Start Of June Research Articles

Piloting a community health and well-being worker model in Cornwall: a guide for implementation and spread

BackgroundThis paper evaluates the introduction of ten Community Health and Well-being Workers (CHWW) in four pilot sites across Cornwall. The period evaluated was from the initial start in June 2022 until June 2023, covering the project setup and implementation across a range of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and Voluntary sector partners (VSCO).MethodsAll ten CHWWs and their managers at each site were interviewed (n = 16) to understand the barriers and enablers to implementation and wider learning that could be captured around the project setup. Qualitative methods were used for data collection, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Transcripts were thematically analysed for cross-cutting themes, as well as site-specific effects.ResultsIn terms of learning, we cover the following key areas, which were of most importance to the successful implementation of the pilot: The CHWWs were introduced into an already established, successful social prescribing (SP) system by the time the CHWW project began. CHWWs can access some of the same training and office space as SPs, with overlapping meeting schedules allowing them joint input on some topics. It seemed that all the pre-work in terms of relationships and learning about a similar role helped a rapid implementation. Each site’s CHWW management structure uses the same line management as the SPs. Roles were clustered together to remove duplication, maximise coverage and triaging of residents. The largest barrier to overcome was integrating VSCO staff into NHS systems. Conversely, hosting CHWWs within an NHS organisation has pros and cons, namely better access to NHS data and staff, but longer lead-in time for registration on systems, and more bureaucracy for procurement/spend.ConclusionsLooking to the future, the pilot’s success has spread the programme to other integrated care areas in the country, with ongoing plans for further rollout and evaluation in the coming years.

Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection: Feasibility of implementation.

338 Background: The 2011 Institute of Medicine report, The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding called for consistent recording of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in clinical settings. In 2016, SOGI data were listed as required elements in the Uniform Data System (HRSA); however, implementation of this recommendation is inconsistent. The state of New Jersey (NJ) mandated SOGI data collection for patients seen within any healthcare system in NJ to start in June 2023. Jefferson Health (JH), a health system with locations in both Pennsylvania (PA) and NJ, provided SOGI data collection education for its NJ staff. The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) at JH has clinical sites in both states. In this study, we report on SOGI data collection between SKCC PA (Center City/CC) and SKCC NJ to assess the impact of the educational preparation on data collection. Methods: Patients seen at SKCC’s CC and NJ locations from May 16, 2023 to May 15, 2024 were included. SOGI data between both locations were compared to assess the impact of the educational preparation. Data were collected from the electronic record. Results: Of the 6,921 patients in CC, 1,725 identified as female, 859 identified as male, 67 chose not to disclose their gender identity, and 4270 had missing data. Of the 1788 patients in NJ, 1,118 identified as female, 449 identified as male, 12 chose not to disclose, 209 had missing data. (Table). Conclusions: Educational preparation resulted in significantly improved SOGI data collection with a significant drop in missing data. Regular recording and analysis of SOGI data can identify health inequities, support the design of targeted interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of LGBTQIA+ healthcare initiatives. SOGI data comparison. Center City (CC)/PA New Jersey (NJ) Total 6921 1788 Female Gender 1725 (24.9%) 1118 (62.5%) Male Gender 859 (12.4%) 449 (25.1%) Chose not to disclose 67 (0.01%) 12 (0.01%) Missing data 4270 (61.7%) 209 (11.7%)

Biochar-fortified Sil-KAB: Environment Friendly Briquette Technology to Improve Growth, Yield and Economics of Paddy

Paddy is one of the most important staple foods in the world. The area under paddy cultivation is 43.79 million hectares and the production is 116.43 million tons in 2018-19. It is an important staple food consumed by 65 percent of the country's population. However, paddy cultivation is also associated with an unbalanced use of fertilizers. A balanced use of fertilizers is essential to increase the productivity of the harvest. Broadcast application of fertilizers during the Kharif season (In India, Kharif season is popularly considered to start in June and end in October.) leads to losses due to the dissolution of fertilizers in water and leaching from the field with the flooded water, thereby increasing the fertilizer requirement. Improper application of fertilizers leads to pollution of water bodies and is not environment friendly. Applying fertilizers through deep placement reduces the loss of fertilizers and is environmentally friendly. The field trial was conducted in Bhor during the Kharif season of 2022 to study the effect of biochar fortified Sil-KAB briquettes on growth, yield, economics and reduction of methane emissions from the paddy field. The biochar fortified Sil-KAB briquettes have the potential to improve the efficiency of fertilizer use. The experiment was conducted with two treatments consisting of a conventional fertilizer application and biochar fortified Sil-KAB briquettes. The experiment was replicated with 14 farmers in two villages of Bhor, Pune. The results of the trial showed that the application of biochar fortified Sil-KAB briquettes significantly increased the height of the paddy at tillering, panicle initiation and at the harvest stage. Significantly highest number of tillering hill-1, number of productive tillering hill-1, panicle length, number of filled grains panicle-1, number of total grains panicle-1, percentage of grain filling, grain yield, straw yield and net return of paddy were observed in biochar fortified Sil-KAB briquettes treatment. The application of biochar fortified Sil-KAB briquettes significantly reduced methane emissions from the paddy field. The application of biochar fortified Sil-KAB briquettes significantly improves the growth, yield and profitability of paddy in the Kharif season.

A Technology-Enhanced Intervention for Violence and Substance Use Prevention Among Young Black Men: Protocol for Adaptation and Pilot Testing.

Black boys and men from disinvested communities are disproportionately survivors and perpetrators of youth violence. Those presenting to emergency departments with firearm-related injuries also report recent substance use. However, young Black men face several critical individual and systemic barriers to accessing trauma-focused prevention programs. These barriers contribute to service avoidance, the exacerbation of violence recidivism, substance use relapse, and a revolving-door approach to prevention. In addition, young Black men are known to be digital natives. Therefore, technology-enhanced interventions offer a pragmatic and promising opportunity to mitigate these barriers, provide vital life skills for self-led behavior change, and boost service engagement with vital community resources. The study aims to systematically adapt and pilot-test Boosting Violence-Related Outcomes Using Technology for Empowerment, Risk Reduction, and Life Skills Preparation in Youth Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (BrotherlyACT), a culturally congruent, trauma-focused digital psychoeducational and service-engagement tool tailored to young Black men aged 15-24 years. BrotherlyACT will incorporate microlearning modules, interactive safety planning tools for risk assessment, goal-setting, mindfulness practice, and a service-engagement conversational agent or chatbot to connect young Black men to relevant services. The development of BrotherlyACT will occur in 3 phases. In phase 1, we will qualitatively investigate barriers and facilitators influencing young Black men's willingness to use violence and substance use prevention services with 15-30 young Black men (aged 15-24 years) who report perpetrating violence and substance use in the past year and 10 service providers (aged >18 years; any gender; including health care providers, street outreach workers, social workers, violence interrupters, community advocates, and school staff). Both groups will be recruited from community and pediatric emergency settings. In phase 2, a steering group of topic experts (n=3-5) and a youth and community advisory board comprising young Black men (n=8-12) and service providers (n=5-10) will be involved in participatory design, alpha testing, and beta testing sessions to develop, refine, and adapt BrotherlyACT based on an existing skills-based program (Achieving Change Through Values-Based Behavior). We will use user-centered design principles and the Assessment, Decision, Administration, Production, Topical, Experts, Integration, Training, and Testing framework to guide this adaptation process (phase 2). In phase 3, a total of 60 young Black men will pilot-test the adapted BrotherlyACT over 10 weeks in a single-group, pretest-posttest design to determine its feasibility and implementation outcomes. Phase 1 data collection began in September 2021. Phases 2 and 3 are scheduled to start in June 2023 and end in September 2024. The development and testing of BrotherlyACT is a crucial first step in expanding an evidence-based psychoeducational and service-mediating intervention for young Black men involved in violence. This colocation of services shifts the current prevention strategy from telling them why to change to teaching them how. PRR1-10.2196/43842.

The Use of Spatial Analysis in Syphilis-Related Research: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Latin America, Africa, and Asia have high incidences of syphilis. New approaches are needed to understand and reduce disease transmissibility. In health care, spatial analysis is important to map diseases and understand their epidemiologic aspects. The proposed scoping review will identify and map the use of spatial analysis as a tool for syphilis-related research in health care. This protocol was based on the Joanna Briggs Institute manual, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We will conduct searches in Embase; Lilacs, via the Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual en Salud; BVS), in Portuguese and English; Medline/PubMed; Web of Science; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); and Scopus. Gray literature will be searched for in Google Scholar, the Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, the Catalog of Theses and Dissertations of the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior; CAPES), Open Access Theses and Dissertations, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. The main research question is "How has spatial analysis been used in syphilis-related research in health care?" Studies are included if they have the full text available, address syphilis, and use geographic information systems software and spatial analysis techniques, regardless of sample characteristics or size. Studies published as research articles, theses, dissertations, and government documents will also be considered, with no location, time, or language restrictions. Data will be extracted using a spreadsheet adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis, respectively. The results will be presented according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and will summarize the use of spatial analysis in syphilis-related research in health care in countries with different contexts, factors associated with spatial cluster formation, population health impacts, contributions to health systems, challenges, limitations, and possible research gaps. The results will guide future research and may be useful for health and safety professionals, managers, public policy makers, the general population, the academic community, and health professionals who work directly with people with syphilis. Data collection is projected to start in June 2023 and end in July 2023. Data analysis is scheduled to take place in August and September 2023. We expect to publish results in the final months of 2023. The review may reveal where syphilis incidence has the highest incidence, which countries most use spatial analysis to study syphilis, and whether spatial analysis is applicable to syphilis in each continent, thereby contributing to discussion and knowledge dissemination on the use of spatial analysis as a tool for syphilis-related research in health care. Open Science Framework CNVXE; https://osf.io/cnvxe. PRR1-10.2196/43243.

Divergence Study of Rice (Oryza sativa L) Genotypes for Consumer-preferred Quality Traits

Aim: To study the divergence of forty rice genotypes for consumer-preferred eleven quality traits.
 Design, Place and Duration of the Study: The rice seeds were harvested from randomly selected plants grown in alpha lattice design with three replications during Kharif season (start in June and end in October) 2018 at Agricultural research farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi UP, India.
 Methodology: The data were analysed using biometrical tools - Mahalanobis D2 and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The studied traits include, - grain length, grain breadth, kernel length, length to breadth ratio, kernel breadth, kernel length after cooking, kernel breadth after cooking, elongation ratio, elongation index, amylose content and alkali digestion value.
 Results: Using Mahalanobis D2, all forty genotypes were distributed into six clusters. The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between Cluster II to cluster V (5.76), followed by cluster V and cluster III (5.71), and cluster II and cluster VI (5.57) which indicated the existence of high genetic diversity among genotypes in these clusters and, therefore, crosses between the genotypes of these clusters could yield desirable transgressive isolates for desirable quality traits and the importance of the genotypes present in these clusters for exploiting heterosis for the desirable traits of these clusters. The PCA indicates that the five principal components (PC) captured almost 90% of variability present among the 40 rice genotypes.
 Conclusion: The genotypes belonging to Cluster II to cluster V, followed by cluster V and cluster III, and cluster II and cluster VI, can be used for making crosses as they have higher mean values for quality traits and higher inter-cluster distance for greater diversity.

Studi Kelimpahan, Hubungan Panjang Berat, Pola Sebaran dan Faktor Kondisi L. intermedia (Gastropoda)

Littorinidae is family of gastropods which found abundantly distributed from roots till the edge of mangroves leafs. The aims of research were to find out the abundance, length-weight relationship, distribution patterns and conditions factors of Littorina intermedia which is associated with mangrove ecosystems in Payum beach. This study conducted in three months start in June until August 2020 in the Mangrove Forest Ecosystem of Payum Merauke Beach. Line transect methods with purposive sampling are using to collected all the samples. There are three stations in this location. The results found in Stasion I tnd., respectively. Both length and weight in the three stations separated into 4 categorize. The higest categories in St. I and St. II belong to category length between 0,96-1,70 cm approximately 638 ind and 84 ind. Reverse with that in St. III belong to category III (1,71-2,45 cm) with 15 ind. Furthermore, for weight analysis dominate with category I with 0,00-0,59 gram which is found in all station. For lenght and weight analysis using Regreation showed Allometric Negative where the growth of length is faster than body weight. Morever the distribution pattern in all sampling site showed in clumped pattern. The condition factor of species L. intermedia, ranges from 0.31 to 26.45 with an average of 1.15. Key Words: Merauke; Weight-Length Relationship; Distribution; Gastropod; Littorina

Cerebrocortical necrosis causes multiple deaths in Scottish ewes and lambs.

Cerebrocortical necrosis causes multiple deaths in Scottish ewes and lambs.

The Internet as a Space for Anonymous Alcoholics during the SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) Pandemic

INTRODUCTION: For over a year, Poland, alongside the entire world, has been facing the SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19 pandemic). This emergency has caused an immense social crisis, affecting especially the individual. The lack of social activity, including direct communication, along severe limitations on public and professional lives, have become a threat to mental health of people in almost all countries of the world. This state can be particularly difficult and dangerous to people with addiction. In the recovery process for alcoholics, a special role is often played by the Alcoholics Anonymous groups.
 
 OBJECTIVES: Due to the pandemic, meetings of AA groups (as well as other therapeutic groups) have been suspended until further notice. Due to this - due to necessity, not choice - such groups have moved to the online space. This raises a question if internet group meetings can make up for the lack of AA group meetings in physical space.
 
 METHODS: The research had an exploratory character. It was conducted between the start of June and the start of July 2020. 225 people participated. The research was conducted using quantitative methods, using a questionnaire designed specifically for this purpose.
 
 RESULTS: The research results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic affected almost all of our respondents. The way the AA meetings work changed. Compared to live meetings, the frequency of meetings increased, the satisfaction from participation simultaneously decreased. Major flaws of online meetings are seen in the discomfort of respondents: some people stopped attending meetings after they moved to the internet. The positive sides of online meetings mainly had to do with the possibility of meeting and contacting new people living far and with organisational matters. The frequency of attending therapy with specialists/therapists decreased during the pandemic, while the frequency of contact with one’s sponsor increased. The overwhelming majority of respondents declared that they did not break abstinence during the pandemic. Those who did were usually people who had spent little time (usually a year, five years at most) in abstinence. The pandemic did not influence subjective appraisal of life quality. 
 
 CONCLUSION: Our research showed that after the pandemic, our respondents would prefer to return to traditional, live AA meetings, organized as they used to be before COVID-19. Online meetings would only serve a useful, but ultimately complementary role.

Access block in Australian emergency departments 2017-2020.

To describe Australian ED workload over the period 2017-2020 using data from twice annual Access Block Point Prevalence Studies, and to identify any impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrospective analysis of demand and occupancy data provided by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine accredited EDs in voluntary surveys at the start of June and September 2017-2020. Hospitals answering all surveys were grouped and compared by jurisdiction and role delineation. A total of 121 EDs were eligible, 63% supplied complete occupancy data and 53% complete demand data. Between the June 2017 and 2019 surveys, mean daily ED presentations increased by 11.4% (P = 0.0003). The number being treated at 10.00 hours rose by 27.7% (P < 0.0001) and those experiencing access block (waiting for an inpatient bed, been in ED more than 8 h) rose by 46.1% (P = 0.001). Between the June 2019 and 2020 surveys, ED presentations fell by an average of 12.6% (P < 0.0001), ward admissions were almost unchanged (-6.0%, P = NS), and patients who did not wait to be seen fell by 57.8% (P < 0.0001). Major Paediatric Referral hospitals reported a 28% decrease in presentations. By September 2020, only the state of Victoria (ongoing state of emergency) and Major Paediatric Referral hospitals reported demand lower than 2019 or occupancy lower than 2018. Occupancy increased by more than demand 2017-2019, with some decrease in 2020: in June presentations were 12.7% lower than 2019, in September back to the normal range outside Victorian and Major Paediatric Referral hospitals. Future research needs to consider locality, role delineation and work practice change in comparing ED pandemic responses.

A formula for the start of a new sunspot cycle

It is known that the solar radio flux is strongly correlated to the sunspot cycle and that the flux is nearly the same at every minimum. If 64 sfu is taken as the baseline for all cycles, then we can calculate the proxy sunspot number from the flux, and vice versa. Furthermore, we find that the fitted adjusted flux divided by the fitted sunspot number gives a strong marker for the start of Solar Cycle 25 in October 2019. The high resolution 2K (based on 2048×2048 pixels SDO images) sunspot number currently indicates a start in June 2019.

Healthier breath for all and everywhere – Urban air quality monitoring experience

Abstract Issue/problem Increasing attention is being paid to air pollution as one of the greatest threats to public and urban health. The WHO’s Urban Health Initiative points out the importance of collecting data and mapping the present state of air quality in urban areas. For citizens, such engagement is enabled by the appearance of personal air quality measurement devices that use crowd-sourcing to make measurement results publicly accessible in real time. Description of the problem As a way of contributing to air pollution monitoring in their town, three PhD Public health students conducted over 40 measurements between the start of June and end of August 2018 on various locations in the city of Novi Sad, Serbia. Measurements were performed using AirBeam personal air quality monitoring devices and their results presented as μg/m3 of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and automatically uploaded to the internet using the Air-casting app. Results Measurements conducted in public transportation vehicles returned the rather high average value of 40 μg/m3, where coffee shops and restaurants scored an even higher value of 48,67 μg/m3. The lowest average air pollution levels were registered near the Danube river bank (5.67) and in the parks (6), while the sites near crossroads or in the street showed average air pollution of 8.33 μg/m3. Residential areas where smoking is present during the day reported 2.5 times higher PM2.5 values than those without smokers (33.8 and 12.78 μg/m3). Lessons Bearing in mind that the air quality is considered as a serious health risk in urban areas, results of this pilot investigation suggest potential health risk for citizens living in urban areas. The negative effects of combustion and smoking on air quality are strongly highlighted, as well as the positive impact of green areas and parks near residential areas. Key messages Air pollution exposure as a serious health risk in urban areas. Crowdsourcing as a way of air quality monitoring has great potential for contributing to public health.

Abstract: 12.50 Adipose Cell Derived Regenerative Therapy (Acrt): A New Approach Of Lipotransfer In Scar Treatment

INTRODUCTION: Regenerative properties of autologous lipotransfer are recently described in patients with atrophic and painful scars. In this regard preliminary results of an European multicentre study (Germany, Netherlands) underline the aspect of regeneration and possible reconstruction of the subcutaneous layer using a certain lipotransfer technique (ACRT = adipose cells derived therapy) in symptomatic scars and posttraumatic soft tissue defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since the start in June 2014 clinical and histological analyses were performed in 17 patients (6 burns and 11 trauma) treated with 2 to 4 water-jet assisted lipotransfer (WAL) procedures including a follow-up of at least 3 months. Skin biopsies were taken preoperative and after 3 months. The skin quality and scar improvement were measured by POSAS and VAS-score system and documented by digital pictures. If joints were affected due to scar contraction, the mobility was determined with the neutral zero method pre and postoperatively. Overall changes were detected in the resulted skin adhesion, colour and aesthetic outcome as well as in the histological structure of the scars treated in the study presented. RESULTS: Up to date 17 patients were treated by ACRT-protocol with a minimal invasive scar release and lipotransfer technique. Short operation time (56.2 min) with minor complications like haematoma on the donor (5.16%) has been achieved. However a significant decrease of pain in movement or skin stiffness was remarked in 56.3% of the patients after the first and in 75.1% after the second procedure. Histological analysis mainly showed a gain of cell layers in the epidermis and a rearrangement of the collagen fibres in the dermal layer. CONCLUSIONS: The current trial helped to develop a new protocol in scar treatment called ACRT. It has been successfully used in a range of different scar types with and without soft tissue defects in our patient group. 14.00–15.40 SESSION 4 – CRANIOFACIAL Moderators Benoit LENGELÉ Ion ZEGREA

(Effect of variety and dosage of mycorrhiza on the growth and yield of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) in Andisol)

Effect of variety and dosage of mycorrhiza on the growth and yield of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) in Andisol. This study aims to determine the effect of varieties and doses of mycorrhiza on the growth and yield of pepper plants on land Andisol and the interaction between these two factors. This research was conducted at the experimental garden in plant physiology laboratory university agricultural Faculty Syiah Kuala start of June 2015 until December 2015. Research using Random Group 4x3 factorial design with three replications, consisting of 36 experimental units consisting of two factors. he first factor is the dose mycorhiza consists of 4 levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15 g / plant. The second factor varieties consisting of Carlos F1, F1 Kiyo, and La Odeng. The results showed that variety significant effect on yield of pepper plants. The best varieties are varieties Kiyo F1 on the generative phase that can be seen from the weight of the fruit crop age parameter 110 HST and 45 HST mycorhiza infection. While the dose of mycorrhizal significant effect on the growth and yield of pepper plants on land Andisol. Dose best mycorrhiza contained in 10g / plants that can be seen in the number of fruit crops as well as the parameters of mycorhiza infection most. Research also shows there is a higher interaction on Carlos F1 varieties with a dose of 15 g / plant in the parameters the number of leaf age 15 HST, At the age of 30 HST rod diameter also gives the best result in two different varieties, namely in Carlos F1 hybrid varieties and local varieties La Odeng on mycorrhizal dose of 15 g / plant and root infection aged 45 HST. La Odeng varieties give the highest number of mycorrhizal infection in mycorrhizal dose of 10 g / plant.

History in the Context of the Georgian-Abkhazian Conflict

The 2014 disturbances in the Ukraine occasioned renewed discussion of the 2008 Russo- Georgian War. As the situation continued to worsen in eastern Ukraine, US President Obama announced on a visit to Poland at the start of June that the US and NATO would strengthen ties even with the non-NATO-member-states of the Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. This last has aspirations of membership, even though it does not control the republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which most of the world nevertheless regards as integral parts of Georgia. As long as the Georgian-Abkhazian dispute remains unresolved, there will be problems regarding inter-state relations with/for western Transcaucasia. And there can be no resolution of the Abkhazian issue without a proper understanding of Abkhazia’s history (both ancient and more recent); it was to try to ensure that the debate is not based on misconceptions, unsubstantiated assertions or even plain errors that this article was written. It is grounded on a consideration of a range of materials (from Agathias’ Greek text through relevant discussions in Georgian, Russian and English). The toppling of Abkhazia’s democratically elected president (Aleksandr Ankvab) at the end of May 2014 makes the question of Abkhazia even more topical.

Language tests for EU doctors set to start in June

The General Medical Council has announced that it will be able to test the English language competence of doctors from other European Union countries from June this year. The Department of Health in England confirmed in January that it would implement a UK-wide plan to allow the GMC to begin the tests.1 After a public consultation the regulator announced that it would require doctors from other European Union countries to provide evidence of their English skills or to undergo a language assessment if it had concerns about their ability to communicate effectively.2 The GMC said that it expected to introduce the checks in June, subject to the legislative process. At the same …

Effect of ABTL0812, a safe dual inhibitor of mTORC1/C2 and dihydrofolate reductase, on gemcitabine and docetaxel cytotoxicity in pancreatic and lung cancer cells.

e13526 Background: We have previously described that ABTL0812 has oral anticancer properties. The action is exerted through a mechanism of action involving the inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2 (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathways and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) expression. Administration of ABTL0812 reduced tumor volume similarly or more than standards of care (SOC) in A549 or MiaPaca2 xenografts in mice. Moreover, a 28-day rat toxicity study has shown very low toxicity (NOAEL=500 mg/Kg) good bioavailability and pharmacokinetic linearity, suggesting a broad therapeutic window. A FiM phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced cancer is scheduled to start in June 2013. Methods: Cellular assays were performed in A549 lung adenocarcinoma, and MiaPaca-2 pancreatic carcinoma cells. Cell proliferation was carried out by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, cell viability by MTT, and protein expression and phosphorylation by immunoblotting. Cellular apoptosis was assessed both by caspase 3 immunoblot and Hoechst 3342 nuclear staining and quantification of nuclei; and autophagy by LC3-II lipidation assay in immunoblots. All studies were performed with ABTL0812 either alone or in combination with SOC. Results: ABTL0812 potentiated the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine and docetaxel in MiaPaCa-2 and A549 cancer cells, respectively. In MTT assays, the IC50’s of gemcitabine and docetaxel decreased 7 and 80 times in MiaPaca-2 and A549 cells, respectively, when cells were co-incubated with non-cytotoxic ABTL0812 concentrations. Analysis of the activity (Chou and Talalay’s method) revealed that ABTL0812 synergizes with gemcitabine and docetaxel to promote cytotoxicity. We also present data showing the effects of gemcitabine and docetaxel on the molecular targets of ABTL0812 such as Akt and ribosomal S6 phosphorylation, DHFR expression and cellular autophagy. Conversely, we also show the effects of ABTL0182 on cellular apoptosis induced by gemcitabine and docetaxel. Conclusions: ABTL0812 synergistically potentiates the cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine and docetaxel in pancreatic and lung cancer cell models.

Decline of Corn Buntings Emberiza calandra on east Scottish study areas in 1989–2007

Capsule Adult numbers on many study areas fluctuated from year to year, but overall showed a large decline, down to extinction on most areas. Aims To measure changes in summer numbers of adult Corn Buntings in a large sample of study areas holding discrete localized populations. Methods Singing cocks and hens paired with them were counted in early summer at 30 study areas on farmland from south Angus to central Aberdeenshire. Sixteen populations occurring throughout 1989–95 were called ‘groups’. Counts also included 16 cases where a new ‘offshoot’ appeared in late May or the start of June, not having been seen earlier in that spring or in the previous winter or summer. Results Following relative stability in 1989–95, large declines occurred in 1995–96, 1998–99 and 2003–04, and decreases far outweighed occasional increases between consecutive summers. The numbers of established groups, new offshoots, and older offshoots all declined with the year. Although containing one to nine founding pairs, new offshoots became extinct later, in six cases after one summer. No new offshoot was seen after 1995. Conclusions Although 22 study areas held birds in 1989 and 25 in 1990, this fell to 10 in 1999, seven in 2005, and four in 2007 (the only areas that held birds in all years). On all areas combined, cock numbers fell by 83% between 1989 and 2007. Targeted implementation of appropriate agri‐environment measures is urgently needed to halt and reverse such declines, a challenge made all the greater within the last year by rising grain prices, delays to the introduction of new measures, and abolition of EU ‘set‐aside’ as a means for providing food and nesting habitat.

Population structure and species dynamics of Spisula solida, Diogenes pugilator and Branchiostoma lanceolatum along a temporal–spatial gradient in the south coast of Portugal

The population structure, dynamics and distribution of Spisula solida, Diogenes pugilator and Branchiostoma lanceolatum, common species in the south coast of Portugal, were studied in a spatial–temporal manner in order to understand the influence of cross-shore sediment transport and anthropogenic activities. Spisula solida is harvested commercially, whereas D. pugilator and B. lanceolatum are non-target species, with little information available on the population dynamics of these species. The study was performed in 2001–2002, and along a gradient of 100–5000 m from the coastline, corresponding to a depth gradient of between 1 and 32 m deep. Spisula solida was distributed preferentially at 3–12 m deep, and its distribution appeared to be influenced seasonally by the cross-shore sediment dynamics. Results suggested benthic recruitment in June. Some recruitments had no expression (year 2001) since adults were not present, which seems to be a direct impact of clams' fisheries. Diogenes pugilator showed preferential distribution at shallow depths, from 1.3 to 8 m. Results suggested recruitments every 4 months, in June, February and October. Branchiostoma lanceolatum showed the widest distribution, from 7 to 26 m deep. Recruitment seemed to start in June until October, when it attained an abundance peak of juveniles. For both non-target species no clear effects of the cross-shore dynamics or the clams' fisheries impact were visible.

The IGS global data center at the CDDIS - an update

The Crustal Dynamics Data Information System (CDDIS) has served as a global data center for the International GPS Service (IGS) since its start in June 1992, providing on-line access to data from over 175 sites on a daily basis. This paper will present information about the GPS and GLONASS data and products archive at the CDDIS. General information about the system and its support of other international space geodesy services (the ILRS, IVS, IGLOS-PP, and DPE) will also be discussed.