Genome-wide profiling of G protein-coupled receptors in cerebellar granule neurons using high-throughput, real-time PCR

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are major players in cell communication, regulate a whole range of physiological functions during development and throughout adult life, are affected in numerous pathological situations, and constitute so far the largest class of drugable targets for human diseases. The corresponding genes are usually expressed at low levels, making accurate, genome-wide quantification of their expression levels a challenging task using microarrays.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We first draw an inventory of all endo-GPCRs encoded in the murine genome. To profile GPCRs genome-wide accurately, sensitively, comprehensively, and cost-effectively, we designed and validated a collection of primers that we used in quantitative RT-PCR experiments. We experimentally validated a statistical approach to analyze genome-wide, real-time PCR data. To illustrate the usefulness of this approach, we determined the repertoire of GPCRs expressed in cerebellar granule neurons and neuroblasts during postnatal development.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We identified tens of GPCRs that were not detected previously in this cell type; these GPCRs represent novel candidate players in the development and survival of cerebellar granule neurons. The sequences of primers used in this study are freely available to those interested in quantifying GPCR expression comprehensively.</p

Perspectives and Integration in SOLAS Science

Why a chapter on Perspectives and Integration in SOLAS Science in this book? SOLAS science by its nature deals with interactions that occur: across a wide spectrum of time and space scales, involve gases and particles, between the ocean and the atmosphere, across many disciplines including chemistry, biology, optics, physics, mathematics, computing, socio-economics and consequently interactions between many different scientists and across scientific generations. This chapter provides a guide through the remarkable diversity of cross-cutting approaches and tools in the gigantic puzzle of the SOLAS realm. Here we overview the existing prime components of atmospheric and oceanic observing systems, with the acquisition of ocean–atmosphere observables either from in situ or from satellites, the rich hierarchy of models to test our knowledge of Earth System functioning, and the tremendous efforts accomplished over the last decade within the COST Action 735 and SOLAS Integration project frameworks to understand, as best we can, the current physical and biogeochemical state of the atmosphere and ocean commons. A few SOLAS integrative studies illustrate the full meaning of interactions, paving the way for even tighter connections between thematic fields. Ultimately, SOLAS research will also develop with an enhanced consideration of societal demand while preserving fundamental research coherency. The exchange of energy, gases and particles across the air-sea interface is controlled by a variety of biological, chemical and physical processes that operate across broad spatial and temporal scales. These processes influence the composition, biogeochemical and chemical properties of both the oceanic and atmospheric boundary layers and ultimately shape the Earth system response to climate and environmental change, as detailed in the previous four chapters. In this cross-cutting chapter we present some of the SOLAS achievements over the last decade in terms of integration, upscaling observational information from process-oriented studies and expeditionary research with key tools such as remote sensing and modelling. Here we do not pretend to encompass the entire legacy of SOLAS efforts but rather offer a selective view of some of the major integrative SOLAS studies that combined available pieces of the immense jigsaw puzzle. These include, for instance, COST efforts to build up global climatologies of SOLAS relevant parameters such as dimethyl sulphide, interconnection between volcanic ash and ecosystem response in the eastern subarctic North Pacific, optimal strategy to derive basin-scale CO2 uptake with good precision, or significant reduction of the uncertainties in sea-salt aerosol source functions. Predicting the future trajectory of Earth’s climate and habitability is the main task ahead. Some possible routes for the SOLAS scientific community to reach this overarching goal conclude the chapter

Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiencies in Rainfed Systems

Successful and sustained crop production to feed burgeoning population in rainfed areas, facing soil fertility-related degradation through low and imbalanced amounts of nutrients, requires regular nutrient inputs through biological, organic or inorganic sources of fertilizers. Intensification of fertilizer (all forms) use has given rise to concerns about efficiency of nutrient use, primarily driven by economic and environmental considerations. Inefficient nutrient use is a key factor pushing up the cost of cultivation and pulling down the profitability in farming while putting at stake the sustainability of rainfed farming systems. Nutrient use efficiency implies more produce per unit of nutrient applied; therefore, any soil-water-crop management practices that promote crop productivity at same level of fertilizer use are expected to enhance nutrient use efficiency. Pervasive nutrient depletion and imbalances in rainfed soils are primarily responsible for decreasing yields and declining response to applied macronutrient fertilizers. Studies have indicated soil test-based balanced fertilization an important driver for enhancing yields and improving nutrient use efficiency in terms of uptake, utilization and use efficiency for grain yield and harvest index indicating improved grain nutritional quality. Recycling of on-farm wastes is a big opportunity to cut use and cost of chemical fertilizers while getting higher yield levels at same macronutrient levels. Best management practices like adoption of high-yielding and nutrient-efficient cultivars, landform management for soil structure and health, checking pathways of nutrient losses or reversing nutrient losses through management at watershed scale and other holistic crop management practices have great scope to result in enhancing nutrient and resource use efficiency through higher yields. The best practices have been found to promote soil organic carbon storage that is critical for optimum soil processes and improve soil health and enhance nutrient use efficiency for sustainable intensification in the rainfed systems

Can multiple lifestyle behaviours be improved in people with familial hypercholesterolemia? Results of a parallel randomised controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an individualised tailored lifestyle intervention on physical activity, dietary intake, smoking and compliance to statin therapy in people with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). Methods: Adults with FH (n = 340) were randomly assigned to a usual care control group or an intervention group. The intervention consisted of web-based tailored lifestyle advice and face-to-face counselling. Physical activity, fat, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking and compliance to statin therapy were self-reported at baseline and after 12 months. Regression analyses were conducted to examine between-group differences. Intervention reach, dose and fidelity were assessed. Results: In both groups, non-significant improvements in all lifestyle behaviours were found. Post-hoc analyses showed a significant decrease in saturated fat intake among women in the intervention group (β = -1.03; CI -1.98/-0.03). In the intervention group, 95% received a log on account, of which 49% logged on and completed one module. Nearly all participants received face-to-face counselling and on average, 4.2 telephone booster calls. Intervention fidelity was low. Conclusions: Individually tailored feedback is not superior to no intervention regarding changes in multiple lifestyle behaviours in people with FH. A higher received dose of computer-tailored interventions should be achieved by uplifting the website and reducing the burden of screening questionnaires. Counsellor training should be more extensive. Trial Registration: Dutch Trial Register NTR1899. © 2012 Broekhuizen et al

Emissie-inventarisaties en opties voor uitworpbeperking

Dit is het eindrapport van het project "Maatschappelijke oorzaken broeikaseffect: emissie-inventarisaties en opties voor uitworpbeperking", gefinancierd door het Nationaal Onderzoek Programma Mondiale Luchtverontreiniging en Klimaatverandering en het Directoraat Milieuhygiene van het Ministerie van Volkshuisvesting, Ruimtelijke Ordening en Milieubeheer. In 1990 was er weinig bekend over de nationale uitworp van de niet-CO2 broeikasgassen en de oorzaken ervan. De doelstellingen van het project waren tweeledig: het ondersteunen van de ontwikkeling van een Nederlands klimaatbeleid dat met alle broeikasgassen rekening zou houden en de identificering van lacunes in de kennis omtrent de bronnen van broeikasgassen teneinde de prioriteitstelling binnen het NOP te ondersteunen. Het eindrapport vat de vier fasen van het project samen. In de eerste fase werd een eerste voorlopige inventarisatie van de uitworp van broeikasgassen gemaakt, te weten koolstofdioxide (CO2), methaan (CH4), distikstofoxide of lachgas (N2O) en de ozon precursors koolstofmonoxide (CO), stikstofoxiden (NOx) en vluchtige organische stoffen (VOS). In de tweede fase werd de opgedane kennis gebruikt om de ontwikkeling van Richtlijnen voor Nationale Uitworpinventarisaties door het gezamenlijk OESO/IPCC programma te ondersteunen, onder meer via de organisatie van een internationale workshop en de deelname aan de planningsgroep van het programma. In de derde fase werd een gedetailleerde analyse uitgevoerd van de nationale bronnen van methaan, de huidige en toekomstige uitworp, en de mogelijkheden tot beheersing van de uitworp. Tenslotte werd een vergelijkbare analyse uitgevoerd voor distikstofoxide. In deze studies werd gevonden, dat maatregelen die niet speciaal gericht zijn op het beperken van klimaatverandering, zouden helpen de uitworp van de niet-CO2 broeikasgassen te beheersen. Terwijl voor methaan, de nationale uitworp even zouden afnemen door maatregelen in de veeteelt en afvalverwijdering, zouden voor distikstofoxide de reductie in de uitworp vanuit de landbouw meer dan gecompenseerd worden door een toename in speciaal de transportsector. Het project laat ook zien, dat de toepassing van meer gedetailleerde informatie leidt tot verschillen met de Richtlijnen, enerzijds omdat niet alle broncategorieen in de Richtlijnen zijn opgenomen en anderzijds vanwege andere locatie-specifieke emissiefactoren.This report is the final summary report of the project "Social causes of the greenhouse effect ; emissions inventories and options for control", funded by the National Research Programme on Global Air Pollution and Climate Change (NRP) and the Environment Directorate of the Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and Environment. In 1990, little was known about national emissions of greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide. Therefore, the project was started in that year to develop a national inventory of the emissions of all greenhouse gases and their causes. The objectives of the project were twofold: supporting the development of a comprehensive Dutch climate policy and the identification of gaps in knowledge about sources of greenhouse gases to support priority setting of the NRP. The report summarizes the four phases of the project. In the first phase, a first national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions was made, capturing carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and the ozone precursors carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). In the second phase, the acquired expertise was used to support the development of Guidelines for National Emissions Inventories by the joint OECD/IPCC programme through workshop organization and participation in the international planning group. In the third phase, a detailed analysis was performed of the sources of methane, its current and future emissions and the options for control. Finally, a similar analysis was performed for nitrous oxide. In these studies, it was found that policies not specifically aiming at mitigating climate change, would help to control the emissions of the non-CO2 greenhouse gases. While for methane, national emissions would even decrease because of measures in the livestock management and waste disposal sectors, for nitrous oxide the reductions in agricultural emissions would be outweighed by increases especially in the transportation sector. The project shows that the application of more detailed information leads to differences with the Guidelines, both because of the limited number of source categories in the Guidelines and because of different, locally specific emissions factors.DGM/LENO

Emissie-inventarisaties en opties voor uitworpbeperking

This report is the final summary report of the project "Social causes of the greenhouse effect ; emissions inventories and options for control", funded by the National Research Programme on Global Air Pollution and Climate Change (NRP) and the Environment Directorate of the Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and Environment. In 1990, little was known about national emissions of greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide. Therefore, the project was started in that year to develop a national inventory of the emissions of all greenhouse gases and their causes. The objectives of the project were twofold: supporting the development of a comprehensive Dutch climate policy and the identification of gaps in knowledge about sources of greenhouse gases to support priority setting of the NRP. The report summarizes the four phases of the project. In the first phase, a first national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions was made, capturing carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and the ozone precursors carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). In the second phase, the acquired expertise was used to support the development of Guidelines for National Emissions Inventories by the joint OECD/IPCC programme through workshop organization and participation in the international planning group. In the third phase, a detailed analysis was performed of the sources of methane, its current and future emissions and the options for control. Finally, a similar analysis was performed for nitrous oxide. In these studies, it was found that policies not specifically aiming at mitigating climate change, would help to control the emissions of the non-CO2 greenhouse gases. While for methane, national emissions would even decrease because of measures in the livestock management and waste disposal sectors, for nitrous oxide the reductions in agricultural emissions would be outweighed by increases especially in the transportation sector. The project shows that the application of more detailed information leads to differences with the Guidelines, both because of the limited number of source categories in the Guidelines and because of different, locally specific emissions factors.Dit is het eindrapport van het project "Maatschappelijke oorzaken broeikaseffect: emissie-inventarisaties en opties voor uitworpbeperking", gefinancierd door het Nationaal Onderzoek Programma Mondiale Luchtverontreiniging en Klimaatverandering en het Directoraat Milieuhygiene van het Ministerie van Volkshuisvesting, Ruimtelijke Ordening en Milieubeheer. In 1990 was er weinig bekend over de nationale uitworp van de niet-CO2 broeikasgassen en de oorzaken ervan. De doelstellingen van het project waren tweeledig: het ondersteunen van de ontwikkeling van een Nederlands klimaatbeleid dat met alle broeikasgassen rekening zou houden en de identificering van lacunes in de kennis omtrent de bronnen van broeikasgassen teneinde de prioriteitstelling binnen het NOP te ondersteunen. Het eindrapport vat de vier fasen van het project samen. In de eerste fase werd een eerste voorlopige inventarisatie van de uitworp van broeikasgassen gemaakt, te weten koolstofdioxide (CO2), methaan (CH4), distikstofoxide of lachgas (N2O) en de ozon precursors koolstofmonoxide (CO), stikstofoxiden (NOx) en vluchtige organische stoffen (VOS). In de tweede fase werd de opgedane kennis gebruikt om de ontwikkeling van Richtlijnen voor Nationale Uitworpinventarisaties door het gezamenlijk OESO/IPCC programma te ondersteunen, onder meer via de organisatie van een internationale workshop en de deelname aan de planningsgroep van het programma. In de derde fase werd een gedetailleerde analyse uitgevoerd van de nationale bronnen van methaan, de huidige en toekomstige uitworp, en de mogelijkheden tot beheersing van de uitworp. Tenslotte werd een vergelijkbare analyse uitgevoerd voor distikstofoxide. In deze studies werd gevonden, dat maatregelen die niet speciaal gericht zijn op het beperken van klimaatverandering, zouden helpen de uitworp van de niet-CO2 broeikasgassen te beheersen. Terwijl voor methaan, de nationale uitworp even zouden afnemen door maatregelen in de veeteelt en afvalverwijdering, zouden voor distikstofoxide de reductie in de uitworp vanuit de landbouw meer dan gecompenseerd worden door een toename in speciaal de transportsector. Het project laat ook zien, dat de toepassing van meer gedetailleerde informatie leidt tot verschillen met de Richtlijnen, enerzijds omdat niet alle broncategorieen in de Richtlijnen zijn opgenomen en anderzijds vanwege andere locatie-specifieke emissiefactoren

Multiple health behavior changes and co-variation in a telephone counseling trial

Background Delivering effective multiple health behavior interventions to large numbers of adults with chronic conditions via primary care settings is a public health priority. Purpose Within a 12-month, telephone-delivered diet and physical activity intervention with multiple behavioral outcomes, we examined the extent and co-variation of multiple health behavior change. Methods A cluster-randomized trial with 434 patients with type 2 diabetes or hypertension were recruited from 10 general practices, which were randomized to receive telephone counseling or usual care. Results Those receiving telephone counseling were significantly more likely than those in usual care to make greater reductions in multiple behaviors after adjusting for baseline risk behaviors (OR 2.42; 95%CI 1.43, 4.11). Controlling for baseline risk and group allocation, making changes to either physical activity, fat, vegetable, or fiber intake was associated with making significantly more improvements in other behaviors. Conclusions For patients with chronic conditions, telephone counseling can significantly improve multiple health behaviors, with behavioral changes tending to co-vary