Evaluating case definitions of respiratory disease in dairy calves : a scoping review

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most common diseases observed in dairy calves in both the pre- and post-weaning periods. Despite its common occurrence, there has been no formal synthesis (e.g., scoping review) of the scientific literature surrounding diagnosing BRD in dairy calves. As such, the objective of this scoping review was to describe what case definitions for diagnosing BRD in dairy calves have been used in research. An initial search of peer-reviewed journals and the gray literature yielded 12,001 unique articles, of which 307 records containing 358 case definitions were included. Seven categories of diagnostic methods were used to categorize case definitions: (1) clinical scoring systems alone were the most used diagnostic method (n = 148, 41%) followed by (4) physical exam parameters alone (i.e., the study did not provide a detailed description of how the calf was assessed for each component of the physical exam [i.e., no description or scoring options reported]), n = 91, 25%), (5) physical exam parameters in combination with other diagnostic methods (n = 40, 11%), (6) thoracic ultrasound alone (n = 31, 9%), (2) clinical scoring system in combination with other diagnostic methods (n = 23, 7%), (3) clinical scoring system in combination with thoracic ultrasound (n = 10, 3%), and (7) other diagnostic methods (n = 15, 4%). Only 2-thirds of publications provided a citation for their case definition (n = 230, 64%), of which the Wisconsin clinical scoring system was most referenced (n = 100, 43%), followed by the California clinical scoring system (n = 19, 8%). An attempt was made to compare entire case definitions within each diagnostic method; however, they displayed substantial diversity which limited the ability to compare them at this level. Instead, counts of individual factors within each case definition (e.g., individual clinical signs) were reported for each diagnostic method. From all case definitions across the 7 diagnostic method categories (n = 358), common factors assessed included cough (n = 224, 63%), nasal discharge (n = 213, 60%), and body temperature (n = 142, 54%).Across all case definitions, additional parameters such as validity were frequently not reported – only 4 (1.1%) were referred to as validated, 9 (2.5%) were being validated in the study, and 28 (7.8%) modified existing case definitions. Additionally, assessment of severity of disease when present (e.g., mild, moderate or severe) was frequently not reported (n = 336, 93.9%). Further, 106 (29.0%) reported assessments of accuracy, 66 (18.4%) of which were reports of qualitative oversight (e.g., training of assessors) and 40 (11.1%) of which were related to a quantitative assessment of accuracy (e.g., sensitivity and specificity). Parameters surrounding conducting the assessment were also extracted, for example how often (most common: at least daily, n = 120, 33.5%) and who conducted it (most common: information not reported, n = 144, 40.2%). The findings of this scoping review highlighted the need for a validated, standardized set of criteria for BRD diagnosis in dairy calves, achievable through following the methodology of developing a core outcome set.Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most common diseases observed in dairy calves in both the pre- and post-weaning periods. Despite its common occurrence, there has been no formal synthesis (e.g., scoping review) of the scientific literature surrounding diagnosing BRD in dairy calves. As such, the objective of this scoping review was to describe what case definitions for diagnosing BRD in dairy calves have been used in research. An initial search of peer-reviewed journals and the gray literature yielded 12,001 unique articles, of which 307 records containing 358 case definitions were included. Seven categories of diagnostic methods were used to categorize case definitions: (1) clinical scoring systems alone were the most used diagnostic method (n = 148, 41%) followed by (4) physical exam parameters alone (i.e., the study did not provide a detailed description of how the calf was assessed for each component of the physical exam [i.e., no description or scoring options reported]), n = 91, 25%), (5) physical exam parameters in combination with other diagnostic methods (n = 40, 11%), (6) thoracic ultrasound alone (n = 31, 9%), (2) clinical scoring system in combination with other diagnostic methods (n = 23, 7%), (3) clinical scoring system in combination with thoracic ultrasound (n = 10, 3%), and (7) other diagnostic methods (n = 15, 4%). Only 2-thirds of publications provided a citation for their case definition (n = 230, 64%), of which the Wisconsin clinical scoring system was most referenced (n = 100, 43%), followed by the California clinical scoring system (n = 19, 8%). An attempt was made to compare entire case definitions within each diagnostic method; however, they displayed substantial diversity which limited the ability to compare them at this level. Instead, counts of individual factors within each case definition (e.g., individual clinical signs) were reported for each diagnostic method. From all case definitions across the 7 diagnostic method categories (n = 358), common factors assessed included cough (n = 224, 63%), nasal discharge (n = 213, 60%), and body temperature (n = 142, 54%).Across all case definitions, additional parameters such as validity were frequently not reported – only 4 (1.1%) were referred to as validated, 9 (2.5%) were being validated in the study, and 28 (7.8%) modified existing case definitions. Additionally, assessment of severity of disease when present (e.g., mild, moderate or severe) was frequently not reported (n = 336, 93.9%). Further, 106 (29.0%) reported assessments of accuracy, 66 (18.4%) of which were reports of qualitative oversight (e.g., training of assessors) and 40 (11.1%) of which were related to a quantitative assessment of accuracy (e.g., sensitivity and specificity). Parameters surrounding conducting the assessment were also extracted, for example how often (most common: at least daily, n = 120, 33.5%) and who conducted it (most common: information not reported, n = 144, 40.2%). The findings of this scoping review highlighted the need for a validated, standardized set of criteria for BRD diagnosis in dairy calves, achievable through following the methodology of developing a core outcome set.A

Spinal hyperexcitability in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain or headache as evidenced by alterations in the nociceptive withdrawal reflex : a systematic review and meta-analysis

The nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) is a spinal withdrawal reflex induced by painful stimulation. It is a measure of spinal hyperexcitability, which is believed to contribute to chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSKP) and headache. Previous syntheses of the evidence for alterations in the NWR in patients with chronic MSKP and headache needed a comprehensive update. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed after the Preferred Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies examining NWR-related outcome measures in patients with chronic MSKP and headache compared to pain-free controls were identified through electronic database searches and included after screening against predefined eligibility criteria. Standardized mean differences or mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Thirty-one studies were included in the systematic review and 25 in the meta-analysis. Moderate-quality evidence was found indicating lower NWR threshold (−3.68; 95% CI, −4.56 to −2.80; P < 0.001), larger NWR area (standardized mean difference = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.37-1.01; P < 0.001), and shorter NWR latency (mean difference = −13.68; 95% CI, −22.69, −4.67; P = 0.003) in patients compared to controls. These findings remained robust when performing meta-regressions based on subgroups (ie, headache, fibromyalgia, whiplash-associated disorder, and osteoarthritis). Low-quality evidence demonstrated facilitated temporal summation of NWR threshold (−2.48; 95% CI, −3.13 to −1.83; P < 0.001) in patients compared to controls. Spinal hyperexcitability as evidenced by lowered NWR threshold values and temporal summation of the NWR is present in patients with chronic MSKP and headache. No evidence was found for alterations in NWR duration and NWR magnitude. Future research is needed to address the gap in research on NWR-related outcome measures other than NWR threshold.The nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) is a spinal withdrawal reflex induced by painful stimulation. It is a measure of spinal hyperexcitability, which is believed to contribute to chronic musculoskeletal pain (MSKP) and headache. Previous syntheses of the evidence for alterations in the NWR in patients with chronic MSKP and headache needed a comprehensive update. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed after the Preferred Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies examining NWR-related outcome measures in patients with chronic MSKP and headache compared to pain-free controls were identified through electronic database searches and included after screening against predefined eligibility criteria. Standardized mean differences or mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Thirty-one studies were included in the systematic review and 25 in the meta-analysis. Moderate-quality evidence was found indicating lower NWR threshold (−3.68; 95% CI, −4.56 to −2.80; P < 0.001), larger NWR area (standardized mean difference = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.37-1.01; P < 0.001), and shorter NWR latency (mean difference = −13.68; 95% CI, −22.69, −4.67; P = 0.003) in patients compared to controls. These findings remained robust when performing meta-regressions based on subgroups (ie, headache, fibromyalgia, whiplash-associated disorder, and osteoarthritis). Low-quality evidence demonstrated facilitated temporal summation of NWR threshold (−2.48; 95% CI, −3.13 to −1.83; P < 0.001) in patients compared to controls. Spinal hyperexcitability as evidenced by lowered NWR threshold values and temporal summation of the NWR is present in patients with chronic MSKP and headache. No evidence was found for alterations in NWR duration and NWR magnitude. Future research is needed to address the gap in research on NWR-related outcome measures other than NWR threshold.A

To identify relatives at risk for Prolonged Grief Disorder symptomatology : a cross-sectional study

ContextWhile most bereaved can navigate a death-related loss, some face persistent and disabling challenges, a condition known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). Early identification of PGD can prevent adverse health outcomes. The effectiveness of healthcare providers’ clinical intuition versus relatives’ self-report surveys in estimating the risk of developing PGD remains uncertain.ObjectivesThe study evaluates the accuracy of healthcare providers’ subjective risk estimates and self-reported surveys from relatives, conducted close to the cancer patient's death, in predicting ICD-11 PGD symptomatology seven months postloss.MethodsThe study involved specialist palliative care healthcare providers and bereaved relatives of oncology patients in ten hospital and five home settings. Subjective risk estimates from healthcare providers (N = 75) and relatives’ self-report surveys (N = 75) using the PreLoss Grief-12 (PG-12) were compared with Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+) total scores seven months postloss. Diagnostic efficacy was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic and Area Under Curve.ResultsIn the sample of 75 relatives, 8% had ICD-11 PGD symptomatology. The Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis of the PG-12 (N = 75) yielded an Area Under Curve of 0.891, 95% CI [0.782–1], while the healthcare providers’ subjective estimates (N = 75) resulted in an Area Under Curve of 0.549, 95% CI [0.299–0.799]. The optimal PreLoss Grief-12 cut-off score for identifying relatives at risk for PGD was 30 with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 64.7%.ConclusionThe PG-12 accurately predicted PGD symptomatology seven months postloss, while clinical intuition did not perform better than chance. Future research should compare the predictive value of self-report data with clinical interviews.ContextWhile most bereaved can navigate a death-related loss, some face persistent and disabling challenges, a condition known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). Early identification of PGD can prevent adverse health outcomes. The effectiveness of healthcare providers’ clinical intuition versus relatives’ self-report surveys in estimating the risk of developing PGD remains uncertain.ObjectivesThe study evaluates the accuracy of healthcare providers’ subjective risk estimates and self-reported surveys from relatives, conducted close to the cancer patient's death, in predicting ICD-11 PGD symptomatology seven months postloss.MethodsThe study involved specialist palliative care healthcare providers and bereaved relatives of oncology patients in ten hospital and five home settings. Subjective risk estimates from healthcare providers (N = 75) and relatives’ self-report surveys (N = 75) using the PreLoss Grief-12 (PG-12) were compared with Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+) total scores seven months postloss. Diagnostic efficacy was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic and Area Under Curve.ResultsIn the sample of 75 relatives, 8% had ICD-11 PGD symptomatology. The Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis of the PG-12 (N = 75) yielded an Area Under Curve of 0.891, 95% CI [0.782–1], while the healthcare providers’ subjective estimates (N = 75) resulted in an Area Under Curve of 0.549, 95% CI [0.299–0.799]. The optimal PreLoss Grief-12 cut-off score for identifying relatives at risk for PGD was 30 with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 64.7%.ConclusionThe PG-12 accurately predicted PGD symptomatology seven months postloss, while clinical intuition did not perform better than chance. Future research should compare the predictive value of self-report data with clinical interviews.A

Fonologisch bewustzijn bij kinderen met schisis : een vergelijkend onderzoek

C

Understanding colonial Nigeria : British rule and its impact /

"Toyin Falola explains the conquest, administration, and the transformational changes in the latter half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century in Nigeria. Its depth of analysis makes it a resourceful book for undergraduate and postgraduate students and scholars"--Includes bibliographical references and index.The Colonial Archives and Alternative Voices -- Narrating Colonial Nigeria -- Peoples and States in the Nineteenth Century -- Prelude to Colonization : Trade and Missions -- Lagos and the Niger Area -- Conquest And Reactions -- Administrative Experimentation, Boundary Formation and Colonial Consolidation, 1900-1914 -- The First World War and Its Aftermath -- The Interwar Years -- Indirect Rule and the Native Administration -- Administration of Justice, Legal System, and Law Enforcement -- Colonial Economy -- Western Education -- Social Changes -- Women -- Religions -- Health and Medicine -- Cultures -- Urbanization -- Creativity and Aesthetics -- Reform Movements Before 1940 -- The Second World War and Its Aftermath -- Trade Unions and Politics -- Party Politics and Personalities -- Constitutions and the Emergence of Federalism -- Regionalism and Politics in the 1950s -- Colonial Legacies."Toyin Falola explains the conquest, administration, and the transformational changes in the latter half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century in Nigeria. Its depth of analysis makes it a resourceful book for undergraduate and postgraduate students and scholars"-

Strong earthquake in a low seismicity area of the European Southern Alps during Roman Times : a lacustrine paleoseismic evaluation

Hazard assessment of moderate to strong earthquakes (moment magnitude, M-W > 5.5) in slowly deforming regions, such as the European Southern Alps, is hindered by recurrence intervals that exceed the timeframe covered by historical records and a lack of paleoseismic data revealing earthquake source parameters. Estimations of the maximum possible magnitude (M-max) in a region are often solely based on theoretical models and lack validation by long paleoseismic records. A rare example of a potential M-max event is formed by a coseismic surface rupture impacting a Roman age building in Egna/Neumarkt (South Tyrol, Italy) which occurred during the 3rd century CE, as proposed by an archaeoseismological study. Our study tests this hypothesis by examining the sedimentary record of Kleiner Montiggler See/Piccolo Lago di Monticolo, a lake located only 10 km from the Egna site, for evidence of seismic shaking. A multiproxy analysis of sediment cores allowed us to disentangle different depositional processes and to identify an event layer, which we interpret to be caused by a seismic seiche. Using a radiocarbon-based age-depth model, the event was dated to similar to 222 years CE (8-450 years CE, 95 % probability range), coinciding with the identified fault offset, and therefore supporting the hypothesis of a Roman Age surface rupturing earthquake in Egna. We constrain the minimum local intensity of this earthquake by considering the sedimentary characteristics of the event layer in Kleiner Montiggler See, the post-seismic response of the lake system, and the absence of lacustrine sedimentary evidence for other strong historical earthquakes in the broader region. We evaluate different potential magnitude scenarios for the Egna earthquake by using ground motion modelling and comparing the results with paleoseismic records from nearby lakes. This allows us to infer that an M-W of 6.5 is the most likely scenario for this event, which is consistent and slightly below the M-max estimates for the study area. This empirical evidence for a strong earthquake close to the considered M-max within its tectonic domain highlights the potential hazard posed by unrecognized seismogenic structures in regions with apparent low seismic activity. This emphasizes the need for long paleoseismic records in such regions to refine hazard assessment of strong earthquakes.Hazard assessment of moderate to strong earthquakes (moment magnitude, M-W > 5.5) in slowly deforming regions, such as the European Southern Alps, is hindered by recurrence intervals that exceed the timeframe covered by historical records and a lack of paleoseismic data revealing earthquake source parameters. Estimations of the maximum possible magnitude (M-max) in a region are often solely based on theoretical models and lack validation by long paleoseismic records. A rare example of a potential M-max event is formed by a coseismic surface rupture impacting a Roman age building in Egna/Neumarkt (South Tyrol, Italy) which occurred during the 3rd century CE, as proposed by an archaeoseismological study. Our study tests this hypothesis by examining the sedimentary record of Kleiner Montiggler See/Piccolo Lago di Monticolo, a lake located only 10 km from the Egna site, for evidence of seismic shaking. A multiproxy analysis of sediment cores allowed us to disentangle different depositional processes and to identify an event layer, which we interpret to be caused by a seismic seiche. Using a radiocarbon-based age-depth model, the event was dated to similar to 222 years CE (8-450 years CE, 95 % probability range), coinciding with the identified fault offset, and therefore supporting the hypothesis of a Roman Age surface rupturing earthquake in Egna. We constrain the minimum local intensity of this earthquake by considering the sedimentary characteristics of the event layer in Kleiner Montiggler See, the post-seismic response of the lake system, and the absence of lacustrine sedimentary evidence for other strong historical earthquakes in the broader region. We evaluate different potential magnitude scenarios for the Egna earthquake by using ground motion modelling and comparing the results with paleoseismic records from nearby lakes. This allows us to infer that an M-W of 6.5 is the most likely scenario for this event, which is consistent and slightly below the M-max estimates for the study area. This empirical evidence for a strong earthquake close to the considered M-max within its tectonic domain highlights the potential hazard posed by unrecognized seismogenic structures in regions with apparent low seismic activity. This emphasizes the need for long paleoseismic records in such regions to refine hazard assessment of strong earthquakes.A

The information, control, and value models of mobile health‐driven empowerment

Mobile health tools are often said to empower users by providing them with the information they need to exercise control over their health. We aim to bring clarity to this claim, and in doing so explore the relationship between empowerment and autonomy. We have identified three distinct models embedded in the empowerment rhetoric: empowerment as information, empowerment as control, and empowerment as values. Each distinct model of empowerment gives rise to an associated problem. These problems, the Problem of Interpretation, the Value Alignment Problem, and the Priority Problem, show that mobile health tools in their current form are either insufficient for empowerment or are self-defeating. These digital health technologies encourage users to adopt an individualized conception of autonomy, one that may weaken the doctor-patient relationship and undermine practices in shared decision making, and ultimately may not deliver on improving the health outcomes for those that need it the most.Mobile health tools are often said to empower users by providing them with the information they need to exercise control over their health. We aim to bring clarity to this claim, and in doing so explore the relationship between empowerment and autonomy. We have identified three distinct models embedded in the empowerment rhetoric: empowerment as information, empowerment as control, and empowerment as values. Each distinct model of empowerment gives rise to an associated problem. These problems, the Problem of Interpretation, the Value Alignment Problem, and the Priority Problem, show that mobile health tools in their current form are either insufficient for empowerment or are self-defeating. These digital health technologies encourage users to adopt an individualized conception of autonomy, one that may weaken the doctor-patient relationship and undermine practices in shared decision making, and ultimately may not deliver on improving the health outcomes for those that need it the most.A

Food iminosugars and related synthetic derivatives shift energy metabolism and induce structural changes in colon cancer cell lines

Iminosugars have a carbohydrate-like backbone in which the ring oxygen is replaced by nitrogen. They are naturally found in foods such as rice, buckwheat, mulberries, and fermented vegetables, and are reported to exert anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects due to the inhibition of cellular glycosidases. This mechanism suggests their potential role in cancer treatment and prevention. In this study, two natural iminosugars, D-fagomine (FGM) and 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), and their synthetic derivatives were screened for potential anticancer properties using Caco-2 and HCT-116 cells as models for the early and late stages of colon cancer, respectively. Iminosugars were found to decrease cell viability, with effects varying based on the type of iminosugar, cell type, growth condition (glucose concentration), exposure time (1 vs. 13 days), and tissue architecture (monolayer vs. spheroid). The combined use of innovative techniques, such as IncuCyte® live cell imaging and Seahorse real-time cellular metabolic analysis, and microscopic observation after staining enabled us to detect changes in substrate utilization for energy metabolism, including increased glycolysis and alterations in lipid and glycogen stores. The evidence that iminosugars, both natural and synthetic, influence cellular bioenergetics paves the way for their potential use in various applications, including cancer treatment.Iminosugars have a carbohydrate-like backbone in which the ring oxygen is replaced by nitrogen. They are naturally found in foods such as rice, buckwheat, mulberries, and fermented vegetables, and are reported to exert anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects due to the inhibition of cellular glycosidases. This mechanism suggests their potential role in cancer treatment and prevention. In this study, two natural iminosugars, D-fagomine (FGM) and 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), and their synthetic derivatives were screened for potential anticancer properties using Caco-2 and HCT-116 cells as models for the early and late stages of colon cancer, respectively. Iminosugars were found to decrease cell viability, with effects varying based on the type of iminosugar, cell type, growth condition (glucose concentration), exposure time (1 vs. 13 days), and tissue architecture (monolayer vs. spheroid). The combined use of innovative techniques, such as IncuCyte® live cell imaging and Seahorse real-time cellular metabolic analysis, and microscopic observation after staining enabled us to detect changes in substrate utilization for energy metabolism, including increased glycolysis and alterations in lipid and glycogen stores. The evidence that iminosugars, both natural and synthetic, influence cellular bioenergetics paves the way for their potential use in various applications, including cancer treatment.A

Single nucleotide polymorphisms reveal novel insights in biological and management units of common sole (Solea solea) in the Celtic Seas

Common sole (Solea solea) is a key commercial flatfish species in Europe, yet its stock identity in the southern Celtic Sea and southwest of Ireland (ICES area 7h and 7j) is uncertain, resulting in a precautionary approach to fisheries management and declining quota. Here, the structure of sole populations and their connectivity patterns were investigated from the southern North Sea to the Bay of Biscay spanning 10 ICES areas using 55 706 single nucleotide polymorphisms and five biological variables (sex, maturity, age, length, and weight). Our results confirmed the large-scale genetic differentiation between sole in the southern North Sea (ICES area 4c) and Bay of Biscay (8a, 8b). Sole from area 7h was genetically similar to sole from the Celtic Sea (7f and 7g) (both neutral and outlier loci), Western English Channel (7e, only neutral loci), and Irish Sea (7a, only neutral loci). Sole from area 7j showed significant neutral differentiation with sole from areas 7h and 7g, the Western English Channel (7e), and the Irish Sea (7a). These novel insights suggest a current mismatch between the biological populations and stock units of 7h and 7j, currently managed as a single stock, and provide a crucial basis for the re-evaluation of the current stock status, enabling more informed and effective fisheries management.Common sole (Solea solea) is a key commercial flatfish species in Europe, yet its stock identity in the southern Celtic Sea and southwest of Ireland (ICES area 7h and 7j) is uncertain, resulting in a precautionary approach to fisheries management and declining quota. Here, the structure of sole populations and their connectivity patterns were investigated from the southern North Sea to the Bay of Biscay spanning 10 ICES areas using 55 706 single nucleotide polymorphisms and five biological variables (sex, maturity, age, length, and weight). Our results confirmed the large-scale genetic differentiation between sole in the southern North Sea (ICES area 4c) and Bay of Biscay (8a, 8b). Sole from area 7h was genetically similar to sole from the Celtic Sea (7f and 7g) (both neutral and outlier loci), Western English Channel (7e, only neutral loci), and Irish Sea (7a, only neutral loci). Sole from area 7j showed significant neutral differentiation with sole from areas 7h and 7g, the Western English Channel (7e), and the Irish Sea (7a). These novel insights suggest a current mismatch between the biological populations and stock units of 7h and 7j, currently managed as a single stock, and provide a crucial basis for the re-evaluation of the current stock status, enabling more informed and effective fisheries management.A