Inadequate reporting of research ethics review and informed consent in cluster randomized trials : review of random sample of published trials

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

The arithmetical hierarchy in the setting of ω1\omega_1

We continue work from (Greenberg and Knight) on computable structure theory in the setting of $\omega_1$, where the countable ordinals play the role of natural numbers, and countable sets play the role of finite sets. In the present paper, we define the arithmetical hierarchy through all countable levels (not just the finite levels). We consider two different ways of doing this—one based on the standard definition of the hyperarithmetical hierarchy, and the other based on the standard definition of the effective Borel hierarchy. For each definition, we define computable infinitary formulas through all countable levels, and we obtain analogues of the well-known results from (Ash and Knight, 1989) and (Chisholm, 1990) saying that a relation is relatively intrinsically $\Sigma^0_\alpha$ just in case it is definable by a computable $\Sigma_\alpha$ formula. Although we obtain the same results for the two definitions of the arithmetical hierarchy, we conclude that the definition resembling the standard definition of the hyperarithmetical hierarchy seems preferable

The Polo-related kinase Cdc5 activates and is destroyed by the mitotic cyclin destruction machinery in S. cerevisiae

AbstractBackground: Following chromosome segregation in anaphase, ubiquitin-dependent degradation of mitotic cyclins contributes to the exit from mitosis. A key step in this process is catalyzed by a ubiquitin–protein ligase known as the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), the regulation of which is poorly understood. The Polo-related protein kinase Cdc5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae might encode a regulator of the APC, because cdc5 mutant cells arrest with a late mitotic phenotype similar to that observed in cells with defective cyclin destruction.Results: We investigated the role of Cdc5 in the regulation of mitotic cyclin degradation. In cdc5-1 mutant cells, we observed a defect in the destruction of cyclins and a reduction in the cyclin–ubiquitin ligase activity of the APC. Overexpression of CDC5 resulted in increased APC activity and mitotic cyclin destruction in asynchronous cells or in cells arrested in metaphase. CDC5 mutation or overexpression did not affect the degradation of the APC substrate Pds 1, which is normally degraded at the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. Cyclin-specific APC activity in cells overexpressing CDC5 was reduced in the absence of the APC regulatory proteins Hct 1 and Cdc20. In G1, Cdc5 itself was degraded by an APC-dependent and Hct1-dependent mechanism.Conclusions: We conclude that Cdc5 is a positive regulator of cyclin-specific APC activity in late mitosis. Degradation of Cdc5 in G1 might provide a feedback mechanism by which the APC destroys its activator at the onset of the next cell cycle

Correlation of esophageal pressure-flow analysis findings with bolus transit patterns on videofluoroscopy

This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in Diseases of the Esophagus following peer review. The version of record Omari TI, Szczesniak MM, Maclean J, Myers JC, Rommel N, Cock C and Cook IJ. Correlation of esophageal pressure-flow analysis findings with bolus transit patterns on videofluoroscopy. Dis Esophagus. 2016 Feb-Mar;29(2):166-73. and is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dote.12300 Copyright © 2017 The International Society for Diseases of the EsophagusPressure-flow analysis quantifies the interactions between bolus transport and pressure generation. We undertook a pilot study to assess the interrelationships between pressure-flow metrics and fluoroscopically determined bolus clearance and bolus transport across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). We hypothesized that findings of abnormal pressure-flow metrics would correlate with impaired bolus clearance and reduced flow across the EGJ. Videofluoroscopic images, impedance, and pressure were recorded simultaneously in nine patients with dysphagia (62–82 years, seven male) tested with liquid barium boluses. A 3.6 mm diameter solid-state catheter with 25 × 1 cm pressure/12 × 2 cm impedance was utilized. Swallowed bolus clearance was assessed using a validated 7-point radiological bolus transport scale. The cumulative period of bolus flow across the EGJ was also fluoroscopically measured (EGJ flow time). Pressure only parameters included the length of breaks in the 20 mmHg iso-contour and the 4 second integrated EGJ relaxation pressure (IRP4s). Pressure-flow metrics were calculated for the distal esophagus, these were: time from nadir impedance to peak pressure (TNadImp to PeakP) to quantify bolus flow timing; pressure flow index (PFI) to integrate bolus pressurization and flow timing; and impedance ratio (IR) to assess bolus clearance. When compared with controls, patients had longer peristaltic breaks, higher IRs, and higher residual EGJ relaxation pressures (break length of 8 [2, 13] vs. 2 [0, 2] cm, P = 0.027; IR 0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.0, P = 0.019; IRP4s 11 ± 2 vs. 6 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0.070). There was a significant positive correlation between higher bolus transport scores and longer peristaltic breaks (Spearman correlation r = 0.895, P < 0.001) and with higher IRs (r = 0.661, P < 0.05). Diminished EGJ flow times correlated with a shorter TNadImp to PeakP (r = −0.733, P < 0.05) and a higher IR (r = −0.750, P < 0.05). Longer peristaltic breaks and higher IR correlate with failed bolus clearance on videofluoroscopy. The metric TNadImp to PeakP appears to be a marker of the period of time over which the bolus flows across the EGJ

Inter-rater reliability and validity of automated impedance manometry analysis and fluoroscopy in dysphagic patients after head and neck cancer radiotherapy

This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving'.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.Introduction: Automated Impedance manometry (AIM) pressure-flow analysis is novel non-radiological method to analyse swallowing function based on impedance-pressure recordings of pharyngeal swallows. In a population of dysphagic head and neck cancer patients, we evaluated the reliability and validity of the AIM-derived swallow risk index (SRI) and a novel measure of post-swallow residue (iZn/Z) by comparing it against videofluoroscopy as the gold standard for assessing aspiration and post-swallow residue risk. Materials and Methods: Three blinded experts classified 88 videofluoroscopic swallows from 16 patients for aspiration and the degree of post-swallow residue using validated videofluroscopy scales. Pressure-impedance recordings of the swallows were also analysed using automated analysis software by one expert and two novice observers who derived the SRI and iZn/Z. Inter-observer concordance for videofluoroscopic and AIM measures was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Patient SRI and iZn/Z measurements were compared with videofluoroscopy scores and control subjects to determine validity for detecting clinically relevant swallowing dysfunction. . Results: Among individual swallows, agreement among observers assessing presence of penetration and aspiration on videofluoroscopy was modest (ICC 0.57). Agreement among observers for AIM-derived swallow risk index (SRI) and the iZn/Z was good (ICC of 0.71 and ICC of 0.82 respectively). When compared with age-matched controls the SRI was higher in patients with aspiration (mean diff. 28.6, 95% CI [55.85 1.355], p<0.05). The iZn/Z was increased, suggesting greater post-swallow residues, in both patients with aspiration (Δ244 [419.7, 69.52, p<0.05]) and penetration (Δ240 [394.3, 85.77, p<0.05]) compared to controls. Discussion: AIM based measures of swallowing function have better inter-rater reliability than comparable fluoroscopically-derived measures. These measures can be easily determined and are objective markers of clinically relevant features of disordered swallowing following head and neck cancer therapy

Isomorphism relations on computable structures

"Vegeu el resum a l'inici del document del fitxer adjunt"

Reach in and reach out : the story of the MSc in pipeline engineering at Newcastle University

This paper presents an unusual case of university-industry interaction whereby a group of small businesses came together to persuade a university to establish an MSc in Pipeline Engineering. We identify that the course contributed to regional development in four ways. Firstly, it provided graduates for local industry. Secondly, it linked local firms with pipeline engineers world wide and raised the region's profile within that network. Thirdly, it strengthened the research base of the university through the recruitment of pipeline engineers from industry and fourthly, it facilitated the possibility of joint research between the university and local firms. We question whether this model is transferable to other industry sectors/universities. We conclude that this outreach activity has been shaped by the 'reach-in' to the university of the local business community and propose a revised model of university interaction with regional industry. Traditionally universities have been seen as 'reaching out' to regional industry and the collaborations have been viewed as being instigated by the university and often research-based. Our revised model proposes an alternative mechanism whereby collaborations can be instigated by industry and through a teaching-route

Gut microbiota induce IGF-1 and promote bone formation and growth

New interventions are needed to improve bone health and reduce the risk for osteoporosis and fracture. Dysbiosis is increasingly linked to metabolic abnormalities, although the effect of the microbiota on skeletal health is poorly understood. Previous studies suggest microbiota are detrimental to bone by increasing resorption. In this report, we show that the gut resident microbiota promote bone formation, as well as resorption, with long-term exposure to microbiota resulting in net skeletal growth. Microbiota induce the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which promotes bone growth and remodeling. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced when microbiota ferment fiber, also induce IGF-1, suggesting a mechanism by which microbiota affect bone health. Manipulating the microbiome or its metabolites may afford opportunities to optimize bone health and growth