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Technical validation and a comparison of two methods to quantify individual levels of glucocorticoids in Alpine marmot hair
Get PDFQuantification of cortisol concentration in hair has become a promising conservation tool for non-invasive monitoring of “stress” in wild populations, yet this method needs to be carefully validated for each species. The goals of the study were:
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Immunologically validate two methods (study 1 and 2 respectively) to extract and quantify cortisol in the hair of wild Alpine marmots.
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Compare the amount of cortisol extracted from hair samples using two methods i.e. cut into fine pieces (study 1) and hair samples pulverized using a ball mill (study 2).
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Determine the extent to which methods in study 2 could provide individual specific hair cortisol (HC) measures when samples were taken from the same body location. Within and between individual variations in HC levels were examined from multiple hair samples from 14 subjects in study 2. We evaluated if inter-individual variations in HC levels could be explained by sex and age.
At least twice the amount of cortisol was obtained per g/hair when samples were pulverized in a ball mill prior to extraction compared to when cut into pieces. Our methods demonstrated intra-individual consistency in HC at a given time point: inter-individual variation in HC was three times larger than within individual variance. Sex and age did not impact HC levels
Three methods to measure the dissolution activation energy of cellulosic fibres using time-temperature superposition
Get PDF© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Three methods are established to explore the dissolution kinetics of cellulosic fibres in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]), based on optical microscopic images of processed dried cellulose and cellulose hydrogels. The dissolution process for different times at various temperatures was analysed using time-temperature superposition, and from this the dissolution was found to follow an Arrhenius behaviour. Three values for the activation energy of dissolution were obtained from three different quantifying methods; these were found to agree, giving an average value of 73 ± 2 kJ/mol. A new method is developed to determine the swelling ratio of different regions of the processed cellulose samples, along with the different water volume fractions contained therein. The findings will be of interest to researchers making all cellulose composites and those studying the dissolution of cellulose by ionic liquids
Physical education mentors in initial teacher training: who cares?
Get PDFThis author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please contact [email protected] – The broad aim of this paper is to use Noddings’ theory of ethical care to analyse mentors’ caring experiences. More specifically, it aims to analyse how physical education (PE) mentors provide care, how they are cared for, and how this impacts their role within the context of secondary PE initial teacher training (ITT).
Design – Semi-structured interviews were used to generate data from 17 secondary PE mentors within the same university ITT partnership in the north-west of England. Questions focused on the mentors’ experiences of care and the impact this had on their wellbeing and professional practice. A process of thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse, and report patterns in the data.
Findings – The participants reflected established definitions of mentoring by prioritising the aim of developing the associate teachers’ (AT) teaching rather than explicitly providing support for their wellbeing. This aim could be challenging for mentors who face personal and professional difficulties while supporting the training of an AT. Mentors frequently referred to the support of their departmental colleagues in overcoming these difficulties and the importance of developing interdependent caring relationships. Receiving care did not impede mentors from providing support for others; it heightened awareness and increased their desire to develop caring habits.
Originality – Teacher wellbeing has drawn greater attention in recent years and is increasingly prioritised in public policy. These findings highlight the value of mentor wellbeing and how caring professional relationships can mitigate the pressures associated with performativity and managing a demanding workload
Prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci in India between 2000 and 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFVancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) infections are recurrently reported in different parts of India in the last two decades. However, an up-to-date, countrywide information concerning the prevalence and the rate of VRE in India is limited and hence this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of VRE in India. Methods: A literature search was performed using various databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed throughout. Cross-sectional studies reporting the prevalence of VRE in India from human samples whereby at least two Enterococci were isolated between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2022 were sought for inclusion. Data were extracted and analysed using Microsoft Excel and Comprehensive Meta-analysis version 4, respectively. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the analyses. A collective total of 3683 Enterococci isolates were examined, of which 368 were VRE strains. The pooled prevalence of VRE in India was calculated at 12.4% (95% CI: 8.6–17.5; Q = 189.69; I2 = 90.51%; p = < 0.001). E. faecalis was the most frequently isolated species (1450 [39.37%]) followed by E. faecium (724 [19.66%]). Amongst the VRE strains, E. faecium was the most prevalent (214 [58.15%]) followed by E. faecalis (134 [36.41%]). An upsurge in the rate of VRE infections was observed in India over time: VRE prevalence was estimated at 4.8% between 2000 and 2010 and 14.1% between 2011 and 2020. Conclusion: This study presents the most up-to-date information on the rate of VRE infections in India. Though lower than the findings for some less developed countries, VRE prevalence in India is notable and on the rise
An Examination of the Field-Based Training Practices in European Super League’s first Quadruple Winning Champions
Get PDFUsing a case study approach, the primary aim of this thesis was to develop an understanding of field-based training practices of a successful professional rugby league team. The research findings were applied to inform the coaching practices of the club but also offered insight that might be of interest more widely given the success of the team over an extended period. Chapter 4 quantified the types of training used during a preseason by the team. There was a 4-week increase in external load, followed by a “regeneration week” in week 5 before an increase in load during week 6. A weekly cycle also emerged with Monday primarily comprising Rugby Skill drills and Speed drills, Tuesday largely Rugby Skill based alongside Conditioning and Game-Based Training, Thursday was a mix of training types with Friday primarily consisting of Game-Based Training that also coincided with the week’s highest values for total distance, high-speed running, and high metabolic distance.
Chapter 5 examined the associations between the types of training in preseason and improvements in intermittent running performance (i.e., prone Yo-Yo IR1). The intensity (r = 0.61; 95% CI 0.18, 0.84) and PlayerLoadTM (r = 0.44; 95% CI -0.05, 0.76)
during Game-Based Training and high-speed running (r = 0.61; 95% CI 0.18, 0.84) in Conditioning had positive associations with the mean change in prone Yo-Yo IR1 performance (200 ± 143 m [18.1 ± 13.5%]). Total duration of Game-Based Training had a negative association with change in prone Yo-Yo IR1 performance (r = -0.57; 95% CI -0.82, -0.12). These data enable the manipulation of training practices to target specific external metrics (e.g., intensity, PlayerLoadTM, high-speed running) when
improvements in intermittent running capacity of professional rugby league players is the desired goal.
Chapter 6 examined the differences in external and internal load of field-based training between the three different in-season match-day microcycles and assessed the differences in external demands of matches between the microcycles. Game-Based
Training contributed the most to external (total distance, high metabolic distance and PlayerLoadTM) and internal load (highest HRmax, time spent in HR band 5 and HR band 6) for the main training day in long (MD-5), medium (MD-4), and short (MD-2)
turnarounds. Both short (86.7 ± 7.9 m.min-1) and medium (86.5 ± 10.9 m.min-1) turnaround matches resulted in lower intensity values than long turnarounds (89.5 ± 7.6m.min-1; P < 0.05). No other differences in external demands were observed between the 3 different match-day microcycles. The consistency in match-day external demands is a desirable outcome as the training week has effectively prepared athletes to perform in match. Additionally, the extensive use of Game-Based Training allowed for the maintenance of physical qualities whilst technically and tactically developing and preparing players for competition.
Chapter 7 examined the effect altering match rules (because of COVID-19) had on the external demands of match play. There were increases in whole team high-speed running (r = 0.09; 95% CI 0.02, 0.15 c.f. r = 0.29; 95% CI 0.20, 0.38) and an increased ball-in-play time (52.16 ± 5.01 min c.f. 55.58 ± 4.04 min). These changes highlight the impact of rule changes on the movement demands of professional rugby league matches and the implications for the design of appropriate training practices to better
prepare players.
Chapter 8 assessed the effects altering the area size per-person of Game-Based Training and the length of Conditioning drills has on key external load metrics. The study showed that increasing the area of Game-Based Training by 10 m2 per-person
resulted in athletes covering greater distance (539.3 ± 49.6 m c.f. 500.9 ± 62.9 m & 555.4 ± 55.9 m c.f. 491.4 ± 40.1 m), higher intensities (132.1 ± 12.1 m.min-1 c.f. 122.4 ± 15.4 m.min-1 & 136.8 ± 13.8 m.min-1 c.f. 121.4 ± 9.9 m.min-1), and greater high metabolic distances (122.4 ± 32.0 m c.f. 81.8 ± 22.9 m & 153.0 ± 33.0 m c.f. 120.3 ± 27.1 m). However, the smaller area Game-Based Training showed significantly greater cognitive load (dRPE-C; 73.2 ± 7.8 c.f. 56.3 ± 17.9 AU), possibly due to increased technical/tactical involvements. Increasing the length of conditioning drills resulted in an increase in all external metrics for the shuttle runs, with the linear run experiencing an increase in intensity but a reduction in total distance and PlayerLoadTM. Chapter 8 also found that the coefficient of variation (%CV) between-players during Game-Based Training was higher than previously reported in soccer, with high-speed distance found to have the highest level of variability (23 – 58%), whereas linear running Conditioning
drills had much lower variability (4 – 5 %). Game-Based Training is an effective training method, however the variability experienced could leave players under or over trained if this method was solely used, highlighting the importance of using it as a part of balanced programme
Rare mental health conditions showing cultural concepts of distress
Get PDFScholarly definitionIt is important to note that certain mental health disorders are classified as rare conditions, and they have their own ‘cultural concepts of distress’ as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM5). Cultural concepts of distress are a recent attempt to understand psychological distress influenced by culture, separate from biomedical diagnoses that require equal attention and support for individuals and their families, both physically and emotionally
The Student-Parent’s guide to navigating university
Get PDFThe Student-Parent Guide to Navigating University is a research-informed, evidence-based, peer reviewed toolkit which has been published via the UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service) websit
Machine Learning for collagen peptide biomarker determination in the taxonomic identification of archaeological fish remains
Get PDFSpecies identification of archaeofaunal remains can be informative of changing local and global ecosystems, as well as how we interacted with them in the past. However, with the vast majority of assemblages being dominated by morphologically indeterminate specimens, methods of biomolecular species identification are becoming more popular, such as the protein fingerprint-based identification approach known as ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry). As larger datasets are being produced, Machine Learning techniques such as those using Random Forest algorithms have been considered to expedite the identification process. However, it has proven difficult to extract meaningful biomarkers from these processes alone and so far only tackled for mammals. Here, we introduce a novel approach based on the principles of the ID3 algorithm for biomarker identification from ZooMS spectral databases, focussing on archaeological fish remains from Europe and the Caribbean. We show that the tool is highly effective at generating comprehensible lists of family- and genus-level biomarkers. At family-level identification, the average sensitivity across five families of fish was ∼0.9, where a specificity of 1 would indicate a greatly effective algorithm that outperforms both traditional Random Forest and Naïve Bayes approaches; at the genus level the mean sensitivity reduced to ∼0.8 across the nine genera tested. However, some anomalous matches were produced, with accuracy dropping when distinguishing between genera of the same family, such as Epinephelus and Mycteroperca belonging to the Serranidae. Therefore, while this tool has value in rapidly producing lists of biomarkers and can efficaciously identify new ZooMS fingerprints based on those markers, it indicates that manual intervention remains a requirement at finer taxonomic resolutions
The impact of bleeding event frequency on health-related quality of life and work productivity outcomes in a European cohort of adults with haemophilia A: insights from the CHESS II study
Get PDFBackground: Haemophilia A carries a substantial healthcare burden, affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The Cost of Haemophilia in Men: a Socioeconomic Survey II (CHESS II), a retrospective real-world study, characterised the burden of haemophilia and its impact on HRQoL and work productivity. The current analysis explored the impact of bleeding events on HRQoL and work productivity in Europe. This analysis focused on data collected from males aged 18 to 64 years with haemophilia A without inhibitors who were receiving replacement factor products or a monoclonal antibody and were not participating in a clinical trial at the time of study recruitment. Descriptive statistics were analysed using scores from EuroQoL’s EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS analogue scale and the Work Productivity and Activity Index Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP) percentage scores stratified by the number of annual bleeding events (ABs) 0, 1, 2, 3–4, or ≥ 5. Results: Of 918 males with haemophilia A in CHESS II, 318 met inclusion criteria and had data available for HRQoL measures; mean age (SD) was 33.8 (12.1) years and 96% were White. Mean (SD) ABs of 2.7 (2.9) occurred over the preceding 12 months: 20% had 3 or 4 ABs; 17% had ≥ 5 ABs. Mean EQ-5D-5L index scores for patients with 0, 1, 2, 3–4, or ≥ 5 ABs were 0.92, 0.76, 0.76, 0.71, and 0.56, respectively. Mean (SD) EQ-VAS scores were 86.9 (13.6), with 0 ABs versus 69.5 (19.1) for 3 or 4 ABs and 61.2 (17.2) for ≥ 5 ABs. Mean percentage of overall work productivity loss on the WPAI:SHP questionnaire ranged from 9.70 to 0 ABs to 47.65 for ≥ 5 ABs. Conclusions: In this European sample of adult men with haemophilia A, HRQoL and work productivity scores were lower among those reporting more AB events. Bleeding burden appears to affect HRQoL and productivity; however, this cross-sectional analysis limits the ability to draw firm conclusions on causality.Acknowledgements: Medical writing and editorial support were provided Marion James, PhD, CMPP, of Engage Scientific Solutions (Horsham, UK) and by Anna Battershill, MSc, and Michael Morren, RPh, MBA, of Peloton Advantage, LLC, an OPEN Health company, and funded by Pfizer. The authors thank Leona Markson (Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA) for her critical review of the early drafts of this manuscript.Pfizer; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100004319; Grant(s): Pfize
Editorial: Epigenetic regulation of the musculoskeletal system in health, disease, and aging
Get PDFEpigenetic regulation of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system is a rapidly growing field which has gained the interest of researchers over the last two decades. The (patho)physiology of different systems, including the MSK system, is controlled by epigenetic alterations, such as DNA and chromatin modifications but also microRNAs and, in a wider context, non-coding RNAs. Molecular mechanisms and, consequently, cellular functions and differentiation can be altered by epigenetic events leading to MSK disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Therefore, research on the epigenome can contribute to our understanding not only of the molecular/cellular pathways that result in a specific MSK disease, but also in unravelling the physiology of the MSK system. We established this Special Issue to collect studies that focused on the epigenetic effects on the MSK system in health, disease and ageing. The first article by Ding et al. investigated the role of miR-214-3p in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The authors reported that fibroblasts isolated from patients with AS and femoral neck fracture expressed low levels of miR-214-3p in an osteogenic environment in vitro, resulting in increased osteogenic capacity. This was reversed by miR-214-3p overexpression and could be due to the regulation of the BMP2-TGFb pathway since BMP2 is a gene target of miR-214-3p. Bioinformatic analysis showed that overexpression of BMP2 resulted in increased levels of downstream molecules including BMPR2, p-Smad5/ Smad5 and OCN, while the opposite effect was demonstrated following BMP2 silencing. Thus, this study demonstrated that miR-214-3p could provide a new perspective in AS treatment by preventing osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts through inhibition of the BMP-TGFb axis. In the study by Ali et al., the authors used an integrative computational biology approach to describe cell-specific roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in arthritis using published articles that reported ncRNAs effects in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. They described that individual miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in OA chondrocytes can form networks that can regulate multiple molecular pathways and genes. Furthermore, it was shown that interactions between ncRNAs can result in the inflammatory phenotype and proliferation of FLS contributing to the RA pathology. Importantly, this work highlighted challenges that can be encountered when preforming such analyses and the expediency of in silico approaches as a step prior to laboratory experiments and translational research. Zhao et al. reported a novel panel of six hub genes that could serve as a diagnostic/prognostic tool for osteoporosis. In this work, datasets were retrieved from the GEO database and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed while differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between osteoporotic and healthy samples were also analysed. This gene set (MYC, VEGFA, CSF1R, S100B, APOE and FGF13) resulted from an integrated analysis of a training set and the authors tested this set in five different datasets providing a comprehensive approach. Thus, this study reveals a novel gene signature that could be use in early diagnosis of osteoporotic patients. As a wider inclusion, the fourth article by Lai et al. provided an analysis aiming to explore the characteristics of randomized control trials (RCTs) in osteoporotic middle-aged and older patients registered on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). It was found that recent RCTs were conquered by retrospectively registered and open-label trials. The vast majority of the studies lacked available results and associated publications highlighting quality gap in this field. We hope that that this collection of articles contributes to the current knowledge and provides new insights in future aspects for unravelling the effects of epigenetics and gene expression in the MSK system. We believe that this Research Topic poses new research questions and generates interest for relevant basic and translational studies in the future
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