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Crown policies and private enterprise combined to increase efficiency levels in Portuguese overseas expansion. Within this framework, this paper will emphasize three themes. Firstly, the dependence of the Portuguese empire on shipping efficiency; while the debate largely focuses on shipbuilding and seafarers, we show how crown policies and individual enterprises adapted to the evolving requirements of an empire based on sea power. Secondly, we demonstrate how informal and self-organized mechanisms at times contributed to, and sometimes blocked, state-oriented policies. Thirdly, we gauge the extent to which local inputs, such as raw materials, labour and techniques, contributed to efficiency levels within a universe that became multi-continental.

Shipbuilding was an essential element in the creation of overseas empires during the early modern period. It generated demand for raw materials, technology and manpower, and in many cases received direct support from the state. The Portuguese shipbuilding industry enjoyed various incentives from the Crown, but was always a mix between state and private enterprise. With Portugal expanding overseas, building and repairing ships in the various Portuguese possessions became an option. Initially, it was viewed critically by the metropolitan authorities, as they feared losing control. Soon, however, the logistical needs of empire meant that public and private agencies began providing shipbuilding facilities in Portugal’s overseas territories. In Brazil, the abundance of high-quality wood militated in favour of the establishment of shipyards. Wood cut there or on the Atlantic coast of Africa was also transported to metropolitan Portugal. Shipbuilding specialists were sent out to Brazil to supervise the selection of suitable wood, and soon started to operate shipyards there. Little is known about shipbuilding in the Portuguese possessions in western Africa, while more can be said about the industry on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Shipyards in India, particularly in Goa and Cochin, were developed to meet the challenges and needs of formal and informal ‘empire’, particularly regarding ship repairs. The Ribeira de Goareplicated first the Ribeira das Nausof Lisbon, but soon individual shipyards took over specific functions. Crown control, initially tight and systematic, proved difficult to maintain. Indian woods were known for their hardness and durability and were shipped to Europe to build ships for the Indian Route. Expert labourers migrated from Portugal to overseas possessions, with specialists in metallurgy joining the shipbuilders. The scope of the operation also required the recruitment of local shipbuilders. In general, and for its financial resources, Portuguese colonial shipbuilding soon relied on a cooperation of state and private initiative, much as at home.

CD6 immunotherapy to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis has reached the clinical trial stage with apparent success, and targeting CD6 with mAbs is being used in several animal models of autoimmunity and neuroinflammation with promising indications. However, the mode of action of the therapeutic CD6 mAbs is far from being understood, reflecting the uncertainties and controversy surrounding the mechanistic and biological functions of CD6. Initially regarded as a co-stimulatory receptor of T lymphocytes, recent studies suggest that CD6 can instead modulate early as well as late T cell responses. Also, opposing the contribution of CD6 adhesiveness in the establishment and stabilization of immunological synapses, the actual triggering of CD6 might induce anti-proliferative signals to the T lymphocyte. CD6 has an unusually long cytoplasmic tail and its gene undergoes peculiar patterns of activation-dependent alternative splicing that can on one hand determine whether or not the CD6 protein binds to its ligand, and on the other include or exclude intracellular sequences that may transduce positive or negative signaling. In this review we discuss the multiple aspects that determine the nature of the signals transmitted via CD6 and the context that may define a dual role for this important T cell surface molecule.

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BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of published data regarding the quality of care of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Canada. Clinical quality indicators are quantitative end points used to guide, monitor and improve the quality of patient care. In Canada, where universal health care can vary significantly among provinces, quality indicators can be used to identify potential gaps in the delivery of IBD care and standardize the approach to interprovincial management.METHODS: The Emerging Practice in IBD Collaborative (EPIC) group generated a shortlist of IBD quality indicators based on a comprehensive literature review. An iterative voting process was used to select quality indicators to take forward. In a face-to-face meeting with the EPIC group, available evidence to support each quality indicator was presented by the EPIC member aligned to it, followed by group discussion to agree on the wording of the statements. The selected quality indicators were then ratified in a final vote by all EPIC members.RESULTS: Eleven quality indicators for the management of IBD within the single-payer health care system of Canada were developed. These focus on accurate diagnosis, appropriate and timely management, disease monitoring, and prevention or treatment of complications of IBD or its therapy.CONCLUSIONS: These quality indicators are measurable, reflective of the evidence base and expert opinion, and define a standard of care that is at least a minimum that should be expected for IBD management in Canada. The next steps for the EPIC group involve conducting research to assess current practice across Canada as it pertains to these quality indicators and to measure the impact of each of these indicators on patient outcomes.