Systemic levels of IL-23 are strongly associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis but not spondyloarthritis

Objectives Th17 cells are an effector T-cell population that plays a role in chronic inflammatory conditions and is dependent on IL-23 for their survival and expansion. More recently, a genetic association was discovered between polymorphisms in the gene coding for the IL-23 receptor and spondyloarthritis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Th17-associated cytokines in spondyloarthritis pathogenesis by measuring their levels in the joints and circulation as well as correlating them with disease activity parameters. Methods Paired synovial fluid (SF), serum and synovial biopsies were obtained from 30 non-PsA (psoriatic arthritis) spondyloarthritis, 22 PsA and 22 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. IL-17, IL-23 and CCL20 were measured by ELISA in the SF and serum of patients and correlated with systemic and local parameters of disease activity. Results Concentrations of CCL20, a major Th17-attracting chemokine, tended to be higher in the joints of RA than in spondyloarthritis patients. Interestingly, levels of CCL20 were markedly higher in SF as opposed to serum. In addition, there was a remarkable association between the expression of the Th17 cytokine system and the presence of intimal lining layer hyperplasia in RA. Also in the serum, there was a tendency for higher IL-23 levels in RA, which correlated strongly with disease activity parameters. Conclusions Th17-related cytokines are expressed in joints of spondyloarthritis as well as RA patients. IL-23 levels, however, correlate with disease activity parameters in RA only. These results point towards a differential regulation of the Th17 cytokine system in spondyloarthritis compared with RA

Exploring the functions of chemical substances in individuals' sexual behaviour

Chemical substance abuse and dependence constitute an increasing international and national phenomenon. Individuals, groups and communities are at risk of the mental, biological, legal and environmental implications associated with substance dependence. Human sexual behaviour is no new phenomenon to be studied. Human beings experience sexual behaviour and gratification as important. Sexual behaviour is not vital for the survival of the individual but vital for survival of the species. Sexual behaviour in combination with chemical substance abuse might pose further dangers to a person or group. Sexual behaviour where persons engage in sexual actions when using or abusing chemical substances could construct certain positive functions for persons. Qualitative researchers are interested in discovering the meaning persons attach to experiences. In understanding the dynamics of the phenomenon, possible contributions to the human sciences could be made. Chemical substance abuse and dependency affect the individual, his/her family systems and the community. Depressants and stimulants change the chemical functioning of the human brain and the mental health of the user. Despite the harm caused to the dependent person, abuse of the chemical substance is continued. The substance has various functions that the biological and psychological person becomes dependent on. Sexual behaviour is inherent in human nature, but not chemical substance abuse. It is expected by the researcher that there might be certain function(s) served by chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons. A literature study on the topic on the function of chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons yielded unsatisfactory results. Little research was found with regard to the function of chemical substances in relation to people’s sexual behaviour. In response to this need the researcher embarked on a qualitative research journey to explore the function of the chemical substances within the context of an individual’s sexual behaviour and practices. Chemical substances have different functions and affect the sexual behaviour, functioning and experiences of the users of such substances. Six objectives were set with the aim of developing an in-depth understanding of the function of chemical substances in sexual behaviour. The research question of this investigation leads to a clear inquiry into the phenomenon that was examined and analysed and yielded useful new information. This qualitative research project is characterised by its inductive features, openness to change and interest in human behaviour. The study is characterised by an interpretive nature as an interpretative investigation. An effort was made towards understanding the phenomenon through observation and exploration. Persons were invited to participate in the research and reported themselves to the researcher, the process of self-selection sampling was utilised. In drawing a sample from the population of patients at a treatment centre an interactive approach to the process was followed by conducting semi-structured and in-depth interviews as a method of data collection. Data analysis and processing was executed according to the eight steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 2009). Data verification for the assessment of the trustworthiness of the research findings was achieved by utilizing Guba’s model as espoused in Krefting (1991). Informed consent, confidentiality and management of information were some of the ethical considerations adhered to in the planning and execution of this research project. The nature of this study is marked by the person-centred approach in combination with the qualitative methodology and philosophy. The researcher found the two to be appropriate when a sensitive and private topic was to be explored. Participants were able to evaluate the meanings that were attached to their experiences within a psychologically sound environment. Themes became evident through the data analysis process. These themes were contrasted against a body of existing theory. The wholeness of human beings came to the fore and literature from a bio-neurological and humanistic perspective was found to be applicable. The social sciences and, in particular, social workers are concerned with the wellbeing of persons, their relevant systems and context. These dimensions of human beings were addressed by this study and aimed to contribute to further development in the science of psychotherapy and the understanding of the person within the phenomenon being studied. Therapists should be willing and demonstrate a sensitive ability to understand the client’s experiences from the person’s own point of view (Rogers, 1950: 444). In a relationship that is constructed for the purpose the aim should be mainly to understand the whole person (Rogers, 1952: 343). Therapists should develop an ability to see completely through the client’s eyes and adopt the person’s frame of reference. This is the basis for implementing “client-centred” therapy (Rogers 1950: 444). A key role of social work practice is facilitating the empowerment of persons, and their personal and interpersonal strengths according to their own self-determination (Zastrow, 2012:39); the researcher recommends a holistic full understanding of the person in his/her wholeness (Rogers, 1987: 486).Department of Social WorkM.A. (Social Work

Characterization of hydrogen and helium implanted silicon carbide

This dissertation focuses on the characterization of hydrogen implanted 3C-SiC and helium implanted 6H-SiC and the interaction of silver and palladium with the SiC. The main technique used for the analysis of the implanted SiC was transmission electron microscopy (TEM), although scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanoindentation hardness testing were also used. Both H and He implantations were done at an ion energy of 100 keV and the total dose for both species was 1017 ions/cm2. Specimens were annealed at 1000 °C for 20 min in an inert atmosphere. The observed depth of ion damage agreed closely with that predicted by TRIM 2008. The damaged region in the He implanted specimens had a high density of small bubbles but no cracks were observed. Severe cracking was observed along the damaged region in the H implanted specimens. A second phase hexagonal (4H-SiC) was detected in two grains in the 3C-SiC and some grown in voids were also observed. The wettability of SiC by a 2:1 by volume mixture of Ag and Pd is extremely low but is significantly increased through the addition of Si to the mixture. The Si containing metal mixture was found to migrate along the grain boundaries of polycrystalline 3CSiC while sealing the point of entry. Pd attacks SiC and severe etching was observed on the surface of 6H-SiC. An epitaxially orientated Pd2Si inclusion was observed in the 6H-SiC. No effect of implantation damage on the interaction of Pd and Ag with SiC was observed. Pd etched the surface of the He implanted 6H-SiC down through the damaged region with no evidence of implantation damage left after 67 hours of annealing and thus no conclusions could be drawn. The metal mixture interacted with the non implanted surface of the H implanted 3C-SiC after dissolving the Si substrate and therefore the effect of the ion damage on the interaction could not be investigated. Nanoindentation hardness measurements showed a marked increase in hardness of He implanted 6H-SiC annealed for 20 min at 1000 °C over that of as implanted and virgin material. There was also a large decrease in hardness corresponding to the depth of the ion damage

Coding cells of digital spaces: a framework to write generic digital topology algorithms

This paper proposes a concise coding of the cells of n-dimensional finite regular grids. It induces a simple, generic and efficient framework for implementing classical digital topology data structures and algorithms. Discrete subsets of multidimensional images (e.g. regions, digital surfaces, cubical cell complexes) have then a common and compact representation. Moreover, algorithms have a straightforward and efficient implementation, which is independent from the dimension or sizes of digital images. We illustrate that point with generic hypersurface boundary extraction algorithms by scanning or tracking. This framework has been implemented and basic operations as well as the presented applications have been benchmarked

In vitro regeneration of wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris L.)

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae) is a common wild plant that accumulates the lignan deoxypodophyllotoxin. Deoxypodophyllotoxin can be hydroxylated at the C-7 position in recombinant organisms yielding podophyllotoxin, which is used as a semi-synthetic precursor for the anticancer drugs, etoposide phosphate and teniposide. As in vitro regeneration of A. sylvestris has not yet been reported, development of a regeneration protocol for A. sylvestris would be useful as a micropropagation tool and for metabolic engineering of the plant. Calli were induced from hypocotyl explants and transferred to shoot induction medium containing zeatin riboside. Regenerated shoots were obtained within 6 mo and were transferred onto growth regulator-free root induction medium containing 1% sucrose. Regenerated plants transferred to soil and acclimatized in a greenhouse. Plants were transferred to the field with a 100% survival rate. Regenerated plants flowered and were fully fertile. This is the first report of complete regeneration of A. sylvestris via shoot organogenesis from callus

Determination of ADSL capacity in a generic exchange environment

Please read the abstract in the front matter this documentDissertation (M Eng (Electronic Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2006.Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineeringunrestricte

Measuring microbial food safety output and comparing self-checking systems of food business operators in Belgium

European food industries are responsible for the safety of the food products brought on the market. Therefore, a legal demanded food safety management system (FSMS) or self-checking system (SCS) is implemented in companies, often based on commercial quality assurance standards as ISO22000, BRC or IFS. The Belgian government provides the possibility for food business operators to have their SCS approved by means of audits conducted by either the competent food safety authority, FASFC, or by a commercial certification body, recognised by the government. The audits are based on specifically developed guides for self-checking per sector, approved by the Belgian government. In view of evaluating the effect of the self-checking system certification on the performance of an implemented FSMS and the companies’ microbiological food safety output, this paper presents the results of an independent self-assessment conducted by eighty-two food business operators in Belgium. The study was conducted in spring/summer of 2010. The outcome of this study is discussed against national inspection results by the FASFC of the year 2009, 2010 and 2011 in Belgian food companies. The enforcement of a SCS by the Belgian government on the performance of a FSMS, their food safety output and their inspection results is less clear for food processing companies compared to the positive effect for the distribution sector. The majority of food processing companies were already certified for a voluntary system next to the legal demanded SCS. No significant difference could be identified between SCS certified and non-certified companies; large, medium or small scale companies and the sector in which they are working for food processing companies. Five clusters could be identified in the performance of a FSMS and microbiological food safety output. In overall Belgian processing companies are having a good performing FSMS and microbiological food safety output