Implementing implementation science in a randomized controlled trial in Norwegian early childhood education and care

The emerging interest in implementation processes in the social, health, and educational sciences has increased the recognition of implementation science. Still, the literature provides limited practical insights on how to successfully develop and conduct interventions within educational settings in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in line with implementation science. This paper uses the Agder RCT study to provide such insights. We describe how the theory of change and implementation framework supported systematic tailoring and implementation of a new Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) intervention. The paper contributes to the emerging use of implementation science in education in general, and more specifically in ECEC. Finally, we discuss how implementation science also needs to be utilized during the upscaling of the project.publishedVersio

Mapping solar irradiance within Schrödinger Basin for future robotic sample return missions

The US National Research Council (NRC) identified eight scientific concepts and thirty-five prioritized investigations to be addressed with continued lunar exploration. These objectives are broadly consistent with those identified throughout the international community. the majority of these objectives require sample return from the Moon. Schrödinger basin has been highlighted as a particularly attractive location to find suitable samples

Structure-based stabilization of insulin as a therapeutic protein assembly via enhanced aromatic-aromatic interactions

Key contributions to protein structure and stability are provided by weakly polar interactions, which arise from asymmetric electronic distributions within amino acids and peptide bonds. Of particular interest are aromatic side chains whose directional π-systems commonly stabilize protein interiors and interfaces. Here, we consider aromatic-aromatic interactions within a model protein assembly: the dimer interface of insulin. Semi-classical simulations of aromatic-aromatic interactions at this interface suggested that substitution of residue TyrB26 by Trp would preserve native structure while enhancing dimerization (and hence hexamer stability). The crystal structure of a [TrpB26]insulin analog (determined as a T3Rf3 zinc hexamer at a resolution of 2.25 Å) was observed to be essentially identical to that of WT insulin. Remarkably and yet in general accordance with theoretical expectations, spectroscopic studies demonstrated a 150-fold increase in the in vitro lifetime of the variant hexamer, a critical pharmacokinetic parameter influencing design of long-acting formulations. Functional studies in diabetic rats indeed revealed prolonged action following subcutaneous injection. The potency of the TrpB26-modified analog was equal to or greater than an unmodified control. Thus, exploiting a general quantum-chemical feature of protein structure and stability, our results exemplify a mechanism-based approach to the optimization of a therapeutic protein assembly

Evaluation of the effects of Aegle marmelos and Punica granatum in an experimental model of gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction

Background: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Aegle marmelos and Punica granatum in an experimental model of gastrointestinal barrier dysfunction induced by common bile duct ligation.Methods: Institutional animal ethics committee approval was obtained. Forty two Wistar rats (either sex, 150-250 gms) divided into seven groups (n=six/group), were subjected to sham operation (group 1) or bile duct ligation (groups 2-7) and treated with distilled water (groups 1 and 2); 0.75mg/kg glutamine (group 3); 0.27 g/kg and 0.54 g/kg of A. marmelos (groups 4 and 5); 3.6 g/kg and 7.2 g/kg P. granatum (groups 6 and 7) orally once daily for 10 days. On Day 11, animals were sacrificed and samples of the jejunum, ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes were obtained to study jejunal and ileal villous morphology, villous heights, jejunal mucosal sucrase enzyme activity and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes.Results: Glutamine prevented blunting of the intestinal villi, bacterial translocation and a fall in the sucrase enzyme activity. Both the plant drugs prevented blunting of the villi (except low dose A. marmelos for ileal villi) and a fall in the villous heights (except low dose P. granatum for jejunal villi), decreased the bacterial translocation (except low dose A. marmelos), and prevented a fall in the sucrase enzyme activity when compared to the disease control. The high doses of both A. marmelos and P. granatum were comparable to glutamine for all the variables tested.Conclusions: Both A. marmelos and P. granatum maintained the gastrointestinal barrier function in this model

Can We Do Away With PTBD?

Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) is performed in surgical jaundice to decompress the biliary tree and improve hepatic functions. However, the risk of sepsis is high in these patients due to immunosuppression and surgical outcome remains poor. This raises a question—can we do away with PTBD? To answer this query a study was carried out in 4 groups of patients bearing in mind the high incidence of sepsis and our earlier studies, which have demonstrated immunotherapeutic potential of Tinospora cordifolia (TC): (A) those undergoing surgery without PTBD (n = 14), (B) those undergoing surgery after PTBD (n = 13). The mortality was 57.14% in Group A as compared to 61.54% in Group B. Serial estimations of bilirubin levels carried out during the course of drainage (3 Wks) revealed a gradual and significant decrease from 12.52 ± 8.3 mg% to 5.85 ± 3.0 mg%. Antipyrine half-life did not change significantly (18.35 ± 4.2 hrs compared to basal values 21.96 ± 3.78 hrs). The phagocytic and intracellular killing (ICK) capacities of PMN remained suppressed (Basal: 22.13 ± 3.68% phago, and 19.1 ± 4.49% ICK; Post drainage: 20 ± 8.48% Phago and 11.15 ± 3.05% ICK). Thus PTBD did not improve the metabolic capacity ofthe liver and mortality was higher due to sepsis. Group (C) patientg received TC during PTBD (n = 16) and Group (D) patients received TC without PTBD (n = 14). A significant improvement in PMN functions occurred by 3 weeks in both groups (30.29 ± 4.68% phago, 30 ± 4.84% ICK in Group C and 30.4 ± 2.99% phago, 27.15 ± 6.19% ICK in Group D). The mortality in Groups C and D was 25% and 14.2% respectively during the preoperative period. There was no mortality after surgery. It appears from this study that host defenses as reflected by PMN functions play an important role in influencing prognosis. Further decompression of the biliary tree by PTBD seems unwarranted

Valuing indigenous cattle breeds in Kenya: An empirical comparison of stated and revealed preference value estimates

In this study we compare revealed and stated-preference approaches to value live-stock traits of cattle in Kenya. The premise is that much can be learnt about non-market values of indigenous animal genetic resources (AnGRs) from the use of multi-attribute stated-preference methods, if these compare well with revealed-preference results. The objective is to investigate the performance of choice experiments (CEs) in Maasai cattle trading, by conducting an external test of preference consistency. This involves comparing value estimates for cattle attributes derived from CEs data with those obtained using a hedonic analysis of actual transactions by the same population of traders, in the same markets and over the same period. If CEs perform well, they can be used to investigate values of those genetically-determined livestock traits currently not prominent in pastoralists' populations, but desirable candidates for breeding or conservation programmes (e.g. disease resistance). It is argued that these methods are important in developing countries where livestock are kept for economic reasons and for cultural and risk management functions which are critical to livelihood strategies, but not valued by markets. The results indicate that CEs estimates pass the external test and appear to be adequately precise in estimating values for cattle traits that are relevant in market transactions for Maasai traders. They may be, therefore, a promising tool for valuing phenotypic traits expressed by indigenous AnGRs

Proof firm downsizing and diagnosis-specific disability pensioning in Norway

<br>Background: We wanted to investigate if firm downsizing is related to an increased rate of disability pensions among the former employed, especially for those with musculoskeletal and psychiatric diagnoses, and for those having to leave the firm.</br> <br>Methods: Statistics Norway provided a linked file with demographic information and all social security grants from the National Insurance Administration for 1992–2004 for all inhabitants in Norway. Our sample was aged 30–55 years in 1995, being alive, employed and not having a disability pension at the end of 2000. Downsizing was defined as percent change in number of employed per firm from 1995 to end 2000. Employment data were missing for 25.6% of the sample.</br> <br>Results: Disability pension rates in the next four years were 25% higher for those experiencing a 30-59% downsizing than for those not experiencing a reduction of the workforce. 1-29% and 60-100% downsizing did not have this effect. Stayers following down-sizing had higher disability pension rates than leavers. What we have called complex musculoskeletal and psychiatric diagnoses were relatively most common.</br> <br>Conclusion: Moderate downsizing is followed by a significant increase in disability pension rates in the following four years, often with complex musculoskeletal and psychiatric diagnoses.</br&gt

Options for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of research capacity for livestock genetics in, and for, sub-Saharan Africa

SummaryAnimal breeding for increased productivity over the past 50 to 60 years has been very successful in terms of increasing growth rate, milk yield and egg production in most livestock producing regions of the world (Rauwet al., 1998). However, this success has not registered that well in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Ironically, just like most developing regions, SSA is faced with the challenge to increase rapidly the agricultural productivity to help feed their growing human populations without depleting the natural resource base (Rege, 2005). Genetic improvement of livestock depends on access to genetic variation and effective methods for exploiting this variation (Rege, 2005). This is where human capacity and infrastructure for decision-support systems in animal breeding are required. This paper provides a synthesis of views from a cross-section of livestock production experts working in SSA. These views were collated through an e-conference which was held from 8th March to 20th April 2011. The e-conference discussed future research and development (R&amp;amp;D) needs for animal breeding and genetics in SSA and how they can be met. The e-conference attracted 43 participants from 17 countries. Results from the e-conference demonstrated that the R&amp;amp;D institutions and infrastructure in SSA vary widely in terms of both the physical and human capacity. Equally varied is the level of utilization of these institutions. In terms of training in Animal Breeding and Genetics, although most universities/colleges have programmes in Animal Science and teach animal breeding and genetics, there are very few practicing animal breeders. Lack of mentorship programmes and collaboration, and in some cases lack of appropriate jobs, continue to contribute to this ‘leaking pipeline’ phenomenon. The following is a summary of the consensus stemming from the conference on how the efficiency and effectiveness of livestock genetic improvement in SSA could be enhanced. First, the need to augment the approach that promotes animal breeding and genetics as part of a wider agriculture and rural development system, second, collaboration both within Africa and with those in the Diaspora should be further tapped into and utilized as a source of capacity for R&amp;amp;D and third, initiative of sharing resources and research platforms such as pooling data for genetic analysis from across institutions, and even across countries, should be encouraged in case where this is advantageous to do so.</jats:p

Celastrus paniculatus and memantine prevent alcohol dependence and improve decision making in alcohol dependent C57BL6 mice

Background: Alcohol use disorder poses a huge burden with only a handful of approved drugs. AUD is associated with impaired decision-making that leads to compulsive drinking despite negative consequences. A drug that decreases alcohol consumption as well as improves decision-making may thus prove more useful. This study was planned to evaluate the effect of two drugs, Celastrus paniculatus and memantine on alcohol preference and decision impairment in alcohol-dependent mice. Methods: In part 1, the effect of both the study drugs on alcohol consumption was studied using intermittent access model in 70 male C57BL6 mice. In part 2, effect of drugs on decision making was studied using the rodent version of Iowa gambling task. Mice were divided in seven study groups: Group 1-3: Celastrus paniculatus (140, 280, and 560 mg/kg), Group 4: memantine (25 mg/kg), Group 5: vehicle control 1 (Milk), Group 6: vehicle control 2 (normal saline) and Group 7: naltrexone(1mg/kg). Results: Percentage alcohol preference was lower in test groups i.e., Celastrus paniculatus at medium (40.90±15.18%) and high doses (31.79±7.46%) vs. milk (82.74±8.53%; p&lt;0.05); and in memantine group (36.28±10.99%) vs. normal saline (83.27±5.51%; p&lt;0.05). The results were not significantly different to Naltrexone (19.70±6.90%). Percentage preference to disadvantageous arms was also lower in Celastrus paniculatus, at medium (50.52±1.92%) and high doses (48.11±2.43%) compared to milk (54.47±2.73%; p&lt;0.05) and memantine (47.45±1.67%) compared to normal saline (54.00±2.73%; p&lt;0.05), indicating better decision-making ability in the test groups. The findings were comparable to Naltrexone group (45.43±2.52%). Conclusions: These results indicate that Celastrus paniculatus and memantine reduce alcohol consumption and improve decision making in alcohol-dependent mice

A study of vitamin B<SUB>12</SUB> protection in experimental liver injury to the rat by carbon tetrachloride

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