Shift in the isoelectric-point of milk proteins as a consequence of adaptive divergence between the milks of mammalian species

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Milk proteins are required to proceed through a variety of conditions of radically varying <it>pH</it>, which are not identical across mammalian digestive systems. We wished to investigate if the shifts in these requirements have resulted in marked changes in the isoelectric point and charge of milk proteins during evolution.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We investigated nine major milk proteins in 13 mammals. In comparison with a group of orthologous non-milk proteins, we found that 3 proteins κ-casein, lactadherin, and muc1 have undergone the highest change in isoelectric point during evolution. The pattern of non-synonymous substitutions indicate that selection has played a role in the isoelectric point shift, since residues that show significant evidence of positive selection are much more likely to be charged (p = 0.03 for κ-casein; p < 10^-8for muc1). However, this selection does not appear to be solely due to adaptation to the diversity of mammalian digestive systems, since striking changes are seen among species that resemble each other in terms of their digestion.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The changes in charge are most likely due to changes of other protein functions, rather than an adaptation to the different mammalian digestive systems. These functions may include differences in bioactive peptide releases in the gut between different mammals, which are known to be a major contributing factor in the functional and nutritional value of mammalian milk. This raises the question of whether bovine milk is optimal in terms of particular protein functions, for human nutrition and possibly disease resistance.</p> <p><it>This article was reviewed by Fyodor Kondrashov, David Liberles (nominated by David Ardell), and Christophe Lefevre (nominated by Mark Ragan).</it></p

Configurational analysis of uranium-doped thorium dioxide

While thorium dioxide is already used industrially in high temperature applications, more insight is needed about the behaviour of the material as part of a mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel, incorporating uranium. We have developed a new interatomic potential model, commensurate with a prominent existing UO2 potential, to conduct configurational analyses of uranium-doped ThO2 supercells. Using the GULP and Site Occupancy Disorder (SOD) computational codes, we have analysed the distribution of low concentrations of uranium in the bulk material, but have not observed the formation of uranium clusters or a single dominant configuration

Theoretical analysis of uranium-doped thorium dioxide: Introduction of a thoria force field with explicit polarization

Thorium dioxide is used industrially in high temperature applications, but more insight is needed into the behavior of the material as part of a mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel, incorporating uranium. We have developed a new interatomic potential model including polarizability via a shell model, and commensurate with a prominent existing UO2 potential, to conduct configurational analyses and to investigate the thermophysical properties of uranium-doped ThO2. Using the GULP and Site Occupancy Disorder (SOD) computational codes, we have analyzed the distribution of low concentrations of uranium in the bulk material, where we have not observed the formation of uranium clusters or the dominance of a single preferred configuration. We have calculated thermophysical properties of pure thorium dioxide and Th(1−x)UxO2 which generated values in very good agreement with experimental data

Community-based physical activity interventions for adolescents and adults with complex cerebral palsy : A scoping review

Aim To identify implementation strategies and safety outcomes (adverse events) of community-based physical activity interventions for adolescents and adults with complex cerebral palsy (CP). Method Five electronic databases were systematically searched to April 2022. Data were extracted on the implementation and safety of physical activity interventions for adolescents and adults with CP, classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V, delivered in a community setting. Results Seventeen studies with 262 participants (160 participants classified in GMFCS levels IV or V) were included. Community settings included schools (n = 4), participants' homes (n = 3), gymnasia (n = 2), swimming pools (n = 2), and other settings (n = 4). Most studies specified medical or safety exclusion criteria. Implementation strategies included pre-exercise screening, use of adapted equipment, familiarization sessions, supervision, physical assistance, and physiological monitoring. Attendance was high and attrition low. Nine studies reported non-serious, expected, and related events. Four studies reported minor soreness and four studies reported minor fatigue post-exercise. Serious adverse events related to exercise were infrequent (reported for 4 of 160 participants [<2%]: three participants withdrew from an exercise programme and one participant ceased exercise for a short period). Most frequently reported was pain, requiring temporary exercise cessation or programme change, or study withdrawal (three participants). Interpretation For most adolescents and adults with CP classified in GMFCS levels IV and V, physical activity interventions can be safely performed in a community setting, without post-exercise pain or fatigue, or serious adverse events

Are weekend inpatient rehabilitation services value for money? An economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial with a 30 day follow up

BACKGROUND: Providing additional Saturday rehabilitation can improve functional independence and health related quality of life at discharge and it may reduce patient length of stay, yet the economic implications are not known. The aim of this study was to determine from a health service perspective if the provision of rehabilitation to inpatients on a Saturday in addition to Monday to Friday was cost effective compared to Monday to Friday rehabilitation alone. METHODS: Cost utility and cost effectiveness analyses were undertaken alongside a multi-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial with a 30-day follow up after discharge. Participants were adults admitted for inpatient rehabilitation in two publicly funded metropolitan rehabilitation facilities. The control group received usual care rehabilitation services from Monday to Friday and the intervention group received usual care plus an additional rehabilitation service on Saturday. Incremental cost utility ratio was reported as cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained and an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was reported as cost for a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in functional independence. RESULTS: 996 patients (mean age 74 (standard deviation 13) years) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 496) or the control group (n = 500). Mean difference in cost of AUD$1,673 (95$41,825 (95% CI -2,817 to 74,620) per QALY gained for the intervention group. The ICER found a saving of AUD$16,003 (95% CI -3,074 to 87,361) in achieving a MCID in functional independence for the intervention group. If the willingness to pay per QALY gained or for a MCID in functional independence was zero dollars the probability of the intervention being cost effective was 96% and 95%, respectively. A sensitivity analysis removing Saturday penalty rates did not significantly alter the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: From a health service perspective, the provision of rehabilitation to inpatients on a Saturday in addition to Monday to Friday, compared to Monday to Friday rehabilitation alone, is likely to be cost saving per QALY gained and for a MCID in functional independence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry November 2009 ACTRN1260900097321

A systematic review of the psychometric properties of Quality of Life measures for school aged children with cerebral palsy

Background: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties and clinical utility of all condition specific outcome measures used to assess quality of life (QOL) in school aged children with cerebral palsy (CP)

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiative 2011 Evaluation Report

This report contextualizes Missouri’s tobacco control environment, summarizes the Tobacco prevention and Cessation Initiative (TPCI) evaluation findings for 2011, and provides highlights of the Initiative’s evaluation data to date (2005-2011).https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/cphss/1023/thumbnail.jp

Supports and barriers to implementation of routine clinical assessment for children with cerebral palsy: A mixed-methods study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate supports and barriers to evidence-based routine clinical assessment of children with cerebral palsy. Method: This mixed methods study included physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists providing services to children with cerebral palsy (3–18 years) within five organizations across Australia. Four organizations initiated standardized routine clinical data collection (Commencing organizations), and one had previously mandated routine assessment (Comparison organization). Participants completed the Supports and Barriers Questionnaire (n = 227) and participated in focus groups (n = 8 groups, 37 participants). Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, qualitative data were analyzed thematically and comparisons between organizations assessed. Results: Organizational structures, resources, therapists within organizations, assessment tools, and children and families were, on average, viewed as supportive of routine clinical assessment. There were no differences between the Comparison and Commencing organizations except ‘therapists within the organization’ were viewed as more supportive by the Commencing organizations (p = 0.037). Five themes were derived from qualitative analyzes: motivation to adopt routine clinical assessment; acquiring and utilizing expertise; ensuring effective ongoing communication; availability and distribution of resources; and therapist perceptions of child and family wishes. Conclusions: Organizations experience challenges to effective and sustained implementation of routine clinical assessment. Adequate resourcing and positive, clear communication were perceived as critical for success

Configurational analysis of uranium-doped thorium dioxide

While thorium dioxide is already used industrially in high temperature applications, more insight is needed about the behaviour of the material as part of a mixed-oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel, incorporating uranium. We have developed a new interatomic potential model, commensurate with a prominent existing UO2 potential, to conduct configurational analyses of uranium-doped ThO2 supercells. Using the GULP and Site Occupancy Disorder (SOD) computational codes, we have analysed the distribution of low concentrations of uranium in the bulk material, but have not observed the formation of uranium clusters or a single dominant configuration