Long-term effect of comorbidity on the course of physical functioning in patients after stroke and with multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of comorbidity on the course of physical functioning in patients after stroke and with multiple sclerosis. SUBJECTS: Patients after a first-ever supratentorial stroke (n = 198), who had been admitted for inpatient rehabilitaion, and patients with recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis (n =146). DESIGN: Prospective, observational study over a period of 3 years. MEASUREMENTS: Physical functioning was measured with the motor score of the Functional Independence Measure at baseline (time of diagnosis), and at 6 months, and 1 and 3 year follow-ups. Cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskele nottal, diabetes mellitus, and other comorbidities were measured at baseline. RESULTS: Patients after stroke and multiple sclerosis with comorbidity showed a significantly lower level of physical functioning over all 4 measurements. There was no difference in the course of physical functioning between patients after stroke with and without comorbidity. In patients with multiple sclerosis, a greater decrease in physical functioning over the 3-year follow-up was found in patients with comorbidity of the musculoskeletal system compared with patients without. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that similar improvements in physical functioning can be expected during rehabilitation of stroke patients with comorbidity compared with patients without these conditions. In patients with multiple sclerosis, musculoskeletal comorbidity requires further attention because of its association with a greater decrease in physical functionin

A branched biosynthetic pathway is involved in production of roquefortine and related compounds in Penicillium chrysogenum

Profiling and structural elucidation of secondary metabolites produced by the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum and derived deletion strains were used to identify the various metabolites and enzymatic steps belonging to the roquefortine/meleagrin pathway. Major abundant metabolites of this pathway were identified as histidyltryptophanyldiketopiperazine (HTD), dehydrohistidyltryptophanyldi-ketopiperazine (DHTD), roquefortine D, roquefortine C, glandicoline A, glandicoline B and meleagrin. Specific genes could be assigned to each enzymatic reaction step. The nonribosomal peptide synthetase RoqA accepts L-histidine and L-tryptophan as substrates leading to the production of the diketopiperazine HTD. DHTD, previously suggested to be a degradation product of roquefortine C, was found to be derived from HTD involving the cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase RoqR. The dimethylallyltryptophan synthetase RoqD prenylates both HTD and DHTD yielding directly the products roquefortine D and roquefortine C without the synthesis of a previously suggested intermediate and the involvement of RoqM. This leads to a branch in the otherwise linear pathway. Roquefortine C is subsequently converted into glandicoline B with glandicoline A as intermediates, involving two monooxygenases (RoqM and RoqO) which were mixed up in an earlier attempt to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway. Eventually, meleagrin is produced from glandicoline B involving a methyltransferase (RoqN). It is concluded that roquefortine C and meleagrin are derived from a branched biosynthetic pathway.PharmacologyAnalytical BioScience

BelevingsGIS versie februari 2002; hoofdtekst

Ontwikkeling GIS systeem voor Natuurplanburea

Prospects to improve the nutritional quality of crops

A growing world population as well as the need to enhance sustainability and health create challenges for crop breeding. To address these challenges, not only quantitative but also qualitative improvements are needed, especially regarding the macro- and micronutrient composition and content. In this review, we describe different examples of how the nutritional quality of crops and the bioavailability of individual nutrients can be optimised. We focus on increasing protein content, the use of alternative protein crops and improving protein functionality. Furthermore, approaches to enhance the content of vitamins and minerals as well as healthy specialised metabolites and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered. In addition, methods to reduce antinutrients and toxins are presented. These approaches could help to decrease the ‘hidden hunger’ caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, a more diverse crop range with improved nutritional profile could help to shift to healthier and more sustainable plant-based diets

Prospects to improve the nutritional quality of crops

A growing world population as well as the need to enhance sustainability and health create challenges for crop breeding. To address these challenges, not only quantitative but also qualitative improvements are needed, especially regarding the macro- and micronutrient composition and content. In this review, we describe different examples of how the nutritional quality of crops and the bioavailability of individual nutrients can be optimised. We focus on increasing protein content, the use of alternative protein crops and improving protein functionality. Furthermore, approaches to enhance the content of vitamins and minerals as well as healthy specialised metabolites and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered. In addition, methods to reduce antinutrients and toxins are presented. These approaches could help to decrease the ‘hidden hunger’ caused by micronutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, a more diverse crop range with improved nutritional profile could help to shift to healthier and more sustainable plant-based diets

An enterprise engineering approach for the alignment of business and information technology strategy

Information systems and information technology (IS/IT, hereafter just IT) strategies usually depend on a business strategy. The alignment of both strategies improves their strategic plans. From an external perspective, business and IT alignment is the extent to which the IT strategy enables and drives the business strategy. This article reviews strategic alignment between business and IT, and proposes the use of enterprise engineering (EE) to achieve this alignment. The EE approach facilitates the definition of a formal dialog in the alignment design. In relation to this, new building blocks and life-cycle phases have been defined for their use in an enterprise architecture context. This proposal has been adopted in a critical process of a ceramic tile company for the purpose of aligning a strategic business plan and IT strategy, which are essential to support this process. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.Cuenca, L.; Boza, A.; Ortiz, A. (2011). An enterprise engineering approach for the alignment of business and information technology strategy. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 24(11):974-992. https://doi.org/10.1080/0951192X.2011.579172S9749922411(1993). CIMOSA: Open System Architecture for CIM. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-58064-2Ang, J., Shaw, N., & Pavri, F. (1995). Identifying strategic management information systems planning parameters using case studies. International Journal of Information Management, 15(6), 463-474. doi:10.1016/0268-4012(95)00049-dAvison, D., Jones, J., Powell, P., & Wilson, D. (2004). Using and validating the strategic alignment model. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 13(3), 223-246. doi:10.1016/j.jsis.2004.08.002Avgerou, & McGrath. (2007). Power, Rationality, and the Art of Living through Socio-Technical Change. MIS Quarterly, 31(2), 295. doi:10.2307/25148792Bergeron, F., Raymond, L., & Rivard, S. (2004). Ideal patterns of strategic alignment and business performance. Information & Management, 41(8), 1003-1020. doi:10.1016/j.im.2003.10.004Bernus, P., Nemes, L., & Schmidt, G. (Eds.). (2003). Handbook on Enterprise Architecture. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-24744-9Bleistein, S. J., Cox, K., Verner, J., & Phalp, K. T. (2006). B-SCP: A requirements analysis framework for validating strategic alignment of organizational IT based on strategy, context, and process. Information and Software Technology, 48(9), 846-868. doi:10.1016/j.infsof.2005.12.001Buchanan, S., & Gibb, F. (1998). The information audit: An integrated strategic approach. International Journal of Information Management, 18(1), 29-47. doi:10.1016/s0268-4012(97)00038-8Buchanan, S., & Gibb, F. (2007). The information audit: Role and scope. International Journal of Information Management, 27(3), 159-172. doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2007.01.002Chen, D., & Vernadat, F. (2004). Standards on enterprise integration and engineering—state of the art. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 17(3), 235-253. doi:10.1080/09511920310001607087Chen, D., Doumeingts, G., & Vernadat, F. (2008). Architectures for enterprise integration and interoperability: Past, present and future. Computers in Industry, 59(7), 647-659. doi:10.1016/j.compind.2007.12.016Chen, H.-M., Kazman, R., & Garg, A. (2005). BITAM: An engineering-principled method for managing misalignments between business and IT architectures. Science of Computer Programming, 57(1), 5-26. doi:10.1016/j.scico.2004.10.002Cuenca, L., Ortiz, A., & Vernadat, F. (2006). From UML or DFD models to CIMOSA partial models and enterprise components. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 19(3), 248-263. doi:10.1080/03081070500065841Davis, G. B. (2000). Information Systems Conceptual Foundations: Looking Backward and Forward. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, 61-82. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-35505-4_5Gindy, N., Morcos, M., Cerit, B., & Hodgson, A. (2008). Strategic technology alignment roadmapping STAR® aligning R&D investments with business needs. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 21(8), 957-970. doi:10.1080/09511920801927148Goethals, F. G., Lemahieu, W., Snoeck, M., & Vandenbulcke, J. A. (2007). The data building blocks of the enterprise architect. Future Generation Computer Systems, 23(2), 269-274. doi:10.1016/j.future.2006.05.004Greefhorst, D., Koning, H., & Vliet, H. van. (2006). The many faces of architectural descriptions. Information Systems Frontiers, 8(2), 103-113. doi:10.1007/s10796-006-7975-xGregor, S., Hart, D., & Martin, N. (2007). Enterprise architectures: enablers of business strategy and IS/IT alignment in government. Information Technology & People, 20(2), 96-120. doi:10.1108/09593840710758031Hartono, E., Lederer, A. L., Sethi, V., & Zhuang, Y. (2003). Key predictors of the implementation of strategic information systems plans. ACM SIGMIS Database, 34(3), 41-53. doi:10.1145/937742.937747Henderson, J. C., & Venkatraman, H. (1993). Strategic alignment: Leveraging information technology for transforming organizations. IBM Systems Journal, 32(1), 472-484. doi:10.1147/sj.382.0472Hirschheim, R., & Sabherwal, R. (2001). Detours in the Path toward Strategic Information Systems Alignment. California Management Review, 44(1), 87-108. doi:10.2307/41166112Hoogervorst, J. A. P. (2009). Enterprise Governance and Enterprise Engineering. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-92671-9Johnson, A. M., & Lederer, A. L. (2010). CEO/CIO mutual understanding, strategic alignment, and the contribution of IS to the organization. Information & Management, 47(3), 138-149. doi:10.1016/j.im.2010.01.002JONKERS, H., LANKHORST, M., VAN BUUREN, R., HOPPENBROUWERS, S., BONSANGUE, M., & VAN DER TORRE, L. (2004). CONCEPTS FOR MODELING ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURES. International Journal of Cooperative Information Systems, 13(03), 257-287. doi:10.1142/s0218843004000985King, W. R. (1978). Strategic Planning for Management Information Systems. MIS Quarterly, 2(1), 27. doi:10.2307/249104Leonard, J. (2007). Sharing a Vision: comparing business and IS managers’ perceptions of strategic alignment issues. Australasian Journal of Information Systems, 15(1). doi:10.3127/ajis.v15i1.299Luftman, J. N., Lewis, P. R., & Oldach, S. H. (1993). Transforming the enterprise: The alignment of business and information technology strategies. IBM Systems Journal, 32(1), 198-221. doi:10.1147/sj.321.0198Luftman, J., Ben-Zvi, T., Dwivedi, R., & Rigoni, E. H. (2010). IT Governance. International Journal of IT/Business Alignment and Governance, 1(2), 13-25. doi:10.4018/jitbag.2010040102Melville, Kraemer, & Gurbaxani. (2004). Review: Information Technology and Organizational Performance: An Integrative Model of IT Business Value. MIS Quarterly, 28(2), 283. doi:10.2307/25148636Newkirk, H. E., & Lederer, A. L. (2006). Incremental and Comprehensive Strategic Information Systems Planning in an Uncertain Environment. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 53(3), 380-394. doi:10.1109/tem.2006.877446Noran, O. (2003). An analysis of the Zachman framework for enterprise architecture from the GERAM perspective. Annual Reviews in Control, 27(2), 163-183. doi:10.1016/j.arcontrol.2003.09.002Noran, O. (2005). A systematic evaluation of the C4ISR AF using ISO15704 Annex A (GERAM). Computers in Industry, 56(5), 407-427. doi:10.1016/j.compind.2004.12.005Ortiz, A., Lario, F., & Ros, L. (1999). Enterprise Integration—Business Processes Integrated Management: a proposal for a methodology to develop Enterprise Integration Programs. Computers in Industry, 40(2-3), 155-171. doi:10.1016/s0166-3615(99)00021-4Panetto, H., Baïna, S., & Morel, G. (2007). Mapping the IEC 62264 models onto the Zachman framework for analysing products information traceability: a case study. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 18(6), 679-698. doi:10.1007/s10845-007-0040-xPapp, R. (Ed.). (2001). Strategic Information Technology. doi:10.4018/978-1-87828-987-2Peñaranda, N., Mejía, R., Romero, D., & Molina, A. (2010). Implementation of product lifecycle management tools using enterprise integration engineering and action-research. International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 23(10), 853-875. doi:10.1080/0951192x.2010.495136Reich, B. H., & Benbasat, I. (2000). Factors That Influence the Social Dimension of Alignment between Business and Information Technology Objectives. MIS Quarterly, 24(1), 81. doi:10.2307/3250980Sledgianowski, D., & Luftman, J. (2005). IT-Business Strategic Alignment Maturity. Journal of Cases on Information Technology, 7(2), 102-120. doi:10.4018/jcit.2005040107Sowa, J. F., & Zachman, J. A. (1992). Extending and formalizing the framework for information systems architecture. IBM Systems Journal, 31(3), 590-616. doi:10.1147/sj.313.0590Van Grembergen, W., & De Haes, S. (2010). A Research Journey into Enterprise Governance of IT, Business/IT Alignment and Value Creation. International Journal of IT/Business Alignment and Governance, 1(1), 1-13. doi:10.4018/jitbag.2010120401Xueying Wang, Xiongwei Zhou, & Longbin Jiang. (2008). A method of business and IT alignment based on Enterprise Architecture. 2008 IEEE International Conference on Service Operations and Logistics, and Informatics. doi:10.1109/soli.2008.468649

Paving the way towards future-proofing our crops

To meet the increasing global demand for food, feed, fibre and other plant-derived products, a steep increase in crop productivity is a scientifically and technically challenging imperative. The CropBooster-P project, a response to the H2020 call ‘Future proofing our plants’, is developing a roadmap for plant research to improve crops critical for the future of European agriculture by increasing crop yield, nutritional quality, value for non-food applications and sustainability. However, if we want to efficiently improve crop production in Europe and prioritize methods for crop trait improvement in the coming years, we need to take into account future socio-economic, technological and global developments, including numerous policy and socio-economic challenges and constraints. Based on a wide range of possible global trends and key uncertainties, we developed four extreme future learning scenarios that depict complementary future developments. Here, we elaborate on how the scenarios could inform and direct future plant research, and we aim to highlight the crop improvement approaches that could be the most promising or appropriate within each of these four future world scenarios. Moreover, we discuss some key plant technology options that would need to be developed further to meet the needs of multiple future learning scenarios, such as improving methods for breeding and genetic engineering. In addition, other diverse platforms of food production may offer unrealized potential, such as underutilized terrestrial and aquatic species as alternative sources of nutrition and biomass production. We demonstrate that although several methods or traits could facilitate a more efficient crop production system in some of the scenarios, others may offer great potential in all four of the future learning scenarios. Altogether, this indicates that depending on which future we are heading toward, distinct plant research fields should be given priority if we are to meet our food, feed and non-food biomass production needs in the coming decades