152653 research outputs found
Sort by
Beyond the asthma guidelines:look under the hood, particularly in those considered well controlled
No full textFrom evidence to practice:What the 2025 European Respiratory Society Bronchiectasis Guideline means for India
Get PDFRoles of cytokines in modulating Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infection outcomes in vervet monkeys
Get PDFIntroduction: Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, is categorized as acute due to rapid disease progression but presents varying clinical outcomes. Although the mechanisms underpinning differential clinical progression are poorly understood, both host and parasite factors are implicated. Therefore, we sought to elucidate roles of primate host factors in mediating varying T. b. rhodesiense infection outcomes.Methods: Here, we assessed the roles of selected host cytokines in disease progression using a tsetse-mediated infection in a non-human primate (NHP) vervet monkey model that closely mimics HAT and natural infection. We quantified eight cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β, as well as the brain injury biomarker S100b and clinical data, and compared acute and chronic infections. In addition,Results: Monkeys infected with KETRI 3801 and KETRI 3928 had mean survival times of 28 and 95 days, respectively. In both infected groups, cytokine levels were significantly higher than those in uninfected controls (p < 0.05). IL-12, IL-6, and IL-1β cytokines were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) from early-stage disease to the onset of late-stage disease. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-10 are implicated in pro- and counter inflammatory responses. In addition, cerebrospinal fluid parasite and white blood cell levels were higher in KETRI 3801 infections compared with KETRI 3928 infections.Discussion: We conclude that cytokines play roles in modulating disease progression and severity in an NHP model of HAT, which is important for understanding varying infection outcomes
Real-scale tests on the cyclic response of trees under toppling loads:experimental investigation and geotechnical interpretative framework
No full textThe collapse of trees, exacerbated by extreme weather events associated to climate change, has become a critical issue, particularly in urban environments where the assessment of tree stability is now an integral component of comprehensive risk management strategies. Standard methodologies for assessing tree stability commonly rely on the interpretation of on-site pulling tests, which provide insights into the mechanical response of trees subjected to lateral forces. In this context, geotechnical engineering can provide a significant contribution to evaluate the overturning resistance of trees, particularly in cases where failure mechanisms are governed by root system uprooting. Indeed, the whole root plate can be conceptualized as a shallow foundation, providing mechanical support to the tree against external loads.This paper presents an experimental campaign of pulling tests conducted on mature trees, at the Botanic Garden of the University of Dundee (Scotland, UK). Mutually orthogonal loading directions, the effects of load relaxation, as well as the response to cyclic loading up to complete uprooting were systematically investigated. The experimental findings are analysed within a geotechnical framework, drawing parallels with foundation engineering principles related to cyclic loading effects on direct foundations subjected to rocking actions. In particular, global mechanical parameters at the macro scale of the trunk collar were derived (e.g. rotational stiffness and damping ratio) and their dependence on the applied loading path systematically compared and critically commented. The results suggest the reliability of the idea of assimilating the root plate to a shallow foundation and provide novel insights into the response of trees subjected to lateral loads, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their toppling behaviour.<br/
An active matter model captures spatial dynamics of actomyosin oscillations in larval epithelial cells during Drosophila morphogenesis
Get PDFThe apicomedial actomyosin network is crucial for generating mechanical forces in cells. Oscillatory behaviour of this contractile network is commonly observed before or during significant morphogenetic events. For instance, during the development of the Drosophila adult abdominal epidermis, larval epithelial cells (LECs) undergo pulsed contractions before being replaced by histoblasts. These contractions involve the formation of contracted regions of concentrated actin and myosin. The emergence and control of pulsed contractions are not fully understood. Here, we combined in vivo 4D microscopy with numerical simulations of an active elastomer model applied to realistic cell geometries and boundary conditions informed by cell polarity to study in vivo sub cellular spatial patterns of LEC actomyosin dynamics. The active elastomer model quantitatively reproduced in vivo observations. When compared to rectangular domains, simulations on realistic cell geometries showed systematically better agreement with experiments. We found that cell shape, cell polarity and organisation of the cell’s actomyosin network co-determine spatiotemporal network dynamics both in vivo and in simulations. Furthermore, the model predicted changes to LEC contractile activity under genetic perturbation of the actomyosin network. Our results show that cell geometry, accompanied by boundary conditions which reflect the cells’ polarity, is important to understanding the dynamics of the apicomedial actomyosin network. Moreover, our findings support the notion that spatiotemporal oscillatory behaviour of the actomyosin network is an emergent property of the actomyosin network, rather than driven by upstream signalling
Linear relaxation schemes with asymptotically compatible energy law for time-fractional phase-field models
No full textIn this paper, we propose a variable time-step linear relaxation scheme for time-fractional phase-field equations with a free energy density in general polynomial form. The L1+-CN formula is used to discretize the fractional derivative, and an auxiliary variable is introduced to approximate the nonlinear term by directly solving algebraic equations rather than differential-algebraic equations as in the invariant energy quadratization (IEQ) and the scalar auxiliary variable (SAV) approaches. The developed semi-discrete scheme is second-order accurate in time, and the inconsistency between the auxiliary and the original variables does not deteriorate over time. Furthermore, we take the time-fractional volume-conserved Allen-Cahn equation, the time-fractional Cahn-Hilliard equation, and the time-fractional Swift-Hohenberg equation as examples to demonstrate that the constructed schemes are energy stable and that the discrete energy dissipation law is asymptotically compatible with the classical one when the fractional-order parameter α→1−. Several numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. In particular, numerical results confirm that the auxiliary variable remains well aligned with the original variable, and the error between them does not continue to increase over time before the system reaches steady state.</p
European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition – tobacco and nicotine containing products, second-hand smoke, alcohol and cancer
Get PDFTobacco use, second-hand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure and alcohol consumption are well-established carcinogens and major public health concerns. In the European Union (EU), tobacco and alcohol use are the leading preventable causes of cancer and four other major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), significantly contributing to NCD-related morbidity and mortality. Despite declining prevalence, consumption of these substances is still high in the region, especially among the most deprived. There is strong evidence that quitting smoking, minimising exposure to SHS and eliminating or reducing alcohol intake substantially lowers the risk of cancer. Comprehensive public health strategies at both the individual and population level are crucial to prevent cancer and other NCDs. Scientific evidence leads to two recommendations for individual action on tobacco in the European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition: (1) ‘Do not smoke. Do not use any form of tobacco, or vaping products. If you smoke, you should quit’; and (2) ‘Keep your home and car free of tobacco smoke’; and one on alcohol: (3) ‘Avoid alcoholic drinks’.</p
Age Estimation in Criminal investigations and Human Rights frame
No full textAge estimation is a critical aspect of criminal investigations and of human rights, particularly regarding the treatment of minors within the legal system. This chapter explores the significance of accurately assessing an individual’s age, as it influences legal accountability and the judicial process across various jurisdictions. The legal age of criminal responsibility varies globally, with many countries recognizing the developmental psychology of minors and advocating for rehabilitative rather than punitive measures. The article examines the procedures for age assessment in different countries, including Italy, Germany, and the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by unaccompanied foreign minors lacking identification documents and those affected by human trafficking. Noninvasive methods, such as social interviews and psychological evaluations, are emphasized as preferable approaches, with the principle of favor minoris ensuring that any doubt is resolved in favor of treating individuals as minors. The chapter underscores the ethical implications of age estimation in safeguarding the rights of minors, ensuring their access to appropriate legal protections, and facilitating their rehabilitation. By aligning legal practices with international human rights standards, the chapter advocates for a more humane approach to age assessment that respects the dignity and developmental needs of young individuals within the justice system
Modelling the Potential Impact of Water Fluoridation on Dental Caries in Scotland:A Pilot Study
No full textIntroduction Dental caries remains a significant public health issue in Scotland. While the Childsmile programme has improved children's oral health, recent data suggest that improvement has plateaued and inequalities persist. Despite strong evidence for its effectiveness, there are currently no active water fluoridation schemes in Scotland. Aim To estimate the potential impact of water fluoridation on dental caries among Scottish children using data from the National Dental Inspection Programme (NDIP) and published effect sizes, with a focus on socioeconomic variation. Design Descriptive, estimation-based quantitative analysis. Setting Scotland. Materials and methods Data were obtained from the 2023 and 2024 NDIP reports. Effect sizes were sourced from the 2024 Cochrane Review. Predicted post-fluoridation values were calculated by subtracting effect sizes from baseline dmft/DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled primary and permanent teeth) values and caries-free proportions. R software was used for data processing, calculations, and visualisation. Results Overall mean dmft/DMFT were reduced, and caries-free proportions were increased among Primary 1 and Primary 7 children. All Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles showed predicted improvements in dental caries outcomes across both age groups. Greater absolute improvements were seen in the least deprived groups. Discussion Estimates suggest a beneficial effect; although, the use of a uniform effect size may underestimate reductions in high caries risk groups. Conclusion Reintroduction of water fluoridation could offer important public health benefits. Future studies should include socioeconomic status-specific effect sizes to improve accuracy of modelling socioeconomic impacts.</p
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage University of Dundee Online Publications? Access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard!