Disarmament, Development and Security

SUMMARY Only action can make further discussion of the relationship between disarmament, development and security credible. Although the Brandt and Palme Commissions heightened public awareness, governments have largely ignored both such bodies and popular movements. The superpowers hold the key but alternative voices must be heard, including middle?country coalitions, the Commonwealth, and the smallest countries which feel special insecurity. Collective security would help developing countries cut arms spending. The Brandt Symposium in April 1985 urged governments to plan for conversion of resources from military to civilian use. The projected UN Conference on Disarmament and Development could make practical advances and reassert the centrality of the disarmament and development relationship. SOMMAIRE Désarmement, développement et sécurité Seul le fait d'agir peut restituer une certaine crédibilité à la discussion des rapports entre le désarmement, le développement et la sécurité. Quoique les commissions Brandt et Palme ont atteint la connaissance du public, les gouvernements ont grandement ignorés ces organisations ainsi que les mouvements populaires. Les grandes puissances tiennent les rênes mais d'autres doivent avoir droit à la parole, les pays moyens y compris, le Commonwealth, et les plus petits pays qui souffrent d'une certaine insécurité. Une sécurité collective aiderait les pays en voie de développement à freiner leurs dépenses en armement. Le Symposium de Brandt en avril 1985 pressait les gouvernements à mettre sur pied une stratégie pour convertir les ressources à but militaire à usage civil. La future Conférence des Nations Unies sur le Désarmement et le Développement pourrait avancer des idées pratiques et réaffirmer la centralisation des rapports du désarmement et du développement. RESUMEN Desarme, desarrollo y sequridad Cualquiera discusión futura acerca de la relación entre desarme, desarrollo y seguridad sólo tendrá credibilidad a través de la acción. Aunque las Comisiones. Brandt y Palme acrecentaron la conciencia pública sobre el problema, por lo general los gobiernos han ignorado tanto a esos organismos como a los movimientos populares. Las superpotencias tienen la última palabra pero las opiniones alternativas debieran hacerse oir incluyendo aquellas de coaliciones de países intermedios, del Commonwealth y los países más pequeños que sienten gran inseguridad. Los países en desarrollo podrían disminuir su gasto de armamentos mediante la creación de sistemas de seguridad colectivos. El symposium Brandt de abril de 1985 urgió a los gobiernos para que planificaran la conversión de recursos de uso militar a uso civil. La proyectada conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Desarme y Desarrollo podría resultar en adelantos prácticos y reafirmar el carácter central de la relación entre desarme y desarrollo

Europe and the South in the 1980s: prospects for political change

SUMMARY The USA may be withdrawing from active involvement in North?South issues. Europe, too, has dragged its feet in the various North?South fora. Yet the challenge of the South is growing, and is evident in figures on debt, deteriorating terms of trade and protectionism. The EEC has a major role to play in reversing the deterioration of North?South relations. The Community, in particular, has more interest in the Third World than do some of the member states. It should build on the on the Lomé framework, and move out to other Third World countries. RESUMEN Europa y el Sur en la década 1980 Estados Unidos puede retirarse del compromiso activo en los asuntos Norte?Sur y también Europa ha perdido interés en los diversos foros sobre el tema. No obstante, el desafío del Sur está creciendo y se hace evidente en las cifras de la deuda, el deterioro de los términos de intercambio y el proteccionismo. La CEE tiene un importante rol que cumplir en revertir el deterioro de las relaciones Norte?Sur. La Comunidad, en especial, tiene más interés en el Tercer Mundo que algunos de los estados miembros y debería basarse en el marco de Lomé y orientarse a otros países del Tercer Mundo. RÉSUMÉ L'Europe et le Sud dans les années 80 Les Etats?Unis envisageraient un retrait de leur participation active dans les problèmes Nord?Sud. L'Europe aussi a été lente à réagir dans les divers forums Nord?Sud. Cependant le défi du Sud s'accroît, et cela est évident dans les chiffres des dettes, détériorant les conditions du commerce et du protectionnisme. La CEE a un rôle majeur à jouer dans le retournement de la situation de détérioration des relations Nord?Sud. La Communauté, en particulier, a plus d'intérêts dans le Tiers?Monde que certains états?membres. Elle devrait mettre en place le projet de Lomé, et se tourner vers d'autres pays du Tiers?Monde

Annealing-Induced Modifications in Physicochemical and Optoelectronic Properties of Ag-Doped Nanostructured CdS Thin Films

The Ag-doped nanostructured CdS thin films are grown by simple, cost effective chemical ion exchange technique at room temperature on ITO-coated glass substrate. These as grown thin films are annealed at 100, 200, 300, and 400°C in air atmosphere for 1 hour. To study the effect of annealing on physicochemical and optoelectronic properties, these as grown and annealed thin films are characterized for structural, compositional, morphological, optical, and electrical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals polycrystalline nature of these thin films with increase in crystallite size from 6.4 to 11.2 nm, from XRD the direct identification of Ag doping in CdS thin films cannot be judged, while shift in characteristics peak position of CdS is observed. The Raman spectrum represents increase in full width at half maxima and intensity of characteristic peak, confirming the material modification upon annealing treatment. Presence of Cd, Ag, and S in energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectra (EDAX) confirms expected elemental composition in thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images represent grain growth and agglomeration upon annealing. Red shift in optical absorbance strength and energy band gap values from 2.28 to 2.14 eV is obtained. I-V response obtained from as grown and annealed thin films shows an enhancement in photosensitivity from 72% to 96% upon illumination to 100 mW/cm2 light source

The need for a quality standard for assurance in medical research laboratories

The objective of this article is to show the results of a research study conducted to evaluate the need for a quality standard specific for medical research laboratories based on the shortfalls of ISO 15189 when used for this purpose. A qualitative research methodology was used, which comprised of collecting data from 20 well-qualified and experienced medical laboratory personnel by means of interviews based on a framework developed from a literature review. The data were analysed by means of a thematic technique and the results were verified by a team of medical researchers. The seven themes arising from the analyses were inflexibility; ambiguity; unfair requirements; inappropriate focus; inadequacy for research; renewal; and acceptance for accreditation. The results indicated that the ISO 15189 standard in its present content does not totally suit medical research laboratories and shows support for the development of a standard specific for research laboratories

Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates: Occurrence rates, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and molecular typing in the global SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program, 1997-1999

During 1997–1999, a total of 70,067 isolates (6631 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates) were analyzed in the SENTRY program by geographic region and body site of infection. The respiratory tract was the most common source of P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa isolation rates increased during the study interval. Europe was the only region to show a significant decline in β-lactam and aminoglycoside susceptibility rates. There was a reduction in the rates of susceptibility of Canadian isolates to imipenem and of Latin American isolates to meropenem. A total of 218 multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates (MDR-PSA; resistant to piperacillin, ceftazidime, imipenem, and gentamicin) were observed; MDR-PSA occurrence rates (percentages of all isolates) ranged from 8.2% (Latin America) to 0.9% (Canada). No antimicrobial inhibited >50% of MDR-PSA strains. Molecular characterization of selected, generally resistant strains was performed. Isolates showing unique ribogroups were found in Europe, Latin America, and the United States, but clonal spread was documented in several medical centers.A. C. Gales, R. N. Jones, J. Turnidge, R. Rennie, and R. Rampha

Experience With the Cardiac Surgery Simulation Curriculum: Results of the Resident and Faculty Survey

BACKGROUND: The Cardiac Surgery Simulation Curriculum was developed at 8 institutions from 2010 to 2013. A total of 27 residents were trained by 18 faculty members. A survey was conducted to gain insight into the initial experience. METHODS: Residents and faculty were sent a 72- and 68-question survey, respectively. In addition to demographic information, participants reported their view of the overall impact of the curriculum. Focused investigation into each of the 6 modules was obtained. Participants evaluated the value of the specific simulators used. Institutional biases regarding implementation of the curriculum were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty (74%) residents and 14 (78%) faculty responded. The majority (70%) of residents completed this training in their first and second year of traditional-track programs. The modules were well regarded with no respondents having an unfavorable view. Both residents and faculty found low, moderate, and high fidelity simulators to be extremely useful, with particular emphasis on utility of high fidelity components. The vast majority of residents (85%) and faculty (100%) felt more comfortable in the resident skill set and performance in the operating room. Simulation of rare adverse events allowed for development of multidisciplinary teams to address them. At most institutions, the conduct of this curriculum took precedence over clinical obligations (64%). CONCLUSIONS: The Cardiac Surgery Simulation Curriculum was implemented with robust adoption among the investigating centers. Both residents and faculty viewed the modules favorably. Using this curriculum, participants indicated an improvement in resident technical skills and were enthusiastic about training in adverse events and crisis management

Simulation-Based Training in Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND: Operating room surgical training has significant limitations. This study hypothesized that some skills could be learned efficiently and safely by using simulation with component task training, deliberate practice, progressive complexity, and experienced coaching to produce safer cardiac surgeons. METHODS: Training modules included cardiopulmonary bypass, coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, massive air embolism, acute intraoperative aortic dissection, and sudden deterioration in cardiac function. Using deliberate practice, first-year cardiothoracic surgical residents at eight institutions were trained and evaluated on component tasks for each module and later on full cardiac operations. Evaluations were based on five-point Likert-scale tools indexed by module, session, task items, and repetitions. Statistical analyses relied on generalized linear model estimation and corresponding confidence intervals. RESULTS: The 27 residents who participated demonstrated improvement with practice repetitions resulting in excellent final scores per module (mean ± two SEs): cardiopulmonary bypass, 4.80 ± 0.12; coronary artery bypass grafting, 4.41 ± 0.19; aortic valve replacement, 4.51 ± 0.20; massive air embolism, 0.68 ± 0.14; acute intraoperative aortic dissection, 4.52 ± 0.17; and sudden deterioration in cardiac function, 4.76 ± 0.16. The transient detrimental effect of time away from training was also evident. CONCLUSIONS: Overall performance in component tasks and complete cardiac surgical procedures improved during simulation-based training. Simulation-based training imparts skill sets for management of adverse events and can help produce safer surgeons

Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS or Flagellin Are Sufficient to Activate TLR-Dependent Signaling in Murine Alveolar Macrophages and Airway Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND:The human lung is exposed to a large number of airborne pathogens as a result of the daily inhalation of 10,000 liters of air. Innate immunity is thus essential to defend the lungs against these pathogens. This defense is mediated in part through the recognition of specific microbial ligands by Toll-like receptors (TLR) of which there are at least 10 in humans. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the main pathogen that infects the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. Based on whole animal experiments, using TLR knockout mice, the control of this bacterium is believed to occur by the recognition of LPS and flagellin by TLRs 2,4 and 5, respectively. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:In the present study, we investigated in vitro the role of these same TLR and ligands, in alveolar macrophage (AM) and epithelial cell (EC) activation. Cellular responses to P. aeruginosa was evaluated by measuring KC, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and G-CSF secretion, four different markers of the innate immune response. AM and EC from WT and TLR2, 4, 5 and MyD88 knockout mice for were stimulated with the wild-type P. aeruginosa or with a mutant devoid of flagellin production. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:The results clearly demonstrate that only two ligand/receptor pairs are necessary for the induction of KC, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 synthesis by P. aeruginosa-activated cells, i.e. TLR2,4/LPS and TLR5/flagellin. Either ligand/receptor pair is sufficient to sense the bacterium and to trigger cell activation, and when both are missing lung EC and AM are unable to produce such a response as were cells from MyD88(-/-) mice

A Crucial Role of Flagellin in the Induction of Airway Mucus Production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen involved in nosocomial infections. Flagellin is a P. aeruginosa virulence factor involved in host response to this pathogen. We examined the role of flagellin in P. aeruginosa-induced mucus secretion. Using a mouse model of pulmonary infection we showed that PAK, a wild type strain of P. aeruginosa, induced airway mucus secretion and mucin muc5ac expression at higher levels than its flagellin-deficient mutant (ΔFliC). PAK induced expression of MUC5AC and MUC2 in both human airway epithelial NCI-H292 cell line and in primary epithelial cells. In contrast, ΔFliC infection had lower to no effect on MUC5AC and MUC2 expressions. A purified P. aeruginosa flagellin induced MUC5AC expression in parallel to IL-8 secretion in NCI-H292 cells. Accordingly, ΔFliC mutant stimulated IL-8 secretion at significantly lower levels compared to PAK. Incubation of NCI-H292 cells with exogenous IL-8 induced MUC5AC expression and pre-incubation of these cells with an anti-IL-8 antibody abrogated flagellin-mediated MUC5AC expression. Silencing of TLR5 and Naip, siRNA inhibited both flagellin-induced MUC5AC expression and IL-8 secretion. Finally, inhibition of ERK abolished the expression of both PAK- and flagellin-induced MUC5AC. We conclude that: (i) flagellin is crucial in P. aeruginosa-induced mucus hyper-secretion through TLR5 and Naip pathways; (ii) this process is mediated by ERK and amplified by IL-8. Our findings help understand the mechanisms involved in mucus secretion during pulmonary infectious disease induced by P. aeruginosa, such as in cystic fibrosis

MyD88-dependent expansion of an immature GR-1+CD11b+ population induces T cell suppression and Th2 polarization in sepsis

Polymicrobial sepsis alters the adaptive immune response and induces T cell suppression and Th2 immune polarization. We identify a GR-1+CD11b+ population whose numbers dramatically increase and remain elevated in the spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow during polymicrobial sepsis. Phenotypically, these cells are heterogeneous, immature, predominantly myeloid progenitors that express interleukin 10 and several other cytokines and chemokines. Splenic GR-1+ cells effectively suppress antigen-specific CD8+ T cell interferon (IFN) γ production but only modestly suppress antigen-specific and nonspecific CD4+ T cell proliferation. GR-1+ cell depletion in vivo prevents both the sepsis-induced augmentation of Th2 cell–dependent and depression of Th1 cell–dependent antibody production. Signaling through MyD88, but not Toll-like receptor 4, TIR domain–containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β, or the IFN-α/β receptor, is required for complete GR-1+CD11b+ expansion. GR-1+CD11b+ cells contribute to sepsis-induced T cell suppression and preferential Th2 polarization