The effect of molybdenum, iron and sulphur on copper metabolism and physiology of sheep

Four experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of the dietary antagonists molybdenum (Mo) or iron (Fe) on copper (Cu) metabolism and physiology of sheep. In experiment 1, dietary Mo or Fe was provided in diets of Charollais cross growing lambs to investigate the effects on Cu status and performance. Dietary Mo or Fe had no effect on lamb performance but there were significant effects on Cu status. Plasma copper (Pl-Cu) concentrations were significantly higher in lambs that received dietary Mo (P<0.001) and ceruloplasmin (CP) activities were significantly lower (P<0.01) in lambs that received dietary Mo. Dietary Mo significantly altered the CP:Pl-Cu ratio in addition to significantly reducing liver Cu concentrations. No clinical symptoms were observed. In experiment 2, the effect of dietary Mo or Fe on immune responses of Charollais cross growing lambs were investigated. Cell mediated and humoral immunity were not affected by dietary treatment despite liver Cu concentrations being significantly lower (P<0.001) in lambs fed dietary Mo. In experiment 3, dietary Mo or Fe was provided in diets to Charollais cross growing lambs to investigate the effects on Cu status and trace element accumulation in the pituitary, ovary, cerebellum and liver. In addition, effects on pituitary function and ovary morphology were investigated. Dietary Mo significantly (P<0.001) reduced Cu concentrations in the liver in addition to significantly increasing (P<0.001) Mo concentration in the liver and ovary. Dietary Mo was found to significantly increase retention of ACTH in the pituitary gland. There were no conclusive effects of dietary treatment on pituitary or ovary histology. In experiment 4, dietary Mo or Fe was provided in the diets of Scottish Blackface wethers to determine the effects on Cu status and hepatic CP mRNA expression. CP mRNA expression was found to be unaffected by dietary treatment. These studies confirmed that dietary Mo was a more potent antagonist on Cu metabolism and physiology in sheep than dietary Fe

Fatigue in fibromyalgia: a conceptual model informed by patient interviews

Abstract Background Fatigue is increasingly recognized as an important symptom in fibromyalgia (FM). Unknown however is how fatigue is experienced by individuals in the context of FM. We conducted qualitative research in order to better understand aspects of fatigue that might be unique to FM as well as the impact it has on patients' lives. The data obtained informed the development of a conceptual model of fatigue in FM. Methods Open-ended interviews were conducted with 40 individuals with FM (US [n = 20], Germany [n = 10] and France [n = 10]). Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative methods based upon grounded theory to identify key themes and concepts. Results Participants were mostly female (70%) with a mean age of 48.7 years (range: 25-79). Thirty-one individuals (i.e., 77.5%) spontaneously described experiencing tiredness/lack of energy/fatigue due to FM. Participants discussed FM fatigue as being more severe, constant/persistent and unpredictable than normal tiredness. The conceptual model depicts the key elements of fatigue in FM from a patient perspective. This includes: an overwhelming feeling of tiredness (n = 17, 42.5%), not relieved by resting/sleeping (n = 15, 37.5%), not proportional to effort exerted (n = 25, 62.5%), associated with a feeling of weakness/heaviness (n = 20, 50%), interferes with motivation (n = 22, 55%), interferes with desired activities (n = 27, 67.5%), prolongs tasks (n = 15, 37.5%), and makes it difficult to concentrate (n = 21, 52.5%), think clearly (n = 12, 30%) or remember things (n = 9, 22.5%). Conclusion The majority of individuals with FM who participated in this study experience fatigue and describe it as more severe than normal tiredness.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/112483/1/12891_2010_Article_962.pd

Recreating daylight for readability assessments of in-vehicle displays

This paper describes the early stages of research into defining daylight scenarios encountered by vehicles and outlining which are the worst-case situations with respect to display readability. The main objective of the research is to design a facility capable of recreating a wide range of daylight scenarios to perform controlled, repeatable and reproducible readability assessments within automotive vehicles. This will be achieved through sky luminance mapping, display readability assessments under real skies and investigations into daylighting technologies

Monocytes Expose Factor XIII-A and Stabilize Thrombi against Fibrinolytic Degradation

Acknowledgments: We acknowledge the University of Aberdeen Microscopy and Histology Facility and the Iain Fraser Cytometry for use of facilities and advice. Funding: The work presented here was funded the University of Aberdeen Development Trust and by project grants from Friend of Anchor (RS2015 006), the British Heart Foundation (PG/15/82/31721), Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau (KFMCS74) and a British Heart Foundation Fellowship (FS/11/2/28579) awarded to N.J.M.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Expression of an anti-CD4 single-chain antibody fragment from the donor cornea can prolong corneal allograft survival in inbred rats

To investigate whether expression of an anti-CD4 antibody fragment (scFv) by a lentivector-transduced donor cornea can prolong rat corneal allograft survival. Methods Inbred Fischer 344 rats received penetrating corneal allografts from Wistar-Furth donors after a 3 h transduction of the donor cornea with a lentivector carrying anti-CD4scFv cDNA (Lv-CD4scFv), a lentivector carrying the reporter gene-enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (LV-eYFP), or an adenoviral vector carrying anti-CD4 scFv cDNA (Ad-CD4scFv). Unmodified controls were also performed. Graft survival was assessed by corneal clarity, and rejection was confirmed histologically. Results In organ-cultured corneas, expression of anti-CD4 scFv was detected at 2 days post-transduction with the adenoviral vector, compared with 5 days post-transduction with the lentivector, and was 10-fold higher than the former. More inflammation was observed in Ad-CD4scFv-modified allografts than in Lv-CD4scFv-modified grafts at 15 days postsurgery (p=0.01). The median time to rejection for unmodified, LV-eYFP and Ad-CD4scFv grafts was day 17, compared with day 22 for Lv-CD4scFv grafts (p≤0.018). Conclusion Donor corneas transduced with a lentiviral vector carrying anti-CD4scFv cDNA showed a modest but significant prolongation in graft survival compared with unmodified, Lv-eYFP and Ad-CD4scFv grafts. However, rejection still occurred in all Lv-CD4scFv grafts, indicating that sensitisation may have been delayed but was not prevented.Australian National Health & Medical Research Council and the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia

Using a runway paradigm to assess the relative strength of rats' motivations for enrichment objects

Laboratory animals should be provided with enrichment objects in their cages; however, it is first necessary to test whether the proposed enrichment objects provide benefits that increase the animals’ welfare. The two main paradigms currently used to assess proposed enrichment objects are the choice test, which is limited to determining relative frequency of choice, and consumer demand studies, which can indicate the strength of a preference but are complex to design. Here, we propose a third methodology: a runway paradigm, which can be used to assess the strength of an animal’s motivation for enrichment objects, is simpler to use than consumer demand studies, and is faster to complete than typical choice tests. Time spent with objects in a standard choice test was used to rank several enrichment objects in order to compare with the ranking found in our runway paradigm. The rats ran significantly more times, ran faster, and interacted longer with objects with which they had previously spent the most time. It was concluded that this simple methodology is suitable for measuring rats’ motivation to reach enrichment objects. This can be used to assess the preference for different types of enrichment objects or to measure reward system processes

Colorectal polyp outcomes after participation in the seAFOod polyp prevention trial: Evidence of rebound elevated colorectal polyp risk after short-term aspirin use

BACKGROUND: The seAFOod polyp prevention trial was a randomised, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial of aspirin 300 mg and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 2000 mg daily in individuals who had a screening colonoscopy in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP). Aspirin treatment was associated with a 20% reduction in colorectal polyp number at BCSP surveillance colonoscopy 12 months later. It is unclear what happens to colorectal polyp risk after short-term aspirin use. AIM: To investigate colorectal polyp risk according to the original trial treatment allocation, up to 6 years after trial participation. METHODS: All seAFOod trial participants were scheduled for further BCSP surveillance and provided informed consent for the collection of colonoscopy outcomes. We linked BCSP colonoscopy data to trial outcomes data. RESULTS: In total, 507 individuals underwent one or more colonoscopies after trial participation. Individuals grouped by treatment allocation were well matched for clinical characteristics, follow-up duration and number of surveillance colonoscopies. The polyp detection rate (PDR; the number of individuals who had ≥1 colorectal polyp detected) after randomization to placebo aspirin was 71.1%. The PDR was 80.1% for individuals who had received aspirin (odds ratio [OR] 1.13 [95% confidence interval 1.02, 1.24]; p = 0.02). There was no difference in colorectal polyp outcomes between individuals who had been allocated to EPA compared with its placebo (OR for PDR 1.00 [0.91, 1.10]; p = 0.92). CONCLUSION: Individuals who received aspirin in the seAFOod trial demonstrated increased colorectal polyp risk during post-trial surveillance. Rebound elevated neoplastic risk after short-term aspirin use has important implications for aspirin cessation driven by age-related bleeding risk. ISRCTN05926847

Development of an evidence-based complex intervention for community rehabilitation of patients with hip fracture using realist review, survey and focus groups

Objectives To develop an evidence and theory-based complex intervention for improving outcomes in elderly patients following hip fracture. Design Complex-intervention development (Medical Research Council (MRC) framework phase I) using realist literature review, surveys and focus groups of patients and rehabilitation teams. Setting North Wales. Participants Surveys of therapy managers (n=13), community and hospital-based physiotherapists (n=129) and occupational therapists (n=68) throughout the UK. Focus groups with patients (n=13), their carers (n=4) and members of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams in North Wales (n=13). Results The realist review provided understanding of how rehabilitation interventions work in the realworld context and three programme theories were developed: improving patient engagement by tailoring the intervention to individual needs; reducing fear of falling and improving self-efficacy to exercise and perform activities of daily living; and coordination of rehabilitation delivery. The survey provided context about usual rehabilitation practice; focus groups provided data on the experience, acceptability and feasibility of rehabilitation interventions. An intervention to enhance usual rehabilitation was developed to target these theory areas comprising: a physical component consisting of six additional therapy sessions; and a psychological component consisting of a workbook to enhance self-efficacy and a patient-held goal-setting diary for self-monitoring. Conclusions A realist approach may have advantages in the development of evidence-based interventions and can be used in conjunction with other established methods to contribute to the development of potentially more effective interventions. A rehabilitation intervention was developed which can be tested in a future randomised controlled trial (MRC framework phases II and III)

Effects of daily consumption of wild blueberry on cognition and urinary metabolites in school‑aged children: a pilot study

Purpose: Acute intervention with wild blueberry (WBB) has previously revealed positive cognitive and mood effects in typically developing children; however, it is unclear whether effects persist after daily supplementation. In addition, no data have been published exploring the metabolite profiles of children following berry consumption, to our knowledge. A study of this kind could provide insight into a mechanism of action for the cognitive and mood improvements observed previously in children. The aim of this pilot study was to assess cognitive performance and urinary metabolite concentrations in healthy 7–10-year-old children across a 4 week daily WBB drink intervention. Methods: This pilot study examined the effects of daily WBB consumption for 4 weeks (766 mg total polyphenols; 253 mg anthocyanins; equivalent to 240 g fresh blueberries per day) on cognition and mood in 15 healthy 7–10-year-old children. Polyphenol metabolites were measured in 24 h urine before and after the 4 week intervention. Results: Chronic WBB-related benefits were seen on cognitively demanding trials on the modified attention network task, a task measuring executive functioning. Specifically, the WBB group maintained significantly higher accuracy on incongruent trials (96%; SE 0.03) compared with placebo participants (85%; SE 0.03; p=0.038) after the 4 week intervention, suggesting WBB was of most benefit on the more difficult aspects of the task. No significant WBB-related effects were observed on the auditory verbal learning task or the child’s version of the positive and negative affect schedule. Urinary metabolite analyses indicated significant increases in different metabolites in WBB and placebo groups after 4 week consumption. Conclusion: The research demonstrates 24 h WBB bioavailability in a child cohort for the first time with increases in urinary hippuric acid excretion during 2 week daily WBB consumption. This study highlights the importance of conducting a larger study in children investigating the mechanism of action behind cognitive effects using bioavailability data

Verbatim Theater: Prompting Reflection and Discussion about Healthcare Culture as a Means of Promoting Culture Change

Problem: The mistreatment of medical and nursing students and junior health professionals has been reported internationally in research and the media. Mistreatment can be embedded and normalized in hierarchical healthcare workplaces, limiting the effectiveness of policies and reporting tools to generate change; as a result, some of those who experience mistreatment later perpetuate it. We used a novel, creative approach, verbatim theater, to highlight the complexity of healthcare workplaces, encourage critical reflection, and support long-term culture change. Intervention: Verbatim theater is a theater-for-change documentary genre in which a playscript is devised using only the words spoken by informants. In 2017, 30 healthcare students and health professionals were recruited and interviewed about their experience of work and training by the multidisciplinary Sydney Arts and Health Collective using semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts became the primary material from which the script for the verbatim theater play ‘Grace Under Pressure’ was developed. The performing arts have previously been used to develop the communication skills of health professional students; this esthetic expression of the real-life effects of healthcare workplace culture on trainees and students was implemented to stimulate consciousness of, and dialogue about, workplace mistreatment in healthcare work and training. Context: The play premiered at a major Sydney theater in October 2017, attended by the lay public and student and practicing health professionals. In November 2017, three focus groups were held with a sample of audience members comprising healthcare professionals and students. These focus groups explored the impact of the play on reflection and discussion of healthcare culture and/or promoting culture change in the health workplace. We analyzed the focus group data using theoretical thematic analysis, informed by Turner’s theory of the relation between ‘social’ and ‘esthetic’ drama to understand the impact of the play on its audience. Impact: Focus group members recognized aspects of their personal experience of professionalism, training, and workplace culture in the play, Grace Under Pressure. They reported that the play’s use of real-life stories and authentic language facilitated their critical reflection. Participants constructed some learning as ‘revelation,’ in which the play enabled them to gain significant new insight into the culture of health care and opened up discussions with colleagues. As a result, participants suggested possible remedies for unhealthy aspects of the culture, including systemic issues of bullying and harassment. A small number of participants critiqued aspects of the play they believed did not adequately reflect their experience, with some believing that the play over-emphasized workplace mistreatment. Lessons Learned: Verbatim theater is a potent method for making personal experiences of healthcare workplace and training culture more visible to lay and health professional audiences. In line with Turner’s theory, the play’s use of real-life stories and authentic language enabled recognition of systemic challenges in healthcare workplaces by training and practicing health professionals in the audience. Verbatim theater provides a means to promote awareness and discussion of difficult social issues and potential means of addressing them