509 research outputs found

    Bio-monitoring for atmospheric nitrogen pollution using epiphytic lichens and bryophytes

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    Nitrogen enrichment in sensitive habitats has become a matter of concern in recent years, and has led to the need to develop a bio-monitoring scheme that could be used by non-specialists to undertake site evaluation across the UK. Epiphytes are ideal candidates for such a project due to their high sensitivity to atmospheric pollutants. Indicator species analysis identified a comprehensive UK-specific list of epiphytic indicators for NH3 pollution in the UK that for the first time also included microlichens. A shortlist of easily identifiable, widely distributed indicator species was produced from these and used to trial the effectiveness of a frequency based scoring system. A simple, un-weighted frequency based scoring system founded on the Lichen Acidophyte Nitrophyte index was found to correlate strongly with NH3 concentrations in air. Assessment of other atmospheric chemistry and climate variables with the scoring system showed that NO2 concentrations in air and bark pH were confounding factors. The influence of pH was further validated by observations in a field experimentation plot where different N forms were applied. In order to address this, a regression equation was formulated that incorporated NH3, NO2 and bark pH to produce a predictive model that could potentially be used to evaluate site condition with respect to atmospheric N pollution, as defined by the combined effect of NH3 and NO2. Investigations into the biochemistry of an indicator species identified that rates of phosphomonoesterase (PME) activity were higher in N-sensitive species than N-tolerant ones. N-sensitive lichen thallus pH measurements for were also consistently more acidic than those of N-tolerant species, and closer to the observed pH optima of PME activity

    Bio-monitoring for atmospheric nitrogen pollution using epiphytic lichens and bryophytes

    Get PDF
    Nitrogen enrichment in sensitive habitats has become a matter of concern in recent years, and has led to the need to develop a bio-monitoring scheme that could be used by non-specialists to undertake site evaluation across the UK. Epiphytes are ideal candidates for such a project due to their high sensitivity to atmospheric pollutants. Indicator species analysis identified a comprehensive UK-specific list of epiphytic indicators for NH3 pollution in the UK that for the first time also included microlichens. A shortlist of easily identifiable, widely distributed indicator species was produced from these and used to trial the effectiveness of a frequency based scoring system. A simple, un-weighted frequency based scoring system founded on the Lichen Acidophyte Nitrophyte index was found to correlate strongly with NH3 concentrations in air. Assessment of other atmospheric chemistry and climate variables with the scoring system showed that NO2 concentrations in air and bark pH were confounding factors. The influence of pH was further validated by observations in a field experimentation plot where different N forms were applied. In order to address this, a regression equation was formulated that incorporated NH3, NO2 and bark pH to produce a predictive model that could potentially be used to evaluate site condition with respect to atmospheric N pollution, as defined by the combined effect of NH3 and NO2. Investigations into the biochemistry of an indicator species identified that rates of phosphomonoesterase (PME) activity were higher in N-sensitive species than N-tolerant ones. N-sensitive lichen thallus pH measurements for were also consistently more acidic than those of N-tolerant species, and closer to the observed pH optima of PME activity

    Against Reduction

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    Provocative, hopeful essays imagine a future that is not reduced to algorithms. What is human flourishing in an age of machine intelligence, when many claim that the world's most complex problems can be reduced to narrow technical questions? Does more computing make us more intelligent, or simply more computationally powerful? We need not always resist reduction; our ability to simplify helps us interpret complicated situations. The trick is to know when and how to do so. Against Reduction offers a collection of provocative and illuminating essays that consider different ways of recognizing and addressing the reduction in our approach to artificial intelligence, and ultimately to ourselves. Inspired by a widely read manifesto by Joi Ito that called for embracing the diversity and irreducibility of the world, these essays offer persuasive and compelling variations on resisting reduction. Among other things, the writers draw on Indigenous epistemology to argue for an extended “circle of relationships” that includes the nonhuman and robotic; cast “Snow White” as a tale of AI featuring a smart mirror; point out the cisnormativity of security protocol algorithms; map the interconnecting networks of so-called noncommunicable disease; and consider the limits of moral mathematics. Taken together, they show that we should push back against some of the reduction around us and do whatever is in our power to work toward broader solutions

    American Indian Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs About Smokeless Tobacco: A Comparison of Two Focus Group Studies

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    The final publication is available at Springer via http://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-017-0362-3.Though smokeless tobacco (SLT) use has decreased in many communities, concern for American Indian (AI) SLT use remains, as this population continues to be disproportionally affected by SLT-related diseases. Tobacco has cultural significance to many AI tribes, therefore tobacco cessation messages portraying tobacco as entirely negative may be ineffective. As a part of our formative research for an SLT cessation intervention, we sought to gain a better understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about SLT among AI community members. We describe two independent focus group studies conducted in Montana (ten focus groups, 54 participants) and Kansas (six focus groups, 27 participants). Predominant themes emerged from three major topic areas (SLT use, program development, and recreational SLT use) during the discussions from both studies. The formative approach and data from these studies will allow us to more appropriately address SLT-related health disparities across multiple AI communities

    Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Attentional Control in the Aging Brain

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    A growing body of literature provides evidence for the prophylactic influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on cognitive decline in older adults. This study examined the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and recruitment of the neural circuits involved in an attentional control task in a group of healthy older adults. Employing a version of the Stroop task, we examined whether higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with an increase in activation in cortical regions responsible for imposing attentional control along with an up-regulation of activity in sensory brain regions that process task-relevant representations. Higher fitness levels were associated with better behavioral performance and an increase in the recruitment of prefrontal and parietal cortices in the most challenging condition, thus providing evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with an increase in the recruitment of the anterior processing regions. There was a top-down modulation of extrastriate visual areas that process both task-relevant and task-irrelevant attributes relative to the baseline. However, fitness was not associated with differential activation in the posterior processing regions, suggesting that fitness enhances attentional function by primarily influencing the neural circuitry of anterior cortical regions. This study provides novel evidence of a differential association of fitness with anterior and posterior brain regions, shedding further light onto the neural changes accompanying cardiorespiratory fitness

    Development of a Culturally Appropriate Smokeless Tobacco Cessation Program for American Indians

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    This study describes a multiphasic approach to the development of a smokeless tobacco cessation program targeted for American Indians (AI) of different tribal nations. The authors gathered formative data from a series of focus groups and interviews to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of AI and smokeless tobacco (SLT) use. Predominant themes emerged from four major topic areas (SLT use, initiation and barriers, policy, and program development) across both studies. This study further assessed educational materials developed for the cessation program for scientific accuracy, readability, and cultural appropriateness. Program materials were scientifically accurate and culturally appropriate. The average corrected reading grade level was 6.3 using the Fry formula and 7.1 using the SMOG formula. Based on this research, a detailed approach to formative research can be used in combination with input from community members to develop health interventions that address health disparities for a specific population

    The Randomised Evaluation of early topical Lidocaine patches In Elderly patients admitted to hospital with rib Fractures (RELIEF): feasibility trial protocol

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    Background: Topical lidocaine patches, applied over rib fractures, have been suggested as a non-invasive method of local anaesthetic delivery to improve respiratory function, reduce opioid consumption and consequently reduce pulmonary complications. Older patients may gain most benefit from improved analgesic regimens yet lidocaine patches are untested as an early intervention in the Emergency Department (ED). The aim of this trial is to investigate uncertainties around trial design and conduct, to establish whether a definitive randomised trial of topical lidocaine patches in older patients with rib fractures is feasible. Methods: RELIEF is an open label, multicentre, parallel group, individually randomised, feasibility randomised controlled trial with economic scoping and nested qualitative study. Patients aged ≥ 65 years presenting to the ED with traumatic rib fracture(s) requiring admission will be randomised 1:1 to lidocaine patches (intervention), in addition to standard clinical management, or standard clinical management alone. Lidocaine patches will be applied immediately after diagnosis in ED and continued daily for 72 hours or until discharge. Feasibility outcomes will focus on recruitment, adherence and follow-up data with a total sample size of 100. Clinical outcomes, such as 30-day pulmonary complications, and resource use will be collected to understand feasibility of data collection. Qualitative interviews will explore details of the trial design, trial acceptability and recruitment processes. An evaluation of the feasibility of measuring health economics outcomes data will be completed. Discussion: Interventions to improve outcomes in elderly patients with rib fractures are urgently required. This feasibility trial will test a novel early intervention which has the potential of fulfilling this unmet need. The Randomised Evaluation of early topical Lidocaine patches In Elderly patients admitted to hospital with rib Fractures (RELIEF) feasibility trial will determine whether a definitive trial is feasible. ISRCTN Registration: ISRCTN14813929 (22/04/2021)

    The RELIEF feasibility trial: Topical lidocaine patches in older adults with rib fractures

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    Background: Lidocaine patches, applied over rib fractures, may reduce pulmonary complications in older patients. Known barriers to recruiting older patients in emergency settings necessitate a feasibility trial. We aimed to establish whether a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating lidocaine patches in older patients with rib fracture(s) was feasible. Methods: This was a multicentre, parallel-group, open-label, feasibility RCT in seven hospitals in England and Scotland. Patients aged ≥65 years, presenting to ED with traumatic rib fracture(s) requiring hospital admission were randomised to receive up to 3×700 mg lidocaine patches (Ralvo), first applied in ED and then once daily for 72 hours in addition to standard care, or standard care alone. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention and adherence. Clinical end points (pulmonary complications, pain and frailty-specific outcomes) and patient questionnaires were collected to determine feasibility of data collection and inform health economic scoping. Interviews and focus groups with trial participants and clinicians/research staff explored the understanding and acceptability of trial processes. Results: Between October 23, 2021 and October 7, 2022, 206 patients were eligible, of whom 100 (median age 83 years; IQR 74–88) were randomised; 48 to lidocaine patches and 52 to standard care. Pulmonary complications at 30 days were determined in 86% of participants and 83% of expected 30-day questionnaires were returned. Pulmonary complications occurred in 48% of the lidocaine group and 59% in standard care. Pain and some frailty-specific outcomes were not feasible to collect. Staff reported challenges in patient compliance, unfamiliarity with research measures and overwhelming the patients with research procedures. Conclusion: Recruitment of older patients with rib fracture(s) in an emergency setting for the evaluation of lidocaine patches is feasible. Refinement of data collection, with a focus on the collection of pain, frailty-specific outcomes and intervention delivery are needed before progression to a definitive trial. Trial registration number: ISRCTN14813929
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