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Shero J, van Dijk W, Edwards A, Schatschneider C, Solari EJ, Hart SA. The practical utility of genetic screening in school settings. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2021; 6:12. [PMID: 34075049 PMCID: PMC8169884 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-021-00090-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Can genetic screening be used to personalize education for students? Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) screen an individual's DNA for specific variations in their genome, and how said variations relate to specific traits. The variations can then be assigned a corresponding weight and summed to produce polygenic scores (PGS) for given traits. Though first developed for disease risk, PGS is now used to predict educational achievement. Using a novel simulation method, this paper examines if PGS could advance screening in schools, a goal of personalized education. Results show limited potential benefits for using PGS to personalize education for individual students. However, further analysis shows PGS can be effectively used alongside progress monitoring measures to screen for learning disability risk. Altogether, PGS is not useful in personalizing education for every child but has potential utility when used simultaneously with additional screening tools to help determine which children may struggle academically.
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Gwilym B, Waldron C, Thomas-Jones E, Pallmann P, Preece R, Brookes-Howell L, Milosevic S, Edwards A, Twine C, Massey I, Burton J, Harris D, Samuel K, Dilaver N, Day S, Bosanquet D. P90 PERCEIVE: PrEdiction of Risk and Communication of outcome following major lower limb amputation - a collaboratIVE study. BJS Open 2021. [PMCID: PMC8030154 DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrab032.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Major Lower Limb Amputation (MLLA) is a life changing event with significant morbidity and mortality. Inaccurate risk prediction can lead to poor decision making, resulting in delay to definitive surgery, or undertaking amputation when not in the patient’s best interest. We aim to answer: In adult patients undergoing MLLA for chronic limb threatening ischaemia or diabetes, how accurately do health care professionals prospectively predict outcomes after MLLA, and how does this compare to existing prediction tools? Methods A multicentre prospective observational cohort study is being delivered through the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network. Dissemination was via an existing network of contacts and social media. Consecutive data will be collected for seven months from site launch date, including demographic data and pre-operative outcome predictions from surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied healthcare professionals. Follow-up data will comprise 30-day (mortality, morbidity, MLLA revision, surgical site infection, and blood transfusion) and 1-year (mortality, MLLA revision and ambulation). The accuracy of surgeons’ predictions will be evaluated and compared to pre-existing risk prediction scoring tools. Results PERCEIVE launched on 01/10/2020 with 23 centres (16 UK, 7 international) registered to collect data. 50 other centres (27 UK, 23 international) have expressed interest/are pursuing local audit/ethical approval. We aim to collect data on clinicians estimate of outcomes for over 500 patients. Discussion This study will utilise a trainee research network to provide data on the accuracy of healthcare professionals’ predictions of outcomes following MLLA and compare this to the utility of existing prediction tools in this patient cohort.
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Griffiths A, Dixon J, Egglestone A, Edwards A, Handley R, Trompeter A, Eardley WGP. Evidence-based orthopaedic trauma care in the United Kingdom: Guidelines, registries, carrots and sticks. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2021; 31:937-945. [PMID: 33825953 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-021-02954-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the United Kingdom (UK), orthopaedic trauma surgeons utilise evidence-based practice through distillation of high-quality primary research, interrogation of registries and implementation of evidence-based guidelines. Concurrent with this ambition of providing exemplar care based on robust patient centred research, there has evolved a culture of remuneration 'by results'. Therefore, there is a drive for excellence combined with a system of collation and validation of data input as well as remuneration where care excels. There are several organisations involved in each stage of this process, the output of which has much that is pertinent to the globally similar consequences of physical injury. However, their relevance and impact within the UK is magnified as they are written against the backdrop of a unified healthcare system. In this article, we will describe the roles of the different organisations guiding and regulating trauma practice across the UK and discuss how the interplay of these impacts on clinical care.
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Wyld L, Reed MWR, Collins K, Burton M, Lifford K, Edwards A, Ward S, Holmes G, Morgan J, Bradburn M, Walters SJ, Ring A, Robinson TG, Martin C, Chater T, Pemberton K, Shrestha A, Nettleship A, Murray C, Brown M, Richards P, Cheung KL, Todd A, Harder H, Brain K, Audisio RA, Wright J, Simcock R, Armitage F, Bursnall M, Green T, Revell D, Gath J, Horgan K, Holcombe C, Winter M, Naik J, Parmeshwar R, Gosney M, Hatton M, Thompson AM. Bridging the age gap in breast cancer: cluster randomized trial of two decision support interventions for older women with operable breast cancer on quality of life, survival, decision quality, and treatment choices. Br J Surg 2021; 108:499-510. [PMID: 33760077 PMCID: PMC10364907 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of surgery and adjuvant therapy for breast cancer vary widely between breast units. This may contribute to differences in survival. This cluster RCT evaluated the impact of decision support interventions (DESIs) for older women with breast cancer, to ascertain whether DESIs influenced quality of life, survival, decision quality, and treatment choice. METHODS A multicentre cluster RCT compared the use of two DESIs against usual care in treatment decision-making in older women (aged at least ≥70 years) with breast cancer. Each DESI comprised an online algorithm, booklet, and brief decision aid to inform choices between surgery plus adjuvant endocrine therapy versus primary endocrine therapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy. The primary outcome was quality of life. Secondary outcomes included decision quality measures, survival, and treatment choice. RESULTS A total of 46 breast units were randomized (21 intervention, 25 usual care), recruiting 1339 women (670 intervention, 669 usual care). There was no significant difference in global quality of life at 6 months after the baseline assessment on intention-to-treat analysis (difference -0.20, 95 per cent confidence interval (C.I.) -2.69 to 2.29; P = 0.900). In women offered a choice of primary endocrine therapy versus surgery plus endocrine therapy, knowledge about treatments was greater in the intervention arm (94 versus 74 per cent; P = 0.003). Treatment choice was altered, with a primary endocrine therapy rate among women with oestrogen receptor-positive disease of 21.0 per cent in the intervention versus 15.4 per cent in usual-care sites (difference 5.5 (95 per cent C.I. 1.1 to 10.0) per cent; P = 0.029). The chemotherapy rate was 10.3 per cent at intervention versus 14.8 per cent at usual-care sites (difference -4.5 (C.I. -8.0 to 0) per cent; P = 0.013). Survival was similar in both arms. CONCLUSION The use of DESIs in older women increases knowledge of breast cancer treatment options, facilitates shared decision-making, and alters treatment selection. Trial registration numbers: EudraCT 2015-004220-61 (https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/), ISRCTN46099296 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
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Collart C, Ciccarelli A, Ivanovitch K, Rosewell I, Kumar S, Kelly G, Edwards A, Smith JC. The migratory pathways of the cells that form the endocardium, dorsal aortae, and head vasculature in the mouse embryo. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2021; 21:8. [PMID: 33752600 PMCID: PMC7986287 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-021-00239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Vasculogenesis in amniotes is often viewed as two spatially and temporally distinct processes, occurring in the yolk sac and in the embryo. However, the spatial origins of the cells that form the primary intra-embryonic vasculature remain uncertain. In particular, do they obtain their haemato-endothelial cell fate in situ, or do they migrate from elsewhere? Recently developed imaging techniques, together with new Tal1 and existing Flk1 reporter mouse lines, have allowed us to investigate this question directly, by visualising cell trajectories live and in three dimensions. Results We describe the pathways that cells follow to form the primary embryonic circulatory system in the mouse embryo. In particular, we show that Tal1-positive cells migrate from within the yolk sac, at its distal border, to contribute to the endocardium, dorsal aortae and head vasculature. Other Tal1 positive cells, similarly activated within the yolk sac, contribute to the yolk sac vasculature. Using single-cell transcriptomics and our imaging, we identify VEGF and Apela as potential chemo-attractants that may regulate the migration into the embryo. The dorsal aortae and head vasculature are known sites of secondary haematopoiesis; given the common origins that we observe, we investigate whether this is also the case for the endocardium. We discover cells budding from the wall of the endocardium with high Tal1 expression and diminished Flk1 expression, indicative of an endothelial to haematopoietic transition. Conclusions In contrast to the view that the yolk sac and embryonic circulatory systems form by two separate processes, our results indicate that Tal1-positive cells from the yolk sac contribute to both vascular systems. It may be that initial Tal1 activation in these cells is through a common mechanism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12861-021-00239-3.
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Wyld L, Reed M, Collins K, Burton M, Lifford K, Edwards A, Ward S, Holmes G, Morgan J, Bradburn M, Walters S, Ring A, Martin C, Shrestha A, Nettleship A, Brown M, Richards P, Todd A, Harder H, Brain K. Cluster randomised trial to evaluate the clinical benefits of decision support interventions for older women with operable breast cancer. Eur J Cancer 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(20)30545-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Bellas CM, Schroeder DC, Edwards A, Barker G, Anesio AM. Flexible genes establish widespread bacteriophage pan-genomes in cryoconite hole ecosystems. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4403. [PMID: 32879312 PMCID: PMC7468147 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage genomes rapidly evolve via mutation and horizontal gene transfer to counter evolving bacterial host defenses; such arms race dynamics should lead to divergence between phages from similar, geographically isolated ecosystems. However, near-identical phage genomes can reoccur over large geographical distances and several years apart, conversely suggesting many are stably maintained. Here, we show that phages with near-identical core genomes in distant, discrete aquatic ecosystems maintain diversity by possession of numerous flexible gene modules, where homologous genes present in the pan-genome interchange to create new phage variants. By repeatedly reconstructing the core and flexible regions of phage genomes from different metagenomes, we show a pool of homologous gene variants co-exist for each module in each location, however, the dominant variant shuffles independently in each module. These results suggest that in a natural community, recombination is the largest contributor to phage diversity, allowing a variety of host recognition receptors and genes to counter bacterial defenses to co-exist for each phage. Bacteriophages and their hosts are involved in a constant evolutionary arms race that should lead to divergence between phage genes over time. Here, the authors recruit metagenomic reads to virus reference genomes and genome fragments in samples from cryoconite holes and show that phages with near-identical core genomes maintain diversity by possession of numerous flexible gene modules, where homologous genes present in the pan-genome interchange to create new phage variants.
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Passoni N, Edwards A, Schlomer B, Stanasel I, Baker L, Peters C, Jacobs M. Urethral injury in the setting of blunt pelvic fracture: Does age matter? EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)33233-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Gokul JK, Cameron KA, Irvine-Fynn TDL, Cook JM, Hubbard A, Stibal M, Hegarty M, Mur LAJ, Edwards A. Illuminating the dynamic rare biosphere of the Greenland Ice Sheet's Dark Zone. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2020; 95:5614494. [PMID: 31697309 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiz177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Greenland's Dark Zone is the largest contiguous region of bare terrestrial ice in the Northern Hemisphere and microbial processes play an important role in driving its darkening and thereby amplifying melt and runoff from the ice sheet. However, the dynamics of these microbiota have not been fully identified. Here, we present joint 16S rRNA gene and 16S rRNA (cDNA) comparison of input (snow), storage (cryoconite) and output (supraglacial stream water) habitats across the Dark Zone over the melt season. We reveal that all three Dark Zone communities have a preponderance of rare taxa exhibiting high protein synthesis potential (PSP). Furthermore, taxa with high PSP represent highly connected 'bottlenecks' within community structure, consistent with their roles as metabolic hubs. Finally, low abundance-high PSP taxa affiliated with Methylobacterium within snow and stream water suggest a novel role for Methylobacterium in the carbon cycle of Greenlandic snowpacks, and importantly, the export of potentially active methylotrophs to the bed of the Greenland Ice Sheet. By comparing the dynamics of bulk and potentially active microbiota in the Dark Zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet, we provide novel insights into the mechanisms and impacts of the microbial colonization of this critical region of our melting planet.
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Cameron KA, Müller O, Stibal M, Edwards A, Jacobsen CS. Glacial microbiota are hydrologically connected and temporally variable. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:3172-3187. [PMID: 32383292 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glaciers are melting rapidly. The concurrent export of microbial assemblages alongside glacial meltwater is expected to impact the ecology of adjoining ecosystems. Currently, the source of exported assemblages is poorly understood, yet this information may be critical for understanding how current and future glacial melt seasons may influence downstream environments. We report on the connectivity and temporal variability of microbiota sampled from supraglacial, subglacial and periglacial habitats and water bodies within a glacial catchment. Sampled assemblages showed evidence of being biologically connected through hydrological flowpaths, leading to a meltwater system that accumulates prokaryotic biota as it travels downstream. Temporal changes in the connected assemblages were similarly observed. Snow assemblages changed markedly throughout the sample period, likely reflecting changes in the surrounding environment. Changes in supraglacial meltwater assemblages reflected the transition of the glacial surface from snow-covered to bare-ice. Marked snowmelt across the surrounding periglacial environment resulted in the flushing of soil assemblages into the riverine system. In contrast, surface ice within the ablation zone and subglacial meltwaters remained relatively stable throughout the sample period. Our results are indicative that changes in snow and ice melt across glacial environments will influence the abundance and diversity of microbial assemblages transported downstream.
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Edwards A, Cameron KA, Cook JM, Debbonaire AR, Furness E, Hay MC, Rassner SM. Microbial genomics amidst the Arctic crisis. Microb Genom 2020; 6:e000375. [PMID: 32392124 PMCID: PMC7371112 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Arctic is warming - fast. Microbes in the Arctic play pivotal roles in feedbacks that magnify the impacts of Arctic change. Understanding the genome evolution, diversity and dynamics of Arctic microbes can provide insights relevant for both fundamental microbiology and interdisciplinary Arctic science. Within this synthesis, we highlight four key areas where genomic insights to the microbial dimensions of Arctic change are urgently required: the changing Arctic Ocean, greenhouse gas release from the thawing permafrost, 'biological darkening' of glacial surfaces, and human activities within the Arctic. Furthermore, we identify four principal challenges that provide opportunities for timely innovation in Arctic microbial genomics. These range from insufficient genomic data to develop unifying concepts or model organisms for Arctic microbiology to challenges in gaining authentic insights to the structure and function of low-biomass microbiota and integration of data on the causes and consequences of microbial feedbacks across scales. We contend that our insights to date on the genomics of Arctic microbes are limited in these key areas, and we identify priorities and new ways of working to help ensure microbial genomics is in the vanguard of the scientific response to the Arctic crisis.
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Stibal M, Bradley JA, Edwards A, Hotaling S, Zawierucha K, Rosvold J, Lutz S, Cameron KA, Mikucki JA, Kohler TJ, Šabacká M, Anesio AM. Glacial ecosystems are essential to understanding biodiversity responses to glacier retreat. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:686-687. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1163-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Makepeace L, Scoggins M, Mitrea B, Li Y, Edwards A, Tinkle CL, Hwang S, Gajjar A, Patay Z. MRI Patterns of Extrapontine Lesion Extension in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:323-330. [PMID: 31974084 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is a devastating childhood cancer that despite being primarily diagnosed by MR imaging alone, lacks robust prognostic imaging features. This study investigated patterns and quantification of extrapontine lesion extensions as potential prognostic imaging biomarkers for survival in children with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Volumetric analysis of baseline MR imaging studies was completed in 131 patients with radiographically defined typical diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Extrapontine tumor extension was classified according to the direction of extension: midbrain, medulla oblongata, and right and left middle cerebellar peduncles; various extrapontine lesion extension patterns were evaluated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival differences; linear regression was used to evaluate clinical-radiographic variables prognostic of survival. RESULTS At least 1 extrapontine lesion extension was observed in 125 patients (95.4%). Of the 11 different extrapontine lesion extension patterns encountered in our cohort, 2 were statistically significant predictors of survival. Any extension into the middle cerebellar peduncles was prognostic of shorter overall survival (P = .01), but extension into both the midbrain and medulla oblongata but without extension into either middle cerebellar peduncle was prognostic of longer overall survival compared with those having no extension (P = .04) or those having any other pattern of extension (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Within this large cohort of patients with typical diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, 2 specific extrapontine lesion extension patterns were associated with a significant overall survival advantage or disadvantage. Our findings may be valuable for risk stratification and radiation therapy planning in future clinical trials.
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Howison H, Edwards A, Hanlon E. Introducing treatment summaries post active cancer treatment: sharing with the patient, primary and secondary care. Lung Cancer 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(20)30212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Gowers GOF, Vince O, Charles JH, Klarenberg I, Ellis T, Edwards A. Entirely Off-Grid and Solar-Powered DNA Sequencing of Microbial Communities during an Ice Cap Traverse Expedition. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E902. [PMID: 31703372 PMCID: PMC6896169 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities in remote locations remain under-studied. This is particularly true on glaciers and icecaps, which cover approximately 11% of the Earth's surface. The principal reason for this is the inaccessibility of most of these areas due to their extreme isolation and challenging environmental conditions. While remote research stations have significantly lowered the barrier to studying the microbial communities on icecaps, their use has led to a bias for data collection in the near vicinity of these institutions. Here, miniaturisation of a DNA sequencing lab suitable for off-grid metagenomic studies is demonstrated. Using human power alone, this lab was transported across Europe's largest ice cap (Vatnajökull, Iceland) by ski and sledge. After 11 days of unsupported polar-style travel, a metagenomic study of a geothermal hot spring gorge was conducted on the remote northern edge of the ice cap. This tent-based metagenomic study resulted in over 24 h of Nanopore sequencing, powered by solar power alone. This study demonstrates the ability to conduct DNA sequencing in remote locations, far from civilised resources (mechanised transport, external power supply, internet connection, etc.), whilst greatly reducing the time from sample collection to data acquisition.
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Porter A, Edwards A, Edwards BM, Evans BA, Gripper PC, Hughes H, John A, Khanom A, Petterson R, Philips CJ, Scott J, Tee A, Watkins A, Snooks H. PP31 Strategies to manage emergency ambulance telephone callers with sustained high needs – an evaluation using linked data (STRETCHED). Arch Emerg Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2019-999abs.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundAmbulance services across the UK have recognised a clinical and operational problem with persistent high users of the 999 service, but there is a lack of evidence about what works in this setting and how. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of multi-agency case management approaches to the care of people who frequently call the emergency ambulance service, and gain understanding of barriers and facilitators to implementation.MethodsWe will carry out a mixed methods evaluation using anonymised linked routine data outcomes in a ‘natural experiment’ cohort design in four UK ambulance services, with one case management intervention site and one control site within each service. We will describe the epidemiology of ‘frequent calling’; assess the effects of case management on process, outcomes, safety and costs up to six months for 300 high users per service (n-1200); and examine the views of stakeholders, including patients, through qualitative methods. We will synthesise quantitative and qualitative findings, informed by a logic model describing predicted mechanisms of change.ResultsWe received confirmation of NIHR grant funding for this study in 2018 so do not yet have results to report.ConclusionsTelephone callers with sustained high needs represent a significant, high profile policy challenge to emergency ambulance services. Such callers may be indicative of gaps elsewhere in the health care system, which could be more effectively addressed by pro-active care. The STRETCHED study provides the opportunity to contribute to the currently sparse evidence base on interventions for this patient group.
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Blackwell N, Perkins W, Palumbo-Roe B, Bearcock J, Lloyd JR, Edwards A. Seasonal blooms of neutrophilic Betaproteobacterial Fe(II) oxidizers and Chlorobi in iron-rich coal mine drainage sediments. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2019; 95:5561438. [DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiz140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Waters draining from flooded and abandoned coal mines in the South Wales Coalfield (SWC), are substantial sources of pollution to the environment characterized by circumneutral pH and elevated dissolved iron concentrations (>1 mg L−1). The discharged Fe precipitates to form Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides which sustain microbial communities. However, while several studies have investigated the geochemistry of mine drainage in the SWC, less is known about the microbial ecology of the sites presenting a gap in our understanding of biogeochemical cycling and pollutant turnover. This study investigated the biogeochemistry of the Ynysarwed mine adit in the SWC. Samples were collected from nine locations within sediment at the mine entrance from the upper and lower layers three times over one year for geochemical and bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. During winter, members of the Betaproteobacteria bloomed in relative abundance (>40%) including the microaerophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing genus Gallionella. A concomitant decrease in Chlorobi-associated bacteria occurred, although by summer the community composition resembled that observed in the previous autumn. Here, we provide the first insights into the microbial ecology and seasonal dynamics of bacterial communities of Fe(III)-rich deposits in the SWC and demonstrate that neutrophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria are important and dynamic members of these communities.
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Williamson CJ, Cameron KA, Cook JM, Zarsky JD, Stibal M, Edwards A. Glacier Algae: A Dark Past and a Darker Future. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:524. [PMID: 31019491 PMCID: PMC6458304 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
"Glacier algae" grow on melting glacier and ice sheet surfaces across the cryosphere, causing the ice to absorb more solar energy and consequently melt faster, while also turning over carbon and nutrients. This makes glacier algal assemblages, which are typically dominated by just three main species, a potentially important yet under-researched component of the global biosphere, carbon, and water cycles. This review synthesizes current knowledge on glacier algae phylogenetics, physiology, and ecology. We discuss their significance for the evolution of early land plants and highlight their impacts on the physical and chemical supraglacial environment including their role as drivers of positive feedbacks to climate warming, thereby demonstrating their influence on Earth's past and future. Four complementary research priorities are identified, which will facilitate broad advances in glacier algae research, including establishment of reliable culture collections, sequencing of glacier algae genomes, development of diagnostic biosignatures for remote sensing, and improved predictive modeling of glacier algae biological-albedo effects.
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Hunt A, Chan A, Delacroix L, Dysager L, Edwards A, Frew J, Gordon A, Henry A, Huddart R, Koh M, Kong V, Nagar Y, Parikh O, Pearson R, Rimmer Y, Schytte T, Serra M, Sidhom M, Sohaib A, Syndikus I, Tan A, Treece S, Varughese M, Hafeez S. EP-1589 Establishing international variation in target delineation using MRI for bladder radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(19)32009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Hay M, Edwards A, Mitchell A. The communities that colonise the cold. Access Microbiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1099/acmi.ac2019.po0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Ferriman N, Campbell C, Wood K, Edwards A, Mandell I. 79 Residual Feed Intake (RFI) Reranking in Beef Steers Fed Growing and Finishing Diets under Two Management Regimens. J Anim Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky404.879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Frayne J, Shoveller A, Croney C, Edwards A. PSIX-22 The behavioural effects of innovative litter developed to attract cats. J Anim Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky404.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Letley L, Campbell H, Edwards A, Saliba V. What do parents and young people in England think about immunisation? A national interview survey. Eur J Public Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky212.804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Graupner O, Wong F, Teoh M, Edwards A, Nakamura S, Schranz D, Veldmann A, Götte M, Meister M, Axt-Fliedner R, Enzensberger C. Untersuchung der myokardialen Gewebeverformung (Strain) vor und nach Foramen ovale Verschluss in einem Hypoplastischen Linksherzsyndrom (HLHS) – Schafmodell. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1671145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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