Pazopanib Selectively Inhibits Choroidal Vascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis

Exudative age related macular degeneration (AMD) is related to active choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and formation of disciform scars. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediated choroidal vascular endothelial cell (CVECs) proliferation is characteristic of CNV. Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab, ranibizumab and aflibercept (anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies) are used to treat exudative AMD. Pazopanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits neovascularization through blockade of intracellular tyrosine kinase VEGF receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. In this in vitro investigation, we evaluated the inhibitory consequences of escalating doses of pazopanib on proliferation of VEGF-enriched CVECs to establish a safe dosage range. VEGF (50 ng/mL) enriched CVECs were treated with escalating doses of pazopanib (10, 50,100 and 250 µM). Cell proliferation rates (WST-1 assay), cell viability (trypan blue exclusion assay), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured at 48h, 72h and 1 week. Intracellular caspase 3 levels and morphological changes were recorded. VEGF enriched CVECs showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation rates after one week of treatment with increasing doses of pazopanib (10, 50,100 and 250 µM) treatment i.e. 87.8%, 43.0%, 38.1% and 9.3% compared to controls (p<0.001). Similarly, trypan blue exclusion assay revealed a decrease in cell viability as 81.8%, 81.0%, 53.4% and 8.7%, respectively (p<0.05). Further, pazopanib actively inhibited proliferation of VEGF-enriched CVECs, with 1.32, 1.92, 1.92 and 4.1-fold increase (p<0.01) in intracellular caspase 3 levels. VEGF-enriched CVECs treated with escalating doses of pazopanib decreased cell viability and increased caspase 3 levels in a time and dose dependent manner

Dramatic Resolution of Recalcitrant Cystoid Macular Edema after Concurrent Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab and Triamcinolone

Background: Cystoid macular edema (CME), a common complication of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), is associated with a significant vision loss. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is the gold standard of treatment, while grid macular photocoagulation has also been used as an adjuvant in patients with CME secondary to BRVO. More recent efforts were successful by the use of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. We proposed a concurrent use of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of CME secondary to BRVO. Case presentation: We described an 82-year-old female with a BRVO in the right eye who developed associated CME. Repeated injections of intravitreal bevacizumab and modified grid macular laser treatment were ineffective. A concurrent treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide resulted in complete and dramatic resolution of CME with a favorable visual outcome. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) demonstrated a significant decrease in central subfield thickness (CST) from 764μm to 253μm, without any post-procedure complications or recurrence of macular edema with complete recovery of visual acuity at 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: Early concurrent treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy (e.g. intravitreal bevacizumab) and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide is likely to be more effective than intravitreal anti-VEGF agents alone or grid macular photocoagulation in the management of CME associated with BRVO

Compositional analysis of soybean event IND-ØØ41Ø-5

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is the world’s largest source of protein feed and the second largest source of vegetable oil. Water restriction is the main limiting factor to achieve maximum soybean yields. Therefore, development of varieties that maintain yield under environmental stresses is a major objective of soybean breeding programs. The HaHB4 (Helianthus annuus homeobox 4) gene from sunflower encodes for a transcription factor involved in the plant´s tolerance to environmental stress. The introduction of HaHB4 in soybean led to the development of event IND-ØØ41Ø-5 (HB4® soybean), which displayed higher yield in environments having low productivity potential, compared with the parental control variety. Compositional analyses of soybean event IND-ØØ41Ø-5 were conducted both in Argentina and the United Sates. A total of 44 components were analyzed in grain and 9 components in forage. Based on the results of these studies it was concluded that soybean event IND-ØØ41Ø-5 was compositionally equivalent to its non-transgenic parental control.Fil: Chiozza, Mariana V.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Rosario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología de Rosario; Argentina. University of Iowa; Estados UnidosFil: Burachik, Moises. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Rosario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Miranda, Patricia Vivian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Rosario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología de Rosario; Argentin

Power-line communications: smart grid, transmission, and propagation

1 School of Informatics, College of Informatics and Virtual Education, University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 490, Dodoma, Tanzania 2 Electrical Engineering Department, Faculdade de Engenharia, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitario, 36 033 330 Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil 3Wireless and Power Line Communications Lab, Universita di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy 4 France Telecom, Orange Labs, 2, Avenue Pierre Marzin, 22 307 Lannion Cedex, Franc

Optimal mesh design methodology considering geometric parameters for rock fragmentation in open-pit mining in the Southern Andes of Peru

Blasting is one of the most important stages in the productive process of a mine due to its direct impact on rock fragmentation, which determines the degree of productivity of operations and the extraction costs generated. In this scenario, an optimized methodology is presented for designing blasting meshes by using mathematical models that help calculate the geometric parameters of a blasting mesh, such as burden, considering the variables of the rock mass and the type of explosive to measure its impact on rock fragmentation and loading productivity (tons/hour). The main advantage of this method is the reliability of the design, which takes into account a greater number of variables that influence fragmentation and uses the principle of distribution and amount of energy in an optimal way. The results obtained in the case of application show that a change in design (2.7 x 2.7 square mesh to 2.2 x 2.5 triangular mesh) reduces P80 by 65%, from 17 to 6 inches, approximately. Additionally, the results show that greater operational efficiency was achieved by increasing excavator productivity by approximately 15.6%

Transport properties of clean and disordered superconductors in matrix field theory

A comprehensive field theory is developed for superconductors with quenched disorder. We first show that the matrix field theory, used previously to describe a disordered Fermi liquid and a disordered itinerant ferromagnet, also has a saddle-point solution that describes a disordered superconductor. A general gap equation is obtained. We then expand about the saddle point to Gaussian order to explicitly obtain the physical correlation functions. The ultrasonic attenuation, number density susceptibility, spin density susceptibility and the electrical conductivity are used as examples. Results in the clean limit and in the disordered case are discussed respectively. This formalism is expected to be a powerful tool to study the quantum phase transitions between the normal metal state and the superconductor state.Comment: 9 page

Prototype Drop Tests of Cube and Cubipod Armor Units

In this paper, an experimental methodology is described to assess the structural strength of unreinforced concrete armor units (CAUs). The methodology is applied to measure the structural integrity under impact loads of the new Cubipod CAU compared with the conventional cube CAU. The casting systems and clamps are described for manufacturing and handling the 15-t conventional cubic block and 16-t Cubipod prototypes used for the drop tests. Two separate reinforced concrete platforms were used for overturning and for free-fall tests, respectively. Compared with conventional cubes of similar size and concrete strength, Cubipods withstand drops that are more than 50% higher. Two extreme free-fall tests confirmed the structural robustness of Cubipod armor units. Manufacturing cycle time, as well as storage and handling procedures, are similar for both Cubipods and conventional cubic blocks. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.The writers are grateful for the logistic support provided by the Port Authority of Alicante and the consortium TMS. Financial support was received from CDTI (CUBIPOD Project). The writers also thank Roman Goumy for his assistance during the prototype drop tests and Debra Westall for revising the manuscript.Medina, JR.; Gómez-Martín, ME.; Corredor-Molguero, A.; Torres-Samper, R.; Miñana, JV.; Fernández, E.; Menéndez, CF.... (2011). Prototype Drop Tests of Cube and Cubipod Armor Units. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering. 137(2):54-63. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)WW.1943-5460.0000064S5463137

To reach the poor: results from the ISNAR-IFPRI Next Harvest study on genetically modified crops, public research, and policy implications

"Local farming communities throughout the world face productivity constraints, environmental concerns, and diverse nutritional needs. Developing countries address these challenges in a number of ways. One way is public research that produces genetically modified (GM) crops and recognize biotechnology as a part of the solution. To reach these communities, GM crops, after receiving biosafety agreement, must be approved for evaluation under local conditions. However, gaps between approvals in the developed and developing world grow larger, as the process of advancing GM crops in developing countries becomes increasingly difficult. In several countries, only insect resistant cotton has successfully moved from small, confined experimental trials to larger, open trials and to farms. By far, most GM crop approvals have been for commercial products that perform well under tropical conditions. However, complete information on public GM crop research in developing countries has not been assessed. “Will policies and research institutions in the developing world stimulate the safe use of publicly funded GM food crops?” The relatively few GM crops approved from public research, coupled with growing regulatory, biosafety capacity, trade, and political concerns, argue to the contrary. To tackle this issue, we identified and analyzed public research pipelines for GM crops among 16 developing countries and transition economies. Respondents reported 209 genetic transformation events for 46 different crops at the time when the survey was conducted. The pipelines demonstrate scientific progress among publicly funded crop research institutes in participating countries. Information and findings are presented for GM crops nearing final stages of selection. Additional details are provided for the types of genes and traits used, the breadth of genetic resources documented, implications for regulation, and the type of research partnerships employed. Regulations, GM crop approvals, choice of transgene, and policy implications are discussed as they affect this research. Based on these findings, recommendations are presented that would help sustain and increase efficiency of publicly supported research while meeting biosafety requirements. To do so, the study examines results concerning investments and choices made in research, capacity, and policy development for biotechnology. These indicate the risk and potential for GM technologies in developing countries. Policy makers, those funding biotechnology, and other stakeholders can use this information to prioritize investments, consider product advancement, and assess relative magnitude of potential risks, and benefits." Authors' Abstract

Genome-Wide Analysis in Brazilian Xavante Indians Reveals Low Degree of Admixture

Characterization of population genetic variation and structure can be used as tools for research in human genetics and population isolates are of great interest. the aim of the present study was to characterize the genetic structure of Xavante Indians and compare it with other populations. the Xavante, an indigenous population living in Brazilian Central Plateau, is one of the largest native groups in Brazil. A subset of 53 unrelated subjects was selected from the initial sample of 300 Xavante Indians. Using 86,197 markers, Xavante were compared with all populations of HapMap Phase III and HGDP-CEPH projects and with a Southeast Brazilian population sample to establish its population structure. Principal Components Analysis showed that the Xavante Indians are concentrated in the Amerindian axis near other populations of known Amerindian ancestry such as Karitiana, Pima, Surui and Maya and a low degree of genetic admixture was observed. This is consistent with the historical records of bottlenecks experience and cultural isolation. By calculating pair-wise F-st statistics we characterized the genetic differentiation between Xavante Indians and representative populations of the HapMap and from HGDP-CEPH project. We found that the genetic differentiation between Xavante Indians and populations of Ameridian, Asian, European, and African ancestry increased progressively. Our results indicate that the Xavante is a population that remained genetically isolated over the past decades and can offer advantages for genome-wide mapping studies of inherited disorders.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)INCT- Obesidade e DiabetesUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Endocrinol, Escola Paulista Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Med, Lab Genet & Mol Cardiol, Inst Heart, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Dept Social Med, Ribeirao Preto, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Endocrinol, Escola Paulista Med, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc