Reaching the disadvantaged and disengaged in times of crisis : towards an understanding of information behaviours to inform interventions.

A report on three UK studies seeking to better understand information behaviours in disadvantaged and disengaged circumstances, explore issues of social integration, and inform public library interventions. Heightened access and internalised behavioural barriers are reported beyond those common to the general population, the former influenced by technology and literacy issues, the latter by social structures and norms; barriers consigning many of our subjects to a stratified existence within an impoverished (small) information world. There is evidence suggestive of deception, risk-taking, secrecy, and situational relevance in information behaviours, and a reliance on bonding social capital characteristically exclusive and inward facing. In such circumstances public libraries can provide a key information access and support role, and community role, but there is little evidence of their use. Findings suggest that a rethink is needed in how public libraries meet the information needs of people in disadvantaged and disengaged circumstances. We suggest that a more proactive outreach approach is needed that sensitively addresses issues of trust, confidence and self-efficacy. Action-oriented interdisciplinary research appears warranted to support such activity, which importantly, focuses on influencing information behaviours

Breathing Signature as Vitality Score Index Created by Exercises of Qigong: Implications of Artificial Intelligence Tools Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Rising concerns about the short- and long-term detrimental consequences of administration of conventional pharmacopeia are fueling the search for alternative, complementary, personalized, and comprehensive approaches to human healthcare. Qigong, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, represents a viable alternative approach. Here, we started with the practical, philosophical, and psychological background of Ki (in Japanese) or Qi (in Chinese) and their relationship to Qigong theory and clinical application. Noting the drawbacks of the current state of Qigong clinic, herein we propose that to manage the unique aspects of the Eastern 'non-linearity' and 'holistic' approach, it needs to be integrated with the Western "linearity" "one-direction" approach. This is done through developing the concepts of "Qigong breathing signatures," which can define our life breathing patterns associated with diseases using machine learning technology. We predict that this can be achieved by establishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-Medicine training camp of databases, which will integrate Qigong-like breathing patterns with different pathologies unique to individuals. Such an integrated connection will allow the AI-Medicine algorithm to identify breathing patterns and guide medical intervention. This unique view of potentially connecting Eastern Medicine and Western Technology can further add a novel insight to our current understanding of both Western and Eastern medicine, thereby establishing a vitality score index (VSI) that can predict the outcomes of lifestyle behaviors and medical conditions

The circadian clock components BMAL1 and REV-ERBα regulate flavivirus replication.

The circadian clock regulates immune responses to microbes and affects pathogen replication, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that the circadian components BMAL1 and REV-ERBα influence several steps in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle, including particle entry into hepatocytes and RNA genome replication. Genetic knock out of Bmal1 and over-expression or activation of REV-ERB with synthetic agonists inhibits the replication of HCV and the related flaviruses dengue and Zika via perturbation of lipid signaling pathways. This study highlights a role for the circadian clock component REV-ERBα in regulating flavivirus replication

"First-time mother syndrome"? First-time mothers' information practices and their relationships with healthcare professionals

This paper reports upon selected key findings from a wider study into the information practices of first-time mothers (n = 22). It highlights how their relationships with healthcare professionals (HCPs) profoundly influenced their information practices, and how these relationships were shaped by wider societal forces.  Traditional networks of parenting information are fragmenting, while greater societal expectations are being placed upon mothers (Drentea and Moren-Cross, 2005). Resourcing issues mean HCPs have to “cram” information into short appointments, leaving little time for discussion or for nurturing trusting relationships (The Royal College of Midwives, 2013). Previous ISB studies provide some insight into mothers’ information practices (cf. Berkule-Silberman et al., 2010; Shieh et al., 2009). But the early post-natal period has received limited attention, and there have been calls to investigate how these practices are influenced by issues such as trust and developing identities (cf. McKenzie, 2002, 2003; Fisher and Landry, 2007).New mothers meet types of HCP of whom they have little experience. Research from other disciplines shows how tensions can arise as mothers try to determine an HCP’s role, and decide if it concerns supporting or policing them (cf. Peckover, 2002). One of the aims of the wider study was therefore to explore these relationships in the context of ISB.   This was a short, exploratory study, but its flexible and adaptable approach led to the collection of rich, narrative data, within the unpredictable environment of a mother and baby group. McKenzie’s model of ELIS was the basis of the theoretical structure, as it was derived from pregnant women’s accounts of ELIS within new contexts (McKenzie 2002, 2003). Her narrative approach shaped the methodology, as did the feminist perspectives of Urquhart and Yeoman (2010), who particularly emphasise the importance of considering context when choosing methods. Following a period where the researcher acted as a participant observer, group, narrative interviews and participatory methods were used in order to remain sensitive to the usual structure of the group and facilitate engagement. Individual interviews were also conducted with local information gatekeepers (n=5).   Many believed HCPs had access to the “right” information, and reported good relationships. However, fear of judgment and a perceived need to present as “good mothers”, led many to withhold information needs from HCPs. Some feared being viewed as overprotective if they asked for “too much” information. HCPs were found to be bound by prevailing guidelines and legislation which thwarted mothers’ attempts at information seeking, leading to frustration and confusion. By showing that fear of judgment can profoundly influence information practices, the study helps us to understand why some sources of information, although considered important and useful, may be used little. Both mothers and HCPs experienced challenges to their information practices caused by the mandatory nature of health policies and regulations. The study raises the question of how to deal with a clash between a request for informational support and such rules, and highlights the importance of professionals being aware of and remaining sensitive to these pressures

Convergence of normal stem cell and cancer stem cell developmental stage: Implication for differential therapies

Increased evidence shows that normal stem cells may contribute to cancer development and progression by acting as cancer-initiating cells through their interactions with abnormal environmental elements. We postulate that normal stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSC) possess similar mechanisms of self-renewal and differentiation. CSC can be the key to the elaboration of anti-cancer-based therapy. In this article, we focus on a controversial new theme relating to CSC. Tumorigenesis may have a critical stage characterized as a “therapeutic window”, which can be identified by association of molecular, biochemical and biological events. Identifying such a stage can allow the production of more effective therapies (e.g. manipulated stem cells) to treat several cancers. More importantly, confirming the existence of a similar therapeutic window during the conversion of normal stem cells to malignant CSC may lead to targeted therapy specifically against CSC. This conversion information may be derived from investigating the biological behaviour of both normal stem cells and cancerous stem cells. Currently, there is little knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the initiation and maintenance of CSC. Studies on co-evolution and interdependence of cancer with normal tissues may lead to a useful treatment paradigm of cancer. The crosstalk between normal stem cells and cancer formation may converge developmental stages of different types of stem cells (e.g. normal stem cells, CSC and embryonic stem cells). The differential studies of the convergence may result in novel therapies for treating cancers

Breathing Signature as Vitality Score Index Created by Exercises of Qigong: Implications of Artificial Intelligence Tools Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Rising concerns about the short- and long-term detrimental consequences of administration of conventional pharmacopeia are fueling the search for alternative, complementary, personalized, and comprehensive approaches to human healthcare. Qigong, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, represents a viable alternative approach. Here, we started with the practical, philosophical, and psychological background of Ki (in Japanese) or Qi (in Chinese) and their relationship to Qigong theory and clinical application. Noting the drawbacks of the current state of Qigong clinic, herein we propose that to manage the unique aspects of the Eastern ‘non-linearity’ and ‘holistic’ approach, it needs to be integrated with the Western “linearity” “one-direction” approach. This is done through developing the concepts of “Qigong breathing signatures,” which can define our life breathing patterns associated with diseases using machine learning technology. We predict that this can be achieved by establishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-Medicine training camp of databases, which will integrate Qigong-like breathing patterns with different pathologies unique to individuals. Such an integrated connection will allow the AI-Medicine algorithm to identify breathing patterns and guide medical intervention. This unique view of potentially connecting Eastern Medicine and Western Technology can further add a novel insight to our current understanding of both Western and Eastern medicine, thereby establishing a vitality score index (VSI) that can predict the outcomes of lifestyle behaviors and medical conditions