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Aging in perennial plants is traditionally observed in terms of changes in end-of-season biomass; however, the driving phenological and physiological changes are poorly understood. We found that 3-year-old (mature) stands of the perennial grass Miscanthus×giganteus had 19–30% lower Anet than 1-year-old M.×giganteus (juvenile) stands; 10–34% lower maximum carboxylation rates of Rubisco and 34% lower light-saturated Anet (Asat). These changes could be related to nitrogen (N) limitations, as mature plants were larger and had 14–34% lower leaf N on an area basis (Na) than juveniles. However, N fertilization restored Na to juvenile levels but compensated only 50% of the observed decline in leaf photosynthesis with age. Comparison of leaf photosynthesis per unit of leaf N (PNUE) showed that mature stands had at least 26% lower PNUE than juvenile stands across all N fertilization rates, suggesting that other factors, besides N, may be limiting photosynthesis in mature stands. We hypothesize that sink limitations in mature stands could be causing feedback inhibition of photosynthesis which is associated with the age-related decline in photosynthesis.

PDF file, 41KB, Supplementary Figure 3: Effect of overexpression of cyclins E1 and E2 on antiestrogen-induced growth arrest. T-47D cells overexpressing cyclin E1, cyclin E2 or vector control were treated with fulvestrant or vehicle. Densitometry of Western blots of cell lysates collected after 24h (A) or 48h (B) fulvestrant treatment. Loading was corrected using β-actin levels. Data represent mean � SEM of quadruplicate experiments.

Cyclin E2, but not cyclin E1, is included in several gene signatures that predict disease progression in either tamoxifen-resistant or metastatic breast cancer. We therefore examined the role of cyclin E2 in antiestrogen resistance in vitro and its potential for therapeutic targeting through cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibition. High expression of CCNE2, but not CCNE1, was characteristic of the luminal B and HER2 subtypes of breast cancer and was strongly predictive of shorter distant metastasis-free survival following endocrine therapy. After antiestrogen treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, cyclin E2 mRNA and protein were downregulated and cyclin E2–CDK2 activity decreased. However, this regulation was lost in tamoxifen-resistant (MCF-7 TAMR) cells, which overexpressed cyclin E2. Expression of either cyclin E1 or E2 in T-47D breast cancer cells conferred acute antiestrogen resistance, suggesting that cyclin E overexpression contributes to the antiestrogen resistance of tamoxifen-resistant cells. Ectopic expression of cyclin E1 or E2 also reduced sensitivity to CDK4, but not CDK2, inhibition. Proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant cells was inhibited by RNAi-mediated knockdown of cyclin E1, cyclin E2, or CDK2. Furthermore, CDK2 inhibition of E-cyclin overexpressing cells and tamoxifen-resistant cells restored sensitivity to tamoxifen or CDK4 inhibition. Cyclin E2 overexpression is therefore a potential mechanism of resistance to both endocrine therapy and CDK4 inhibition. CDK2 inhibitors hold promise as a component of combination therapies in endocrine-resistant disease as they effectively inhibit cyclin E1 and E2 overexpressing cells and enhance the efficacy of other therapeutics. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(7); 1488–99. ©2012 AACR.

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PDF file, 929KB, Supplementary Figure 1: Cyclin E2 association with breast cancer subtype, grade, and outcome. A: Relationship between a second cyclin E2 probeset and breast cancer subtype, or histological grade. Box: upper and lower quartiles; dividing line: median. B: Relative expression of cyclin E1 and a second cyclin E2 probeset in individual tumours in breast cancer subtypes. C: Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of distant metastasis-free survival from ER-positive patients treated with endocrine therapy (n=287) and untreated ER-negative patients (n=106), using a 70% cutoff between high and low expression.

PDF file, 78KB, Supplementary Figure 2: Deregulation of cyclin E in tamoxifen-resistant cells. MCF-7C and TAMR cells were treated with vehicle, OH-Tam (100 nM) or fulvestrant (10 nM). A: S phase percentage derived from flow cytometry of propidium iodide-stained cells. B: Densitometry of Western blots using GAPDH as a loading control. Data represent the mean � range of duplicate experiments.

Background To reduce homelessness, it is important to gain a better understanding of the differences between homeless people who remain in institutions and those who gain and can sustain independent housing. This longitudinal study explores differences in housing transitions and differences in changes in health and self-determination between formerly homeless people still living in institutions 2.5 years later and those now living in independent housing in the Netherlands. Methods This study mapped the housing transitions of 263 participants from when they entered the social relief system (SRS) to 2.5 years later when they were in independent housing or institutions. These individuals were compared at the 2.5-year mark in terms of gender, age and retrospectively in terms of duration of homelessness. They were also compared with regard to changes in psychological distress, perceived health, substance use and self-determination. Results Two and a half years after entering the SRS, 81% of participants were independently housed and 19% still lived in institutions. People in institutions had a longer lifetime duration of homelessness, were more often men, and their number of days of alcohol use had decreased significantly more, whereas independently housed people had shown a significant increase in their sense of autonomy and relatedness. Conclusion Formerly homeless people living in independent housing and in institutions show few health-related differences 2.5 years after entering the SRS, but changes in autonomy and relatedness are distinctly more prevalent, after the same period of time, in those who are independently housed.

Much field research on perennial bioenergy crops confounds effects of plant age with those of the growing season, which increases uncertainty and the potential for erroneous conclusions, particularly in maturing stands. Most studies rely on stands planted in a single year and measured across multiple subsequent seasons. These “single-start” designs lack statistical power to separate temporal from environment effects. We used a staggered start experimental design to learn if increased statistical power clarified understanding of Miscanthus × giganteus nitrogen (N) needs. We conducted a staggered start experiment with three planting years and five N rates during the M. × giganteus yield-building phase at three sites across IA, USA. Third-year yields were 21.0, 25.0, and 27.1 Mg dry matter (DM) ha−1 at the northwest (NW), central, and southeast (SE) sites, respectively. Nitrogen fertilization effects changed with establishment conditions, but not with plant age. At the most N responsive site, N fertilizer changed yields at all stand ages, but not in every year. Yield increases of 150%, 36%, and 40% were observed in 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old stands, respectively, with N addition. Nitrogen effects on 1-year-old stands were positive in SE IA (2.7 kg DM kg−1 N added), negative (− 2.3 kg DM kg−1 N) in NW IA, and variable in central IA (− 2.2–9.6 kg DM kg−1 N), suggesting a site–year-specific response. Yield increases between the first and second years varied by > 100% depending on establishment conditions, highlighting the need for repeated planting before determining economic and agronomic crop viability.

Three molecular protocols using qPCR TaqMan probe, SYBR Green, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) methods were set up for the identification of larvae and adults of an African invasive moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick, 1913) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The DNA extracts from larval and adult samples of T. leucotreta were perfectly amplified with an average Ct value of 19.47 ± 2.63. All assays were demonstrated to be inclusive for T. leucotreta and exclusive for the nontarget species tested; the absence of false positives for nontarget species showed a 100% of diagnostic specificity and diagnostic sensitivity for all assays. With the SYBR Green protocol, the Cq values were only considered for values less than 22 (cutoff value) to prevent false-positive results caused by the late amplification of nonspecific amplicons. The limit of detection (LoD) for the qPCR probe protocol was equal to 0.02 pg/µl while a value equal to 0.128 pg/µl for the qPCR SYBR Green assay and LAMP method were established, respectively. The intrarun variabilities of reproducibility and repeatability in all the assays evaluated as CV%, ranged between 0.21 and 6.14, and between 0.33 and 9.52, respectively; the LAMP values were slightly higher than other assays, indicating a very low interrun variability. In order for an operator to choose the most desirable method, several parameters were considered and discussed. For future development of these assays, it is possible to hypothesize the setup of a diagnostic kit including all the three methods combined, to empower the test reliability and robustness.

The false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it infests various commercial, and wild, fruit-bearing plants. This major pest is not present in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and therefore has phytosanitary implications, which impose severe limitations on potential South African exports. Consequently, this pest represents a severe threat to the fruit industry of South Africa, in terms of socio-economic impacts on both fruit production and job security. Although the pest can be managed to some extent with insecticides, mating disruption, and orchard sanitation, a long-term environment-friendly solution was needed. This became more evident as T. leucotreta developed resistance to available insecticides, while stricter quarantine measures were enforced by importers of African citrus. In 2002, research commenced on an area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programme in conjunction with the development of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for the false codling moth. Commercial sterile insect releases started in the 2007-2008 season over 1500 ha of citrus orchards in Citrusdal, Western Cape Province, but by 2017-2018 had gradually expanded to almost 19 000 ha in three different citrus producing regions of South Africa. The programme is currently owned by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) that have contributed to the steady growth of the SIT programme in the citrus industry. Over the past ten years the status of T. leucotreta as a pest threat was systematically reduced in areas where the SIT was practiced on an area-wide basis, compared to non-release areas.

In order to reduce health inequities, a socio-ecological approach and community engagement are needed to develop sustained interventions with a positive effect on the health of disadvantaged groups. This qualitative study was part of the development phase of a community health promotion programme. The study aimed to provide insight into the perceptions of parents in a disadvantaged neighbourhood about health, and their priorities for the community health programme. It also described the process of integrating these perceptions in the development of a multilevel plan for this programme. Participatory methods were applied to enable the engagement of all groups involved. Ten parents from a low-income neighbourhood in the Netherlands participated in five panel sessions. Parents’ priorities for improving family health were reducing chronic stress and not so much healthy eating and physical activity. They prioritised solutions to reduce their financial stress, to provide a safe place for their children to meet and play and to establish good quality communication with authorities. The programme development process resulted in objectives in which both parents and professionals were willing to invest, such as a safe playground for children. This study shows that target population engagement in health programme development is possible and valuable.

ObjectivesWe explored whether changes in the perceived health of homeless people after entering the social relief system (SRS) in The Netherlands were predicted by housing, income, hours of work, social support, unmet care needs, arrests, physical and mental health, substance use, and experiences of autonomy, competence and relatedness, in addition to perceived health at baseline, demographics, suspected intellectual disability, the duration of homelessness and the company of children in the shelter facility.MethodsA hierarchical regression analysis was used to explore the significant predictors of the perceived health of 344 homeless persons 18 months after entering the social relief system.ResultsA decrease in psychological distress and an increase in hours of (paid/voluntary) work as well as competence predicted a better perceived health.ConclusionsPerceived health is not only influenced by objective circumstances related to work and mental health, but also self-determination, as shown by the influence of competence. Services should aim to reduce psychological distress of homeless people, support them in increasing their working hours and focus on strengthening their competence.

Item does not contain fulltext Very little is known about the personal goals of homeless people and how these relate to their quality of life (QoL). By using survey data on 407 homeless adults upon entry to the social relief system in 2011, we examined the personal goals of homeless adults and the association between their perceived goal-related self-efficacy and their QoL. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyse the association between QoL and goal-related self-efficacy, relative to factors contributing to QoL, such as demographic characteristics, socioeconomic resources, health and service use. Results indicate that the majority of homeless adults had at least one personal goal for the coming 6 months and that most goals concerned housing and daily life (94.3%) and finances (83.6%). The QoL of homeless adults appeared to be lower in comparison with general population samples. General goal-related self-efficacy was positively related to QoL (beta = 0.09, P = 0.042), independent of socioeconomic resources (i.e. income and housing), health and service use. The strongest predictors of QoL were psychological distress (beta = -0.45, P < 0.001), income (beta = 0.14, P = 0.002) and being institutionalised (beta = 0.12, P = 0.004). In conclusion, the majority of homeless adults entering the social relief system have personal goals regarding socioeconomic resources and their goal-related self-efficacy is positively related to QoL. It is therefore important to take the personal goals of homeless people as the starting point of integrated service programmes and to promote their goal-related self-efficacy by strength-based interventions.

Item does not contain fulltext Cognitive impairment is a prevalent problem among the homeless and seems related to more psychosocial problems. However, little is known about the care needs of the subgroup of homeless people with an intellectual disability compared to those without an intellectual disability and how their care needs develop over time. This study explores self-reported care needs within a broad range of life domains among Dutch homeless people with and without a suspected intellectual disability to gain insight into the transition of self-reported care needs from baseline to follow-up in both subgroups. This longitudinal study is part of a cohort study among homeless people who had been accepted for an individual programme plan in four major Dutch cities. The initial cohort consisted of 513 participants who were interviewed in 2011. At 1.5-year follow-up, 336 participants (65.5%) were also interviewed and screened for intellectual disability. Of these participants, 31% (95% CI 26.2-36.1) had a suspected intellectual disability. For both groups, between baseline and follow-up, the number of 'unmet care needs' decreased significantly and the number of 'no care needs' increased significantly, while at follow-up, participants with a suspected intellectual disability reported 'no care needs' on significantly fewer life domains than those without a suspected intellectual disability (mean numbers 16.4 vs. 17.5). Between baseline and follow-up, 'met care needs' decreased significantly on housing for both groups, and increased on finances and dental care for participants with a suspected intellectual disability. At follow-up, participants with a suspected intellectual disability more often preferred housing support available by appointment than those without a suspected intellectual disability. These findings suggest that homeless people who had been accepted for an individual programme plan with a suspected intellectual disability have care needs for a longer period of time than those without a suspected intellectual disability. Providing care to homeless people with a suspected intellectual disability might require ongoing care and support, also after exiting homelessness. Support services should take this into account when considering their care provision and planning of services.

Background Health inequalities persist, and policymakers, researchers and practitioners seek for effective ways to positively impact the health of disadvantaged people. Researchers point to a multi-component program with an integral design including various perspectives and involving different stakeholders. Few studies address the perspectives on health of disadvantaged people themselves. This study describes what parents in a socially disadvantaged situation and professionals working in that community perceived as 1) priority aspects to improve family health 2) barriers and facilitators for health behaviour changes 3) important health program activities. Methods Design: Community-based participatory action research. 10 parents participated in 6 panel meetings. 46 professionals received 4 panel meetings summaries. 18 parents and 25 professionals responded to questions in (panel) meetings and consultation by phone and e-mail. Results (preliminary) 1) Parents’ top priorities for improving health were: less stress related to finances and communication with related organizations, followed by a safe place for kids to meet. Of the program financers’ aims (reducing tobacco, alcohol use and overweight) reducing overweight got relatively most support of parents. 2) Parents perceived their family financial situation as barrier to behaviours reducing stress and overweight. 3) Program activities related to reducing stress got more support from parents and professionals than activities related to reducing overweight. Conclusions Insight in the perspectives of disadvantaged parents and professionals resulted in a program plan supported by them, aiming to reduce stress and overweight. Most participating parents and professionals committed themselves to invest time in program activities execution. Key messages Disadvantaged parents perceived reducing stress related to finances as top priority to improve family health. They perceived family finances as barrier to behaviours reducing stress and overweight. Community-based participatory action research with disadvantaged parents and professionals can result in an integrated family health program plan with stakeholder support.

A novel technique for the detection of baculovirus from insect cadavers, water and environmental samples in a Thaumatotibia (Cryptophlebia) leucotreta (false codling moth) mass rearing facility has been developed. Diseased insect larvae, water samples and sampling swabs from various sites in the facility were subjected to virus concentration using mixed-ester filters and/or directly subjected toDNAextraction using the QIAamp Ultrasens Virus kit (Qiagen). The use of non-charged mixed ester filters under vacuum allows for the rapid processing of large volumes of water. Extracted DNA was utilised directly in PCR to amplify the baculovirus core gene polh/granulin. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus. Employing this technique, Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV)was detected in 15.4%of the water samples; 75%of the environmental swabs and 42.9%of the larvae despite measures to control baculovirus contamination in the facility. No baculovirus contamination was detected in food samples. This rapid and reproducible technique will facilitate rapid diagnosis of baculovirus infection in mass-rearing facilities and other water samples.

Introduction: Many patients who present themselves with mental health complaints to a general practitioner GP also suffer from problems in other domains. Consequently, many of these multi-problem patients qualify for health care as well as social welfare. Since 2015, social welfare professionals in most municipalities in the Netherlands work organized in so called 'area-based social welfare teams' SWTs. Especially in the Lindenholt district in the city of Nijmegen an integrated approach is important. In this area the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and mental health symptoms are highest of Nijmegen and a considerate part of the population has problems in various life domains. However, collaboration between a GP facility and the local SWT is in most municipalities in the Netherlands, including Nijmegen, not self-evident. Description of practice change implemented: Professionals from GP facility Lindenholt and the local SWT have experimented with a new work format for collaboration, the so called “drie gesprek”in English: joint consultation with three parties in which the GP, a SWT professional and a neighborhood resident talk about the concerns and needed care of the resident. Aim and theory of change: Aim of the “drie gesprek” is an effective and efficient integration of healthcare and social welfare and an integral, preventive and person-centered approach for people with mental health complaints and problems in different life domains. To implement this new work format for collaboration, three cycles of ‘plan-do-check/evaluate-act’ were used. Targeted population: The targeted population are neighborhood residents of Lindenholt with mental health complaints in combination with problems in other domains and who receive a high level of care by both the GP and the SWT ‘high users’. Timeline: This experiment started in 2015 and had a timeline of two years. Highlights: Actual gain lies mostly in a closer connection between GPs and the SWT. Professionals meet more often and know each other better, therefore information is shared more easily. Also, awareness about different expectations of those involved was increased. Conclusions: The results of the practice change are not yet as hoped for. The first step of creating conditions for good collaboration was successful, but the next step to effective forms of integrative working is not yet achieved. Discussions: A follow-up demands a revision of urgency, shared interests, ambitions for the district and a collectively drafted vision by the municipality, GPs and SWT. Only when there is enough support in time and resources, by the professionals as well as policy makers, an elaboration of this vision has a chance of succeeding. Lessons learned: - Instead of jumping to an intervention, invest in getting to know your collaborators - Experienced barriers for effective collaboration are often not work-related but emotional. - Don’t assume you share the same vision but explicate a shared one. - Innovation starts with visionary health professionals, but if the conditions for implementation are not well organized e.g., financial support or extra hours, integral collaboration stagnates. - A condition for good collaboration seems to be that participating organizations are stable and there is a clear shared interest.

Climate change and a desire for oil independency have stimulated interest in dedicated biomass crops for domestic biofuels production. Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu., an exceptionally productive crop in the Midwestern USA, exhibits many ideal biomass crop traits, notably sterility which decreases invasive potential. Although a labor intensive process, rhizome propagation is the most common method for vegetatively propagating M. × giganteus. Stem propagation, investigated here, alleviates many challenges associated with rhizome production. Utilizing 30 °C soil and the first five nodal stem segments increased M. × giganteus propagation rates 12 fold of reported rhizome multiplication rates. Stem propagated plants (SPs) were field-tested at three sites in Iowa. I found that established SPs and rhizome propagated plants (RPs) yielded similarly, and averaged 24.7 Mg ha-1, similar to other Midwestern trials. Previous work showed that first-year M. × giganteus exhibited poor winter survival. In contrast, I found very high (> 99 %) first winter survival for both SPs and RPs. However, establishment losses for RPs and SPs were very high: 40 times greater than first winter losses. Winter survival was high in Iowa trials, but plants remained green until a killing frost; this observation is blamed for poor winter survival in early M. × giganteus trials. Here, the anecdotal assertion that first-year M. × giganteus exhibits minimal leaf senescence in the first autumn was supported quantitatively by photosynthetic and leaf N measurements. At the end of the first season, M. × giganteus exhibited photosynthetic rates, photosystem II efficiencies and leaf N up to 4, 4 and 2.4 times greater, respectively, than third-year plants, indicating delayed senescence.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between cognitive coping strategies and the experience of autonomy, competence, relatedness and quality of life in homeless young adults. The sample consisted of 251 young adults (age 18 to 25) who had just entered a Dutch shelter facility. In addition, moderating effects of cognitive coping in the relationship between life stressors and the outcomes were examined. The analyses were conducted by means of linear regression. Our results indicated that adaptive cognitive coping strategies were related to the constructs of self-determination. Both adaptive and maladaptive cognitive coping strategies were related to quality of life. Positive reappraisal and positive refocusing moderated the relationship between life stressors and the outcomes. The implications of interventions will be discussed. Registration Dutch trial register (registration number NTR3254), ( http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3254 ).

Highlight This chronosequence field experiment found unexpected differences in leaf senescence symptoms between different aged Miscanthus×giganteus stands, potentially indicating differential senescence with plant age and nutrient status., Poor first winter survival in Miscanthus × giganteus has been anecdotally attributed to incomplete first autumn senescence, but these assessments never paired first-year with older M. × giganteus in side-by-side trials to separate the effect of weather from stand age. Here CO2 assimilation rate (A), photosystem II efficiency (ΦPSII), and leaf N concentration ([N]) were used to directly compare senescence in first, second, and third-year stands of M. × giganteus. Three M. × giganteus fields were planted with eight plots, one field each in 2009, 2010, and 2011. To quantify autumnal leaf senescence of plants within each stand age, photosynthetic and leaf [N] measurements were made twice weekly from early September until a killing frost. Following chilling events (daily temperature averages below 10 °C), photosynthetic rates in first year plants rebounded to a greater degree than those in second- and third-year plants. By the end of the growing season, first-year M. × giganteus had A and ΦPSII rates up to 4 times greater than third-year M. × giganteus, while leaf [N] was up to 2.4 times greater. The increased photosynthetic capability and leaf N status in first-year M. × giganteus suggests that the photosynthetic apparatus was not dismantled before a killing frost, thus potentially limiting nutrient translocation, and may explain why young M. × giganteus stands do not survive winter when older stands do. Because previous senescence research has primarily focused on annual or woody species, our results suggest that M. × giganteus may be an interesting herbaceous perennial system to investigate the interactive effects of plant ageing and nutrient status on senescence and may highlight management strategies that could potentially increase winter survival rates in first-year stands.

Abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and the number of patients presenting to the ER with intoxication are increasing. Treatment may at first sight seem complicated because of limited knowledge of the substance involved, but should be based on a general supportive approach recognising the relatively predictable spectrum of symptoms caused by adrenergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic stimulation. In this article, we discuss the vital elements of this approach and possible complications of NPS intoxication. This is illustrated by two 20-year-old male patients with NPS intoxication who presented to our ER as participants in a group intoxication. Patient A suffered from mild symptoms and tested positive for 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (2C-I-NBOMe) only. Patient B presented with agitated delirium and tested positive for both 2C-I-NBOMe and cocaine. While patient A was treated with benzodiazepines and rehydration, patient B required sedation, intubation and short-term ventilation.

Objective: To test the effectiveness of Houvast: a strengths-based intervention for homeless young adults. Method: A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with 10 Dutch shelter facilities randomly allocated to an intervention and a control group. Homeless young adults were interviewed when entering the facility and when care ended. Repeated-measures analyses and logistic regression analyses were conducted by the principle of intention-to-treat framework ( N = 251). Results: Improvements were demonstrated on quality of life; satisfaction with family relations, finances, and health; employed or in school; depression; care needs; autonomy; competence, and resilience in both conditions. A higher proportion of homeless young adults who received care according to Houvast were still receiving care at follow-up and successfully completed the trajectory compared to those who received care as usual. Conclusion: Homeless young adults seem to benefit from service provision in general. Further research on the effectiveness of Houvast is needed after sufficient model fidelity has been achieved.

The Illinois clone of Miscanthus × giganteus has many traits of an ideal biomass crop, including sterility, which significantly limits invasive potential. However, this sterility necessitates vegetative propagation, a time and labor intensive process that currently challenges the crop's adoption. Traditionally propagated by rhizome segments, M. × giganteus can also reproduce by stems like its relative, sugarcane. Previous work indicates, however, that non-traditional propagation of M. × giganteus can affect developmental morphology of resultant plants in the field. We investigated the effect of stem propagation on developmental morphology (part I, this paper), and survival and yield (part II), of field-grown M. × giganteus (Illinois clone) plants at three sites in Iowa, USA during the second and third year of growth. Although stem propagation affected morphology compared to traditional rhizome propagation, the differences were less pronounced than reported for hormone-aided micropropagation. Observed differences (and similarities) between stem and rhizome propagated plants were consistent between different growing environments and years, despite extreme weather. Rhizome propagated plants had larger basal circumferences (146.2 cm vs. 134.7 cm on average, P = 0.0107), but stem propagated plants had more stems per plant (38 vs. 33 on average, P = 0.0492) suggesting that these two propagation techniques result in plants with different growth strategies but may achieve similar yields. Though small, these differences persisted consistently throughout the duration of this experiment, suggesting morphological differences may be maintained over time in mature stands of M. × giganteus.

As a sterile hybrid, Miscanthus × giganteus must be vegetatively propagated. Previous work has shown that propagation method may negatively impact not only yield of M. × giganteus, but also winter survival. However, these studies only considered rhizome and micropropagated M. × giganteus. Recently, stem propagated plants have also become available to the US market. Similar to micropropagation, these propagules do not rely on rhizomes to produce planting stock, but little is known about the yield potential or survival of stem propagated plants in the field. Here we addressed these questions in a replicated, side-by-side comparison of rhizome and stem propagated plants at three sites in Iowa, USA. We found no propagule related differences in above- or belowground biomass, establishment losses or winter losses of M. × giganteus. Yields averaged 24.7 (±3.5) Mg ha−1. Though M. × giganteus productivity frequently peaks in the third year after planting, second year yields in Iowa were not significantly different than third. Additionally, winter mortality was very low, averaging only 1.2% during the first two winters. Establishment mortality, however, was significantly greater (P

Een cohortstudie naar daklozen in de vier grote steden (Coda-G4) volgt 410 volwassenen (≥ 23 jaar) en 103 jongeren (18-23 jaar) gedurende 2,5 jaar vanaf het moment dat ze zich in 2011 bij de maatschappelijke opvang in een van de vier grote steden meldden. Het cohort bestaat voor het merendeel uit mannen, alleenstaanden, allochtonen en laagopgeleiden. De meeste volwassenen (63%) en jongeren (56%) zijn ten tijde van het interview voor de eerste keer in hun leven dakloos. Als redenen voor hun dakloosheid noemen zij vooral financiele problemen, conflicten of breuken in persoonlijke relaties en huisuitzetting. Vergeleken met de algemene bevolking scoren de volwassenen en jongeren onder de deelnemers op bijna alle psychische klachten bovengemiddeld tot hoog. Actueel cannabisgebruik onder de volwassenen is hoog vergeleken met de algemene bevolking (43%). Onder de jongeren ligt dit nog hoger (63%). Bijna 30 procent van de volwassenen en jongeren onder de deelnemers gebruikte minstens vijf glazen alcohol bij een gelegenheid in de maand voorafgaand aan het interview. Het spelen op kansspel- of fruitautomaten komt veel voor, in vergelijking met de algemene bevolking.

Progress since 2007 with the commercial implementation of the sterile insect technique (SIT) for Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in citrus orchards in South Africa is discussed. To enable expansion of the SIT programme, rearing equipment was developed and adapted where necessary. Production monitoring systems for traceability, cold chain management and quality management of reared insects were developed and constantly improved. The initial 3300-ha SIT-treated area in the Citrusdal region was increased to 4800 ha by incorporating parts of the Olifants River Valley and sterile insect releases were also introduced into 6500 and 2200 ha of the Sundays River and Gamtoos River Valleys (Eastern Cape Province), respectively. There was a progressive, seasonal improvement in wild T. leucotreta suppression following routine releases of sterile moths in all areas treated, resulting in reduced crop losses and fewer rejections for T. leucotreta in export fruit. The SIT for T. leucotreta was also expanded to the Hex River Valley (Western Cape Province) and the Lower Orange River area (Northern Cape Province) in 2016.

Item does not contain fulltext Housing stability is an important focus in research on homeless people. Although definitions of stable housing differ across studies, the perspective of homeless people themselves is generally not included. Therefore, this study explored the inclusion of satisfaction with the participant's current housing status as part of the definition of housing stability and also examined predictors of housing stability with and without the inclusion of homeless person's perspective. Of the initial cohort consisting of 513 homeless participants who were included at baseline in 2011, 324 (63.2%) were also interviewed at 2.5-year follow-up. To determine independent predictors of housing stability, we fitted multivariate logistic regression models using stepwise backward regression. At 2.5-year follow-up, 222 participants (68.5%) were stably housed and 163 participants (51.1%) were stably housed and satisfied with their housing status. Having been arrested (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.20-0.63), a high level of somatisation (physical manifestations of psychological distress) (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.91) and having unmet care needs (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-0.99) were negative predictors of housing stability. Having been arrested (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25-0.75), high debts (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24-0.84) and a high level of somatisation (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.84) were negative predictors of stable housing when satisfaction with the housing status was included. Because inclusion of a subjective component revealed a subgroup of stably housed but not satisfied participants and changed the significant predictors, this seems a relevant addition to the customary definition of housing stability. Participants with characteristics negatively associated with housing stability should receive more extensive and individually tailored support services to facilitate achievement of housing stability.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that substance use among homeless people is a prevalent problem that is associated with longer durations of homelessness. Most studies of substance use among the homeless were carried out outside Europe and have limited generalizability to European countries. This study therefore aimed to address the prevalence of substance use among homeless people in the Netherlands, the pattern of their use and the relationship with housing status at follow-up. METHODS: This study included 344 participants (67.1% of the initial cohort) who were followed from baseline to 18 months after the baseline interview. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between substance use and housing status. RESULTS: The most reported substances which were used among these homeless people were cannabis (43.9%) and alcohol (>/=5 units on one occasion) (30.7%). Other substances were used by around 5% or less of the participants. Twenty-seven percent were classified as substance misuser and 20.9% as substance dependent. The odds to be marginally housed (4.14) or institutionalized (2.12) at follow-up compared to being housed of participants who were substance users were significantly higher than those of participants who did not use substances. The odds to be homeless were more than twice as high (2.80) for participants who were substance dependent compared with those who were not. CONCLUSION: Homeless people who use substances have a more disadvantageous housing situation at follow-up than homeless people who do not use substances. Attention is needed to prevent and reduce long-term homelessness among substance-using homeless people.

Cyclin E2, but not cyclin E1, is included in several gene signatures that predict disease progression in either tamoxifen-resistant or metastatic breast cancer. We therefore examined the role of cyclin E2 in antiestrogen resistance in vitro and its potential for therapeutic targeting through cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibition. High expression of CCNE2, but not CCNE1, was characteristic of the luminal B and HER2 subtypes of breast cancer and was strongly predictive of shorter distant metastasis-free survival following endocrine therapy. After antiestrogen treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, cyclin E2 mRNA and protein were downregulated and cyclin E2–CDK2 activity decreased. However, this regulation was lost in tamoxifen-resistant (MCF-7 TAMR) cells, which overexpressed cyclin E2. Expression of either cyclin E1 or E2 in T-47D breast cancer cells conferred acute antiestrogen resistance, suggesting that cyclin E overexpression contributes to the antiestrogen resistance of tamoxifen-resistant cells. Ectopic expression of cyclin E1 or E2 also reduced sensitivity to CDK4, but not CDK2, inhibition. Proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant cells was inhibited by RNAi-mediated knockdown of cyclin E1, cyclin E2, or CDK2. Furthermore, CDK2 inhibition of E-cyclin overexpressing cells and tamoxifen-resistant cells restored sensitivity to tamoxifen or CDK4 inhibition. Cyclin E2 overexpression is therefore a potential mechanism of resistance to both endocrine therapy and CDK4 inhibition. CDK2 inhibitors hold promise as a component of combination therapies in endocrine-resistant disease as they effectively inhibit cyclin E1 and E2 overexpressing cells and enhance the efficacy of other therapeutics. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(7); 1488–99. ©2012 AACR.

During estrogen-induced proliferation, c-Myc and cyclin D1 initiate independent pathways that activate cyclin E1-Cdk2 by sequestration and/or downregulation of the CDK inhibitor p21(Waf1/Cip1), without significant increases in cyclin E1 protein levels. In contrast, cyclin E2 undergoes a marked increase in expression, which occurs within 9 to 12 h of estrogen treatment of antiestrogen-pretreated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Both E cyclins are important to estrogen action, as small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of either cyclin E1 or cyclin E2 attenuated estrogen-mediated proliferation. Inducible expression of cyclin D1 upregulated cyclin E2, while siRNA-mediated knockdown of cyclin D1 attenuated estrogen effects on cyclin E2. However, manipulation of c-Myc levels did not profoundly affect cyclin E2. Cyclin E2 induction by estrogen was accompanied by recruitment of E2F1 to the cyclin E1 and E2 promoters, and cyclin D1 induction was sufficient for E2F1 recruitment. siRNA-mediated knockdown of the chromatin remodelling factor CHD8 prevented cyclin E2 upregulation. Together, these data indicate that cyclin E2-Cdk2 activation by estrogen occurs via E2F- and CHD8-mediated transcription of cyclin E2 downstream of cyclin D1. This contrasts with the predominant regulation of cyclin E1-Cdk2 activity via CDK inhibitor association downstream of both c-Myc and cyclin D1 and indicates that cyclins E1 and E2 are not always coordinately regulated.

Contains fulltext : 155280.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) OBJECTIVE: In a cluster randomized controlled trial, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of and fidelity to Houvast (Dutch for "grip"), a strengths-based intervention to improve the quality of life for homeless young adults. METHODS: Fidelity was measured six months after professionals and team leaders at five Dutch shelters for homeless young adults finished their training in Houvast. Fidelity was measured with the Dutch version of the strengths model fidelity scale, which consists of ten indicators distributed across three subscales: structure, supervision, and clinical practice. A total fidelity score was composed by averaging the ten indicator scores for each facility. During one-day audits by two trained assessors visiting each facility, a file analysis (N=46), a focus group with homeless young adults (N=19), and interviews with the team leader and supervisor (N=9) were conducted. Professionals, supervisors, and team leaders completed questionnaires two weeks before the audit (N=43). In addition, an evaluation of the audit was conducted six months later. RESULTS: Although none of the five shelters achieved a sufficient total model fidelity score, median scores on caseload, group supervision, and strengths assessment were satisfactory. Each facility received a report with a set of recommendations to improve model fidelity. The evaluation showed improvements in use of the strengths assessment and personal recovery plans and in supervision. CONCLUSIONS: Facilities face several challenges when implementing a new intervention, and implementing Houvast was no exception. Learning experiences and possible explanations for the insufficient total fidelity scores are reported.

Objectives. The aim of this longitudinal study was to determine whether the event of a myocardial infarction (MI) would lead to a disturbance in important higher-order goals, and whether goal disturbance could predict health-related quality of life (HRQL) and depression 4 months later, in addition to baseline scores, demographic characteristics, presence of anginal complaints (AP) or chest pain, coping strategies and social support. Method. A total of 113 MI patients completed questionnaires shortly after hospitalization (T1) and 4 months later (T2), assessing (an impact of the event on) important higher-order goals (T1), disease-related coping strategies (T1), perceived adequacy of social support (T2), AP (T2), HRQL, and depression (T2). Two separate hierarchical regression analyses were performed with HRQL and depression at T2 as dependent variables. Results. The results suggest that the experience of an MI has an impact on the attainment of higher-order goals. Goal disturbance is an independent predictor of both HRQL and depression after MI. Conclusion. A goal theory perspective can provide additional insights into HRQL outcomes after an MI.

This study aims to explore the relationship between goal disturbance and levels of psychological distress in partners of myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Furthermore, the role of partner and patient coping behaviour in the context of goal disturbance is explored. Forty dyads were interviewed and completed questionnaires 1 month (T1) and 4 months (T2) post MI. All patients were men. Patients and partners do not differ on anxiety or depression scores, however, patients experience significantly more higher order goal disturbance at T1. Partners reporting more goal disturbance also show increased distress at T1. More use of approach coping by partners contributes to explained variance in their goal disturbance. Partner avoidant coping is moderated by patient avoidant coping. Approaches to reduce distress in partners should thus take account of goal disturbance and coping behaviours within the dyad.

Introduction: Many patient who presents themselves with mental health complaints to a general practitioner (GP) also suffer from problems in other domains. Consequently, many of these multi-problem patients qualify for health care as well as social welfare. Since 2015, social welfare professionals in most municipalities in the Netherlands work organized in so called 'area-based social welfare teams' (SWTs). This is linked to the ‘Triple Aim’ which entails reduced healthcare expenditure, improved satisfaction with care and perceived health and asks for more intense and new forms of collaboration between healthcare and social welfare professionals. However, collaboration between a GP facility and the local SWT is in most municipalities in the Netherlands, including Nijmegen, not self-evident. Aim of this action- oriented study is to develop a blueprint and implementation plan for optimal and efficient collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and a SWT in order to employ an integral and preventive approach for people with mental health complaints and problems in different life domains. Methods: Setting for the current study, with a duration of 24 months, is the district of Lindenholt in the city of Nijmegen where the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and mental health symptoms are highest of Nijmegen. All relevant stakeholder have committed themselves to a joint trajectory with the ambition to improve the health of residents of Lindenholt by an effective and efficient integration of healthcare and social welfare and an optimal person-oriented and preventive approach. For this study a multi-method approach with a mix of qualitative, quantitative and action-oriented research is used. Two main components can be distinguished: 1. Qualitative and quantitative research to explore the baseline and follow-up level of quality of integrated care (ICE-Q), facilitating factors for better collaboration between GPs and SWT and to evaluate the to be developed work format. 2. Action-oriented research in which professionals from a GP facility and SWT experiment with a new work format for collaboration using three cycles of ‘plan-do-check/evaluate-act’ resulting in a blueprint and implementation plan for collaboration between primary health care and social welfare. Thirty patients with mental health complaints in combination with problems in other domains and who receive a high level of care by both the GP and the SWT (‘high users’) will be selected for an experimental work format of collaboration like a joint consultation. Preliminary results: on the quantitative and qualitative baseline findings on the level of integrated care and perceived barriers and facilitating factors for collaboration will be presented at the conference. Lessons already learned: - Instead of jumping to an intervention, invest in getting to know your collaborators and work out the details of how you want to communicate and collaborate first. - Experienced barriers for effective collaboration are often not work-related but emotional. - Don’t assume you share the same vision but explicate a shared one. - Innovation starts with visionary health professionals, but if the conditions for implementation are not well organized (e.g., financial support or extra hours), integral collaboration stagnates.

Background Being homeless is apart from the lack of housing, related to a number of additional problems such as mental health problems and substance use problems. A recent topic of interest in the field of research on homelessness is the prevalence of intellectual disability (ID). There is a higher prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) among homeless people than in the general population (e.g. 0.7% in the Netherlands). However, little is known about the additional psychosocial problems faced by homeless people with ID. …

Contains fulltext : 138322.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: There is a higher prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) among homeless people than in the general population. However, little is known about the additional psychosocial problems faced by homeless people with ID. We describe the prevalence of ID in a cohort of homeless people in the Netherlands, and report relationships between ID and psychosocial problems in terms of psychological distress, substance (mis)use and dependence, as well as demographic characteristics in this cohort. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is part of a cohort study among homeless people in the four major cities of the Netherlands. Data were derived from 387 homeless people who were interviewed and screened for ID six months after the baseline measurement. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and chi(2) tests were performed to analyze relationships between ID, psychosocial problems and demographic characteristics. FINDINGS: Of all cohort members, 29.5% had a suspected ID. Participants with a suspected ID had a higher mean age, were more likely to be male and to fall in the lowest category of education than participants without a suspected ID. Having a suspected ID was related to general psychological distress (OR = 1.56, p

The C4 grass Miscanthus × giganteus is of increasing interest as a biomass feedstock for renewable fuel production. This review describes what is known to date on M. × giganteus from extensive research in Europe and more recently in the US. Research trials have shown that M. × giganteus productivity is among the highest recorded within temperate climates. The crop's high productivity results from greater levels of seasonal carbon fixation than other C4 crops during the growing season. Genetic sequencing of M. × giganteus has identified close homology with related crop species such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), and breeding of new varieties is underway. Miscanthus × giganteus has high water use efficiency; however, its exceptional productivity causes higher water use than other arable crops, potentially causing changes in hydrology in agricultural areas. Nitrogen use patterns are inconsistent and may indicate association with N fixing microorganisms. Miscanthus × giganteus has great promise as an economically and ecologically viable biomass crop; however, there are still challenges to widespread commercial development.

Aim of this cross-sectional study, was to examine whether the sudden event of hospitalization for Myocardial Infarction (MI) would lead to a disturbance in the attainment of important higher order or life goals, and secondly, whether goal importance as well as goal disturbance would be related to emotional distress and health-related quality of life (HRQL) shortly (two to five weeks) after the MI. Respondents were 160 patients who were hospitalized for MI. Results indicate that patients experience goal disturbance as a result of their cardiac event. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that independently from demographics, medical characteristics and prior lifestyle, disturbance of important higher order goals was a powerful correlate of anxiety, depression as well as HRQL. Furthermore, the extent to which patients valued higher order goals in their life (goal importance) was an independent correlate of depression. Based on self-regulation theory, we suggest that emotional distress and lower levels of HRQL can be explained in terms of threat to goal attainment. Recommendations for further research and practical implications for rehabilitation programs were formulated.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether a remedial spatial visualization course impacted student retention and success in lower level engineering courses. Engineering freshmen who score below 60% on the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Visualization of Rotations (PSVT:R) are encouraged to take an optional 1-credit remedial spatial visualization course in their first semester. Course grades and retention rates of students who failed the PSVT:R and either chose to take the optional course (n=169) or chose not to take the course (n=173) were compared. It was found the remedial course had a positive impact on retention, both at the university and in engineering. Students who took the optional course also earned higher grades in two introductory engineering courses and in a combined statics and mechanics of materials course.

A new project-based service learning program was created at Michigan Tech during the Spring 2005 semester. The program uses the same structure as Michigan Tech's enterprise program which gives students the opportunity to work on multi-disciplinary, student-led teams solving industry-supplied engineering projects. The service and leadership enterprise (SLE) shifts the focus from an entrepreneurial enterprise to that of a non-profit organization solving humanitarian problems. Although each of Michigan Tech's Enterprise teams is intended to be multi-disciplinary, most attract one primary engineering discipline. This new enterprise has attracted students from the sciences and business, as well as multiple engineering disciplines and will provide a very diverse setting for engineering design. During the first semester the students defined their own vision for the enterprise and visited the community they would be working with in their inaugural project. SLE's initial project will be partnering with a church on the Oglala Sioux reservation to build a community center