Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a classical autoimmune liver disease for which effective immunomodulatory therapy is lacking. Here we perform meta-analyses of discovery datasets from genome-wide association studies of European subjects (n=2,764 cases and 10,475 controls) followed by validation genotyping in an independent cohort (n=3,716 cases and 4261 controls). We discover and validate six previously unknown risk loci for PBC (Pcombined<5×10−8) and used pathway analysis to identify JAK-STAT/IL12/IL27 signaling and cytokine-cytokine pathways, for which relevant therapies exist.

SummaryThere has been little published work defining 'normal' thromboelastography (TEG Ò ) values in healthy parturients, and few large studies defining reference ranges for traditional coagulation tests in this patient group. Our aim was to establish peri-operative reference ranges for TEG and for standard laboratory coagulation tests in our pregnant population. Fifty healthy term parturients presenting for elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia had blood samples taken pre-operatively, on arrival in the recovery room and, in a subset of 33 women, 4 h after routine thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin 40 mg. All three samples had TEG analysis, the first and second having standard laboratory coagulation tests in addition. Reference ranges for our pregnant population were established, demonstrating a hypercoagulable state in term parturients and a significant effect of enoxaparin. The standard coagulation reference ranges were within 98% of the local non-pregnant ranges. These reference ranges provide a useful comparator for peri-operative TEG and routine coagulation analysis in term parturients. Accepted: 26 January 2012The recent decline in direct maternal deaths in the UK has been attributed largely to reductions in deaths due to thromboembolism, and, to a lesser extent, haemorrhage [1]. With increased awareness and more widespread use of thromboprophylaxis, and the ever-present risk of maternal haemorrhage, greater importance is being placed on the assessment of coagulation status and blood product replacement during the peripartum period.Thromboelastography (TEG Ò ) is a relatively new near-patient monitor of coagulation in UK labour wards, although its use in cardiac and liver surgery is long-standing [2,3]. The TEG evaluates the mechanical strength of clot during its formation, via the torsion in a pin suspended in an oscillating heated cup that contains the blood sample [4], leading to a graphical output (Fig. 1). Compared with traditional laboratory coagulation tests, the TEG takes into account the dynamic interaction of plasma (clotting factors) and cellular (platelets) elements that occurs during in vivo clotting, thus indicating overall 'clot quality.' Test protocols can

Mangroves line one quarter of the world's tropical coastlines, and approximately 117 countries and territories have mangrove resources within their borders. Although over recent years mangrove deforestation has occurred at a phenomenal rate worldwide, there have been few economic studies of the underlying causes. The article attempts such an analysis and particularly examines the role of economic development, with specific reference to those activities that may result in mangrove deforestation, in determining the area of mangrove left within a country. The article develops a model of economic activity and mangrove conversion. From this model, a relationship is established between remaining mangrove area, economic activity, and other important causative factors. The mangrove area relationship is estimated empirically for a cross-section of 89 countries. Results show that shrimp aquaculture and agriculture are significantly associated with mangrove loss across all countries, whereas the higher the level of GDP per capita the more mangrove area remains. The number of protected areas, length of coastline and political stability were also important in determining the remaining mangrove area of a country. (JEL O13, Q22, Q23, Q24)

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