First principles calculations of tetragonal FeX X S, Se, Te Magnetism, hyperfine interaction, and bonding

Magnetic ground states, local crystallographic environment of Fe, and hyperfine interaction parameters in tetragonal FeX X S, Se, Te are investigated by means of density functional theory DFT calculations using augmented plane waves plus local orbitals APW lo method. We use several different mag netic configurations to evaluate the magnetic and electronic properties of this system, as well as the hyperfine interaction parameters at Fe lattice site. The results obtained for the ground state collinear anti ferromagnetic arrangement relatively well reproduce the quadruple splitting and isomer shifts from the available Mössbauer measurements. The Bader s atoms in molecule charge density analysis indicates bonding of closed shell type and a sizable charge transfer from Fe to X . The system properties are sensitive to the structural optimization of the position of the chalcogen atom with respect to the iron plan

Genetic data: The new challenge of personalized medicine, insights for rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rapid advances in genotyping technology, analytical methods, and the establishment of large cohorts for population genetic studies have resulted in a large new body of information about the genetic basis of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Improved understanding of the root pathogenesis of the disease holds the promise of improved diagnostic and prognostic tools based upon this information. In this review, we summarize the nature of new genetic findings in human RA, including susceptibility loci and gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, as well as genetic loci associated with sub-groups of patients and those associated with response to therapy. Possible uses of these data are discussed, such as prediction of disease risk as well as personalized therapy and prediction of therapeutic response and risk of adverse events. While these applications are largely not refined to the point of clinical utility in RA, it seems likely that multi-parameter datasets including genetic, clinical, and biomarker data will be employed in the future care of RA patients

Rheumatoid arthritis response to treatment across IgG1 allotype - anti-TNF incompatibility: a case-only study.

INTRODUCTION: We have hypothesized that incompatibility between the G1m genotype of the patient and the G1m1 and G1m17 allotypes carried by infliximab (INX) and adalimumab (ADM) could decrease the efficacy of these anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) antibodies in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: The G1m genotypes were analyzed in three collections of patients with RA totaling 1037 subjects. The first, used for discovery, comprised 215 Spanish patients. The second and third were successively used for replication. They included 429 British and Greek patients and 393 Spanish and British patients, respectively. Two outcomes were considered: change in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joint (ΔDAS28) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. RESULTS: An association between less response to INX and incompatibility of the G1m1,17 allotype was found in the discovery collection at 6 months of treatment (P = 0.03). This association was confirmed in the replications (P = 0.02 and 0.08, respectively) leading to a global association (P = 0.001) that involved a mean difference in ΔDAS28 of 0.4 units between compatible and incompatible patients (2.3 ± 1.5 in compatible patients vs. 1.9 ± 1.5 in incompatible patients) and an increase in responders and decrease in non-responders according to the EULAR criteria (P = 0.03). A similar association was suggested for patients treated with ADM in the discovery collection, but it was not supported by replication. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that G1m1,17 allotypes are associated with response to INX and could aid improved therapeutic targeting in RA

Genome-wide Association Study of Response to Methotrexate in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy is a common first treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but many patients do not respond adequately. In order to identify genetic predictors of response, we have combined data from two consortia to carry out a genome-wide study of response to MTX in 1424 early RA patients of European ancestry. Clinical endpoints were change from baseline to 6 months after starting treatment in swollen 28-joint count, tender 28-joint count, C-reactive protein and the overall 3-component disease activity score (DAS28). No single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) reached genome-wide statistical significance for any outcome measure. The strongest evidence for association was with rs168201 in NRG3 (p = 10‾⁷ for change in DAS28). Some support was also seen for association with ZMIZ1, previously highlighted in a study of response to MTX in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Follow-up in two smaller cohorts of 429 and 177 RA patients did not support these findings, although these cohorts were more heterogeneous

Personalized medicine in rheumatoid arthritis: Pharmacogenetics of anti-TNF and beyond.

Contains fulltext : 129676.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, 3 september 2014Promotores : Brunner, H.G., Riel, P.L.C.M. van Co-promotores : Coenen, M.J.H., Albers, C.A

Development of the Balkan Countries: Where Does the European Responsibility Lie?

At this stage in its development, Europe faces special challenges. A united Europe, of the form that we might describe as an 'open workshop', is a challenge for 21-super-st century management, to create a peace-oriented and prosperous Europe. The principles of solidarity, sustainability and support applied within Europe are precious contributions to global strategies. What can the Balkan experience offer? The region is rich in natural resources and labour potential for accelerated economic and agricultural development. The European and Asian civilizations meet in this region. It offers labour and production potential as well as 60 million food consumers and important tourist destinations. The Balkan challenge is to utilize the European model of development and the forthcoming period must be used to prepare for membership of the EU. In the meantime the region must take advantage of local free trade zones, encourage team work amongst domestic and foreign experts on agricultural and rural development, reform education at all levels, launch well focused programmes of agricultural and rural development, complete the process of transition and of general privatization, create domestic brands with labels offering geographical origin and ensure that changes in agricultural policy are consistent with the direction of the EU's CAP. Copyright The Agricultural Ecomomics Society and the European Association of Agricultural Economists 2006.

A Comparison of Alkaline and Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers

Faraday efficiencies and energy consumptions of a small commercial proton exchange membrane (PEM) and an alkaline electrolyzer designed at our laboratory and equipped with different cathode materials were determined. Our experimental data indicate that the alkaline electrolyzer has a higher Faraday efficiency than the PEM electrolyzer, but, on the other hand, less energy is required for the PEM electrolyzer compared with the alkaline one. The results are discussed with regard to the special advantages of electrolyzers of both types

METHODOLOGY OF OPTIMIZATION ROADS FOR COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION OF SOLID WASTE IN URBAN AREAS

This paper presents a methodology of optimization of roads for collection and transportation of municipal solid waste in large urban centers. The framework for the development of the methodology is an integrated system of sustainable waste management. The aim of the study is to identify and analyze the elements, criteria and data relevant to the development of optimization models of transport routes, assuming the main criterion to be the fuel consumption and reduction of negative impacts on the environment and human health. The organization, collection and transportation of municipal waste are conditioned by the limitations related to geographic and environmental criteria. The project of optimization of transportation routes and improvement of municipal waste collection system consists of three phases: the formation of a 3D network of roads, calculation of fuel consumption and optimization of waste collection and waste transportation. GIS technology has significant advantages in modeling urban network, and application of GIS tools is conditioned by the quantity and quality of information. Using GIS tools and techniques will save up to 60 - 80% of the costs incurred in the system of solid waste management