RNAcentral: A vision for an international database of RNA sequences

During the last decade there has been a great increase in the number of noncoding RNA genes identified, including new classes such as microRNAs and piRNAs. There is also a large growth in the amount of experimental characterization of these RNA components. Despite this growth in information, it is still difficult for researchers to access RNA data, because key data resources for noncoding RNAs have not yet been created. The most pressing omission is the lack of a comprehensive RNA sequence database, much like UniProt, which provides a comprehensive set of protein knowledge. In this article we propose the creation of a new open public resource that we term RNAcentral, which will contain a comprehensive collection of RNA sequences and fill an important gap in the provision of biomedical databases. We envision RNA researchers from all over the world joining a federated RNAcentral network, contributing specialized knowledge and databases. RNAcentral would centralize key data that are currently held across a variety of databases, allowing researchers instant access to a single, unified resource. This resource would facilitate the next generation of RNA research and help drive further discoveries, including those that improve food production and human and animal health. We encourage additional RNA database resources and research groups to join this effort. We aim to obtain international network funding to further this endeavor

Predictor Variables for First Time Success on the National Physical Therapy Examination

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). A student who has graduated from an accredited physical therapy program must take and pass the examination to become a licensed physical therapist. The minimum score in order to be successful on the NPTE is a 600/800. Variables that predict first time success on the NPTE have been researched extensively to date. This literature review presents four studies aimed at identifying predictor variables for first time success on the NPTE

Is exercise therapy effective treatment for low back pain?

Yes, it is somewhat effective. Exercise therapy-including general exercise, yoga, Pilates, and motor control exercise-has been shown to modestly decrease pain in chronic low back pain (LBP); levels of benefit in short- (≤ 3 months) and long- (≥ 1 year) term follow-up range from 4% to 15% improvement (strength of recommendation [SOR] A, based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials [RCTs]).Exercise therapy may improve function and decrease work disability in subacute and chronic LBP, respectively (SOR A, based on a meta-analysis of RCTs). Exercise therapy has not been associated with improvement in acute LBP (SOR A, based on a meta-analysis of RCTs)

Q Is exercise therapy effective treatment for low back pain?

Evidence-based answer: Yes, it is somewhat effective. Exercise therapy—including general exercise, yoga, Pilates, and motor control exercise—has been shown to modestly decrease pain in chronic low back pain (LBP); levels of benefit in short-([less than or equal to] 3 months) and long- ([grater than or equal to] 1 year) term follow-up range from 4% to 15% improvement (strength of recommendation [SOR] A, based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Exercise therapy may improve function and decrease work disability in subacute and chronic LBP, respectively (SOR A, based on a meta-analysis of RCTs). Exercise therapy has not been associated with improvement in acute LBP (SOR A, based on a meta-analysis of RCTs).Christine Broszko, MD, FAAFP; Krystyna Golden, MD; Cody R. Holmes, MD; Stephanie Fulleborn, MD (Eglin Air Force Base Family Medicine Residency), Carolyn Biglow, MLIS, CAS (Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh)Includes bibliographical reference

Publisher Correction: A global database of Holocene paleotemperature records

In an earlier version of this Data Descriptor the figure images 4, 5 and 6 were swapped. Both the HTML and PDF versions have been updated to reflect this change

Publisher Correction: A global database of Holocene paleotemperature records

In an earlier version of this Data Descriptor the figure images 4, 5 and 6 were swapped. Both the HTML and PDF versions have been updated to reflect this change

Personalizing health care: feasibility and future implications

Considerable variety in how patients respond to treatments, driven by differences in their geno- and/ or phenotypes, calls for a more tailored approach. This is already happening, and will accelerate with developments in personalized medicine. However, its promise has not always translated into improvements in patient care due to the complexities involved. There are also concerns that advice for tests has been reversed, current tests can be costly, there is fragmentation of funding of care, and companies may seek high prices for new targeted drugs. There is a need to integrate current knowledge from a payer’s perspective to provide future guidance. Multiple findings including general considerations; influence of pharmacogenomics on response and toxicity of drug therapies; value of biomarker tests; limitations and costs of tests; and potentially high acquisition costs of new targeted therapies help to give guidance on potential ways forward for all stakeholder groups. Overall, personalized medicine has the potential to revolutionize care. However, current challenges and concerns need to be addressed to enhance its uptake and funding to benefit patients