The economic contribution of recreational fishing: Waterville, Co. Kerry. ESRI Research Bulletin 2017/11

This research evaluates the local economic benefit arising from recreational angling tourism in Waterville, Co. Kerry. Tourism is vital to the local economy, and fishing is an important tourist attraction. Fishing opportunities include sea fish angling for bass, pollack, mullet, etc., as well as lake and river angling for salmon, sea trout and brown trout. Other sporting and cultural attractions also exist locally and the area benefits from it situation on the ‘Ring of Kerry’. Waterville Lakes and Rivers Trust undertook a survey of anglers between February and June 2015. This research is based on that survey data but focuses on visiting tourist anglers and their expenditures in the local area, both anglingrelated (e.g. ghillie and boat hire, fishing tackle, bait, etc.) and non-angling expenditures (e.g. accommodation, meals, drinks and groceries, gifts, etc.). The survey includes both tourists where the sole focus of the trip was fishing and where fishing was only one component of a trip that included other tourist activities

Design Requirements for a Patient Administered Personal Electronic Health Record

Published version of a chapter in the book: Biomedical engineering, trends in electronics, communications and software. Intech, 2011 Open Acces

Possible detection of two giant extrasolar planets orbiting the eclipsing polar UZ Fornacis

We present new high-speed, multi-observatory, multi-instrument photometry of the eclipsing polar UZ For in order to measure precise mid-eclipse times with the aim of detecting any orbital period variations. When combined with published eclipse times and archival data spanning ~27 years, we detect departures from a linear and quadratic trend of ~60 s. The departures are strongly suggestive of two cyclic variations of 16(3) and 5.25(25) years. The two favoured mechanisms to drive the periodicities are either two giant extrasolar planets as companions to the binary (with minimum masses of 6.3(1.5)M(Jupiter) and 7.7(1.2)M(Jupiter)) or a magnetic cycle mechanism (e.g. Applegate's mechanism) of the secondary star. Applegate's mechanism would require the entire radiant energy output of the secondary and would therefore seem to be the least likely of the two, barring any further refinements in the effect of magnetic fieilds (e.g. those of Lanza et al.). The two planet model can provide realistic solutions but it does not quite capture all of the eclipse times measurements. A highly eccentric orbit for the outer planet would fit the data nicely, but we find that such a solution would be unstable. It is also possible that the periodicities are driven by some combination of both mechanisms. Further observations of this system are encouraged.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, 2 table

Utility of Phase Angle to Identify Cachexia and Assess Mortality in End-Stage Renal Disease

© 2020 American Society for Nutrition. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an Open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Objectives This cross-sectional analysis sought to identify cachexia and assess survival using phase angle (PA) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving haemodialysis. Methods Patients receiving haemodialysis (n = 87, mean age 65.9 +/– 13.0) completed a Phase Angle (PA; 50 khz) measurement using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cachexia variables were recorded according to Evans et al. definition (2008) including nutritional and functional measures (weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Lean Tissue Mass (LTM), C-Reative Protein (CRP), serum albumin, haemoglobin, appetite (Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Treatment (FAACT)) and fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)). Survival was assessed at 12 months. Mann Whitney-U and Spearman correlation coefficient were conducted. Results The majority of patients completed follow up (n = 76). Eleven patients had died. Mean PA was not statistically different between those identified as cachectic and non-cachectic according to Evans et al. (2008) definition or between those patients that survived and died. However, patients that survived had better mean scores of weight, BMI, HGS, CRP, serum albumin and fatigue (FACIT). In addition, LTM scores were significantly better in patients that survived (P < .01). Appetite scores were also significantly better in patients that survived (P < .01) and those without cachexia (P = .01). Conclusions This study was part of a larger effort to clarity a phenotype of cachexia in ESRD. Unlike previous research, this study did not find PA useful in identifying patients at a higher risk of cachexia or death. However overall these patients had a very low mean PA. FAACT did discriminate between groups indicating self-reporting measurement tools of nutritional status were useful in identifying patients at a higher risk of cachexia and death. A larger sample and longer follow up is required to balance the limitations of this small study. Timing the administration of PA also requires consideration in future studies. Funding Sources Public Health Agency; Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund.Peer reviewe

Phenotypic Responses to a Lifestyle Intervention Do Not Account for Inter-Individual Variability in Glucose Tolerance for Individuals at High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Lifestyle interventions have been shown to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes among high risk adults. A better understanding of the variability in physiological responses would support the matching of individuals with the best type of intervention in future prevention programmes, in order to optimize risk reduction. The purpose of this study was to determine if phenotypic characteristics at baseline or following a 12 weeks lifestyle intervention could explain the inter-individual variability in change in glucose tolerance in individuals with high risk for type 2 diabetes.Methods: In total, 285 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, FINDRISC score &gt; 12), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were recruited for a 12 weeks lifestyle intervention. Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, anthropometric characteristics and aerobic fitness were measured. Variability of responses was examined by grouping participants by baseline glycemic status, by cluster analysis based on the change in glucose tolerance and by Principal Component Analysis (PCA).Results: In agreement with other studies, the mean response to the 12 weeks intervention was positive for the majority of parameters. Overall, 89% improved BMI, 80% waist circumference, and 81% body fat while only 64% improved fasting plasma glucose and 60% 2 h glucose. The impact of the intervention by glycaemic group did not show any phenotypic differences in response between NGT, IFG, and IGT. A hierarchical cluster analysis of change in glucose tolerance identified four sub-groups of “responders” (high and moderate) and “non-responders” (no response or deteriorated) but there were few differences in baseline clincal and physiological parameters or in response to the intervention to explain the overall variance. A further PCA analysis of 19 clinical and physiological univariables could explain less than half (48%) of total variability.Conclusion: We found that phenotypic characteristics from standard clinical and physiological parameters were not sufficient to account for the inter-individual variability in glucose tolerance following a 12 weeks lifestyle intervention in inidivuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes. Further work is required to identify biomarkers that complement phenotypic traits and better predict the response to glucose tolerance

Predictors of change in social networks, support and satisfaction following a first episode psychosis: A cohort study

Background Diminished social networks are common in psychosis but few studies have measured these comprehensively and prospectively to determine how networks and support evolve during the early phase. There is little information regarding perceived support in the early phase of illness. The aim of this study was to describe social support, networks and perceived satisfaction, explore the clinical correlates of these outcomes and examine whether phases of untreated psychosis are linked with social network variables to determine potential opportunities for intervention. Methods During the study period, we assessed 222 people with first-episode psychosis at entry into treatment using valid and reliable measures of diagnosis, positive and negative symptoms, periods of untreated psychosis and prodrome and premorbid adjustment. For follow-up we contacted participants to conduct a second assessment (n = 158). There were 97 people who participated which represented 61% of those eligible. Social network and support information obtained at both time points included the number of friends, self-reported satisfaction with support and social network size and clinician’s evaluation of the degree of support received through networks. Mixed effects modelling determined the contribution of potential explanatory variables to social support measured. Results A number of clinical variables were linked with social networks, support and perceived support and satisfaction. The size of networks did not change over time but those with no friends and duration of untreated psychosis was significantly longer for those with no friends at entry into treatment (n = 129, Median = 24.5mths, IQR = 7.25 – 69.25; Mann-Whitney U = 11.78, p = 0.008). Social support at baseline and at one year was predicted by homelessness (t = -2.98, p = 0.001, CI -4.74 to -1.21), duration of untreated psychosis (t = -0.86, p = 0.031, CI - 1.65 to -0.08) and premorbid adjustment (t = -2.26, p = 0.017, CI -4.11 to -0.42). Social support improved over time but the duration of untreated psychosis was not linked with the rate of improvement in this outcome. Conclusions Improved social support could indicate greater reliance on social support or becoming more adept at mobilising resources to meet social needs. Particularly vulnerable groups with very long duration of untreated psychosis confirm the need for earlier intervention or targeted social network interventions to preserve social connectedness

Protocol for a national cohort study to explore the long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness of implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer: The Brighter Study

Introduction Breast reconstruction (BR) is offered to improve quality of life for women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy. As most women will be long-Term breast cancer survivors, high-quality information regarding the long-Term outcomes of different BR procedures is essential to support informed decision-making. As different techniques vary considerably in cost, policymakers also require high-quality cost-effectiveness evidence to inform care. The Brighter study aims to explore the long-Term clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of implant-based and autologous BR and use health economic modelling to compare the long-Term cost-effectiveness of different reconstructive techniques. Methods and analysis Women undergoing mastectomy and/or BR following a diagnosis of breast cancer between 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2009 will be identified from hospital episode statistics (HES). Surviving women will be contacted and invited to complete validated PRO measures including the BREAST-Q, EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-A, or opt out of having their data included in the HES analysis. Long-Term clinical outcomes will be explored using HES data. The primary outcome will be rates of revisional surgery between implant-based and autologous procedures. Secondary outcomes will include rates of secondary reconstruction and reconstruction failure. The long-Term PROs of implant-based and autologous reconstruction will be compared using BREAST-Q, EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-A scores. Multivariable regression will be used to examine the relationship between long-Term outcomes, patient comorbidities, sociodemographic and treatment factors. A Markov model will be developed using HES and PRO data and published literature to compare the relative long-Term cost-effectiveness of implant-based and autologous BR. Ethics and dissemination The Brighter study has been approved by the South-West-Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee (20/SW/0020), and the Confidentiality Advisory Group (20/CAG/0021). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national meetings. We will work with the professional associations, charities and patient groups to disseminate the results

Formation of m2G6 in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii tRNA catalyzed by the novel methyltransferase Trm14

The modified nucleosides N2-methylguanosine and N22-dimethylguanosine in transfer RNA occur at five positions in the D and anticodon arms, and at positions G6 and G7 in the acceptor stem. Trm1 and Trm11 enzymes are known to be responsible for several of the D/anticodon arm modifications, but methylases catalyzing post-transcriptional m2G synthesis in the acceptor stem are uncharacterized. Here, we report that the MJ0438 gene from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii encodes a novel S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase, now identified as Trm14, which generates m2G at position 6 in tRNACys. The 381 amino acid Trm14 protein possesses a canonical RNA recognition THUMP domain at the amino terminus, followed by a γ-class Rossmann fold amino-methyltransferase catalytic domain featuring the signature NPPY active site motif. Trm14 is associated with cluster of orthologous groups (COG) 0116, and most closely resembles the m2G10 tRNA methylase Trm11. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a canonical archaeal/bacterial evolutionary separation with 20–30% sequence identities between the two branches, but it is likely that the detailed functions of COG 0116 enzymes differ between the archaeal and bacterial domains. In the archaeal branch, the protein is found exclusively in thermophiles. More distantly related Trm14 homologs were also identified in eukaryotes known to possess the m2G6 tRNA modification

Impact of procedure type on revisional surgery and secondary reconstruction after immediate breast reconstruction in a population-based cohort

Women considering immediate breast reconstruction require high-quality information about the likely need for secondary reconstruction and the long-term risk of revisional surgery to make fully informed decisions about different reconstructive options. Such data are currently lacking. This study aimed to explore the impact of reconstruction type on the number of revisions and secondary reconstructions performed 3, 5, and 8 years after immediate breast reconstruction in a large population-based cohort. Women undergoing unilateral mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction for breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ in England between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2015 were identified from National Health Service Hospital Episode Statistics. Numbers of revisions and secondary reconstructions in women undergoing primary definitive immediate breast reconstruction were compared by procedure type at 3, 5, and 8 years after index surgery. Some 16 897 women underwent immediate breast reconstruction with at least 3 years' follow-up. Of these, 14 069 had a definitive reconstruction with an implant only (5193), latissimus dorsi flap with (3110) or without (2373) an implant, or abdominal free flap (3393). Women undergoing implant-only reconstruction were more likely to require revision, with 69.5 per cent (747 of 1075) undergoing at least one revision by 8 years compared with 49.3 per cent (1568 of 3180) in other reconstruction groups. They were also more likely to undergo secondary reconstruction, with the proportion of women having further reconstructive procedures increasing over time: 12.8 per cent (663 of 5193) at 3 years, 14.3 per cent (535 of 3752) at 5 years, and 17.6 per cent (189 of 1075) at 8 years. Long-term rates of revisions and secondary reconstructions were considerably higher after primary implant-based reconstruction than autologous procedures. These results should be shared with patients to support informed decision-making. [Abstract copyright: © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.

Pulsations, Boundary Layers, and Period Bounce in the Cataclysmic Variable RE J1255+266

We report time-series photometry of the quiescent optical counterpart of the EUV transient RE J1255+266. The star appears as a DA white dwarf with bright emission lines and a complex spectrum of periodic signals in its light curve. A signal at 0.0829 d is likely to be the orbital period of the underlying cataclysmic binary (probably a dwarf nova). Characteristic periods of 1344, 1236, and 668 s are seen, and a host of weaker signals. We interpret these noncommensurate signals as (nonradial) pulsation periods of the white dwarf. The donor star is unseen at all wavelengths, and the accretion rate is very low. We estimate a distance of 180+-50 pc, and M_v=14.6+-1.3 for the accretion light. The binary probably represents a very late stage of evolution, with the donor star whittled down to M_2<0.05 M_sol. Such binaries stubbornly resist discovery due to their faintness and reluctance to erupt, but are probably a very common type of cataclysmic variable. If the signal at 0.0829 d is indeed the orbital period, then the binary is an excellent candidate as a "period bouncer". Plausible colleagues in this club include four dwarf novae and the (so far) noneruptive stars GD 552 and 1RXS J105010.3-140431 (hereafter RX 1050). The 1994 EUV eruption implies a soft X-ray/EUV luminosity of 10^(34-35) erg/s, greater than that of any other dwarf nova. We attribute that to a favorable blend of properties: a high-mass white dwarf; a very transparent line of sight (the "Local Chimney"); and a low binary inclination. The first maximizes the expected temperature and luminosity of boundary-layer emission; the other two increase the likelihood that soft X-rays can survive their perilous passage through an accretion-disk wind and the interstellar medium.Comment: PDF, 43 pages, 5 tables, 10 figures, 1 appendix; accepted, in press, to appear May 2005, PASP; more info at http://cba.phys.columbia.edu