University of Portsmouth

About: University of Portsmouth is a education organization based out in Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 5452 authors who have published 14256 publications receiving 424346 citations. The organization is also known as: Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and Art & Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and the Arts.

What Do Field Experiments of Discrimination in Markets Tell Us? A Meta Analysis of Studies Conducted Since 2000

Abstract: Sixty-seven field experiments of discrimination in markets conducted since 2000 across seventeen countries were surveyed. Significant and persistent discrimination was found on all bases in all markets. High levels of discrimination were recorded against ethnic groups, older workers, men applying to female-dominated jobs and homosexuals in labour markets. Minority applicants for housing needed to make many more enquiries to view properties. Geographical steering of African-Americans in US housing remained significant. Higher prices were quoted to minority applicants buying products. More information made no significant improvement to minority applicant outcomes. Clear evidence of statistical discrimination was found only in product markets.

Neurotransmitter-mediated calcium signalling in oligodendrocyte physiology and pathology

Abstract: The function of oligodendrocytes is to myelinate CNS axons. Oligodendrocytes and the axons they myelinate are functional units, and neurotransmitters released by axons can influence all stages of oligodendrocyte development via calcium dependent mechanisms. Some of the clearest functional evidence is for adenosine, ATP, and glutamate, which are released by electrically active axons and regulate the migration and proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and their differentiation into myelinating oligodendrocytes. Glutamate and ATP, released by both axons and astrocytes, continue to mediate Ca2+ signaling in mature oligodendrocytes, acting via AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors, and heterogeneous P2X and P2Y purinoceptors. Physiological signalling between axons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes is likely to play an important role in myelin maintenance throughout life. Significantly, ATP- and glutamate-mediated Ca2+ signaling are also major components of oligodendrocyte and myelin damage in numerous pathologies, most notably ischemia, injury, periventricular leukomalacia, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, NG2-expressing glia (synantocytes) in the adult CNS are highly reactive cells that respond rapidly to any CNS insult by a characteristic gliosis, and are able to regenerate oligodendrocytes and possibly neurons. Glutamate and ATP released by neurons and astrocytes evoke Ca2+ signaling in NG2-glia (synantocytes), and it is proposed these regulate their differentiation capacity and response to injury. In summary, clear roles have been demonstrated for neurotransmitter-mediated Ca2+ signaling in oligodendrocyte development and pathology. A key issue for future studies is to determine the physiological roles of neurotransmitters in mature oligodendrocytes and NG2-glia (synantocytes). © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Measuring motion on DNA by the type I restriction endonuclease EcoR124I using triplex displacement

Abstract: The type I restriction enzyme EcoR124I cleaves DNA following extensive linear translocation dependent upon ATP hydrolysis. Using protein-directed displacement of a DNA triplex, we have determined the kinetics of one-dimensional motion without the necessity of measuring DNA or ATP hydrolysis. The triplex was pre-formed specifically on linear DNA, 4370 bp from an EcoR124I site, and then incubated with endonuclease. Upon ATP addition, a distinct lag phase was observed before the triplex-forming oligonucleotide was displaced with exponential kinetics. As the distance between type I and triplex sites was shortened, the lag time decreased whilst the displacement reaction remained exponential. This is indicative of processive DNA translocation followed by collision with the triplex and oligonucleotide displacement. A linear relationship between lag duration and inter-site distance gives a translocation velocity of 400+/-32 bp/s at 20 degrees C. Furthermore, the data can only be explained by bi-directional translocation. An endonuclease with only one of the two HsdR subunits responsible for motion could still catalyse translocation. The reaction is less processive, but can 'reset' in either direction whenever the DNA is released.

Interventions for cellulitis and erysipelas

Abstract: Background Cellulitis and erysipelas are now usually considered manifestations of the same condition, a skin infection associated with severe pain and systemic symptoms. A range of antibiotic treatments are suggested in guidelines. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of interventions for non-surgically-acquired cellulitis. Search methods In May 2010 we searched for randomised controlled trials in the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the ongoing trials databases. Selection criteria We selected randomised controlled trials comparing two or more different interventions for cellulitis. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Main results We included 25 studies with a total of 2488 participants. Our primary outcome 'symptoms rated by participant or medical practitioner or proportion symptom-free' was commonly reported. No two trials examined the same drugs, therefore we grouped similar types of drugs together. Macrolides/streptogramins were found to be more effective than penicillin antibiotics (Risk ratio (RR) 0.84, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.97). In 3 trials involving 419 people, 2 of these studies used oral macrolide against intravenous (iv) penicillin demonstrating that oral therapies can be more effective than iv therapies (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.98). Three studies with a total of 88 people comparing a penicillin with a cephalosporin showed no difference in treatment effect (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.43). Six trials which included 538 people that compared different generations of cephalosporin, showed no difference in treatment effect (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.94 to1.06). We found only small single studies for duration of antibiotic treatment, intramuscular versus intravenous route, the addition of corticosteroid to antibiotic treatment compared with antibiotic alone, and vibration therapy, so there was insufficient evidence to form conclusions. Only two studies investigated treatments for severe cellulitis and these selected different antibiotics for their comparisons, so we cannot make firm conclusions. Authors' conclusions We cannot define the best treatment for cellulitis and most recommendations are made on single trials. There is a need for trials to evaluate the efficacy of oral antibiotics against intravenous antibiotics in the community setting as there are service implications for cost and comfort.