Aligning systems science and community-based participatory research: A case example of the Community Health Advocacy and Research Alliance (CHARA).

Partnered research may help bridge the gap between research and practice. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) supports collaboration between scientific researchers and community members that is designed to improve capacity, enhance trust, and address health disparities. Systems science aims to understand the complex ways human-ecological coupled systems interact and apply knowledge to management practices. Although CBPR and systems science display complementary principles, only a few articles describe synergies between these 2 approaches. In this article, we explore opportunities to utilize concepts from systems science to understand the development, evolution, and sustainability of 1 CBPR partnership: The Community Health Advocacy and Research Alliance (CHARA). Systems science tools may help CHARA and other CBPR partnerships sustain their core identities while co-evolving in conjunction with individual members, community priorities, and a changing healthcare landscape. Our goal is to highlight CHARA as a case for applying the complementary approaches of CBPR and systems science to (1) improve academic/community partnership functioning and sustainability, (2) ensure that research addresses the priorities and needs of end users, and (3) support more timely application of scientific discoveries into routine practice

A Cross-Sectional Examination of Wrist Wrap Use Prevalence and Characterization for Ergogenic Purposes in Actively Competing Powerlifters

Purpose: Wrist wraps are regularly incorporated by competitive powerlifters, but several product-specific variations may influence any potential ergogenic benefits. In addition, the prevalence of athletic wrist wrap use is hitherto undescribed. Methods: Seventy actively competing powerlifters (n=70; 27±6y) who competed in the last two years were randomly recruited at sanctioned meets, whereby wrist wrap use descriptive data (wrap style [F or S], wrap length, and events used), wrap tightness (assessed via pulse oximeter-detected oxygen saturation (SpO2) and subjective discomfort [Borg CR10+]), as well as post-meet bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) were collected. Wrist wrap use prevalence data (wrap style, wrap length, and events used) were compared across TX, NC/SC, and CA regions, along with any potential correlations between both region-collapsed wrapped SpO2 and bench press. Finally, predictors of bench press 1RM (weight [kg], age [y], stiff wrap, wrap length, wrapped discomfort [WCR10+], and WSpO2) were assessed using linear regression, whereby all aforementioned statistical analyses were set at a significance level of p\u3c.05. Results: Analyses failed to detect any significant regional differences in wrap style, length, or events used (p\u3e0.05). Moreover, linear regression analysis revealed a significant effect (r2= 0.851, p = 0.02) where weight solely predicted bench press 1RM (p = 0.0433). Conclusions: Although we failed to detect any significant wrist wrap relationships, actively competing powerlifters nonetheless prominently utilize wraps across the regions assessed. Therefore, the potential for wrist wraps to augment bench press performance warrants further elucidation in a controlled, standardized investigation

The Prevalence of Wrist Wrap Use in Actively Competing Powerlifters

Wrist wraps are often ergogenically employed by competitive powerlifters to improve bench press performance, but several product-specific variations may impact any potential benefits. Moreover, the prevalence of athletic wrist wrap use is hitherto undescribed. PURPOSE: to characterize the pervasiveness of wrist wrap use amongst competitive powerlifters with regards to style (flexible [F] or stiff [S]), length, and tightness amongst competitive powerlifters. METHODS: Powerlifters (n = 70; 27±6y) who competed in the last two years were randomly recruited at sanctioned meets across the USA. After providing consent and following a 5-minute seated rest, participant wrist wrap use descriptive data (wrap style [F or S], wrap length, and events used) were collected. Additionally, wrap tightness was assessed via pulse oximeter-detected oxygen saturation (SpO2). Post-meet bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) was also recorded from the Openpowerlifting.com open database. Wrist wrap use prevalence data (wrap style [F or S], wrap length, and events used) were assessed across Central, West Coast, and East Coast regions via separate Pearson’s Chi-squared tests. Furthermore, the relationships between both region-collapsed wrapped SpO2 and bench press 1RM were assessed using Pearson’s product-moment correlations and all statistical analyses were set at a significance level of pRESULTS: Analyses failed to detect any significant regional differences in wrap style, length, or events used (p\u3e0.05). Furthermore, there was a weak, negative correlation between wrapped SpO2 and bench press 1RM (r = -0.393, p = 0.086). CONCLUSIONS: Although we failed to detect any significant relationships between performance and wrap tightness, actively competing powerlifters nonetheless prominently utilize wraps similarly across the US regions assessed. Therefore, the potential for wrist wraps to augment bench press performance warrants further elucidation in a controlled, standardized investigation

Open data barometer - getting started survey tool quick start guide : version 1.03 1st July 2016

The Open Data Barometer is a way to measure how governments are publishing and using open data for accountability, innovation and social impact. Research data collection is carried out using an online survey tool. This guide provides an entry point for researchers in using the survey too

Open data barometer 4th edition: research handbook - v1.0 10th June 2016

This guide introduces the assessment process of the Open Data Barometer, including information on the methodology, guidance on the sources that researchers can use, and how to cite them. The Open Data Barometer (ODB) is a global study that aims to uncover the true prevalence and impact of open government data initiatives. It provides detailed question-by-question scoring guidance and thresholds to be consulted while working through the research process. This assessment should focus on the update of the dataset itself and not on the metadata records associated with the data. The successful/ unsuccessful or inadequate search processes can indicate the status of information access and ongoing upkeep of “living” data.World BankUnited Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID)Global Affairs Canada (GAC

ODB 4th edition regional report Caribbean

External financial and technical support continues to play a key role in fostering open data initiatives in the region. This regional snapshot covers five Caribbean countries: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Saint Lucia and Haiti. The highest-ranking Caribbean country globally is Jamaica at number 40. It was the only Caribbean country to improve its score since the last Open Data Barometer (ODB). In countries that recently launched open data portals such as Jamaica and Dominican Republic, the absence of systematic processes to provide consistent updates resulted in incomplete data that quickly became out of date and irrelevant.Omidyar Network, Open Data for DevelopmentUnited Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID)Global Affairs Canada (GAC) (OD4D)World Ban

Tousled-like Kinases Modulate Reactivation of Gammaherpesviruses from Latency

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is linked to human malignancies. The majority of tumor cells harbor latent virus and a small percentage undergo spontaneous lytic replication. Both latency and lytic replication are important for viral pathogenesis and spread but the cellular players involved in the switch between the two viral lifecycle phases are not clearly understood. We conducted a siRNA screen targeting the cellular kinome and identified Tousled-like kinases (TLKs) as cellular kinases that control KSHV reactivation from latency. Upon treatment of latent KSHV-infected cells with siRNAs targeting TLKs, we saw robust viral reactivation. Knockdown of TLKs in latent KSHV-infected cells induced expression of viral lytic proteins and production of infectious virus. TLKs were also found to play a role in regulating reactivation from latency of another related oncogenic gammaherpesvirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Our results establish the TLKs as cellular repressors of gammaherpesviral reactivation

The burden of childhood atopic dermatitis in the primary care setting: a report from the Meta-LARC Consortium

Background: Little is known about the burden of AD encountered in U.S. primary care practices and the frequency and type of skin care practices routinely used in children. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of AD and allergic comorbidities in children 0-5 years attending primary care practices in the U.S. and to describe routine skin care practices used in this population. Design: A cross-sectional survey study of a convenience sample of children under the age of 5 attending primary care practices for any reason. Setting: Ten primary care practices in five U.S. states.Results: Amongst 652 children attending primary care practices, the estimated prevalence of ever having AD was 24 % (95% CI= 21-28) ranging from 15% among those under the age of one to 38% among those aged 4- 5 years. The prevalence of comorbid asthma was higher among AD participants compared to those with no AD, 12% and 4%, respectively (p less than 0.001). Moisturizers with high water:oil ratios were most commonly used (i.e., lotions) in the non-AD population, whereas moisturizers with low water:oil content (i.e. ointments) most common when AD was present. Conclusions: Our study found a large burden of AD in the primary care practice setting in the U.S. The majority of households reported skin care practices in children without AD that may be detrimental to the skin barrier such as frequent bathing and the routine use of moisturizers with high water: oil ratios. Clinical trials are needed to identify which skin care practices are optimal for reducing the significant risk of AD in the community