Socioeconomic deprivation and age are barriers to the online collection of patient reported outcome measures in orthopaedic patients

Introduction: Questionnaires are used commonly to assess functional outcome and satisfaction in surgical patients. Although these have in the past been administered through written forms, there is increasing interest in the use of new technology to improve the efficiency of collection. The aim of this study was to assess the availability of internet access for a group of orthopaedic patients and the acceptability of online survey completion. Methods: A total of 497 patients attending orthopaedic outpatient clinics were surveyed to assess access to the internet and their preferred means for completing follow-up questionnaires. Results: Overall, 358 patients (72%) reported having internet access. Lack of access was associated with socioeconomic deprivation and older age. Multivariable regression confirmed increased age and greater deprivation to be independently associated with lack of internet access. Out of the total group, 198 (40%) indicated a preference for assessment of outcomes via email and the internet. Conclusions: Internet access was not universal among the patients in our orthopaedic clinic. Reliance on internet collection of PROMs may introduce bias by not including results from patients in older age groups and those from the more deprived socioeconomic groups

Selection on testis size as an indicator of maturity in growing animals. I Direct and correlated responses in growth

International audienc

Helminth Microbiomes - A Hidden Treasure Trove?

There is increasing attention on the complex interactions occurring between gastrointestinal parasitic helminths and the microbial flora (microbiota) inhabiting the host gut. However, little is known about the occurrence, structure, and function of microbial populations residing within parasite organs and tissues. In this article, we argue that an in-depth understanding of the interplay between parasites and their microbiomes may significantly enhance current knowledge of parasite biology and physiology, and may lead to the discovery of entirely novel, anthelmintic-independent interventions against parasites and parasitic diseases

Selection on testis size as an indicator of maturity in growing animals. II Correlated responses in reproductive rate

International audienc

Spatial variability in the diversity and structure of faunal assemblages associated with kelp holdfasts (<i>Laminaria hyperborea</i>) in the northeast Atlantic

<p>Map indicating the locations of the four study regions in the UK, northeast Atlantic: (A) northern Scotland, (B) western Scotland, (C) southwest Wales and (D) southwest England. Smaller panels show the positions of the 3 study sites within each region.</p

c-Jun reprograms Schwann cells of injured nerves to generate a repair cell essential for regeneration.

The radical response of peripheral nerves to injury (Wallerian degeneration) is the cornerstone of nerve repair. We show that activation of the transcription factor c-Jun in Schwann cells is a global regulator of Wallerian degeneration. c-Jun governs major aspects of the injury response, determines the expression of trophic factors, adhesion molecules, the formation of regeneration tracks and myelin clearance and controls the distinctive regenerative potential of peripheral nerves. A key function of c-Jun is the activation of a repair program in Schwann cells and the creation of a cell specialized to support regeneration. We show that absence of c-Jun results in the formation of a dysfunctional repair cell, striking failure of functional recovery, and neuronal death. We conclude that a single glial transcription factor is essential for restoration of damaged nerves, acting to control the transdifferentiation of myelin and Remak Schwann cells to dedicated repair cells in damaged tissue

Experimental Assessment of the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Non-Contact Tonometer Airflows

(1) The aim of the study was to investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of the airflow created by two commercially available non-contact tonometers: the CorvisST and the Ocular Response Analyser (ORA). (2) The airflow pressure was measured using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution. The airflow from the CorvisST and Ocular Response Analyser were mapped to a 600 µm and a 1 mm resolution grid, respectively. (3) Central airflow pressure of the CorvisST (96.4 ± 1.4 mmHg) was higher than that of the Ocular Response Analyser (91.7 ± 0.7 mmHg). The duration of the air-puffs also differed, with the CorvisST showing a shorter duration (21.483 ± 0.2881 ms) than that of the ORA (23.061 ± 0.1872 ms). The rising edge of the CorvisST airflow pressure profile demonstrated a lower gradient (+8.94 mmHg/ms) compared to that of the Ocular Response Analyser (+11.00 mmHg/ms). Both had similar decay response edges: CorvisST −11.18 mmHg/ms, Ocular Response Analyser −11.65 mmHg/ms. (4) The study presents a valid method to investigate the physical dimensions of the airflow pressure of non-contact tonometers. Novel findings relating to the magnitude, duration and spatial characteristics of the respective airflow pressures are reported. It is anticipated that this information will better inform clinical studies and theoretical models relating to ocular biomechanics.</jats:p