the change in PSS was correlated with the change in MPAP (r = 0.633, p = 0.037). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified PSS as the only independent factor associated with MPAP ? 35 mm Hg [odds ratio (OR), 1.616; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.017-2.567; p = 0.042] and PVR ? 400 dyn・s・cm- 5(OR, 1.804; 95% CI 1.131-2.877; p = 0.013). Furthermore, the optimal PSS cut-off value to detect an elevated MPAP and PVR was - 20.75%, based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Significance PSS of the RV free wall might serve as a useful non-invasive indicator of PH