La fracturation et les bandes de déformation dans la région d’El Kohol (Atlas saharien central, Algérie): analyse fractale, lois d’échelles et modèle de réseaux de fractures discrètes

The aim of this paper is focused on the study of natural fractures and deformation bands in El Kohol structure, located in the Djebel Amour in the Central Saharan Atlas, Algeria. The field observations and measurements were performed through two localities on the forelimb and two others on the backlimb of the structure. The outcrop study has shown the existence of five fracture sets and three deformation bands sets. The spacing and length distribution models of the different fractures sets obey to a power law. The mechanical layer thickness analysis for the whole formations shows the existence of twelve mechanical units with a stratabound control. The deformation bands show an increasing in their numbers, and a decreasing in their spacing when they approach the major faults. The fractal analysis of faults and fractures, as well as the deformation bands show a fractal character of 2D dimension. A good correlation coefficients is obtained from the comparison between the density and the intensity parameters (Pxy) calculated from the discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling, and those from the outcrops. The model developed is discussed related to deformation events recognized in the area.[fr] Ce travail porte sur l’étude de la fracturation naturelle et les bandes de déformation dans la structure plicative d’El Kohol, du le Djebel Amour, dans l’Atlas saharien central. Les observations et les mesures ont été effectuées à travers deux stations sur le flanc court ou avant de la structure, et deux stations sur le flanc long ou arrière. L’étude a montré l’existence de cinq familles de fractures et de trois familles de bandes de déformation. Les modèles de distribution des espacements et des longueurs des différentes familles de fractures obéit à une loi de type puissance. L’analyse mécanostratigraphique montre une subdivision des formations étudiées en douze unités mécaniques. Les bandes de déformation montrent une augmentation de leurs nombres, ainsi qu’une réduction de leurs espacements à l’approche des accidents majeurs. Les analyses fractales effectuées sur les failles, les fractures et sur les bandes de déformation montrent un caractère fractal de dimension 2. La comparaison des paramètres de densité et d’intensité (Pxy) obtenus à partir de la modélisation du réseau de fractures discrètes (DFN) avec ceux calculés sur le terrain montrent de bons coefficients de corrélation. Le modèle établi est discuté à la lumière des phases de déformation reconnues dans la région

The chrondoprotective actions of a natural product are associated with the activation of IGF-1 production by human chondrocytes despite the presence of IL-1β

BACKGROUND: Cartilage loss is a hallmark of arthritis and follows activation of catabolic processes concomitant with a disruption of anabolic pathways like insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). We hypothesized that two natural products of South American origin, would limit cartilage degradation by respectively suppressing catabolism and activating local IGF-1 anabolic pathways. One extract, derived from cat's claw (Uncaria guianensis, vincaria(®)), is a well-described inhibitor of NF-κB. The other extract, derived from the vegetable Lepidium meyenii (RNI 249), possessed an uncertain mechanism of action but with defined ethnomedical applications for fertility and vitality. METHODS: Human cartilage samples were procured from surgical specimens with consent, and were evaluated either as explants or as primary chondrocytes prepared after enzymatic digestion of cartilage matrix. Assessments included IGF-1 gene expression, IGF-1 production (ELISA), cartilage matrix degradation and nitric oxide (NO) production, under basal conditions and in the presence of IL-1β. RESULTS: RNI 249 enhanced basal IGF-1 mRNA levels in human chondrocytes by 2.7 fold, an effect that was further enhanced to 3.8 fold by co-administration with vincaria. Enhanced basal IGF-1 production by RNI 249 alone and together with vincaria, was confirmed in both explants and in primary chondrocytes (P <0.05). As expected, IL-1β exposure completely silenced IGF-1 production by chondrocytes. However, in the presence of IL-1β both RNI 249 and vincaria protected IGF-1 production in an additive manner (P <0.01) with the combination restoring chondrocyte IGF-1 production to normal levels. Cartilage NO production was dramatically enhanced by IL-1β. Both vincaria and RNI 249 partially attenuated NO production in an additive manner (p < 0.05). IL-1β – induced degradation of cartilage matrix was quantified as glycosaminoglycan release. Individually RNI 249 or vincaria, prevented this catabolic action of IL-1β. CONCLUSION: The identification of agents that activate the autocrine production of IGF-1 in cartilage, even in the face of suppressive pro-inflammatory, catabolic cytokines like IL-1β, represents a novel therapeutic approach to cartilage biology. Chondroprotection associated with prevention of the catabolic events and the potential for sustained anabolic activity with this natural product suggests that it holds significant promise in the treatment of debilitating joint diseases

Efficacy of self-monitored blood pressure, with or without telemonitoring, for titration of antihypertensive medication (TASMINH4): an unmasked randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating titration of antihypertensive medication using self-monitoring give contradictory findings and the precise place of telemonitoring over self-monitoring alone is unclear. The TASMINH4 trial aimed to assess the efficacy of self-monitored blood pressure, with or without telemonitoring, for antihypertensive titration in primary care, compared with usual care. METHODS: This study was a parallel randomised controlled trial done in 142 general practices in the UK, and included hypertensive patients older than 35 years, with blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg, who were willing to self-monitor their blood pressure. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to self-monitoring blood pressure (self-montoring group), to self-monitoring blood pressure with telemonitoring (telemonitoring group), or to usual care (clinic blood pressure; usual care group). Randomisation was by a secure web-based system. Neither participants nor investigators were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was clinic measured systolic blood pressure at 12 months from randomisation. Primary analysis was of available cases. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, number ISRCTN 83571366. FINDINGS: 1182 participants were randomly assigned to the self-monitoring group (n=395), the telemonitoring group (n=393), or the usual care group (n=394), of whom 1003 (85%) were included in the primary analysis. After 12 months, systolic blood pressure was lower in both intervention groups compared with usual care (self-monitoring, 137·0 [SD 16·7] mm Hg and telemonitoring, 136·0 [16·1] mm Hg vs usual care, 140·4 [16·5]; adjusted mean differences vs usual care: self-monitoring alone, -3·5 mm Hg [95% CI -5·8 to -1·2]; telemonitoring, -4·7 mm Hg [-7·0 to -2·4]). No difference between the self-monitoring and telemonitoring groups was recorded (adjusted mean difference -1·2 mm Hg [95% CI -3·5 to 1·2]). Results were similar in sensitivity analyses including multiple imputation. Adverse events were similar between all three groups. INTERPRETATION: Self-monitoring, with or without telemonitoring, when used by general practitioners to titrate antihypertensive medication in individuals with poorly controlled blood pressure, leads to significantly lower blood pressure than titration guided by clinic readings. With most general practitioners and many patients using self-monitoring, it could become the cornerstone of hypertension management in primary care. FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research via Programme Grant for Applied Health Research (RP-PG-1209-10051), Professorship to RJM (NIHR-RP-R2-12-015), Oxford Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, and Omron Healthcare UK

“Please, I need help, please!”: Reflections on Involving Undergraduate Psychology Students in a Conversation Analytic Study of 999 and 101 Police Calls

This paper describes a summer Research Assistantship Scheme undertaken by three undergraduate students in the School of Psychology at Keele University. The research used a conversation analytic approach to explore interactions during emergency and non-emergency phone calls to a regional police force in the UK. We will briefly introduce the research undertaken and summarise some of the preliminary patterns of results emerging from the analysis. Here we will be reflecting on the experience of involving undergraduate students in research from both the students’ and researcher’s perspective. We conclude that summer Research Assistantship Schemes might represent a valuable and often overlooked option for resourcing qualitative research projects whilst also enhancing the provision of qualitative teaching for interested students at undergraduate level

The effect of kinesiophobia on functional outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery: an integrated literature review

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effect of kinesiophobia on functional outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-phase, integrated mixed-methods review of observational and qualitative studies was undertaken. (1) Systematic search of studies with participants over 12 years old, following ACLR and focusing on kinesiophobia, using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) for observational studies. Exclusion criteria included ipsilateral knee surgery and the involvement of elite athletes. (2) Critical appraisal for both design types was undertaken. (3) Synthesis occurred in five stages. Results were reported as a relationship between the TSK and other functional outcome measures. Finally, qualitative results were integrated to explain the results. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies (1174 participants) were included with no exclusion based on the quality appraisal. Six themes were identified: (1) return to sport (RTS); (2) activities of daily living; (3) knee-related quality of life; (4) gait; (5) reinjury; and (6) knee disability and physical function. The highest strength of evidence was the negative association between increased TSK scores and both decreased activity levels and RTS. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiophobia affects a range of functional outcomes. Further research is required to identify screening tools and interventions for patients with kinesiophobia.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONKinesiophobia affects the effectiveness of rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, therefore addressing kinesiophobia both pre- and post-ACLR is important to optimise rehabilitation.Validated screening tools are required to identify kinesiophobia in individuals early to allow appropriate rehabilitation.Physiotherapists need to use a range of physiotherapeutic techniques, such as motor imagery and prehabilitation to assist individuals to overcome their kinesiophobia and improve their functional outcomes post-ACLR.Not heldaccepted version (12 month embargo

Importance of the Mellala section (Traras Mountains, northwestern Algeria) for the correlation of the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary

In the Mellala profile, located in the Traras Mountains (Tlemcen Domain, NW Algeria), the hemipelagic Bayada Fm. includes the transition from the Pliensbachian to the Toarcian within a continuous succession of alternating marls and marly limestones, whose thickness reaches approximatively 50 m.The Bayada Fm. begins in the Upper Domerian. The Solare Subzone of the Emaciatum Zone is proved by the occurence of several Pleuroceras solare (Phillips) in the lower part, associated with Emaciaticeras upwards. The Elisa Subzone is characterized by Tauromeniceras elisa (Fucini), Canavaria finitima (Fucini), Paltarpites bettonii (Fucini) associated with numerous Phymatothyris kerkyreae (Renz) and rare Lobothyris punctata (Sowerby). Leioceratoides gr. serotinus (Bettoni) has been found in the upper part of the subzone. The base of the lowermost Toarcian (Mirabile Horizon, Paltus Subzone) is marked by a decimetric bed (no. 38) with Paltarpites paltus (Buckman) but which has not yielded Eodactylites in the present state of the research. The following calcareous bed (no. 40) has yielded several Dactylioceras (Eodactylites) polymorphum (Fucini), D. (E.) mirabile (Fucini) and D. (E.) pseudocommune (Fucini). Upwards, Eodactylites is abundant over 10 to12 m, especially in Bed no. 44. At 3.50 m below the top, a marker-bed corresponds to a lenticular level of bioclastic quartz-rich limestones that marks the limit between the two members of the formation. The overlying 15 m are attributed to the Semicelatum Subzone (Tethyan nomenclature). At the base a level with D. (Orthodactylites) crosbeyi (Simpson) allows a good correlation with the Clevelandicum Subzone (or Horizon) of Northwestern Europe. The topmost 5 m of the outcrop are dated to the Levisoni Zone with Eleganticeras sp. The anoxic event of the beginning of this Zone is indicated only by an abnormal variability of the foraminifera. The presence of Lenticulina obonensis Ruget indicates stressing conditions. The occurrence, from the Upper Domerian to the Polymorphum Zone, of a fauna comprising the brachiopod Koninckella is important because it confirms that the environment was restricted within a deep, strongly subsiding basin (the "umbilicus")

Crustal structure of the eastern Algerian continental margin and adjacent deep basin: implications for late Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the western Mediterranean

We determine the deep structure of the eastern Algerian basin and its southern margin in the Annaba region (easternmost Algeria), to better constrain the plate kinematic reconstruction in this region. This study is based on new geophysical data collected during the SPIRAL cruise in 2009, which included a wide-angle, 240-km-long, onshore–offshore seismic profile, multichannel seismic reflection lines and gravity and magnetic data, complemented by the available geophysical data for the study area. The analysis and modelling of the wide-angle seismic data including refracted and reflected arrival travel times, and integrated with the multichannel seismic reflection lines, reveal the detailed structure of an ocean-to-continent transition. In the deep basin, there is an ∼5.5-km-thick oceanic crust that is composed of two layers. The upper layer of the crust is defined by a high velocity gradient and P-wave velocities between 4.8 and 6.0 km s−1, from the top to the bottom. The lower crust is defined by a lower velocity gradient and P-wave velocity between 6.0 and 7.1 km s−1. The Poisson ratio in the lower crust deduced from S-wave modelling is 0.28, which indicates that the lower crust is composed mainly of gabbros. Below the continental edge, a typical continental crust with P-wave velocities between 5.2 and 7.0 km s−1, from the top to the bottom, shows a gradual seaward thinning of ∼15 km over an ∼35-km distance. This thinning is regularly distributed between the upper and lower crusts, and it characterizes a rifted margin, which has resulted from backarc extension at the rear of the Kabylian block, here represented by the Edough Massif at the shoreline. Above the continental basement, an ∼2-km-thick, pre-Messinian sediment layer with a complex internal structure is interpreted as allochthonous nappes of flysch backthrusted on the margin during the collision of Kabylia with the African margin. The crustal structure, moreover, provides evidence for Miocene emplacement of magmatic intrusions in both the deep basin and the continental margin. Based on the crustal structure, we propose that the eastern Algerian basin opened during the southeastward migration of the European forearc before the collision, along a NW–SE elongated spreading centre that ran perpendicular to the subduction trend. Such an atypical geometry is explained by the diverging directions of the subduction rollback during the backarc opening: eastward for the Corsica–Sardinia block, and southward for the Kabylian blocks. This geometry of the forearc can be interpreted as the surface expression of a slab tear at depth, which is responsible for atypical magmatism in the overlying backarc oceanic basin

Activation of the transcription factor NF-kB in inflamed synovial tissue

Marok R, Winyard PG, Coumbe A, et al. Activation of the transcription factor NF-kB in inflamed synovial tissue. Arth. &amp; Rheum. 1996;39(4):583-591