Large-scale variations in ozone and polar stratospheric clouds measured with airborne lidar during formation of the 1987 ozone hole over Antarctica

A joint field experiment between NASA and NOAA was conducted during August to September 1987 to obtain in situ and remote measurements of key gases and aerosols from aircraft platforms during the formation of the ozone (O3) hole over Antarctica. The ER-2 (advanced U-2) and DC-8 aircraft from the NASA Ames Research Center were used in this field experiment. The NASA Langley Research Center's airborne differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system was operated from the DC-8 to obtain profiles of O3 and polar stratospheric clouds in the lower stratosphere during long-range flights over Antarctica from August 28 to September 29, 1987. The airborne DIAL system was configured to transmit simultaneously four laser wavelengths (301, 311, 622, and 1064 nm) above the DC-8 for DIAL measurements of O3 profiles between 11 to 20 km ASL (geometric altitude above sea level) and multiple wavelength aerosol backscatter measurements between 11 to 24 km ASL. A total of 13 DC-8 flights were made over Antarctica with 2 flights reaching the South Pole. Polar stratospheric clouds (PSC's) were detected in multiple thin layers in the 11 to 21 km ASL altitude range with each layer having a typical thickness of less than 1 km. Two types of PSC's were found based on aerosol backscattering ratios: predominantly water ice clouds (type 2) and clouds with scattering characteristics consistent with binary solid nitric acid/water clouds (type 1). Large-scale cross sections of O3 distributions were obtained. The data provides additional information about a potentially important transport mechanism that may influence the O3 budget inside the vortex. There is also some evidence that strong low pressure systems in the troposphere are associated with regions of lower stratospheric O3. This paper discusses the spatial and temporal variations of O3 inside and outside the polar vortex region during the development of the O3 hole and relates these data to other measurements obtained during this field experiment

Share and enjoy: anatomical models database-generating and sharing cardiovascular model data using web services

Sharing data between scientists and with clinicians in cardiac research has been facilitated significantly by the use of web technologies. The potential of this technology has meant that information sharing has been routinely promoted through databases that have encouraged stakeholder participation in communities around these services. In this paper we discuss the Anatomical Model Database (AMDB) (Gianni et al. Functional imaging and modeling of the heart. Springer, Heidelberg, 2009; Gianni et al. Phil Trans Ser A Math Phys Eng Sci 368:3039–3056, 2010) which both facilitate a database-centric approach to collaboration, and also extends this framework with new capabilities for creating new mesh data. AMDB currently stores cardiac geometric models described in Gianni et al. (Functional imaging and modelling of the heart. Springer, Heidelberg, 2009), a number of additional cardiac models describing geometry and functional properties, and most recently models generated using a web service. The functional models represent data from simulations in geometric form, such as electrophysiology or mechanics, many of which are present in AMDB as part of a benchmark study. Finally, the heartgen service has been added for producing left or bi-ventricle models derived from binary image data using the methods described in Lamata et al. (Med Image Anal 15:801–813, 2011). The results can optionally be hosted on AMDB alongside other community-provided anatomical models. AMDB is, therefore, a unique database storing geometric data (rather than abstract models or image data) combined with a powerful web service for generating new geometric models

Investigation of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptors genes and migraine susceptibility

Background Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of severe headache, affecting around 12% of Caucasian populations. It is well known that migraine has a strong genetic component, although the number and type of genes involved is still unclear. Prior linkage studies have reported mapping of a migraine gene to chromosome Xq 24–28, a region containing a cluster of genes for GABA A receptors (GABRE, GABRA3, GABRQ), which are potential candidate genes for migraine. The GABA neurotransmitter has been implicated in migraine pathophysiology previously; however its exact role has not yet been established, although GABA receptors agonists have been the target of therapeutic developments. The aim of the present research is to investigate the role of the potential candidate genes reported on chromosome Xq 24–28 region in migraine susceptibility. In this study, we have focused on the subunit GABA A receptors type ε (GABRE) and type θ (GABRQ) genes and their involvement in migraine. Methods We have performed an association analysis in a large population of case-controls (275 unrelated Caucasian migraineurs versus 275 controls) examining a set of 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region (exons 3, 5 and 9) of the GABRE gene and also the I478F coding variant of the GABRQ gene. Results Our study did not show any association between the examined SNPs in our test population (P > 0.05). Conclusion Although these particular GABA receptor genes did not show positive association, further studies are necessary to consider the role of other GABA receptor genes in migraine susceptibility

Effect of remote ischaemic conditioning on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (CONDI-2/ERIC-PPCI): a single-blind randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischaemic conditioning with transient ischaemia and reperfusion applied to the arm has been shown to reduce myocardial infarct size in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). We investigated whether remote ischaemic conditioning could reduce the incidence of cardiac death and hospitalisation for heart failure at 12 months. METHODS: We did an international investigator-initiated, prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled trial (CONDI-2/ERIC-PPCI) at 33 centres across the UK, Denmark, Spain, and Serbia. Patients (age >18 years) with suspected STEMI and who were eligible for PPCI were randomly allocated (1:1, stratified by centre with a permuted block method) to receive standard treatment (including a sham simulated remote ischaemic conditioning intervention at UK sites only) or remote ischaemic conditioning treatment (intermittent ischaemia and reperfusion applied to the arm through four cycles of 5-min inflation and 5-min deflation of an automated cuff device) before PPCI. Investigators responsible for data collection and outcome assessment were masked to treatment allocation. The primary combined endpoint was cardiac death or hospitalisation for heart failure at 12 months in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02342522) and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Nov 6, 2013, and March 31, 2018, 5401 patients were randomly allocated to either the control group (n=2701) or the remote ischaemic conditioning group (n=2700). After exclusion of patients upon hospital arrival or loss to follow-up, 2569 patients in the control group and 2546 in the intervention group were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. At 12 months post-PPCI, the Kaplan-Meier-estimated frequencies of cardiac death or hospitalisation for heart failure (the primary endpoint) were 220 (8·6%) patients in the control group and 239 (9·4%) in the remote ischaemic conditioning group (hazard ratio 1·10 [95% CI 0·91-1·32], p=0·32 for intervention versus control). No important unexpected adverse events or side effects of remote ischaemic conditioning were observed. INTERPRETATION: Remote ischaemic conditioning does not improve clinical outcomes (cardiac death or hospitalisation for heart failure) at 12 months in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI. FUNDING: British Heart Foundation, University College London Hospitals/University College London Biomedical Research Centre, Danish Innovation Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, TrygFonden

Healing Through Interdependence: The Role of Connecting in First Nations Healing Practices

This study utilized the Critical Incident Technique (Flanagan, 1954), to explore the facilitation of healing for First Nations people living in the province of British Columbia. The results indicate that healing can be facilitated through practices such as connecting to family, community, spirituality, and nature. Healing approaches that help people to achieve interdependence are examined in detail as they illustrate the significant role connecting plays in First Nations healing practices. Implications for both research and practice are presented.L'auteur s'est servi de la Technique par incidents critiques (Flanagan, 1954) pour étudier la facilitation de la guérison chez les peuples des Premières Nations habitant la Colombie- Britannique. Les conclusions démontrent que certaines pratiques telles que la recherche de contacts avec la famille, la communauté et la nature, et la recherche de spiritualité facilitent la guérison. L'examen détaillé des méthodes de guérison utilisées par les peuples des Premières Nations permettant aux individus d'atteindre l'interdépendance et reposant sur les pratiques ci-dessus nommées a permis d'en illustrer le rôle important. Les implications en découlant pour la recherche et la pratique y sont également présentées

Ethical Considerations in First Nations Counselling and Research

This paper discusses ethical considerations in First Nations counselling and research. In addition to examining relevant sections of the ethical guidelines of the Canadian Guidance and Counselling Association (CGCA), the paper illustrates the unique ethical issues and considerations that Canadian counselling practitioners and researchers need to be aware of in working with First Nations people.Il est question dans cet article des aspects déontologiques du counseling et de la recherche visant les premières nations. Les auteurs abordent les sections pertinentes du code d'éthique de la Société canadienne d'orientation et de consultation (SCOC) et mettent en évidence les questions et les considérations déontologiques particulières dont doivent tenir compte les conseillers praticiens et les chercheurs intervenant auprès des premières nations

Aboriginal Traditions in the Treatment of Substance Abuse

This paper describes the traditions and philosophy behind successful substance abuse treatment strategies used by Aboriginal people in Canada. Disconnection from cultural values and traditions have led to a painful and meaningless existence for many Aboriginal people who have turned to drugs and alcohol in an unsuccessful attempt to deal with their anxiety and pain. The discovery of meaning and the resultant healing for Aboriginal clients is being enabled through substance abuse treatment strategies that facilitate reconnection to cultural values and traditions.Cet article décrit les traditions et philosophies sur lesquelles sont basées les traitements réussis utilisés par les peuples autochtones du Canada dans leur lutte contre les abus de la toxicomanie. L'abandon de leurs valeurs culturelles et de leurs traditions a abouti pour beaucoup d'autochtones à une vie douloureuse et privée de sens. Plusieurs se sont réfugiés dans la drogue ou l'alcool afin d'oublier, sans succès, leurs angoisses et leurs douleurs. Pour des clients autochtones, des traitements pour les toxicomanies permettant un retour à leurs valeurs culturelles et à leurs traditions conduisent à la découverte d'un sens à la vie et à la guérison en résultant

Career Counselling First Nations Youth: Applying the First Nations Career-Life Planning Model

The purpose of the study was to field-test the First Nations Career-Life Planning Model, developed by McCormick and Amundson (1997), to determine, from participant feedback, if the model was viable, practical, and culturally appropriate. First Nations youth as well as family and community members participated in career counselling sessions and provided feedback on the model. The comments and feedback were categorised into five themes that support and suggest ways of improving the model further. Implications for practice and future research are included.Le but de cette étude est de rechercher sur le terrain le modèle de la planification de vie et de carrière pour les gens des Premières Nations tel que développé par McCormick et Amundson (1997), afin de déterminer, à partir de l'information reçue des participants, si le modèle est viable, pratique et approprié au niveau culturel. Les jeunes gens des Premières Nations ainsi que des familles et des membres de la communauté ont participé à des séances de counseling de carrière et ont fourni leurs réactions à propos du modèle. Les commentaires et réactions ont ensuite été catégorisés en cinq thèmes qui soutiennent et suggèrent des manières d'améliorer le modèle. Des implications pour la pratique professionnelle et pour des recherches futures sont incluses

The RISC research project : injury in First Nations communities in British Columbia, Canada

Background: The project, Injury in British Columbia's Aboriginal Communities: Building Capacity while Developing Knowledge, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), aims to expand knowledge on injury rates among First Nations communities in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Objective: The purpose is to improve understanding of community differences and to identify community-level risk and protective factors. Generally, injury incidence rates in the Aboriginal population in Canada greatly exceed those found in the non-Aboriginal population; however, variability exists between Aboriginal communities, which have important implications for prevention. Design: This study uses administrative records of deaths, hospitalizations, ambulatory care episodes, and workers’ compensation claims due to injuries to identify communities that have been especially successful in maintaining low rates of injury. Results: The analysis of risk and protective factors extends the work of Chandler and Lalonde who observed that community efforts to preserve and promote Aboriginal culture and to maintain local control over community life are strongly associated with lower suicide rates. Conclusion: The discussion on psychological and cultural considerations on healing and reducing the rates of injury expands the work of McCormick on substance use in Aboriginal communities.Medicine, Faculty ofOther UBCNon UBCPediatrics, Department ofPopulation and Public Health (SPPH), School ofReviewedFacultyResearche