Gene expression after dietary intervention with trans fatty acids (trans‐11/trans‐12 18:1) in humans

Gene‐by‐diet interactions play an important role in the prevention of several diseases. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are ligands of gene regulators [e.g. peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR)] and have anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in gene expression in monocytes during the intervention with two trans fatty acids (trans‐11 18:1 and trans‐12 18:1) and endogenous CLA from trans‐11 18:1 as precursor in humans. Monocytes were isolated at baseline and after a 6‐week intervention period. The female and male test groups received Σ6.0 g trans‐11 and trans‐12 18:1/day (1 : 1). The control group received control oil. The expression of candidate genes was determined by quantitative RT‐PCR. Gender‐ and treatment‐related gene expression was found. Due to trans fatty acid intake in both gender subgroups, the relative PPARγ expression was up‐regulated. In the female test group, the expression of FAT, SCD, COX2 and BCL2 were induced, while in the male test group E‐FABP, CYP, GLUT4 and PBE were induced. In the male test group compared to controls, a clear increase in gene expression of PPARγ and GLUT4 was shown. The results reveal a gender‐ and treatment‐related gene expression. There is no clear indication as to what extent the supplemented trans fatty acids and the synthesized cis‐9,trans‐11 CLA were involved.     

Advance directives in a correctional setting.

Using advance directives to preconsent to mental health treatment is a promising approach to contending with the quandary posed by patients suffering from severe mental health illness, particularly those in a prison setting. The implementation of advance directives represents unfamiliar territory because it focuses on the patient's ability to preconsent to treatment rather than the commonly interpreted prerefusal of treatment. The challenge of consenting in the prison system generates a set of unique problems. The environment in which the instrument is signed can impose significant pressures and therefore result in a viable legal challenge. The prison setting is the most coercive environment in which a patient can be treated, particularly when the patient is mentally ill. Mentally ill prisoners signing preconsent for treatment advance directives have an opportunity for unprecedented relief yet may also experience pressure to select treatments desirable to the prison staff. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Environmental assessments in the Internet age: the role of e-governance and social media in creating platforms for meaningful participation

Critical to impact assessments (IA) evolution has been the advent of more meaningful processes for participation. The use of the Internet as a tool of participation, as well as the scope and ambition of IA, has been growing since their inception. This work explores e-governance and social media in IA and the potential contribution these may make to meaningful public participation. Research is informed by literature and case studies in Hong Kong and Canada. The cases and literature revealed that e-governance in IA is used predominantly for sharing information and not for generating dialogue. Social media is used primarily by participants to share information, but is also to organize themselves and their input to IA cases. In addition, we found the innovative use of virtual cloud environments for collaboration and the establishment of one of the first websites for starting, signing and submitting public petitions with a focus on the local environment. Suggestions are made regarding how to better connect the rise in e-participation and conventional IA public participation.