A study of towels and toweling for consumer use

Cover title.Includes bibliographical references

Current perspectives on attachment and bonding in the dog–human dyad

This article reviews recent research concerning dog–human relationships and how attributes that arise from them can be measured. It highlights the influence of human characteristics on dog behavior, and consequently, the dog–human bond. Of particular importance are the influences of human attitudes and personality. These themes have received surprisingly little attention from researchers. Identifying human attributes that contribute to successful dog– human relationships could assist in the development of a behavioral template to ensure dyadic potential is optimized. Additionally, this article reveals how dyadic functionality and working performance may not necessarily be mutually inclusive. Potential underpinnings of various dog– human relationships and how these may influence dogs’ perceptions of their handlers are also discussed. The article considers attachment bonds between humans and dogs, how these may potentially clash with or complement each other, and the effects of different bonds on the dog– human dyad as a whole. We review existing tools designed to measure the dog–human bond and offer potential refinements to improve their accuracy. Positive attitudes and affiliative interactions seem to contribute to the enhanced well-being of both species, as reflected in resultant physiological changes. Thus, promoting positive dog–human relationships would capitalize on these benefits, thereby improving animal welfare. Finally, this article proposes future research directions that may assist in disambiguating what constitutes successful bonding between dogs and the humans in their lives

Microbiomic subprofiles and MDR1 promoter methylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Clinical observations and epidemiologic studies suggest that the incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) correlates with dental hygiene, implying a role for bacteria-induced inflammation in its pathogenesis. Here we begin to explore the pilot hypothesis that specific microbial populations may contribute to HNSCC pathogenesis via epigenetic modifications in inflammatory- and HNSCC-associated genes. Microbiomic profiling by 16S rRNA sequencing of matched tumor and adjacent normal tissue specimens in 42 individuals with HNSCC demonstrate a significant association of specific bacterial subpopulations with HNSCC over normal tissue (P < 0.01). Furthermore, microbial populations can separate tumors by tobacco status (P < 0.008), but not by alcohol status (P = 0.41). If our subhypothesis regarding a mechanistic link from microorganism to carcinogenesis via inflammation and consequent aberrant DNA methylation is correct, then we should see hypermethylation of relevant genes associate with specific microbiomic profiles. Methylation analysis in four genes (MDR1, IL8, RARB, TGFBR2) previously linked to HNSCC or inflammation shows significantly increased methylation in tumor samples compared with normal oral mucosa. Of these, MDR1 promoter methylation associates with specific microbiomic profiles in tumor over normal mucosa. Additionally, we report that MDR1 methylation correlates with regional nodal metastases in the context of two specific bacterial subpopulations, Enterobacteriaceae and Tenericutes (P < 0.001 for each). These associations may lead to a different, and potentially more comprehensive, perspective on the pathogenesis of HNSCC, and support further exploration of mechanistic linkage and, if so, novel therapeutic strategies such as demethylating agents and probiotic adjuncts, particularly for patients with advanced or refractory disease

The Power of Big Tech Corporations as Modern Bigness and a Vocabulary for Shaping Competition Law as Counter-power

Competition law ensures the proper functioning of the market by countering the negative effects of corporate power. It traditionally measures this power and its effects based on economic parameters. However, the big corporations that shape our current digital platform economy wield power that significantly transcends the economic domain, reaching into politics, and the social and personal spheres. Their power manifests itself not just instrumentally, but also structurally and discursively. It therefore challenges traditional assumptions underlying competition law. This chapter proposes a refined taxonomy of power and recommends a new vocabulary to adequately understand and respond to big tech's ‘Modern Bigness.

Can uptake of childhood influenza immunisation through schools and GP practices be increased through behaviourally-informed invitation letters and reminders: two pragmatic randomized controlled trials

Background: The UK is rolling out a national childhood influenza immunisation programme for children, delivered through primary care and schools. Behaviourally-informed letters and reminders have been successful at increasing uptake of other public health interventions. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a behaviourally-informed letter on uptake of the vaccine at GP practices, and of a letter and a reminder (SMS/ email) on uptake at schools. Methods and results: Study 1 was a cluster-randomised parallel trial of 21,786 two- and three-year olds in 250 GP practices, conducted during flu season (September to January inclusive) 2016/7. The intervention was a centrally-sent behaviourally-informed invitation letter, control was usual care. The proportion of two- and three-year olds in each practice who received a vaccination by 31st January 2017 was 23.4% in the control group compared to 37.1% in the intervention group (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.82, 2.05, p < 0.001). Study 2 was a 2 (behavioural letter vs standard letter) × 2 (reminder vs no reminder) factorial trial of 1108 primary schools which included 3010 school years 1–3. Letters were sent to parents from providers, and reminders sent to parents from the schools. In the standard-letter-no-reminder arm, an average of 61.6% of eligible children in each school year were vaccinated, compared to 61.9% in the behavioural-letter-no-reminder arm, 63.5% in the standard-letter-plus-reminder arm, and 62.9% in the behavioural-letter-plus reminder condition, F(3, 2990) = 2.68, p = 0.046. In a multi-level model, with demographic variables as fixed effects, the proportion of eligible students in the school year who were vaccinated increased with the reminder, β = 0.086 (0.041), p < 0.036, but there was no effect of the letter nor any interaction effect. Conclusion: Sending a behaviourally informed invitation letter can increase uptake of childhood influenza vaccines at the GP surgery compared to usual practice. A reminder SMS or email can increase uptake of the influenza vaccine in schools, but the effect size was minimal. Trial registration: Study 1: Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02921633. Study 2: Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02883972

Cardiomyocyte growth and sarcomerogenesis at the intercalated disc

Cardiomyocytes grow during heart maturation or disease-related cardiac remodeling. We present evidence that the intercalated disc (ID) is integral to both longitudinal and lateral growth: increases in width are accommodated by lateral extension of the plicate tread regions and increases in length by sarcomere insertion within the ID. At the margin between myofibril and the folded membrane of the ID lies a transitional junction through which the thin filaments from the last sarcomere run to the ID membrane and it has been suggested that this junction acts as a proto Z-disc for sarcomere addition. In support of this hypothesis, we have investigated the ultrastructure of the ID in mouse hearts from control and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) models, the MLP-null and a cardiac-specific β-catenin mutant, cΔex3, as well as in human left ventricle from normal and DCM samples. We find that the ID amplitude can vary tenfold from 0.2 μm up to a maximum of ~2 μm allowing gradual expansion during heart growth. At the greatest amplitude, equivalent to a sarcomere length, A-bands and thick filaments are found within the ID membrane loops together with a Z-disc, which develops at the transitional junction position. Here, also, the tops of the membrane folds, which are rich in αII spectrin, become enlarged and associated with junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum. Systematically larger ID amplitudes are found in DCM samples. Other morphological differences between mouse DCM and normal hearts suggest that sarcomere inclusion is compromised in the diseased hearts

A novel class of CoA-transferase involved in short-chain fatty acid metabolism in butyrate-producing human colonic bacteria

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Outcomes for children with acquired brain injury (ABI) admitted to acute neurorehabilitation

Aim:To evaluate an innovative paediatric neurorehabilitation model in relation to improving quality of neurorehabilitation and reducing length of stay (LOS) for children with acquired brain injury.Method:A process evaluation approach was conducted in line with Medical Research Council evaluation of complex interventions guidance. Analysis was conducted on routinely collected patient data from 2017 to 2018, including LOS and family feedback. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative analysis and qualitative data was analysed thematically.Results:Outcomes for 70 children (0–16y, median age 5y, IQR 1–11y, 46 males, 24 females) referred to the service indicated improved function and reduced complexity of need. The mean LOS was 10.6 days compared to baseline mean LOS of 41 days (2011–2012). High satisfaction from the families was recorded; however, ongoing needs and service gaps regarding long‐term support were identified.Interpretation:This service model is effective in delivering quality paediatric neurorehabilitation, demonstrating a sustained impact on LOS, and positive patient outcome data and family feedback for this group of patients

Going for GOLD! Greater Manchester Growing Older with Learning Disabilities: An inclusive research project to reduce social isolation amongst older adults with learning disabilities

This research was part of the Greater Manchester Growing Older with Learning Disabilities (GM GOLD) project, which was carried out by a team of 16 older people with learning disabilities. The aim was to reduce social isolation amongst older adults (aged 50+) with learning disabilities and to find out what makes somewhere an age-friendly place to live for older adults with learning disabilities. The team was supported by 'research buddies' from Manchester Metropolitan University and the partner organisations to conduct interviews and focus groups with 59 older people (aged 50-79 years) with learning disabilities from eight Greater Manchester areas (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Wigan). Later life transitions for people with learning disabilities are particularly disruptive, and they are at particular risk of social isolation and loneliness. People with learning disabilities have the same rights to relationships and to participate in the cultural life of the community as the rest of society. If society, neighbourhoods and communities do not become more inclusive of people with learning disabilities, in addition to the legal, moral and ethical implications, this is likely to result in additional demand for public services