Microbial oxidation of arsenite in a subarctic environment: diversity of arsenite oxidase genes and identification of a psychrotolerant arsenite oxidiser

Background: Arsenic is toxic to most living cells. The two soluble inorganic forms of arsenic are arsenite (+3) and arsenate (+5), with arsenite the more toxic. Prokaryotic metabolism of arsenic has been reported in both thermal and moderate environments and has been shown to be involved in the redox cycling of arsenic. No arsenic metabolism (either dissimilatory arsenate reduction or arsenite oxidation) has ever been reported in cold environments (i.e. < 10°C). Results: Our study site is located 512 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories, Canada in an inactive gold mine which contains mine waste water in excess of 50 mM arsenic. Several thousand tonnes of arsenic trioxide dust are stored in underground chambers and microbial biofilms grow on the chamber walls below seepage points rich in arsenite-containing solutions. We compared the arsenite oxidisers in two subsamples (which differed in arsenite concentration) collected from one biofilm. 'Species' (sequence) richness did not differ between subsamples, but the relative importance of the three identifiable clades did. An arsenite-oxidising bacterium (designated GM1) was isolated, and was shown to oxidise arsenite in the early exponential growth phase and to grow at a broad range of temperatures (4-25°C). Its arsenite oxidase was constitutively expressed and functioned over a broad temperature range. Conclusions: The diversity of arsenite oxidisers does not significantly differ from two subsamples of a microbial biofilm that vary in arsenite concentrations. GM1 is the first psychrotolerant arsenite oxidiser to be isolated with the ability to grow below 10°C. This ability to grow at low temperatures could be harnessed for arsenic bioremediation in moderate to cold climates

Practical ultrasonographic technique to precisely identify and differentiate tendons and ligaments of the elbow at the level of the humeral epicondyles: anatomical study.

To develop a practical step-by-step technique to precisely identify and differentiate tendons and ligaments attaching to the humeral epicondyles, to confirm through gross anatomical study the accurate structure identification provided by this technique and to determine the frequency at which each structure can be identified in healthy volunteers. First, ten fresh frozen cadavers (6 men, age at death = 58-92 years) were examined by two musculoskeletal radiologists and a step-by-step technique for the identification of tendons and ligaments at the level of humeral epicondyles was developed. Second, the accurate identification of structures was confirmed through gross anatomical study including anatomical sections on five specimens and layer-by-layer dissection technique on five others. Finally, 12 healthy volunteers (6 men, average age = 36, range = 28-52) were scanned by two radiologists following the same technique. An ultrasonographic technique based on the recognition of bony landmarks and the use of ultrasonographic signs to differentiate overlapping structures was developed and validated through gross anatomical study. In healthy volunteers, most tendons and ligaments were identified and well-defined in ≥ 80% of cases, except for the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digiti minimi tendons on the lateral epicondyle (having common attachments with the extensor digitorum communis) and the palmaris longus tendon on the medial epicondyle (absent, or common attachment with the flexor carpi radialis). A step-by-step approach to the ultrasonographic assessment of tendons and ligaments at the humeral epicondyles allowed accurate identification of and differentiation among these structures, in particular those relevant to pathological conditions

Lower limb stiffness estimation during running: the effect of using kinematic constraints in muscle force optimization algorithms

The focus of this paper is on the effect of muscle force optimization algorithms on the human lower limb stiffness estimation. By using a forward dynamic neuromusculoskeletal model coupled with a muscle short-range stiffness model we computed the human joint stiffness of the lower limb during running. The joint stiffness values are calculated using two different muscle force optimization procedures, namely: Toque-based and Torque/Kinematic-based algorithm. A comparison between the processed EMG signal and the corresponding estimated muscle forces with the two optimization algorithms is provided. We found that the two stiffness estimates are strongly influenced by the adopted algorithm. We observed different magnitude and timing of both the estimated muscle forces and joint stiffness time profile with respect to each gait phase, as function of the optimization algorithm used

The value of character-based judgement in the professional domain

Dimensions of character are often overlooked in professional practice at the expense of the development of technical competence and operational efficiency. Drawing on philosophical accounts of virtue ethics and positive psychology, the present work attempts to elevate the role of ‘good’ character in the professional domain. A ‘good’ professional is ideally one that exemplifies dimensions of character informed by sound judgement. A total of 2340 professionals, from five discrete professions, were profiled based on their valuation of qualities pertaining to character and judgement. Profile differences were subsequently examined in the self-reported experience of professional purpose towards a wider societal ‘good’. Analysis of covariance, controlling for stage of career, revealed that professionals valuing character reported higher professional purpose than those overweighting the importance of judgement or valuing neither character nor judgement, F(3, 2054) = 7.92, p < .001. No differences were found between the two groups valuing character, irrespective of whether judgement was valued simultaneously. This profiling analysis of entry-level and in-service professionals, based on their holistic character composition, paves the way for fresh philosophical discussion regarding what constitutes a ‘good’ professional and the interplay between character and judgement. The empirical findings may be of substantive value in helping to recognise how the dimensions of character and judgement may impact upon practitioners’ professional purpose

Pervasive and standalone computing: The perceptual effects of variable multimedia quality.

The introduction of multimedia on pervasive and mobile communication devices raises a number of perceptual quality issues, however, limited work has been done examining the 3-way interaction between use of equipment, quality of perception and quality of service. Our work measures levels of informational transfer (objective) and user satisfaction (subjective)when users are presented with multimedia video clips at three different frame rates, using four different display devices, simulating variation in participant mobility. Our results will show that variation in frame-rate does not impact a user’s level of information assimilation, however, does impact a users’ perception of multimedia video ‘quality’. Additionally, increased visual immersion can be used to increase transfer of video information, but can negatively affect the users’ perception of ‘quality’. Finally, we illustrate the significant affect of clip-content on the transfer of video, audio and textual information, placing into doubt the use of purely objective quality definitions when considering multimedia presentations

A Taylor Model Based Description of the proof stress of magnesium AZ31 during hot working

A series of hot-compression tests and Taylor-model simulations were carried out with the intention of developing a simple expression for the proof stress of magnesium alloy AZ31 during hot working. A crude approximation of wrought textures as a mixture of a single ideal texture component and a random background was employed. The shears carried by each deformation system were calculated using a full-constraint Taylor model for a selection of ideal orientations as well as for random textures. These shears, in combination with the measured proof stresses, were employed to estimate the critical resolved shear stresses for basal slip, prismatic slip, ⟨c+a⟩ second-order pyramidal slip, and { } twinning. The model thus established provides a semianalytical estimation of the proof stress (a one-off Taylor simulation is required) and also indicates whether or not twinning is expected. The approach is valid for temperatures between &sim;150 &deg;C and &sim;450 &deg;C, depending on the texture, strain rate, and strain path

What they want: Inclusion of Blood and Marrow Transplant Survivor Preference in the Development of Models of Care for Long-Term Health in Sydney, Australia

Highlights •We surveyed 441 allogeneic bone marrow transplantation survivors about their long-term care preference •Of the respondents, 44.9% indicated that they would prefer long-term follow-up with their transplantation physician alone •We found that 74% preferred care with the transplantation center and satellite clinics or telemedicine •The survey revealed that 53% indicated a preference for a single site location for long-term follow-up •Income, education status, and sexual morbidity were factors influencing care preference Abstract Four hundred forty-one adult allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) survivors participated in a cross-sectional survey to assess long-term follow-up (LTFU) model of care preference. Survey instruments included the Sydney Post BMT Survey, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-BMT, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21, the Chronic GVHD Activity Assessment—Patient Self Report (Form B), the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Scale and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. We found most BMT survivors (74%) would prefer LTFU with their transplantation physicians alone or in combination with transplantation center–linked services (satellite clinics or telemedicine) Over one-quarter indicated a preference for receiving comprehensive post-transplantation care in a “satellite” clinic staffed by their BMT team situated closer to their place of residence, with higher income, higher educational level, and sexual morbidity being significant social factors influencing this preference. Regular exercise was reported less often in those who preferred telemedicine, which may reflect reduced mobility. The factor most strongly associated with a preference for transplantation center follow-up was the severity of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Full- and part-time work were negatively associated with transplantation center follow-up, possibly implying decreased dependency on the center and some return to normalcy. This study is the first to explore the preferences of BMT survivors for long-term post-transplantation care. These data provides the basis for LTFU model of care development and health service reform consistent with the preferences of BMT survivors.funded by the New South Wales Agency for Clinical Innovation Blood and Marrow Transplant Network and supported by the Northern Blood Research Centre

Adherence to cancer screening guidelines in Australian survivors of allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (BMT)

Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) survivors are at high risk of secondary cancers. Although current guidelines endorse survivors following Country-specific general population screening recommendations to mitigate this risk, little is known about cancer screening adherence in Australian BMT survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 441 BMT survivors who were >1 year post transplant, to explore rates of screening for secondary cancers and to identify barriers to cancer screening recommendations. Survey instruments included the Sydney Post-BMT Survey, FACT-BMT, DASS 21, The Chronic Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) Activity Assessment–Patient Self-Report (Form B), the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Scale, Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale, and The Post Traumatic Growth Inventory. Fifty-seven percent of respondents were male, median age 54 years, and 40% were >6 years post-BMT. Rates of cancer screening adherence were as follows: cervical 63.4%, breast 53.3%, skin 52.4%, and bowel 32.3%. Older BMT survivors and those >2 years post transplant were more likely to undergo cancer screening. Improved quality of life was associated with screening for skin, breast, and cervical cancer. Fear of cancer recurrence negatively impacted on cervical screening. For those who had not undergone screening, the majority reported not being advised to do so by their treatment team. This study is the largest and most comprehensive to date exploring cancer screening adherence in BMT survivors in Australia. These data provide the basis for health service reform to better meet the needs of BMT survivors and provide evidence to support counseling and education of both patients and professionals. Keywords: Australia, blood and marrow transplant (BMT), cancer screening, late effects, secondary cancers, survivorsfunded by the New South Wales Agency for Clinical Innovation, Blood and Marrow Transplant Network and supported by the Northern Blood Research Centr

Primary caregivers’ perceptions of factors influencing preschool children’s oral health: social practices perspective—a protocol for qualitative metasynthesis

Introduction The role of primary caregivers in setting the foundation for a child’s oral health throughout life is well recognised. Due to the dominant behaviour-based approach, research to date has mainly focused on exploring individual primary caregivers’ oral health knowledge and behaviours. A social science approach involving social practice theories moves beyond individual attitudes, behaviour and choices to offer a better understanding of the ways in which collective activity relates to health. This qualitative metasynthesis will involve an interpretive synthesis of data found in published qualitative literature from developed countries. The aim of the metasynthesis is to identify social practices in families from published qualitative research with caregivers on preschool children’s oral health. Methods and analysis This is a protocol for qualitative metasynthesis. The following databases will be used: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health and Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (DOSS) using the web-based database search platform Ovid, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Scopus. The research team has determined search strategies by using relevant key terms. Qualitative studies published in English language on family factors related to preschool children (aged 0–5 years) from developed countries (2022 United Nations classification) will be included. Qualitative data analysis will involve thematic analysis of the reported factors influencing oral health of preschool children, from the perspective of social practice theory. Researchers will use NVivo software for organising and managing the data. Ethics and dissemination No ethics approval is required, as this study does not involve human subjects. Findings will be disseminated through professional networks, conference presentations and submission to a peer-reviewed journal

Adherence to cancer screening guidelines in Australian survivors of allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (BMT)

Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) survivors are at high risk of secondary cancers. Although current guidelines endorse survivors following Country-specific general population screening recommendations to mitigate this risk, little is known about cancer screening adherence in Australian BMT survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 441 BMT survivors who were >1 year post transplant, to explore rates of screening for secondary cancers and to identify barriers to cancer screening recommendations. Survey instruments included the Sydney Post-BMT Survey, FACT-BMT, DASS 21, The Chronic Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) Activity Assessment–Patient Self-Report (Form B), the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Scale, Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale, and The Post Traumatic Growth Inventory. Fifty-seven percent of respondents were male, median age 54 years, and 40% were >6 years post-BMT. Rates of cancer screening adherence were as follows: cervical 63.4%, breast 53.3%, skin 52.4%, and bowel 32.3%. Older BMT survivors and those >2 years post transplant were more likely to undergo cancer screening. Improved quality of life was associated with screening for skin, breast, and cervical cancer. Fear of cancer recurrence negatively impacted on cervical screening. For those who had not undergone screening, the majority reported not being advised to do so by their treatment team. This study is the largest and most comprehensive to date exploring cancer screening adherence in BMT survivors in Australia. These data provide the basis for health service reform to better meet the needs of BMT survivors and provide evidence to support counseling and education of both patients and professionals. Keywords: Australia, blood and marrow transplant (BMT), cancer screening, late effects, secondary cancers, survivorsfunded by the New South Wales Agency for Clinical Innovation, Blood and Marrow Transplant Network and supported by the Northern Blood Research Centr