iRESM INITIATIVE UNDERSTANDING DECISION SUPPORT NEEDS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION --US Midwest Region?

The impacts of climate change are already affecting human and environmental systems worldwide, yet many uncertainties persist in the prediction of future climate changes and impacts due to limitations in scientific understanding of relevant causal factors. In particular, there is mounting urgency to efforts to improve models of human and environmental systems at the regional scale, and to integrate climate, ecosystem and energy-economic models to support policy, investment, and risk management decisions related to climate change mitigation (i.e., reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (i.e., responding to climate change impacts). The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing a modeling framework, the integrated Regional Earth System Model (iRESM), to address regional human-environmental system interactions in response to climate change and the uncertainties therein. The framework will consist of a suite of integrated models representing regional climate change, regional climate policy, and the regional economy, with a focus on simulating the mitigation and adaptation decisions made over time in the energy, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management sectors

How young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experience mental health: some insights for mental health nurses

This article reports on a part of a study which looked at the mental health of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) young people. The research sought to learn from CALD young people, carers, and service providers experiences relevant to the mental health of this group of young people. The ultimate goal was to gain insights that would inform government policy, service providers, ethnic communities and most importantly the young people themselves. To this end, qualitative interviews were undertaken with 123 CALD young people, 41 carers and 14 mental health service providers in Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Only one aspect of the study will be dealt with here, namely the views of the young CALD participants, which included risk factors, coping strategies and recommendations about how they could be supported in their struggle to maintain mental health. One of the most important findings of the study relates to the resilience of these young people and an insight into the strategies that they used to cope. The efforts of these young people to assist us in our attempts to understand their situation deserve to be rewarded by improvements in the care that we provide. To this end this article sets out to inform mental health nurses of the results of the study so that they will be in a position to better understand the needs and strengths of their CALD clients and be in a better position to work effectively with them

BMJ Open

ObjectivesThe raising unit price of cigarette has been shown to be one of the most effective ways of reducing cigarette consumption and increasing rates of successful quitting. However, researchers have shown that price-sensitive smokers have used a variety of strategies to mitigate the effect of the rising price of cigarettes on their smoking habits. In particular, 23\ue2\u20ac\u201c34% of adult smokers in the US use cheaper brands, and 18\ue2\u20ac\u201c55% use coupons or promotions. Little is known about the discount use by type of brands. As such, the main purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the uses and price discount effects of these price-related discounts by manufacturers and major brands.SettingAn analysis based on the cross-sectional 2009\ue2\u20ac\u201c2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS).Participants11\ue2\u20ac\u2026766 current smokers aged 18 or above in the USA.Primary outcome measuresPrice-related discount was defined as smokers who used coupons, rebates, buy-one-get-one-free, two-for-one or any other special promotions for their last cigarettes purchase.ResultsThe use of price-related discounts and associated price impact vary widely by cigarette manufacturer and brand. Approximately one of three Camel, one of four Marlboro and one of eight Newport smokers used price-related discounts on their latest cigarette purchases. The average price reductions of discounts offered by Philip Morris (PM) or R.J. Reynolds (RJR) were around 29 cents per pack while that of Lorillard (Newport only) was 24 cents per pack. Cigarette brands that provided significant per pack price reductions include: PM Marlboro (28 cents), RJR brand Camel (41 cents), Doral (50 cents), Kool (73 cents) and Salem (80 cents), and Lorillard Newport (24 cents).ConclusionsPolicies that decrease price-minimisation strategies will benefit public health

Scanning electron microscopy study on mandibular human bone and immunofluorescence study on oral mucosa in patients treated with bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are stable analogues of pyrophosphate with a P-C-P structure and 2 side chains attached to the carbon atom. Intravenous bisphosphonates are primarily used and effective in the management of cancer-related conditions in the context of solid tumors, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. Moreover bisphosphonates are subministrated to patients with metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and Paget disease. Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BONJ) is a really complication of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy in patients with cancer. It is common knowledge that the jaws have a greater blood supply than other bones and a fasterbone turnover rate, related both to their daily activity and presence of teeth which mandates daily bone remodeling around the periodontal ligament; moreover bisphosphonates toxicity to epithelial cells has been well documented. On this basis, the aim of this study is to evaluate the pathological changes of the mandibular bone and oral mucosa in patients treated with bisphosphonates, during osteoporosis treatment and during chemotherapy from solid cancer. In details we have analyzed, by immunohistochemical and scanning electron microscopic methods, intrasurgical biopsy of mandibular bone and of gingival mucosa in patients treated with bisphosphonates both intravenous and oral via after 24 and 36 months from assumption of drugs. Our results show in all patients great area demineralization bone mixed to normal bone, moreover in the demineralization bone it’s possible to observe numerous micro lacunae. In the correspondence samples of gingival epithelium we observe important lesions of histological structure and the disappearance of protein adhesion system cells to cells and cells to matrix. On this basis it is intriguing to speculate that the adverse effects of BP on oral epithelium may play a critical role in the initiation of BONJ an “outside-in” hypothesis

Analysis of the combined action of miR-143 and miR-145 on oncogenic pathways in colorectal cancer cells reveals a coordinate program of gene repression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) from the gene cluster miR-143–145 are diminished in cells of colorectal tumor origin when compared with normal colon epithelia. Until now, no report has addressed the coordinate action of these miRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we performed a comprehensive molecular and functional analysis of the miRNA cluster regulatory network. First, we evaluated proliferation, migration, anchorage-independent growth and chemoresistance in the colon tumor cell lines after miR-143 and miR-145 restoration. Then, we assessed the contribution of single genes targeted by miR-143 and miR-145 by reinforcing their expression and checking functional recovery. Restoring miR-143 and miR-145 in colon cancer cells decreases proliferation, migration and chemoresistance. We identified cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) as proteins targeted by miR-143 and miR- 145. Their re-expression can partially revert a decrease in transformation properties caused by the overexpression of miR-143 and miR- 145. In addition, we determined a set of mRNAs that are diminished after reinforcing miR-143 and miR-145 expression. The whole transcriptome analysis ascertained that downregulated transcripts are enriched in predicted target genes in a statistically significant manner. A number of additional genes, whose expression decreases as a direct or indirect consequence of miR-143 and miR-145, reveals a complex regulatory network that affects cell signaling pathways involved in transformation. In conclusion, we identified a coordinated program of gene repression by miR-143 and miR-145, in CRC, where either of the two miRNAs share a target transcript, or where the target transcripts share a common signaling pathway. Major mediators of the oncosuppression by miR-143 and miR-145 are genes belonging to the growth factor receptor–mitogen-activated protein kinase network and to the p53 signaling pathwa

The study protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial of family-mediated personalised activities for nursing home residents with dementia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Following admission to a nursing home, the feelings of depression and burden that family carers may experience do not necessarily diminish. Additionally, they may experience feelings of guilt and grief for the loss of a previously close relationship. At the same time, individuals with dementia may develop symptoms of depression and agitation (BPSD) that may be related to changes in family relationships, social interaction and stimulation. Until now, interventions to alleviate carer stress and BPSD have treated carers and relatives separately rather than focusing on maintaining or enhancing their relationships. One-to-one structured activities have been shown to reduce BPSD and also improve the caring experience, but barriers such as a lack of resources impede the implementation of activities in aged care facilities. The current study will investigate the effect of individualised activities based on the Montessori methodology administered by family carers in residential care.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>We will conduct a cluster-randomised trial to train family carers in conducting personalised one-to-one activities based on the Montessori methodology with their relatives. Montessori activities derive from the principles espoused by Maria Montessori and subsequent educational theorists to promote engagement in learning, namely task breakdown, guided repetition, progression in difficulty from simple to complex, and the careful matching of demands to levels of competence. Persons with dementia living in aged care facilities and frequently visiting family carers will be included in the study. Consented, willing participants will be randomly assigned by facility to a treatment condition using the Montessori approach or a control waiting list condition. We hypothesise that family carers conducting Montessori-based activities will experience improvements in quality of visits and overall relationship with the resident as well as higher self-rated mastery, fewer depressive symptoms, and a better quality of life than carers in the waiting list condition.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>We hypothesise that training family carers to deliver personalised activities to their relatives in a residential setting will make visits more satisfying and may consequently improve the quality of life for carers and their relatives. These beneficial effects might also reduce nursing staff burden and thus impact positively on residential facilities.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry - <a href="http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12611000998943.aspx">ACTRN12611000998943</a></p

Comportamental model of celecoxib in rat eye

Elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are implicate in progression of diabetic retinopathy. Celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, reduces retinal VEGF expression in a diabetic rat model. The primary goal of this study was to determine in rat the celecoxib disposition in various ocular compartments after intraperitoneal administration. Albino Wistar rats (200 g weight) were used and treated with 3 mg drug. Celecoxib was suspended in 0.5% w/v of carboxy methyl cellulose sodium salt and administered (3mg/rat) to unanaesthetized rat. The animals after pentobarbital (250 mg/kg) were sacrificed at 0.5, 1,2,3,4,8 and 12 hours after celecoxib administration. The plasma was collected and the eyes enucleated immediately and frozen at –80°C. Cornea, lens retina, vitreous and sclera were isolated and drug levels in ocular tissue and plasma were estimated using HPLC method and the concentration-time profiles analysed by compartmental analysis. The plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics parameters of celecoxib were reported

Possono i bifosfonati causare disturbi oculari?

I bifosfonati sono farmaci principalmente impiegati per prevenire o trattare l’osteoporosi, il morbo di Paget, l’ipercalcemia da tumore e per le condizioni associate ad aumentata attività osteoclastica. Si tratta di una classe di molecole che inibiscono il riassorbimento osseo e nella pratica clinica il loro uso varia in base alle caratteristiche dei singoli prodotti. Segnalazioni spontanee internazionali provenienti dai sistemi di farmacovigilanza riportano dati riguardanti le reazioni avverse a carico dell’apparato visivo associate ai bifosfonati e suggeriscono che questa classe di farmaci può causare gravi effetti avversi oculari, anche se con una bassa incidenza. Scopo del lavoro è stato quello di effettuare una revisione della letteratura sui bifosfonati e gli effetti collaterali a carico dell’occhio, per meglio comprendere questo problema e al fine di informare gli operatori sanitari che devono essere consapevoli di tale possibilità anche se questi effetti oculari possono essere rari. La maggior parte delle segnalazioni riguardano l’acido pamidronico e alendronico. Le linee guida per la cura dei pazienti che assumono bifosfonati suggeriscono in particolare di indirizzare ad un oftalmologo i pazienti che presentino infiammazioni oculari: congiuntiviti aspecifiche raramente richiedono un intervento e diminuiscono progressivamente in intensità mantenendo la terapia con bifosfonati. L’interruzione della terapia può rendersi necessaria nel caso di comparsa contemporanea di più di un effetto collaterale oculare ed è indispensabile in caso di comparsa di scleriti. Sebbene questi effetti oculari possano essere rari con i bifosfonati, gli operatori sanitari devono essere consapevoli di tale possibilità. Pertanto il medico nella gestione di pazienti in terapia con bifosfonati deve effettuare le rispettive raccomandazioni alfine di informarlo sui possibili effetti collaterali ed intervenire opportunamente

iRESM INITIATIVE UNDERSTANDING DECISION SUPPORT NEEDS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION --US Midwest Region—

The impacts of climate change are already affecting human and environmental systems worldwide, yet many uncertainties persist in the prediction of future climate changes and impacts due to limitations in scientific understanding of relevant causal factors. In particular, there is mounting urgency to efforts to improve models of human and environmental systems at the regional scale, and to integrate climate, ecosystem and energy-economic models to support policy, investment, and risk management decisions related to climate change mitigation (i.e., reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (i.e., responding to climate change impacts). The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing a modeling framework, the integrated Regional Earth System Model (iRESM), to address regional human-environmental system interactions in response to climate change and the uncertainties therein. The framework will consist of a suite of integrated models representing regional climate change, regional climate policy, and the regional economy, with a focus on simulating the mitigation and adaptation decisions made over time in the energy, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management sectors