Improvement of the quality of propagation material for organic farming system

The use of organic propagation material is obligatory according to the current EU regulations for organic production. However, frequently difficulties are en-countered regarding the availability, the costs or the quality. In the Netherlands a national research program aims at developing solutions, needed for improving the production of high quality organic propagation material. The main emphasis in the pro-gram is on the model crops cabbage, onion, wheat and potato. Individual projects within the program include epidemiological studies of seed borne dis-eases to develop disease prevention strategies, meth-ods to improve resistance of seeds and seedlings towards pathogens and methods to control silver scurf in seed potatoes, development of multi-spectral analysis and sorting techniques and methods for analysis and improvement of seed vigour. Active involvement of producers and users of the seeds or seed potatoes ensures that the results will be imple-mented in practice. The program also aims at strengthening the international collaboration, amongst others through involvement in international research projects

First Same-Sex Partner and the Internet

The present study examined the first episode of anal intercourse of young gay and bisexual men (YGBM) who were in the midst of their coming-out. Cross-sectional data regarding the first episode of anal intercourse were extracted from Outcomes, a longitudinal study on coming-out and sexual behavior of YGBM in the Netherlands. Overall, 45% of respondents reported unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with their first same-sex partner. Rates of UAI did not significantly differ between meeting place (offline vs. online) and partner status (steady, regular or casual)

Endothelium in vitro:A review of human vascular endothelial cell lines for blood vessel-related research

Endothelial cells (EC) are currently used as in vitro model systems for various physiological and pathological processes, especially in angiogenesis research. Primary EC have a limited lifespan and display characteristics that differ from batch to batch due to their multidonor origin. In recent years many groups have established EC lines. This Review gives an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of currently available vascular EC lines. Its aim is to help the investigator to decide which cell line matches his or her research goal best. Truly immortalized cell lines are generally better characterized and more stable in their endothelial traits than EC that were given an extended life span. Presently the best characterized macro- and micro-vascular EC lines are EA.hy926 and HMEC-1, respectively.</p

Rational use of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma:A systematic review

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) is increasingly used in patients with advanced melanoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF/MEK-targeted therapy have transformed the therapeutic landscape of metastatic melanoma. Consequently, a need for markers predicting (early) response to treatment and for monitoring treatment (toxicity) has arisen. This systematic review appraises the current literature evidence for rational use of 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in staging, clinical decision-making, treatment monitoring and follow-up in advanced melanoma. 18F-FDG PET/CT has high overall accuracy for detection of distant metastases and is, combined with cerebral MRI, the preferred imaging strategy for staging metastatic melanoma. In contrast, strong evidence supporting the standard use of 18F-FDG PET/CT for predicting and monitoring therapy response and toxicity is currently lacking. Essential for determining the position of 18F-FDG PET/CT during treatment course in advanced melanoma are well-designed studies with standardized scanning protocols, incorporation of clinical parameters and comparison with contrast-enhanced CT alone

Limitations of the nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on tyrosinase for the detection of malignant melanoma micrometastases in lymph nodes

The specificity and sensitivity of the nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on tyrosinase was studied, for the detection of micrometastases of malignant melanoma. The specificity was assessed in the blood of six healthy donors, four patients with non-melanoma cancers of which one patient was treated with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. Lymph nodes of nine patients without malignant melanoma were tested and four cell lines of various other tumours. Six of the nine non-melanoma lymph nodes were positive in this assay. The sensitivity was tested in a spike experiment in vitro, using a melanoma cell line. The detection limit was ten melanoma cells per 107peripheral blood lymphocytes. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaig

Checks and Balances in Autoimmune Vasculitis

Age-associated changes in the immune system including alterations in surface protein expression are thought to contribute to an increased susceptibility for autoimmune diseases. The balance between the expression of coinhibitory and costimulatory surface protein molecules, also known as immune checkpoint molecules, is crucial in fine-tuning the immune response and preventing autoimmunity. The activation of specific inhibitory signaling pathways allows cancer cells to evade recognition and destruction by the host immune system. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to treat cancer has proven to be effective producing durable antitumor responses in multiple cancer types. However, one of the disadvantages derived from the use of these agents is the appearance of inflammatory manifestations termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). These irAEs are often relatively mild, but more severe irAEs have been reported as well including several forms of vasculitis. In this article, we argue that age-related changes in expression and function of immune checkpoint molecules lead to an unstable immune system, which is prone to tolerance failure and autoimmune vasculitis development. The topic is introduced by a case report from our hospital describing a melanoma patient treated with ICIs and who subsequently developed biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis. Following this case report, we present an in-depth review on the role of immune checkpoint pathways in the development and progression of autoimmune vasculitis and its relation with an aging immune system

Non-state nations: Structure, rescaling, and the role of territorial policy communities, illustrated by the cases of Wales and Sardinia

This paper explores the role of non-state nations’ identity and agency with regard to relations with their host nation states. The particular focus here is on the means by which such regions might express their individuality. To this end, we employ a comparative case study analysis of two non-state nations with a range of differing yet in other ways similar qualities – namely Wales (UK) and Sardinia (Italy). We suggest that this is a valuable exercise, allowing as it does for the exploring of evidence ‘on the ground’ of the processes involved. The conceptual rationale for the paper is provided by new regionalism – regions as actors beyond the nation state. Following this, the idea of the ‘territorial policy community’ is presented as a point of departure, with the scope of the paper being to develop a diachronic framework for regional change. Given the focus on identity and interest articulation, the role of regional political parties is a particular subject of the empirical investigation, with non-state nations and nation states linked by opportunistic relationships based on political and electoral support. We then consider what this might mean with regard to the capacity of non-state nations to build on the past to successfully negotiate future policy-making agendas. Finally, we reflect on the limitations of the study, and consider the implications of its findings for further research agendas