159370 research outputs found
Sort by
The genome sequence of a mollusc, Azorinus chamasolen (da Costa, 1778)
Get PDFWe present a genome assembly from a specimen of the mollusc, Azorinus chamasolen (Mollusca; Bivalvia; Cardiida; Solecurtidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 1,723.50 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.33%) is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.14 kilobases in length
Using routine primary care data in research: (in)efficient case studies and perspectives from the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research
Get PDFAim We aimed to identify enablers and barriers of using primary care routine data for healthcare research, to formulate recommendations for improving efficiency in knowledge discovery.
Background Data recorded routinely in primary care can be used for estimating the impact of interventions provided within routine care for all people who are clinically eligible. Despite official promotion of ‘efficient trial designs’, anecdotally researchers in the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR) have encountered multiple barriers to accessing and using routine data.
Methods Using studies within the AUKCAR portfolio as exemplars, we captured limitations, barriers, successes, and strengths through correspondence and discussions with the principal investigators and project managers of the case studies.
Results We identified 14 studies (8 trials, 2 developmental studies and 4 observational studies). Investigators agreed that using routine primary care data potentially offered a convenient collection of data for effectiveness outcomes, health economic assessment and process evaluation in one data extraction. However, this advantage was overshadowed by time-consuming processes that were major barriers to conducting efficient research. Common themes were multiple layers of information governance approvals in addition to the ethics and local governance approvals required by all health service research; lack of standardisation so that local approvals required diverse paperwork and reached conflicting conclusions as to whether a study should be approved. Practical consequences included a trial that over-recruited by 20% in order to randomise 144 practices with all required permissions, and a 5-year delay in reporting a trial while retrospectively applied regulations were satisfied to allow data linkage.
Conclusions Overcoming the substantial barriers of using routine primary care data will require a streamlined governance process, standardised understanding/application of regulations and adequate National Health Service IT (Information Technology) capability. Without policy-driven prioritisation of these changes, the potential of this valuable resource will not be leveraged
Tubulin detyrosination shapes Leishmania cytoskeletal architecture and virulence
Get PDFTubulin detyrosination has been implicated in various human disorders and is important for regulating microtubule dynamics. While in most organisms this modification is restricted to α-tubulin, in trypanosomatid parasites, it occurs on both α- and β-tubulin. Here, we show that in Leishmania, a single vasohibin (LmVASH) enzyme is responsible for differential kinetics of α- and β-tubulin detyrosination. LmVASH knockout parasites, which are completely devoid of detyrosination, show decreased levels of glutamylation and exhibit a strongly diminished pathogenicity in mice, correlating with decreased proliferation in macrophages. Reduced virulence is associated with altered morphogenesis and flagellum remodeling in detyrosination-deficient amastigotes. Flagellum shortening in the absence of detyrosination is caused by hyperactivity of a microtubule-depolymerizing Kinesin-13 homolog, demonstrating its function as a key reader of the trypanosomatid-tubulin code. Taken together, our work establishes the importance of tubulin detyrosination in remodeling the microtubule-based cytoskeleton required for efficient proliferation in the mammalian host. This highlights tubulin detyrosination as a potential target for therapeutic action against leishmaniasis
Dehydrogenative Photoredox Catalyzed Synthesis of Indolyl Δ2-Isoxazolines via a Formal C(sp3)−H Functionalization
Get PDFThe discovery of a dehydrogenative photoredox catalyzed formal C(sp3)−H intramolecular cyclization of indolyl-oximes to generate indolyl Δ2-isoxazolines is reported. In contrast to the current state-of-the-art, the reaction avoids the use of super stoichiometric chemical oxidants and high reaction temperatures and is proposed to operate via two sequential single electron oxidation events
What makes online political ads unacceptable? Interrogating public attitudes to inform regulatory responses
Get PDFOnline political advertising is often portrayed negatively, yet there is limited evidence regarding what exactly the public deems unacceptable. This paper provides new insights into public attitudes based on an online survey conducted in 2022, in which 1881 respondents evaluated political ads placed on Facebook during the 2019 UK General Election. We find that citizens do not inherently view political ads as unacceptable, and that perceptions of acceptability are influenced by partisan and demographic factors. We also find that ads deemed compliant with existing regulatory protocols for non-political advertising are considered more acceptable, suggesting a case for extending the existing regulatory regime to political ads. Delving deeper into our survey data, we explore the drivers behind these perceptions of acceptability and find that concerns about the content and tone of ads play a significant role. These findings provide valuable insights for those seeking to develop codes of conduct to govern practices in this space. Overall, our study offers a nuanced understanding of public attitudes toward online political advertising and identifies possible pathways for regulatory reform
Age Patterns in Dual-Cycle Identity Processes and Their Associations With Life Satisfaction
Get PDFObjective
Identity development research often applies the identity status approach, which distinguishes different dimensions of identity-relevant commitment levels and exploration behavior. However, age differences in these dimensions have mostly been examined in adolescence and young adulthood, leaving questions about their variation across the adult lifespan. Additionally, associations between identity and life satisfaction have been equally understudied in adult populations.
Method
We examined these questions in a large, nationally representative U.K. sample (N = 3869; age range 18–97). Identity processes were measured using an abbreviated Dimensions of Identity Development Scale. After invariance testing by age groups, we examined age differences across identity dimensions: Commitment and Exploration (depth, breadth, ruminative).
Results
Older individuals reported lower scores on all exploration dimensions until late adulthood. However, though no age differences in commitment were observed between early and middle adulthood, less commitment was reported from middle to late adulthood. Additionally, commitment and exploration in depth were consistently positively associated with life satisfaction, whereas ruminative exploration negatively predicted life satisfaction, with stronger associations appearing in later adulthood.
Conclusions
These findings demonstrate the feasibility of studying identity across adulthood from a measurement perspective and highlight how identity dimensions relate to well-being at different ages
Yoga for older adults with multimorbidity - Teaching insights for optimising participant safety and inclusion from the process evaluation of the Gentle Years Yoga trial
Get PDFObjectives To develop a teaching exemplar for optimising the safe and accessible delivery of chair-based yoga to multimorbid older adult populations. Design A qualitative process evaluation embedded within the multi-site, randomised controlled Gentle Years Yoga trial for older adults (65+ years) with two or more long term health conditions (trial status: completed). Setting Online and face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants and yoga teachers involved in the 12-week chair-based yoga intervention. Interview data was supplemented with observations of in-person and online yoga class delivery. Participants All yoga teachers delivering the yoga intervention were invited to take part in the interviews, together with a subsample of participants receiving the yoga intervention. Participants were purposively selected to represent the trial cohort demographics of gender, age, ethnicity, index of multiple deprivation, and number and intensity of chronic health conditions. Results Twenty-five yoga participants and 11 yoga teachers took part in one (N=19) or two (N=17) interviews. Participants were aged 66-91 years (mean age 74 years), with 2-8 long term health conditions, most commonly osteoarthritis (N=15, 60%), cardiovascular disease (N=14, 56%), sensory conditions (N=9, 36%), and depression or anxiety (N=8, 32%). Yoga teachers were predominantly female (N=10, 91%), with 4-35 years yoga teaching experience across multiple yoga styles. Feedback from yoga teachers and participants was classified into six categories, generating a 21-item teaching exemplar. These covered aspects of delivery including class size and delivery formats, choosing appropriate physical content, enhancing inclusivity of personal beliefs through non-physical content, proactive teaching styles, communication tips, and ways to boost visibility. Conclusions This 21-item list adds to the current educational base of yoga for older adults. Addressing both face-to-face and online class formats, this exemplar offers pragmatic guidance for yoga teachers to enhance the safe and accessible delivery of chair-based yoga to older adults and multimorbid populations. Trial registration. ISRCTN ISRCTN13567538. Registered 18 March 2019 STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY • A robust process evaluation embedded within a large scale multi-site randomised controlled trial. • Pragmatic teaching exemplar based on the perspective of stakeholders engaged in both the delivery and practice of yoga for older adults with multiple long term health conditions. • Provides guidance for both in-person and online delivery of yoga classes. • Findings are focussed on chair-based yoga delivery. KEY WORDS yoga; older adults; multimorbidity; healthy ageing; education, guideline
'The Personal is Political': Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Defamation & Gender Politics
Get PDFThis article critically examines how English defamation law regulates cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct and/or violence which have become prevalent in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Part 1 provides an account of feminist methods that reveal the gendered nature of both legal doctrine and courtroom treatment of the parties in cases. Part 2 proceeds to analyse English defamation cases concerning allegations of sexual misconduct to demonstrate the presence of patriarchal gender dynamics. It argues that select features of defamation doctrine may be conceived or applied in a gendered way. It proceeds to consider the influence of gendered preconceptions on defamation courts, analysing instances of ‘testimonial injustice’ where the evidence of parties is afforded varying credibility. Finally, it considers how the wider legal costs culture and inequalities in access to justice can be exploited by #MeToo defamation claimants to women’s disadvantage. We conclude that an awareness of complex wider context and politics is essential to ensure that cases and parties are dealt with justly
What is the impact on recruitment of a shortened compared with a standard-length participant information leaflet?:PROMETHEUS in IBD-BOOST: Study Within a Trial, a Decentralised UK Randomised Controlled Trial.
Get PDFBackground Participant Information Leaflets (PILs) are lengthy and increasingly complex, and could deter research participation. A shortened PIL may be more appealing as it is likely to provide more a manageable volume of information. Previous research has found that shortened PILs are no less effective for recruitment outcomes, and we deemed it useful to replicate this in an online setting. We also decided to compare retention rates, given the potential for more information to increase participants’ motivation. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of a shortened vs standard-length PIL on trial recruitment and retention rates. Methods This two-arm Study Within a Trial (SWAT) was embedded in a host randomised controlled trial (RCT) – IBD-BOOST. Potential participants were randomised to receive a standard-length or shortened PIL electronically for recruitment to the host RCT. An ethics committee approved potential participants being blinded to this randomisation. Primary outcome: The percentage of SWAT participants receiving the shortened vs standard PIL who were recruited to the RCT. Results 4201 participants were randomised to the standard-length (n=2099) and shortened (n=2102) PIL arms. 34 email queries were received about the PILs – 18 from those who received the standard and 16 from those receiving the shortened. 708 SWAT participants were recruited to the RCT – 333 (15.86%) who received the standard-length PIL and 375 (17.84%) who received the shortened (OR=1.15, [95%CI=0.98, 1.35], p=0.09). Retention rates in the RCT were not statistically different between groups. Conclusion We did not find evidence of a significant difference between RCT recruitment and retention rates in participants randomised to the standard-length PIL compared with the shortened. It may be that a shortened PIL has the same effect on recruitment and retention outcomes, providing that the trial does not require extensive information for other reasons (e.g. safety). Therefore, it could be argued that researchers have a choice about how long to make PILs, perhaps with a link to more detail. Alternatively, given that there was no benefit of the shortened PIL, it may be worth comparing written PILs with other methods of conveying information to determine optimal means of encouraging participation and retention in decentralised trials. Host trial registration A randomised controlled trial of supported, online, self-management for symptoms of fatigue, pain and urgency/incontinence in people with inflammatory bowel disease: the IBD-BOOST trial (ISRCTN71618461 on ISRCTN registry). Key words: SWAT; Study Within a Trial; Recruitment Methods; Research Methods; Trial Design; Participant Information Leaflet; PIL; Embedded Randomised Controlled Trial; Ethics; Informed Consent; Clinical trial
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇