Production and identification of galacto-oligosaccharides from lactose using β-D-galactosidases from Lactobacillus leichmannii 313

Crude β-D-galactosidase from Lactobacillus leichmannii 313 was used to synthesise galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose. Using an initial lactose concentration of 170 g/L, the yield of GOS was 52 g/L (i.e. 62% lactose conversion) after 2 h of enzymatic reaction. The highest number of unique individual GOS were generated after 48 h of reaction. ESI-MS and HPAEC analysis of the GOS enriched fractions obtained from 48 h mixtures showed the presence of sugars with degrees of polymerization (DP) ranging from 2 to 6. Further analysis (by NMR spectroscopy) of GOS in fraction 3 (containing ~ 96% w/w GOS) showed non-reducing terminals that were mostly Galp; and reducing ends that were →4)-Glcp, and →6)-Glcp. The most abundant internal linkages in fraction 3 were deduced to be →3)-Galp-(1→, and →6)-Galp-(1→. The predominance of β-D-(1→3, or 6) linkages in GOS fractions suggests that β-D-galactosidase from LL313 is suitable for generating unique GOS from lactose

Child and family health-related quality of life and participation outcomes and goals after acquired brain injury: a cross-sectional survey

Objective: To explore longer-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and participation outcomes and goals of children and young people (CYP) with acquired brain injuries (ABI) and their families in a region of the UK and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of (5-18 CYP) and their parent-carers 12–43 months following ABI. Included measures of HRQoL, participation, family function and parental wellbeing and demographic and free text questions. Results: Ninety-five responses (30% response) were received. 67% of CYP were at risk of impaired HRQoL, 72% had severely impaired participation. 53% of parent-carers reported reduced HRQoL and family functioning, 37% of parent-carers screened positive for anxiety/depression. Relationships exist between CYP participation and HRQoL and parental HRQoL and family functioning. Goals were overwhelmingly activity and participation focused. Participants described the global impact of an ABI on the CYP and family as well as the additional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CYP and family wellbeing. Conclusion: ABI significantly impacts CYP participation and both CYP and parent-carer wellbeing in the long-term, potentially further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rehabilitation interventions should address both participation and the psychological wellbeing of CYP with ABI and their parent-carers.</p

What teachers learn from science and arts integration in a design-based learning framework: An Australian study

Secondary teachers face a plethora of advice on why and how to integrate science with the arts for mutual benefit. Diverse rationales for this integration are matched by wide variation in recommended programs. However, there is limited research on what exactly teachers learn, or need to learn, over time beyond the life of any particular approach or topic, to succeed. In this paper we contribute insights into this issue by analysing, in the light of relevant literature, participant teachers’ learning after four years experience of a standalone, two-day annual program that aimed to integrate science and the arts in a whole-school approach. Our case study entailed interviews with the principal and key participant teachers, observational notes on program enactment, and participation in teacher planning and review meetings. We found that: (a) participant teachers perceived multiple benefits from this curricular innovation; (b) the integration was enabled by a design-based learning framework, and (c) diverse conditions were needed for this innovation to be sustained, with implications for other forms of program integration

What teachers learn from science and arts integration in a design-based learning framework: An Australian study

What teachers learn from science and arts integration in a design-based learning framework: An Australian stud

Epidemiology of recreational exposure to freshwater cyanobacteria--an international prospective cohort stud

BACKGROUND: Case studies and anecdotal reports have documented a range of acute illnesses associated with exposure to cyanobacteria and their toxins in recreational waters. The epidemiological data to date are limited; we sought to improve on the design of some previously conducted studies in order to facilitate revision and refinement of guidelines for exposure to cyanobacteria in recreational waters. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the incidence of acute symptoms in individuals exposed, through recreational activities, to low (cell surface area 12.0 mm2/mL) levels of cyanobacteria in lakes and rivers in southeast Queensland, the central coast area of New South Wales, and northeast and central Florida. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed; models adjusted for region, age, smoking, prior history of asthma, hay fever or skin disease (eczema or dermatitis) and clustering by household. RESULTS: Of individuals approached, 3,595 met the eligibility criteria, 3,193 (89%) agreed to participate and 1,331 (37%) completed both the questionnaire and follow-up interview. Respiratory symptoms were 2.1 (95%CI: 1.1-4.0) times more likely to be reported by subjects exposed to high levels of cyanobacteria than by those exposed to low levels. Similarly, when grouping all reported symptoms, individuals exposed to high levels of cyanobacteria were 1.7 (95%CI: 1.0-2.8) times more likely to report symptoms than their low-level cyanobacteria-exposed counterparts. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in reporting of minor self-limiting symptoms, particularly respiratory symptoms, was associated with exposure to higher levels of cyanobacteria of mixed genera. We suggest that exposure to cyanobacteria based on total cell surface area above 12 mm2/mL could result in increased incidence of symptoms. The potential for severe, life-threatening cyanobacteria-related illness is likely to be greater in recreational waters that have significant levels of cyanobacterial toxins, so future epidemiological investigations should be directed towards recreational exposure to cyanotoxins

Evidence of heat sensitivity in people with Parkinson’s disease

Examining how heat affects people with Parkinson’s disease is essential for informing clinical decision-making, safety, well-being, and healthcare planning. While there is evidence that the neuropathology associated with Parkinson’s disease affects thermoregulatory mechanisms, little attention has been given to the association of heat sensitivity to worsening symptoms and restricted daily activities in people with this progressive disease. Using a cross-sectional study design, we examined the experiences of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the heat. Two-hundred and forty-seven people completed an online survey (age: 66.0 ± 9.2 years; sex: male = 102 (41.3%), female = 145 (58.7%)), of which 195 (78.9%) reported becoming more sensitive to heat with Parkinson’s disease. Motor and nonmotor symptoms worsened with heat in 182 (73.7%) and 203 (82.2%) respondents, respectively. The most commonly reported symptoms to worsen included walking difficulties, balance impairment, stiffness, tremor, fatigue, sleep disturbances, excess sweating, difficulty concentrating, and light-headedness when standing. Concerningly, over half indicated an inability to work effectively in the heat, and nearly half reported that heat impacted their ability to perform household tasks and social activities. Overall, heat sensitivity was common in people with Parkinson’s disease and had a significant impact on symptomology, day-to-day activities and quality of life

A Heat Sensitivity Scale for People with Parkinson's Disease

Background: People living with Parkinson's disease (PD) commonly experience heat sensitivity—worsening symptoms and restricted daily activities in heat. Objective: This study aimed to develop a scale of heat sensitivity for people with PD. Methods: Through a search of the scientific literature and online forums, we developed 41 items relating to experiences of heat for people with PD to assess heat sensitivity. A panel of experts was then consulted to review the scale items critically. After two rounds of review, the scale was refined to 36 items with an overall scale content validity index of 0.89. Via an online survey, 247 people with PD responded to the items. Results: The items were examined with exploratory factor analysis to determine the underlying factors therein. After several iterations, a simple structure was achieved with 29 items loading uniquely onto one of four factors: daily activities, sweating and exercise, heat-related illness, and symptoms and medications. The model had acceptable to excellent fit statistics (root mean square error of approximation = 0.073 [90% confidence interval 0.067–0.081], root mean square of the residuals = 0.03, comparative fit index = 0.93, and Tucker-Lewis index = 0.91), and each factor showed high reliability (Cronbach's α ≥0.89). Factor and total scale scores were significantly higher among those reporting sensitivity to heat and poor health status. Conclusion: This new heat sensitivity scale for people living with PD can enable health professionals and clients to assess the severity and impact of heat sensitivity.</p

Outcome of hospitalization for COVID-19 in patients with interstitial lung disease: an international multicenter study

Rationale: The impact of COVID-19 on patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) has not been established. Objectives: To assess outcomes in patients with ILD hospitalized for COVID-19 versus those without ILD in a contemporaneous age, sex and comorbidity matched population. Methods: An international multicenter audit of patients with a prior diagnosis of ILD admitted to hospital with COVID-19 between 1 March and 1 May 2020 was undertaken and compared with patients, without ILD obtained from the ISARIC 4C cohort, admitted with COVID-19 over the same period. The primary outcome was survival. Secondary analysis distinguished IPF from non-IPF ILD and used lung function to determine the greatest risks of death. Measurements and Main Results: Data from 349 patients with ILD across Europe were included, of whom 161 were admitted to hospital with laboratory or clinical evidence of COVID-19 and eligible for propensity-score matching. Overall mortality was 49% (79/161) in patients with ILD with COVID-19. After matching ILD patients with COVID-19 had higher mortality (HR 1.60, Confidence Intervals 1.17-2.18 p=0.003) compared with age, sex and co-morbidity matched controls without ILD. Patients with a Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) of <80% had an increased risk of death versus patients with FVC ≥80% (HR 1.72, 1.05-2.83). Furthermore, obese patients with ILD had an elevated risk of death (HR 2.27, 1.39−3.71). Conclusions: Patients with ILD are at increased risk of death from COVID-19, particularly those with poor lung function and obesity. Stringent precautions should be taken to avoid COVID-19 in patients with ILD. This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Long term health outcomes in people with diabetes 12 months after hospitalisation with COVID-19 in the UK: a prospective cohort study

Background: People with diabetes are at increased risk of hospitalisation, morbidity, and mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Long-term outcomes for people with diabetes previously hospitalised with COVID-19 are, however, unknown. This study aimed to determine the longer-term physical and mental health effects of COVID-19 in people with and without diabetes. Methods: The PHOSP-COVID study is a multicentre, long-term follow-up study of adults discharged from hospital between 1 February 2020 and 31 March 2021 in the UK following COVID-19, involving detailed assessment at 5 and 12 months after discharge. The association between diabetes status and outcomes were explored using multivariable linear and logistic regressions. Findings: People with diabetes who survived hospital admission with COVID-19 display worse physical outcomes compared to those without diabetes at 5- and 12-month follow-up. People with diabetes displayed higher fatigue (only at 5 months), frailty, lower physical performance, and health-related quality of life and poorer cognitive function. Differences in outcomes between diabetes status groups were largely consistent from 5 to 12-months. In regression models, differences at 5 and 12 months were attenuated after adjustment for BMI and presence of other long-term conditions. Interpretation: People with diabetes reported worse physical outcomes up to 12 months after hospital discharge with COVID-19 compared to those without diabetes. These data support the need to reduce inequalities in long-term physical and mental health effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in people with diabetes. Funding: UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research. The study was approved by the Leeds West Research Ethics Committee (20/YH/0225) and is registered on the ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN10980107)