Nanoparticles for Applications in Cellular Imaging

In the following review we discuss several types of nanoparticles (such as TiO2, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles) and their impact on the ability to image biological components in fixed cells. The review also discusses factors influencing nanoparticle imaging and uptake in live cells in vitro. Due to their unique size-dependent properties nanoparticles offer numerous advantages over traditional dyes and proteins. For example, the photostability, narrow emission peak, and ability to rationally modify both the size and surface chemistry of Quantum Dots allow for simultaneous analyses of multiple targets within the same cell. On the other hand, the surface characteristics of nanometer sized TiO2allow efficient conjugation to nucleic acids which enables their retention in specific subcellular compartments. We discuss cellular uptake mechanisms for the internalization of nanoparticles and studies showing the influence of nanoparticle size and charge and the cell type targeted on nanoparticle uptake. The predominant nanoparticle uptake mechanisms include clathrin-dependent mechanisms, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis

New filovirus disease classification and nomenclature

Filoviruses, the members of the family Filoviridae, are currently classified into one proposed and five established genera (Supplementary Table 1). Of the twelve described filoviruses, six have been identified as aetiological agents of naturally occurring human disease outbreaks

Enablers and barriers of tourism as a driver of economic and social‐cultural growth in remote Queensland

Regional and remote tourism in Australia is characterised by micro‐, small‐ and medium‐sized businesses, spatially dispersed and fragmented. Characteristics which present unique challenges for these communities attempting to develop tourism as a way of diversifying their economy. This study explored the views and experiences from residents and businesses in six remote local government areas in South Western Queensland to identify the barriers and enablers for remote communities to using tourism as a driver of economic and social‐cultural growth. We found a lack of understanding of the structure and behaviour of the tourism industry; a lack of business acumen; a lack of financial and human resources; and a reluctance to collaborate by tourism businesses to be barriers to tourism‐led economic growth. Enablers to tourism led growth included: local government support for tourism development; a sound understanding of the mechanics and structure of the tourism industry; and the capacity to engage in marketing that captured and narrated the visitor experience in digital channels

Recent developments for optimal end-points in rheumatoid arthritis clinical studies

Clinical studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) provide valuable information on the course and outcome of the disease whereas clinical trials provide information on optimal treatment for patients. This paper discusses measurement concepts and most frequently used measures in RA. To optimise the information that can be obtained from clinical studies, uniform measures are essential, Therefore, the international rheumatology community has made an effort to propose uniform end-points for clinical studies in RA, Measurement in RA is traditionally divided into the measurement of 'the process' and measurement of 'outcome'. Current measures in use include: (i) disease activity measures - global assessments, symptoms (e.g. morning stiffness), health status! physical function, physical signs (e.g. joint counts) and laboratory assessments; and (ii) measures of damage - radiography of affected joints and physical function. Several Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) conferences have resulted in a core set of end-points to be used in RA clinical trials, which are supported by the World Health Organization and International League of Associations for Rheumatology (WHO/ILAR). In addition, the OMERACT conferences focused on minimum important differences for patients and in trials, resulting in recommendations for improvement criteria. Improvement criteria were further developed and validated by both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatology (EULAR). The ACR criteria use the WHO/ILAR core set of end-points to define minimum improvement in each of the measures. The EULAR criteria define improvement using the Disease Activity Score