Factors influencing the transport accessibility level - seniors point of view

[EN] The growing group of European older inhabitants, namely senior citizens (aged + 65) belong to the most vulnerable group to social exclusion. Transport accessibility is a concept, that can lead to enhancing life quality of seniors, which is shown based on the case study of Cracow, Poland as a European city. 100 seniors, that are living in different areas (urban, suburban), were asked for define different aspects that may influence their travel behaviour. Respondents were indicating their individual concerns connected with travelling, the existing barriers and expected solutions. The goal of the paper is to present the main outcomes of the conducted surveys, in order to present the concept of transport accessibility in the context of the most important factors influencing seniors life quality. The accessibility conditions and barriers, which can affect mobility possibilities and different activities of senior citizens in urban areas, are indicated in the paper. The identification of the crucial aspects of accessibility play an important role in development of sustainable transport system together with sustainable urban design, that will be friendly for all citizens in aging society.Zakowska, L.; Pulawska-Obiedowska, S. (2016). Factors influencing the transport accessibility level - seniors point of view. En XII Congreso de ingeniería del transporte. 7, 8 y 9 de Junio, Valencia (España). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1253-1260. https://doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2015.3519OCS1253126

Prvi nalaz tumorogenih sojeva Agrobacterium radiobacter na malini u Srbiji

During the spring of 2003, gall symptoms on the roots and crowns of young raspberry plants cv. Vilamette were observed near Valjevo. Phytopathogenic bacteria were isolated from diseased plant samples. Based on the pathogenic, morphological, differential biochemical and physiological characteristics, the isolated strains were identified as tumorigenic Agrobacterium radiobacter (biovar 1 Agrobacterium). In order to confirm the identity of isolated strains by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers complementary to tms2 gene located on the Ti plasmid were used. In the first PCR protocol using a tms2F1 + tms2R2 primer pair, 617 bp products specific for tumorigenic Agrobacterium strains were amplified. The second PCR protocol, using a tms2F1 + tms2B primer pair, amplified the expected 458 bp products. On the basis of multiplex PCR with primers complementary to chromosomal gene coding for 23S rRNA, the isolated strains were classified as biovar 1 Agrobacterium (A. radiobacter). This is the first report of tumorigenic A. radiobacter on raspberry in Serbia.Tokom proleća 2003. godine, zapaženi su tumori na korenu i korenovom vratu mladih biljaka maline sorte Vilamette u okolini Valjeva. Iz obolelih uzoraka izolovane su fitopatogene bakterije. Proučavanjem patogenih, morfoloških i diferencijalnih biohemijsko-fizioloških karakteristika izolovanih sojeva, utvrđeno je da proučavani sojevi pripadaju bakteriji Agrobacterium radiobacter (biovar 1). U cilju potvrde identiteta izolovanih sojeva lančanom reakcijom polimeraze (PCR), korišćeni su prajmeri komplementarni tms2 genu lociranom na Ti plazmidu. U prvoj PCR reakciji izvedenoj korišćenjem tms2F1 + tms2R2 para prajmera, detektovani su fragmenti nukleinske kiseline veličine 617 baznih parova (bp), specifični za tumorogene sojeve A. tumefaciens. U drugoj PCR reakciji korišćenjem para prajmera tms2F1 i tms2B su amplifikovani PCR produkti očekivane veličine 458 bp, karakteristični za ovu bakteriju. Na osnovu multiplex PCR reakcije korišćenjem prajmera komplementarnih na hromozomalni gen koji kodira 23S rRNA sojevi izolovani iz tumora na korenu maline svrstani su u biovar 1 Agrobacterium (A. radiobacter). Ovo je prvi nalaz ove bakterije na malini u Srbiji

Draft Genome Sequences of Agrobacterium nepotum Strain 39/7(T) and Agrobacterium sp. Strain KFB 330

Tumorigenic strains of Agrobacterium spp. are responsible for crown gall disease of numerous plant species. We present here draft genome sequences of nonpathogenic Agrobacterium nepotum strain 39/7(T) (CFBP 7436(T), LMG 26435(T)), isolated from crown gall tumor on Prunus cerasifera, and tumorigenic Agrobacterium sp. strain KFB 330 (CFBP 8308, LMG 28674), isolated from galls on raspberry

Open licensing of BioBrick parts

This document provides recommendations for licensing of community-created biological parts, especially in BioBrick standard

Prospective cohort study to investigate the burden and transmission of acute gastroenteritis in care homes: a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups, but illness is more severe and causes excess mortality in the elderly, particularly those in long-term care. The total burden of norovirus disease in the elderly in the UK is poorly defined; no current surveillance programmes systematically or accurately quantify norovirus infection in those living in care homes. The aim of this study is to evaluate an enhanced surveillance system for acute gastroenteritis among the elderly in care homes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct this prospective cohort study in care homes in North West England; residents and staff at study care homes will be asked to participate. We will prospectively enrol a cohort of participants in an enhanced surveillance system to capture the incidence of acute gastroenteritis and use multiplex PCR to detect pathogens. We will sample symptomatic and non-symptomatic participants to understand characteristics of norovirus disease and susceptibility to infection. We will generate novel data on transmission dynamics by collecting data on the pattern of interactions within care homes using electronic proximity sensors. Comparisons of outbreak and non-outbreak periods will be used to quantify the impact of norovirus outbreaks on care homes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the North West-Greater Manchester South NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC Reference: 16/NW/0541). Study outputs will be disseminated through scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications. This study will provide detailed insight on the burden and aetiology of acute gastroenteritis in care homes, in addition to generating novel data on transmission dynamics and risks. The study will identify areas for improving infection control practice and allow more accurate modelling of the introduction of interventions such as vaccination

Volcanic impacts on peatland microbial communities: A tephropalaeoecological hypothesis-test

Volcanic eruptions affect peatlands around the world, depositing volcanic ash (tephra) and a variety of chemicals including compounds of sulphur. These volcanic impacts may be important for many reasons, in particular sulphur deposition has been shown to suppress peatland methane flux, potentially reinforcing climatic cooling. Experiments have shown that sulphur deposition also forces changes in testate amoeba communities, potentially relating to the reduced methane flux. Large volcanic eruptions in regions with extensive peatlands are relatively rare so it is difficult to assess the extent to which volcanic eruptions affect peatland microbial communities; palaeoecological analyses across tephra layers provide a means to resolve this uncertainty. In this study, testate amoebae were analysed across multiple monoliths from a peatland in southern Alaska containing two tephras, probably representing the 1883 eruption of Augustine Volcano and a 20th Century eruption of Redoubt Volcano. Results showed relatively distinct and often statistically significant changes in testate amoeba community coincident with tephra layers which largely matched the response found in experimental studies of sulphur deposition. The results suggest volcanic impacts on peatland microbial communities which might relate to changes in methane flux

Mouse models of adrenal tumors responsive to gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropins

In recent years, several mouse models have been established for characterization of the molecular pathways involved in adrenocortical tumorigenesis. Adrenal tumors develop in genetically susceptible mouse strains after prepubertal gonadectomy, in mice transgenic with oncogenes (simian virus 40 T antigen), several gene knockouts (such as inhibin or conditional Gata6F/F), and in mice overexpressing transcription factor GATA binding protein 4. The gonadal rest-type adrenal tumor phenotype is regulated by gonadotropins, mainly luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone/chorionic hormone receptor and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor expression has been found in human adrenocortical carcinoma, as well as in several mouse adrenal tumor/adrenocarcinoma models. This mini-review will address recent advancements in this research topic with respect to the molecular basis of adrenocortical tumorigenesis, the clinical relevance of these tumor models, and the potential for future targeted treatment strategies. Furthermore, the ectopic expression of the luteinizing hormone/chorionic hormone receptor or gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor may open up options for targeted therapy approaches. </p

Mifepristone Treatment Promotes Testicular Leydig Cell Tumor Progression in Transgenic Mice

Simple SummaryRecently, the antiprogestin activity of selective progesterone receptor (PR) modulator mifepristone (MF) has proven unsuccessful as a potential anti-cancer agent in various clinical trials. Herein, we analyzed the effects of MF treatment on Leydig cell tumor (LCT) progression in a transgenic mouse model (inhibin-alpha promoter-driven SV40 T-antigen), as well as on the proliferation of two Leydig tumor cell lines. MF significantly stimulated the proliferation of LCT in vitro. Similarly, a 1-mo MF or P4 treatment stimulated LCT tumor growth in vivo. Only the abundant membrane Pgrmc1 expression was found in LCTs, but no other classical Pgr or nonclassical membrane PRs. Functional analysis showed that PGRMC1 is required for MF and P4 to stimulate the proliferation and invasiveness of LCTs. Our findings provide novel information that the use of MF as an anti-cancer agent should be considered with caution due to its potential PGRMC1 tumor-promoting pathway activation in cancers.The selective progesterone receptor modulator mifepristone (MF) may act as a potent antiproliferative agent in different steroid-dependent cancers due to its strong antagonistic effect on the nuclear progesterone receptor (PGR). Hereby, we analyzed the effects of MF treatment on Leydig cell tumor (LCT) progression in a transgenic mouse model (inhibin-alpha promoter-driven SV40 T-antigen), as well as on LCT (BLTK-1 and mLTC-1) cell proliferation. MF significantly stimulated the proliferation of LCT in vitro. Similarly, a 1-mo MF or P4 treatment stimulated LCT tumor growth in vivo. Traceable/absent classical Pgr or nonclassical membrane PRs alpha, beta, gamma and Pgrmc2, but abundant membrane Pgrmc1 expression, was found in LCTs. MF did not activate glucocorticoid or androgen receptors in LCTs. Functional analysis showed that PGRMC1 is required for MF and P4 to stimulate the proliferation and invasiveness of LCTs. Accordingly, MF and P4 induced PGRMC1 translocation into the nucleus and thereby stimulated the release of TGF beta 1 in LCT cells. MF and P4 treatments upregulated Tgfbr1, Tgfbr2, and Alk1 expression and stimulated TGF beta 1 release in LCT cells. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the action of MF as a membrane PR agonist that promotes LCT growth through PGRMC1 and the alternative TGF beta 1 signaling pathway

Novel Expression of Zona Pellucida 3 Protein in Normal Testis; Potential Functional Implications

The expression of the zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3), originally thought to be specific for oocytes, was recently extended to ovarian, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers. Earlier successful ZP3 immunization of a transgenic mouse model carrying a ZP3 positive ovarian tumor emphasized the suitability of ZP3 for cancer immunotherapy. This study was carried out to determine whether any other normal tissues besides the ovary in healthy human and mouse tissues may express ZP3, considered important to exclude off-target effects of ZP3 cancer immunotherapy. Strong ZP3 expression was found in normal human and mouse testis. ZP3 protein and mRNA transcripts were localized in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round and elongated spermatids of both human and mouse testis, as well as in a mouse spermatogonial cell line, but absent in testicular Sertoli, Leydig, spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells. All other normal human and mouse tissues were ZP3 negative. This surprising testicular ZP3 expression has implications for the development of ZP3 cancer immunotherapies, and it also alludes to the potential of using ZP3 as a target for the development of a male immunocontraceptive.</p

Perioperative oxygen fraction – effect on surgical site infection and pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery: a randomized clinical trial. Rationale and design of the PROXI-Trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A high perioperative inspiratory oxygen fraction may reduce the risk of surgical site infections, as bacterial eradication by neutrophils depends on wound oxygen tension. Two trials have shown that a high perioperative inspiratory oxygen fraction (Fi<smcaps>O</smcaps>₂= 0.80) significantly reduced risk of surgical site infections after elective colorectal surgery, but a third trial was stopped early because the frequency of surgical site infections was more than doubled in the group receiving Fi<smcaps>O</smcaps>₂= 0.80. It has not been settled if a high inspiratory oxygen fraction increases the risk of pulmonary complications, such as atelectasis, pneumonia and respiratory failure. The aim of our trial is to assess the potential benefits and harms of a high perioperative oxygen fraction in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.</p> <p>Methods and design</p> <p>The PROXI-Trial is a randomized, patient- and assessor blinded trial of perioperative supplemental oxygen in 1400 patients undergoing acute or elective laparotomy in 14 Danish hospitals. Patients are randomized to receive either 80% oxygen (Fi<smcaps>O</smcaps>₂= 0.80) or 30% oxygen (Fi<smcaps>O</smcaps>₂= 0.30) during surgery and for the first 2 postoperative hours. The primary outcome is surgical site infection within 14 days. The secondary outcomes are: atelectasis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, re-operation, mortality, duration of postoperative hospitalization, and admission to intensive care unit. The sample size allows detection of a 33% relative risk reduction in the primary outcome with 80% power.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This trial assesses benefits and harms of a high inspiratory oxygen fraction, and the trial may be generalizable to a general surgical population undergoing laparotomy.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00364741.</p