Developing an intervention to facilitate family communication about inherited genetic conditions, and training genetic counsellors in its delivery.

Many families experience difficulty in talking about an inherited genetic condition that affects one or more of them. There have now been a number of studies identifying the issues in detail, however few have developed interventions to assist families. The SPRinG collaborative have used the UK Medical Research Council's guidance on Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions, to work with families and genetic counsellors (GCs) to co-design a psycho-educational intervention to facilitate family communication and promote better coping and adaptation to living with an inherited genetic condition for parents and their children (<18 years). The intervention is modelled on multi-family discussion groups (MFDGs) used in psychiatric settings. The MFDG was developed and tested over three phases. First focus groups with parents, young people, children and health professionals discussed whether MFDG was acceptable and proposed a suitable design. Using evidence and focus group data, the intervention and a training manual were developed and three GCs were trained in its delivery. Finally, a prototype MFDG was led by a family therapist and co-facilitated by the three GCs. Data analysis showed that families attending the focus groups and intervention thought MFDG highly beneficial, and the pilot sessions had a significant impact on their family' functioning. We also demonstrated that it is possible to train GCs to deliver the MFDG intervention. Further studies are now required to test the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomised controlled trial to evaluate its effectiveness in improving family outcomes before implementing into genetic counselling practice.The National Institute of Health Research funded the study but any views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Authority. Funded by NIHR reference number: RP-DG-1211-10015

Soft Image Segmentation: On the Clustering of Irregular, Weighted, Multivariate Marked Networks

The contribution exposes and illustrates a general, flexible formalism, together with an associated iterative procedure, aimed at determining soft memberships of marked nodes in a weighted network. Gathering together spatial entities which are both spatially close and similar regarding their features is an issue relevant in image segmentation, spatial clustering, and data analysis in general. Unoriented weighted networks are specified by an ``exchange matrix", determining the probability to select a pair of neighbors. We present a family of membership-dependent free energies, whose local minimization specifies soft clusterings. The free energy additively combines a mutual information, as well as various energy terms, concave or convex in the memberships: within-group inertia, generalized cuts (extending weighted Ncut and modularity), and membership discontinuities (generalizing Dirichlet forms). The framework is closely related to discrete Markov models, random walks, label propagation and spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I), and can express the Mumford-Shah approach. Four small datasets illustrate the theory

Avaliação da intensidade do treinamento técnico-tático e da fadiga causada em jogadores de futebol da categoria sub-20

Resumo Visto que o calendário atual do futebol não disponibiliza um tempo hábil para a devida recuperação dos atletas, fadiga e recuperação têm sido amplamente estudadas por pesquisadores. O que levou ao surgimento de alguns instrumentos com o propósito de fornecer informações e dar suporte aos profissionais visando a alta performance. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a intensidade do Treinamento Técnico-tático e a fadiga causada em jogadores de futebol da categoria sub-20, através do desempenho em testes de salto vertical e horizontal e da percepção subjetiva de esforço da sessão (PSE da sessão). Os jogadores (n = 25) realizaram o salto vertical contra movimento (SCM) e horizontal (SH), antes e após a uma sessão de Treinamento Técnico-tático (TTT), sendo a intensidade avaliada pela Escala de Borg (CR 10). O SCM não apresentou diferença significativa (p > 0,05), enquanto que o SH foi maior no Pós-TTT em relação ao Pré-TTT (p = 0,02). Quanto a PSE da sessão, 92% dos jogadores classificaram a intensidade do TTT como sendo de fácil à moderada. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que o TTT de baixa intensidade não compromete a potência nos testes de salto vertical e horizontal. Sugere-se que além de proporcionar a operacionalização dos padrões de comportamento táticos coletivos, o TTT de baixa intensidade possa ser utilizado em treinamentos de caráter regenerativo ou em momentos que o calendário esportivo não possibilite a recuperação completa dos jogadores

Evaluation of CD46 re-targeted adenoviral vectors for clinical ovarian cancer intraperitoneal therapy

Ovarian cancer accounts for >140 000 deaths globally each year. Typically, disease is asymptomatic until an advanced, incurable stage. Although response to cytotoxic chemotherapy is frequently observed, resistance to conventional platinum-based therapies develop rapidly. Improved treatments are therefore urgently required. Virotherapy offers great potential for ovarian cancer, where the application of local, intraperitoneal delivery circumvents some of the limitations of intravenous strategies. To develop effective, adenovirus (Ad)-based platforms for ovarian cancer, we profiled the fluid and cellular components of patient ascites for factors known to influence adenoviral transduction. Levels of factor X (FX) and neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in ascitic fluid were quantified and tumor cells were assessed for the expression of coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) and CD46. We show that clinical ascites contains significant levels of FX but consistently high CD46 expression. We therefore evaluated in vitro the relative transduction of epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) by Ad5 (via CAR) and Ad5 pseudotyped with the fiber of Ad35 (Ad5T*F35++) via CD46. Ad5T*F35++ achieved significantly increased transduction in comparison to Ad5 (P<0.001), independent of FX and nAb levels. We therefore propose selective transduction of CD46 over-expressing EOCs using re-targeted, Ad35-pseudotyped Ad vectors may represent a promising virotherapy for ovarian cance

Age-related decline in associative learning in healthy Chinese adults

10.1371/journal.pone.0080648PLoS ONE811-POLN

Half-Time Strategies to Enhance Second-Half Performance in Team-Sports Players: A Review and Recommendations

The competitive demands of numerous intermittent team sports require that two consecutive periods of play are separated by a half-time break. Typically, half-time allows players to: return to the changing rooms, temporarily relax from the cognitive demands of the first half of match-play, rehydrate, re-fuel, attend to injury or equipment concerns, and to receive tactical instruction and coach feedback in preparation for the second half. These passive practices have been associated with physiological changes which impair physical and cognitive performance in the initial stages of the second half. An increased risk of injury has also been observed following half-time. On the day of competition, modification of half-time practices may therefore provide Sports Scientists and Strength and Conditioning Coaches with an opportunity to optimise second half performance. An overview of strategies that may benefit team sports athletes is presented; specifically, the efficacy of: heat maintenance strategies (including passive and active methods), hormonal priming (through video feedback), post-activation potentiation, and modified hydro-nutritional practices are discussed. A theoretical model of applying these strategies in a manner that compliments current practice is also presented

GIS and spatial data analysis: Converging perspectives

We take as our starting point the state of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis 50 years ago when regional science emerged as a new field of enquiry. In the late 1950s and 1960s advances in computing technology were making possible forms of automated cartography that in due course would lead to th

Rutas tróficas en macrozooplancton del Lago de Tota - Boyacá, Colombia

1 recurso en línea (56 páginas) : ilustraciones, figuras, tablas.In aquatic ecosystems inputs of matter and energy present in greater or lesser extent depending on the basin, given the origin and quality of these resources, you can alter the balance in metabolism or interactions in the food web. Using stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen, the link between potential sources of funds and use established by macrozooplankton species in Lake Big and Lake Fellow the Lake Tota sectors. Trophic possible ways the role of each species in the proposed network, as well. In general, most of this study, most species have a bond with the autotrophic pathway, being the phytoplankton the food resource base for the food web, commonly found impoverished carbon signals. Particularly, the analysis showed a variation in the source or resource for two species (Daphnia laevis and Bosmina (Bosmina) cf. longirostris), with an enrichment in its signal to 19.92 ‰ -20.34 ‰ δ13C, which can be given by plasticity in their food supply, and even if Boeckella gracilis having a signal indicating a specialization in its appeal with carbon impoverished -30 to -26 ‰ values δ13C while nitrogen values are enriched with an average value 20.21 ‰ in δ15N. To set the trophic fractionation means establishing three groups, the first (herbivores) consisting of (D. laevis, B. (Bosmina) and Ceriodaphnia pulchella cf. longirostris), the second (omnivore) which is (Daphnia pulex, Macrocyclops sp. and Cyclopoida), and a third group (secondary consumer) where is the only calanoido B. gracilis. In comparing the temporal variation is observed that there is a significant change in signals δ13C and δ15N of some species in relation to the influence of sources and allochthonous or autochthonous origin, spatial variation was not significant. It is concluded that the macrozooplanton Lake Tota, has a strong link with the autotrophic pathway and pelagic trophic levels have 3 sections, plus the primary producers and the food web in general tends to have an amplitude of trophic niche.En los ecosistemas acuáticos se presentan aportes de materia y energía, en mayor o menor proporción dependiendo de su cuenca, dado el origen y calidad de estos recursos, se puede alterar el balance en el metabolismo o las interacciones en la red trófica. Utilizando los isotopos estables de Carbono y Nitrógeno, se estableció el vínculo entre fuentes potenciales de recursos y el uso por las especies del macrozooplancton en los sectores Lago grande y Lago chico del lago de Tota (Boyacá). Así, se propusieron las posibles vías tróficas y el rol de cada especie en la red. En general, en la mayor parte de este estudio, las especies tuvieron un vínculo marcado con la vía autotrófica, siendo el fitoplancton el recurso alimenticio base para la red trófica, encontrando comúnmente señales empobrecidas de carbono. Particularmente, el análisis mostró una variación en la fuente o recurso para dos especies (Daphnia laevis y Bosmina (Bosmina) cf. longirostris), con un enriquecimiento en su señal de 19.92‰ δ13C a -20.34‰ δ13C, lo que se puede dar por una plasticidad en su fuente alimenticia, e incluso el caso de Boeckella gracilis que tiene una señal que indica una especialización en su recurso con valores empobrecidos de carbono -30 a -26‰ δ13C mientras que los valores de nitrógeno son enriquecidos con un valor promedio de 20.21‰ en δ15N. Para establecer el fraccionamiento trófico medio se formaron tres grupos, el primero (herbívoros) conformado por (D. laevis, B. (Bosmina) cf. longirostris y Ceriodaphnia pulchella), el segundo (omnívoro) en el que se encuentra (Daphnia pulex, Macrocyclops sp. y Cyclopoida), y un tercer grupo (Consumidor secundario) donde esta B. gracilis el único calanoido. En la comparación de la variación temporal, se observa que hay un cambio significativo en las señales de δ13C y δ15N de algunas especies en relación a la influencia de las fuentes y su origen alóctono o autóctono, la variación espacial no fue significativa. Se concluye que el macrozooplanton del lago de Tota, tiene un fuerte vínculo con la vía autotrófica y que los niveles tróficos pelágicos tienen 3 eslabones, más los productores primarios, y la red trófica en general tiende a tener una amplitud del nicho trófico. En los ecosistemas acuáticos se presentan aportes de materia y energía, en mayor o menor proporción dependiendo de su cuenca, dado el origen y calidad de estos recursos, se puede alterar el balance en el metabolismo o las interacciones en la red trófica. Utilizando los isotopos estables de Carbono y Nitrógeno, se estableció el vínculo entre fuentes potenciales de recursos y el uso por las especies del macrozooplancton en los sectores Lago grande y Lago chico del lago de Tota (Boyacá). Así, se propusieron las posibles vías tróficas y el rol de cada especie en la red. En general, en la mayor parte de este estudio, las especies tuvieron un vínculo marcado con la vía autotrófica, siendo el fitoplancton el recurso alimenticio base para la red trófica, encontrando comúnmente señales empobrecidas de carbono. Particularmente, el análisis mostró una variación en la fuente o recurso para dos especies (Daphnia laevis y Bosmina (Bosmina) cf. longirostris), con un enriquecimiento en su señal de 19.92‰ δ13C a -20.34‰ δ13C, lo que se puede dar por una plasticidad en su fuente alimenticia, e incluso el caso de Boeckella gracilis que tiene una señal que indica una especialización en su recurso con valores empobrecidos de carbono -30 a -26‰ δ13C mientras que los valores de nitrógeno son enriquecidos con un valor promedio de 20.21‰ en δ15N. Para establecer el fraccionamiento trófico medio se formaron tres grupos, el primero (herbívoros) conformado por (D. laevis, B. (Bosmina) cf. longirostris y Ceriodaphnia pulchella), el segundo (omnívoro) en el que se encuentra (Daphnia pulex, Macrocyclops sp. y Cyclopoida), y un tercer grupo (Consumidor secundario) donde esta B. gracilis el único calanoido. En la comparación de la variación temporal, se observa que hay un cambio significativo en las señales de δ13C y δ15N de algunas especies en relación a la influencia de las fuentes y su origen alóctono o autóctono, la variación espacial no fue significativa. Se concluye que el macrozooplanton del lago de Tota, tiene un fuerte vínculo con la vía autotrófica y que los niveles tróficos pelágicos tienen 3 eslabones, más los productores primarios, y la red trófica en general tiende a tener una amplitud del nicho trófico.Bibliografía: páginas 46-56.MaestríaMagíster en Ciencias Biológica

Mortality of HIV-Infected Patients Starting Antiretroviral Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Comparison with HIV-Unrelated Mortality

Comparing mortality rates between patients starting HIV treatment and the general population in four African countries, Matthias Egger and colleagues find the gap decreases over time, especially with early treatment

A randomised controlled feasibility trial of family and social network intervention for young people who misuse alcohol and drugs : study protocol (Y-SBNT)

Background: A growing body of research has identified family interventions to be effective in treating young people’s substance use problems. However, despite this evidence, take-up of family-based approaches in the UK has been low. Key factors for this appear to include the resource-intensive nature of most family interventions which challenges implementation and delivery in many service settings and the cultural adaptation of approaches developed in the USA to a UK setting. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting young people to a specifically developed family- and wider social network-based intervention by testing an adapted version of adult social behaviour and network therapy (SBNT). Methods: A pragmatic, randomised controlled, open feasibility trial delivered in two services for young people in the UK. Potential participants are aged 12–18 years referred for drug or alcohol problems to either service. The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting young people to a specifically developed family and social network-based intervention. The feasibility and acceptability of this intervention will be measured by recruitment rates, treatment retention, follow-up rates and qualitative interviews. The feasibility of training staff from existing services to deliver this intervention will be explored. Using this opportunity to compare the effectiveness of the intervention against treatment as usual, Timeline Follow-Back interviews will document the proportion of days on which the main problem substance was used in the preceding 90-day period at each assessment point. The economic component will examine the feasibility of conducting a full incremental cost-effectiveness analysis of the two treatments. The study will also explore and develop models of patient and public involvement which support the involvement of young people in a study of this nature. Discussion: An earlier phase of work adapted social behaviour and network therapy (adult approach) to produce a purpose-designed youth version supported by a therapy manual and associated resources. This was achieved by consultation with young people with experience of services and professionals working in services for young people. This feasibility trial alongside ongoing consultations with young people will offer a meaningful understanding of processes of delivery and implementation. Trial registration: ISRCTN93446265; Date ISRCTN assigned 31/05/2013