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Bruce OL, Tu J, Edwards WB. Predicting Tibia-Fibula Geometry and Density From Anatomical Landmarks Via Statistical Appearance Model: Influence of Errors on Finite Element-Calculated Bone Strain. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:091005. [PMID: 38558117 DOI: 10.1115/1.4065216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
State-of-the-art participant-specific finite element models require advanced medical imaging to quantify bone geometry and density distribution; access to and cost of imaging is prohibitive to the use of this approach. Statistical appearance models may enable estimation of participants' geometry and density in the absence of medical imaging. The purpose of this study was to: (1) quantify errors associated with predicting tibia-fibula geometry and density distribution from skin-mounted landmarks using a statistical appearance model and (2) quantify how those errors propagate to finite element-calculated bone strain. Participant-informed models of the tibia and fibula were generated for thirty participants from height and sex and from twelve skin-mounted landmarks using a statistical appearance model. Participant-specific running loads, calculated using gait data and a musculoskeletal model, were applied to participant-informed and CT-based models to predict bone strain using the finite element method. Participant-informed meshes illustrated median geometry and density distribution errors of 4.39-5.17 mm and 0.116-0.142 g/cm3, respectively, resulting in large errors in strain distribution (median RMSE = 476-492 με), peak strain (limits of agreement =±27-34%), and strained volume (limits of agreement =±104-202%). These findings indicate that neither skin-mounted landmark nor height and sex-based predictions could adequately approximate CT-derived participant-specific geometry, density distribution, or finite element-predicted bone strain and therefore should not be used for analyses comparing between groups or individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia L Bruce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Jean Tu
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
- University of Calgary
| | - W Brent Edwards
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
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2
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Lamont R, King M, King A, Schellenberg K, Pfeffer G. Higher than expected incident cases of spinal bulbar muscular atrophy in western Canada. Brain 2024; 147:e43-e44. [PMID: 38366260 PMCID: PMC11068102 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Lamont
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Malcolm King
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra King
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
- Nipissing First Nation, ON, Canada
| | - Kerri Schellenberg
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AN, T2N 4N1, Canada
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Gardiner S, Bjornson L, Pawliuk C, Bucevska M, Bone J, Arneja JS. What Technique Results in the Lowest Rate of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Patients With Submucous Cleft Palate? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Plast Surg (Oakv) 2024; 32:226-234. [PMID: 38681241 PMCID: PMC11046285 DOI: 10.1177/22925503221110066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To determine which surgical technique offers the lowest rate of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) without the need for further operative intervention, in pediatric patients with nonsyndromic submucous cleft palate (SMCP). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis included articles reporting on nonsyndromic pediatric patients treated surgically during childhood for SMCP, with data on postoperative speech outcomes and/or recommendations for secondary surgery. Main outcome measures included rates of unfavorable speech outcomes defined as persistent VPI requiring secondary surgery and speech outcome data. Results: 15 articles met our inclusion criteria, reporting on 383 children who underwent surgical treatment; 343 patients were included in studies reporting recommendations for secondary surgery. There was 1 randomized comparative trial, 4 comparative studies, and 10 single cohort studies. Eight articles used validated speech assessment tools. Our model showed the proportion of patients recommended for secondary surgery varied between techniques, ranging from 0.0% (CI 0.0, 1000) in pharyngeal flap to 17.8% (CI 8.9, 32.5) in straight line repair techniques, but there was no statistically significant difference between treatments (P = .33). Speech improvement ranged from 44.4% to 100%, with 9 studies recommending secondary surgery for some of their patient series. Conclusions: Although not of statistical significance, pharyngeal flap yields the lowest rate of reoperation as a primary technique for pediatric patients with nonsyndromic SMCP. Delayed repair age inherent to SMCP may render operations that rely on a functional levator muscle with less favorable outcomes. The absence of standardized surgical techniques, speech outcomes, speech therapy, and assessment make comparative analysis and recommendation difficult. We advocate for standardized speech assessment tools to improve future quantitative assessment of cleft surgery outcomes and a randomized controlled trial to better elucidate the preferred first-line technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gardiner
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lindsay Bjornson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colleen Pawliuk
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marija Bucevska
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Bone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jugpal S. Arneja
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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4
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Bradley-Cronkwright M, Moore S, Hou L, Cote S, Rolian C. Impact of hindlimb length variation on jumping dynamics in the Longshanks mouse. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246808. [PMID: 38634230 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Distantly related mammals (e.g. jerboa, tarsiers, kangaroos) have convergently evolved elongated hindlimbs relative to body size. Limb elongation is hypothesized to make these species more effective jumpers by increasing their kinetic energy output (through greater forces or acceleration distances), thereby increasing take-off velocity and jump distance. This hypothesis, however, has rarely been tested at the population level, where natural selection operates. We examined the relationship between limb length, muscular traits and dynamics using Longshanks mice, which were selectively bred over 22 generations for longer tibiae. Longshanks mice have approximately 15% longer tibiae and 10% longer femora compared with random-bred Control mice from the same genetic background. We collected in vivo measures of locomotor kinematics and force production, in combination with behavioral data and muscle morphology, to examine how changes in bone and muscle structure observed in Longshanks mice affect their hindlimb dynamics during jumping and clambering. Longshanks mice achieved higher mean and maximum lunge-jump heights than Control mice. When jumping to a standardized height (14 cm), Longshanks mice had lower maximum ground reaction forces, prolonged contact times and greater impulses, without significant differences in average force, power or whole-body velocity. While Longshanks mice have longer plantarflexor muscle bodies and tendons than Control mice, there were no consistent differences in muscular cross-sectional area or overall muscle volume; improved lunge-jumping performance in Longshanks mice is not accomplished by simply possessing larger muscles. Independent of other morphological or behavioral changes, our results point to the benefit of longer hindlimbs for performing dynamic locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Moore
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - Lily Hou
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4
| | - Susanne Cote
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4
| | - Campbell Rolian
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 0C7
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5
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King AG, Rissling T, Cote S, Sicotte P. All together now: Assessing variation in maternal and nonmaternal handling of wild Colobus vellerosus infants. Am J Primatol 2024:e23629. [PMID: 38654439 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Primatologists have a long-standing interest in the study of maternal care and nonmaternal handling (NH) of infants stemming from recognition that early social relationships can have enduring consequences. Though maternal care and NH often include expression of similar behaviors, they are regularly studied in isolation from each other with nonoverlapping terminology, thereby overlooking possible interplay between them and obfuscating potential developmental ramifications that ensue from trade-offs made between maternal (MH) and NH during infancy. To that end, identifying how MH and NH patterns interact and contribute to the total handling (TH) infants receive is a critical first step. We present durational handling data collected from 25 wild Colobus vellerosus infants from 2016 to 2017 and assess the relationships between TH, MH, and NH. Patterns of social affiliation are shaped in part by surrounding context, and therefore, we also assess whether NH and TH differ in their responsivity to various infant and social group characteristics. Ninety-four percent of observed handling was MH, while just 5.5% was NH. Young infants who received more MH (excluding nursing) also received more NH; there was no relationship between the two in older infants. Infants in larger groups participated in more handling of all types. Additionally, NH time was associated with infant sex and group stability. Non-nursing TH time was associated with group stability and infant cohort size. Though NH variation likely confers social-networking advantage, in this population NH is not a major contributor to TH and would not effectively replace reduced MH. The positive association between MH and NH during early infancy suggests that colobus mothers may play a mediating role in shaping infant socialization. This is a first step in elucidating how different forms of handling relate to one another in wild primates and in identifying the impact of handling on infant socialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson G King
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tianna Rissling
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susanne Cote
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pascale Sicotte
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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6
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Long M, Kar P, Forkert ND, Landman BA, Gibbard WB, Tortorelli C, McMorris CA, Huo Y, Lebel CA. Sex and age effects on gray matter volume trajectories in young children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1379959. [PMID: 38660010 PMCID: PMC11039858 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1379959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) occurs in ~11% of North American pregnancies and is the most common known cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD; ~2-5% prevalence). PAE has been consistently associated with smaller gray matter volumes in children, adolescents, and adults. A small number of longitudinal studies show altered gray matter development trajectories in late childhood/early adolescence, but patterns in early childhood and potential sex differences have not been characterized in young children. Using longitudinal T1-weighted MRI, the present study characterized gray matter volume development in young children with PAE (N = 42, 84 scans, ages 3-8 years) compared to unexposed children (N = 127, 450 scans, ages 2-8.5 years). Overall, we observed altered global and regional gray matter development trajectories in the PAE group, wherein they had attenuated age-related increases and more volume decreases relative to unexposed children. Moreover, we found more pronounced sex differences in children with PAE; females with PAE having the smallest gray matter volumes and the least age-related changes of all groups. This pattern of altered development may indicate reduced brain plasticity and/or accelerated maturation and may underlie the cognitive/behavioral difficulties often experienced by children with PAE. In conjunction with previous research on older children, adolescents, and adults with PAE, our results suggest that gray matter volume differences associated with PAE vary by age and may become more apparent in older children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Long
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Preeti Kar
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nils D. Forkert
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bennett A. Landman
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - W. Ben Gibbard
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christina Tortorelli
- Department of Child Studies and Social Work, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carly A. McMorris
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yuankai Huo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Catherine A. Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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7
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Marshall DA, Suryaprakash N, Bryan S, Barker KL, MacKean G, Zelinsky S, McCarron TL, Santana MJ, Moayyedi P, Lavallee DC. Measuring the Impact of Patient Engagement in Health Research: An Exploratory Study Using Multiple Survey Tools. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2024; 7:177-187. [PMID: 38596802 PMCID: PMC10999763 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwad045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Studies report various ways in which patients are involved in research design and conduct. Limited studies explore the influence of patient engagement (PE) at each research stage in qualitative research from the perspectives of all stakeholders. Methods We established two small research groups, a Patient Researcher-Led Group and an Academic Researcher-Led Group. We recruited patient research partners (PRP; n = 5), researchers (n = 5), and clinicians (n = 4) to design and conduct qualitative research aimed at identifying candidate attributes related to patient preferences for tapering biologic treatments in inflammatory bowel disease. We administered surveys before starting, two months into, and post-project work. The surveys contained items from three PE evaluation tools. We assessed the two groups regarding the influence and impact each stakeholder had during the different research stages. Results PRPs had a moderate or a great deal of influence on the critical research activities across the research stages. They indicated moderate/very/extremely meaningful engagement and agreed/strongly agreed impact of PE. PRPs helped operationalize the research question; design the study and approach; develop study materials; recruit participants; and collect and interpret the data. Conclusion The three tools together provide deeper insight into the influence of PE at each research stage. Lessons learnt from this study suggest that PE can impact many aspects of research including the design, process, and approach in the context of qualitative research, increasing the patient-centeredness of the study. More comprehensive validated tools are required that work with a more diverse subject pool and in other contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Marshall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
- IMAGINE SPOR Chronic Disease Network, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Nitya Suryaprakash
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stirling Bryan
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia, Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) Support Unit, Vancouver V6H 4A7, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karis L Barker
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Gail MacKean
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Sandra Zelinsky
- Alberta, Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) Support Unit, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
- IMAGINE SPOR Chronic Disease Network, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Tamara L McCarron
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Maria J Santana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T3B 6A8, Canada
- Alberta, Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) Support Unit, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Paul Moayyedi
- IMAGINE SPOR Chronic Disease Network, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Danielle C Lavallee
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada
- Michael Smith Health Research British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3X8, Canada
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Ahuja S, Adjekukor C, Li Q, Kocha KM, Rosin N, Labit E, Sinha S, Narang A, Long Q, Biernaskie J, Huang P, Childs SJ. The development of brain pericytes requires expression of the transcription factor nkx3.1 in intermediate precursors. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002590. [PMID: 38683849 PMCID: PMC11081496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain pericytes are one of the critical cell types that regulate endothelial barrier function and activity, thus ensuring adequate blood flow to the brain. The genetic pathways guiding undifferentiated cells into mature pericytes are not well understood. We show here that pericyte precursor populations from both neural crest and head mesoderm of zebrafish express the transcription factor nkx3.1 develop into brain pericytes. We identify the gene signature of these precursors and show that an nkx3.1-, foxf2a-, and cxcl12b-expressing pericyte precursor population is present around the basilar artery prior to artery formation and pericyte recruitment. The precursors later spread throughout the brain and differentiate to express canonical pericyte markers. Cxcl12b-Cxcr4 signaling is required for pericyte attachment and differentiation. Further, both nkx3.1 and cxcl12b are necessary and sufficient in regulating pericyte number as loss inhibits and gain increases pericyte number. Through genetic experiments, we have defined a precursor population for brain pericytes and identified genes critical for their differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchit Ahuja
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Cynthia Adjekukor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Katrinka M. Kocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nicole Rosin
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Elodie Labit
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sarthak Sinha
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ankita Narang
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Quan Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sarah J. Childs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Tan JY, Poitras Pratt Y, Danyluk P. 'First, do no harm': systematic program evaluation of an equine veterinary service-learning initiative with Indigenous communities in Canada. BMC Med Educ 2024; 24:287. [PMID: 38486267 PMCID: PMC10941546 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05234-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinary students have historically lacked meaningful experiential learning opportunities in equine medicine. At the same time, there are barriers to accessing veterinary care in Indigenous communities stemming from colonial injustices. In 2018-2019, a partnership was initiated where University of Calgary students began to provide equine veterinary services to Indigenous communities. As the first-documented equine veterinary service-learning initiative in Indigenous communities embedded in a veterinary curriculum, the purpose of the study is to systematically evaluate the program for its potential impact as part of a formative process for improvement. METHODS Multiple parties in the program were engaged in a convergent, parallel, mixed-methods systematic program evaluation to explore the main program outcomes: (1) equine veterinary care; (2) clinical experiential student education; (3) cultural training of veterinary professionals and students; and (4) education of community members. The hypothesis was that ethical development using the "first, do no harm principle" would lead to benefits including a healthy horse population, a technically and culturally competent veterinary community, and an educated horse clientele. RESULTS The program had a positive impact on accessibility to veterinary care and self-reported improvement in veterinary and cultural competency. In addition to the hypothesized program outcomes, additional program outcomes and effects were identified, including reciprocal learning and relationship building with the Indigenous community, leading to trust and equity-building. The students learned from both the in-community programming as well as the Indigenous community members they worked with. CONCLUSION Program evaluation of an equine service-learning initiative in Indigenous communities reveals multiple and profound impacts including improved patient health status, wider scope of veterinary and cultural learning, strengthened relationships, and reciprocal learning with partnering Indigenous communities.
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King S, Fernandes B, Jayme TS, Boryski G, Gaetano D, Premji Z, Venturato L, Santana MJ, Simon J, Holroyd-Leduc J. A scoping review of decision-making tools to support substitute decision-makers for adults with impaired capacity. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024. [PMID: 38400764 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substitute decision-makers (SDMs) make decisions that honor medical, personal, and end-of-life wishes for older adults who have lost capacity, including those with dementia. However, SDMs often lack support, information, and problem-solving tools required to make decisions and can suffer with negative emotional, relationship, and financial impacts. The need for adaptable supports has been identified in prior meta-analyses. This scoping review identifies evidence-based decision-making resources/tools for SDMs, outlines domains of support, and determines resource/tool effectiveness and/or efficacy. METHODS The scoping review used the search strategy: Population-SDMs for older adults who have lost decision-making capacity; Concept-supports, resources, tools, and interventions; Context-any context where a decision is made on behalf of an adult (>25 years). Databases included MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Abstracts in Social Gerontology and SocIndex. Tools were scored by members on the research team, including patient partners, based on domains of need previously identified in prior meta-analyses. RESULTS Two reviewers independently screened 5279 citations. Articles included studies that evaluated a resource/tool that helped a family/friend/caregiver SDMs outside of an ICU setting. 828 articles proceeded onto full-text screening, and 25 articles were included for data extraction. The seventeen tools identified focused on different time points/decisions in the dementia trajectory, and no single tool encompassed all the domains of caregiver decision-making needs. CONCLUSION Existing tools may not comprehensively support caregiver needs. However, combining tools into a toolkit and considering their application relevant to the caregiver's journey may start to address the gap in current supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema King
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Timothy S Jayme
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Zahra Premji
- Libraries, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Maria J Santana
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- AbSPORU SUPPORT Unit, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jessica Simon
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jayna Holroyd-Leduc
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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11
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Adnan MA, Nabil SK, Kannimuthu K, Kibria MG. Modulating Cation and Water Transports for Enhanced CO Electrolysis via Ionomer Coating. ChemSusChem 2024; 17:e202301425. [PMID: 37922209 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Electrification of the chemical industry has been considered an enabler for energy transition on a massive scale. In this context, carbon monoxide electroreduction (COR) to produce multi-carbon (C2+ ) products is considered one of the forefront emerging technologies. The key challenge in COR comes from the excessive cation crossover to the cathode via electromigration and water diffusion, which limits CO availability and impedes product selectivity. Commercial anion exchange membrane (AEM) suppresses the electromigration of cations, however, suffers from water diffusion which facilitates cation crossover. Here, we tackled these problems emerging from cation crossover and water diffusion by directly depositing an ultrathin Nafion ionomer on the cathode (sputtered Cu) surface. Our approach enables full-cell energy efficiency of 21 % for converting CO into ethylene (C2 H4 ) at 100 mA/cm2 with over 200 hours of stable operation. We also exhibited record high energy efficiency for ethanol (C2 H5 OH) production with CO-to-C2 H5 OH electrolysis efficiency of 17 %. This approach to directly depositing ultrathin ionomer on the cathode to enhance system performance may benefit other electrochemical systems to overcome challenges associated with scalability, stability, and efficiency to produce high-value chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muflih A Adnan
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Islamic University of Indonesia, Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55584, Indonesia
| | - Shariful Kibria Nabil
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Karthick Kannimuthu
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Md Golam Kibria
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
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12
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Muir RT, Ismail Z, Black SE, Smith EE. Comparative methods for quantifying plasma biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: Implications for the next frontier in cerebral amyloid angiopathy diagnostics. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1436-1458. [PMID: 37908054 PMCID: PMC10916950 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau are emerging as accessible biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, many assays exist with variable test performances, highlighting the need for a comparative assessment to identify the most valid assays for future use in AD and to apply to other settings in which the same biomarkers may be useful, namely, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). CAA is a progressive cerebrovascular disease characterized by deposition of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in cortical and leptomeningeal vessels. Novel immunotherapies for AD can induce amyloid-related imaging abnormalities resembling CAA-related inflammation. Few studies have evaluated plasma biomarkers in CAA. Identifying a CAA signature could facilitate diagnosis, prognosis, and a safer selection of patients with AD for emerging immunotherapies. This review evaluates studies that compare the diagnostic test performance of plasma biomarker techniques in AD and cerebrovascular and plasma biomarker profiles of CAA; it also discusses novel hypotheses and future avenues for plasma biomarker research in CAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T. Muir
- Calgary Stroke ProgramDepartment of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Department of Community Health SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Hotchkiss Brain InstituteUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Zahinoor Ismail
- Department of Community Health SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Hotchkiss Brain InstituteUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Sandra E. Black
- Division of NeurologyDepartment of MedicineSunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research UnitDr Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, and Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Eric E. Smith
- Calgary Stroke ProgramDepartment of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Department of Community Health SciencesUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
- Hotchkiss Brain InstituteUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
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13
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Marrie RA, Fisk JD, Dolovich C, Lix LM, Graff LA, Patten SB, Bernstein CN. Psychometric Performance of Fatigue Scales in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024; 30:53-63. [PMID: 36917218 PMCID: PMC10769783 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is highly prevalent in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fatigue scales are important for studies testing fatigue interventions, but information about psychometric properties of many scales is insufficient in IBD. We compared the psychometric properties of multiple generic fatigue scales in participants with IBD. METHODS Individuals with IBD (N = 216) completed the Daily Fatigue Impact Scale (DFIS), the vitality subscale of the RAND-36, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) fatigue item twice. A subgroup (n = 84) also completed the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) once, from which we also scored the 21 items from the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS-IBD). We assessed floor/ceiling effects, construct validity, and internal consistency reliability. Using relative efficiency (RE), we compared discriminating ability and comparative responsiveness of the measures regarding disease activity and employment status and changes. RESULTS The FIS, MFIS, and RAND-36-vitality scales did not exhibit floor or ceiling effects. The DFIS showed mild floor effects (19.4%), and the PHQ-9 fatigue item showed floor (18.1%) and ceiling (20.8%) effects. Internal consistency reliability exceeded 0.93 for FIS, MFIS-IBD, and DFIS and was 0.81 for the RAND-36-vitality scale. In the subgroup analysis, the FIS, MFIS-IBD, and DFIS were strongly correlated with each other (r ≥ 0.90). The ability to discriminate between disease activity groups was highest for the FIS and MFIS-IBD, followed by the DFIS. The FIS, MFIS-IBD, and DFIS were responsive to changes in work impairment. CONCLUSIONS The FIS, MFIS-IBDs and DFIS had adequate validity and reliability for assessing fatigue in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ann Marrie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - John D Fisk
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Casandra Dolovich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- The University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, Max Rady College of Medicine Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lisa M Lix
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- The University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, Max Rady College of Medicine Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lesley A Graff
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, and Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- The University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, Max Rady College of Medicine Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Scott B Patten
- Departments of Community Health Sciences & Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Charles N Bernstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- The University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Centre, Max Rady College of Medicine Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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14
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Peivaste I, Jossou E, Tiamiyu AA. Data-driven analysis and prediction of stable phases for high-entropy alloy design. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22556. [PMID: 38110634 PMCID: PMC10728133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) represent a promising class of materials with exceptional structural and functional properties. However, their design and optimization pose challenges due to the large composition-phase space coupled with the complex and diverse nature of the phase formation dynamics. In this study, a data-driven approach that utilizes machine learning (ML) techniques to predict HEA phases and their composition-dependent phases is proposed. By employing a comprehensive dataset comprising 5692 experimental records encompassing 50 elements and 11 phase categories, we compare the performance of various ML models. Our analysis identifies the most influential features for accurate phase prediction. Furthermore, the class imbalance is addressed by employing data augmentation methods, raising the number of records to 1500 in each category, and ensuring a balanced representation of phase categories. The results show that XGBoost and Random Forest consistently outperform the other models, achieving 86% accuracy in predicting all phases. Additionally, this work provides an extensive analysis of HEA phase formers, showing the contributions of elements and features to the presence of specific phases. We also examine the impact of including different phases on ML model accuracy and feature significance. Notably, the findings underscore the need for ML model selection based on specific applications and desired predictions, as feature importance varies across models and phases. This study significantly advances the understanding of HEA phase formation, enabling targeted alloy design and fostering progress in the field of materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Peivaste
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ericmoore Jossou
- Nuclear Science and Technology Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA.
- Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Ahmed A Tiamiyu
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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15
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McDougall RM, Tripp TR, Frankish BP, Doyle-Baker PK, Lun V, Wiley JP, Aboodarda SJ, MacInnis MJ. The influence of skeletal muscle mitochondria and sex on critical torque and performance fatiguability in humans. J Physiol 2023; 601:5295-5316. [PMID: 37902588 DOI: 10.1113/jp284958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical torque (CT) represents the highest oxidative steady state for intermittent knee extensor exercise, but the extent to which it is influenced by skeletal muscle mitochondria and sex is unclear. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples were collected from 12 females and 12 males -matched for relative maximal oxygen uptake normalized to fat-free mass (FFM) (F: 57.3 (7.5) ml (kg FFM)-1 min-1 ; M: 56.8 (7.6) ml (kg FFM)-1 min-1 ; P = 0.856) - prior to CT determination and performance fatiguability trials. Males had a lower proportion of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I isoform (40.6 (18.4)%) compared to females (59.5 (18.9)%; P = 0.021), but MHC IIa and IIx isoform distributions and protein markers of mitochondrial content were not different between sexes (P > 0.05). When normalized to maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), the relative CT (F: 42.9 (8.3)%; M: 37.9 (9.0)%; P = 0.172) and curvature constant, W' (F: 26.6 (11.0) N m s (N m)-1 ; M: 26.4 (6.5) N m s (N m)-1 ; P = 0.962) were not significantly different between sexes. All protein biomarkers of skeletal muscle mitochondrial content, as well as the proportion of MHC I isoform, positively correlated with relative CT (0.48 < r < 0.70; P < 0.05), and the proportion of MHC IIx isoform correlated positively with relative W' (r = 0.57; P = 0.007). Indices of performance fatiguability were not different between males and females for MVC- and CT-controlled trials (P > 0.05). Greater mitochondrial protein abundance was associated with attenuated declines in potentiated twitch torque for exercise at 60% MVC (P < 0.05); however, the influence of mitochondrial protein abundance on performance fatiguability was reduced when exercise was prescribed relative to CT. Whether these findings translate to whole-body exercise requires additional research. KEY POINTS: The quadriceps critical torque represents the highest intensity of intermittent knee extensor exercise for which an oxidative steady state is attainable, but its relationship with skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein abundance is unknown. Matching males and females for maximal oxygen uptake relative to fat-free mass facilitates investigations of sex differences in exercise physiology, but studies that have compared critical torque and performance fatiguability during intermittent knee extensor exercise have not ensured equal aerobic fitness between sexes. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein abundance was correlated with critical torque and fatigue resistance for exercise prescribed relative to maximum voluntary contraction but not for exercise performed relative to the critical torque. Differences between sexes in critical torque, skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein abundance and performance fatiguability were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein abundance may contribute to fatigue resistance by influencing the critical intensity of exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas R Tripp
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Victor Lun
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - J Preston Wiley
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - S Jalal Aboodarda
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Martin J MacInnis
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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16
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Tabatabaei Hosseini BS, Meadows K, Gabriel V, Hu J, Kim K. Biofabrication of Cellulose-based Hydrogels for Advanced Wound Healing: A Special Emphasis on 3D Bioprinting. Macromol Biosci 2023:e2300376. [PMID: 38031512 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Even with the current advancements in wound management, addressing most skin injuries and wounds continues to pose a significant obstacle for the healthcare industry. As a result, researchers are now focusing on creating innovative materials utilizing cellulose and its derivatives. Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer in nature, has unique properties that make it a promising material for wound healing, such as biocompatibility, tunable physiochemical characteristics, accessibility, and low cost. 3D bioprinting technology has enabled the production of cellulose-based wound dressings with complex structures that mimic the extracellular matrix. The inclusion of bioactive molecules such as growth factors offers the ability to aid in promoting wound healing, while cellulose creates an ideal environment for controlled release of these biomolecules and moisture retention. The use of 3D bioprinted cellulose-based wound dressings has potential benefits for managing chronic wounds, burns, and painful wounds by promoting wound healing and reducing the risk of infection. This review provides an up-to-date summary of cellulose-based dressings manufactured by 3D bioprinting techniques by looking into wound healing biology, biofabrication methods, cellulose derivatives, and the existing cellulose bioinks targeted toward wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kieran Meadows
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Vincent Gabriel
- Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jinguang Hu
- Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Keekyoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
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17
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Marshall DA, Suryaprakash N, Lavallee DC, Barker KL, Mackean G, Zelinsky S, McCarron TL, Santana MJ, Moayyedi P, Bryan S. Exploring the outcomes of research engagement using the observation method in an online setting. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073953. [PMID: 37989365 PMCID: PMC10668270 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the outcomes of research engagement (patient engagement, PE) in the context of qualitative research. DESIGN We observed engagement in two groups comprised of patients, clinicians and researchers tasked with conducting a qualitative preference exploration project in inflammatory bowel disease. One group was led by a patient research partner (PLG, partner led group) and the other by an academic researcher (RLG, researcher led group). A semistructured guide and a set of critical outcomes of research engagement were used as a framework to ground our analysis. SETTING The study was conducted online. PARTICIPANTS Patient research partners (n=5), researchers (n=5) and clinicians (n=4) participated in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Transcripts of meetings, descriptive and reflective observation data of engagement during meetings and email correspondence between group members were analysed to identify the outcomes of PE. RESULTS Both projects were patient-centred, collaborative, meaningful, rigorous, adaptable, ethical, legitimate, understandable, feasible, timely and sustainable. Patient research partners (PRPs) in both groups wore dual hats as patients and researchers and influenced project decisions wearing both hats. They took on advisory and operational roles. Collaboration seemed easier in the PLG than in the RLG. The RLG PRPs spent more time than their counterparts in the PLG sharing their experience with biologics and helping their group identify a meaningful project question. A formal literature review informed the design, project materials and analysis in the RLG, while the formal review informed the project materials and analysis in the PLG. A PRP in the RLG and the PLG lead leveraged personal connections to facilitate recruitment. The outcomes of both projects were meaningful to all members of the groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that engagement of PRPs in research has a positive influence on the project design and delivery in the context of qualitative research in both the patient-led and researcher-led group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Marshall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- IMAGINE SPOR Chronic Disease Network, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nitya Suryaprakash
- The University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Danielle C Lavallee
- The University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Michael Smith Health Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karis L Barker
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gail Mackean
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sandra Zelinsky
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- IMAGINE SPOR Chronic Disease Network, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tamara L McCarron
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maria J Santana
- Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul Moayyedi
- IMAGINE SPOR Chronic Disease Network, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stirling Bryan
- The University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Michael Smith Health Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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18
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Firouzi-Haji R, Aghajamali M, Hassanzadeh H, Lu Q, Zhang X, Veinot JGC, Meldrum A. Asphaltene-Derived Graphene Quantum Dots for Controllable Coatings on Glass, Fabrics, and Aerogels. ACS Omega 2023; 8:43610-43616. [PMID: 38027342 PMCID: PMC10666212 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) derived from natural asphaltene byproducts can produce controlled hydrophobic or hydrophilic interfaces on glass, fabrics, and aerogels. A set of facile solvent extraction methods were used to isolate and chemically prepare materials with different surface functionalities from a commercially derived asphaltene precursor. The organic-soluble fraction was used to create hydrophobic and water-repellent surfaces on glass and cotton fabrics. The GQD solutions could also penetrate the pores of a silica aerogel, rendering it hydrophobic. Alternatively, by extracting the more polar fraction of the GQDs and oxidizing their surfaces, we also demonstrate strongly hydrophilic coatings. This work shows that naturally abundant GQD-containing materials can produce interfaces with the desired wettability properties through a straightforward tuning of the solvent extraction procedure. Owing to their natural abundance, low toxicity, and strong fluorescence, asphaltene-derived GQDs could thus be applied, in bulk, toward a wide range of tunable surface coatings. This approach, moreover, uses an important large-scale hydrocarbon waste material, thereby offering a sustainable alternative to the disposal of asphaltene wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Firouzi-Haji
- Department
of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Maryam Aghajamali
- Department
of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hassan Hassanzadeh
- Department
of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Qiuyun Lu
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Xuehua Zhang
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | | | - Alkiviathes Meldrum
- Department
of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
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19
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Rajan AM, Rosin NL, Labit E, Biernaskie J, Liao S, Huang P. Single-cell analysis reveals distinct fibroblast plasticity during tenocyte regeneration in zebrafish. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadi5771. [PMID: 37967180 PMCID: PMC10651129 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi5771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite their importance in tissue maintenance and repair, fibroblast diversity and plasticity remain poorly understood. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we uncover distinct sclerotome-derived fibroblast populations in zebrafish, including progenitor-like perivascular/interstitial fibroblasts, and specialized fibroblasts such as tenocytes. To determine fibroblast plasticity in vivo, we develop a laser-induced tendon ablation and regeneration model. Lineage tracing reveals that laser-ablated tenocytes are quickly regenerated by preexisting fibroblasts. By combining single-cell clonal analysis and live imaging, we demonstrate that perivascular/interstitial fibroblasts actively migrate to the injury site, where they proliferate and give rise to new tenocytes. By contrast, perivascular fibroblast-derived pericytes or specialized fibroblasts, including tenocytes, exhibit no regenerative plasticity. Active Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is required for the proliferation of activated fibroblasts to ensure efficient tenocyte regeneration. Together, our work highlights the functional diversity of fibroblasts and establishes perivascular/interstitial fibroblasts as tenocyte progenitors that promote tendon regeneration in a Hh signaling-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsheen M. Rajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Nicole L. Rosin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Elodie Labit
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shan Liao
- Inflammation Research Network, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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20
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Sriskanthadevan-Pirahas S, Tinwala AQ, Turingan MJ, Khan S, Grewal SS. Mitochondrial metabolism in Drosophila macrophage-like cells regulates body growth via modulation of cytokine and insulin signaling. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059968. [PMID: 37850733 PMCID: PMC10695174 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play critical roles in regulating and maintaining tissue and whole-body metabolism in normal and disease states. While the cell-cell signaling pathways that underlie these functions are becoming clear, less is known about how alterations in macrophage metabolism influence their roles as regulators of systemic physiology. Here, we investigate this by examining Drosophila macrophage-like cells called hemocytes. We used knockdown of TFAM, a mitochondrial genome transcription factor, to reduce mitochondrial OxPhos activity specifically in larval hemocytes. We find that this reduction in hemocyte OxPhos leads to a decrease in larval growth and body size. These effects are associated with a suppression of systemic insulin, the main endocrine stimulator of body growth. We also find that TFAM knockdown leads to decreased hemocyte JNK signaling and decreased expression of the TNF alpha homolog, Eiger in hemocytes. Furthermore, we show that genetic knockdown of hemocyte JNK signaling or Eiger expression mimics the effects of TFAM knockdown and leads to a non-autonomous suppression of body size without altering hemocyte numbers. Our data suggest that modulation of hemocyte mitochondrial metabolism can determine their non-autonomous effects on organismal growth by altering cytokine and systemic insulin signaling. Given that nutrient availability can control mitochondrial metabolism, our findings may explain how macrophages function as nutrient-responsive regulators of tissue and whole-body physiology and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrivani Sriskanthadevan-Pirahas
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Abdul Qadeer Tinwala
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Michael J. Turingan
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shahoon Khan
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Savraj S. Grewal
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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van Rassel CR, Ajayi OO, Sales KM, Griffiths JK, Fletcher JR, Edwards WB, MacInnis MJ. Is Running Power a Useful Metric? Quantifying Training Intensity and Aerobic Fitness Using Stryd Running Power Near the Maximal Lactate Steady State. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:8729. [PMID: 37960430 PMCID: PMC10649254 DOI: 10.3390/s23218729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
We sought to determine the utility of Stryd, a commercially available inertial measurement unit, to quantify running intensity and aerobic fitness. Fifteen (eight male, seven female) runners (age = 30.2 [4.3] years; V·O2max = 54.5 [6.5] ml·kg-1·min-1) performed moderate- and heavy-intensity step transitions, an incremental exercise test, and constant-speed running trials to establish the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Stryd running power stability, sensitivity, and reliability were evaluated near the MLSS. Stryd running power was also compared to running speed, V·O2, and metabolic power measures to estimate running mechanical efficiency (EFF) and to determine the efficacy of using Stryd to delineate exercise intensities, quantify aerobic fitness, and estimate running economy (RE). Stryd running power was strongly associated with V·O2 (R2 = 0.84; p < 0.001) and running speed at the MLSS (R2 = 0.91; p < 0.001). Stryd running power measures were strongly correlated with RE at the MLSS when combined with metabolic data (R2 = 0.79; p < 0.001) but not in isolation from the metabolic data (R2 = 0.08; p = 0.313). Measures of running EFF near the MLSS were not different across intensities (~21%; p > 0.05). In conclusion, although Stryd could not quantify RE in isolation, it provided a stable, sensitive, and reliable metric that can estimate aerobic fitness, delineate exercise intensities, and approximate the metabolic requirements of running near the MLSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody R. van Rassel
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.R.v.R.)
| | | | - Kate M. Sales
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.R.v.R.)
| | - James K. Griffiths
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.R.v.R.)
| | - Jared R. Fletcher
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada
| | - W. Brent Edwards
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.R.v.R.)
| | - Martin J. MacInnis
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (C.R.v.R.)
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22
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Pfau T, Landsbergen K, Davis BL, Kenny O, Kernot N, Rochard N, Porte-Proust M, Sparks H, Takahashi Y, Toth K, Scott WM. Comparing Inertial Measurement Units to Markerless Video Analysis for Movement Symmetry in Quarter Horses. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:8414. [PMID: 37896509 PMCID: PMC10610735 DOI: 10.3390/s23208414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With an increasing number of systems for quantifying lameness-related movement asymmetry, between-system comparisons under non-laboratory conditions are important for multi-centre or referral-level studies. This study compares an artificial intelligence video app to a validated inertial measurement unit (IMU) gait analysis system in a specific group of horses. METHODS Twenty-two reining Quarter horses were equipped with nine body-mounted IMUs while being videoed with a smartphone app. Both systems quantified head and pelvic movement symmetry during in-hand trot (hard/soft ground) and on the lunge (left/right rein, soft ground). Proportional limits of agreement (pLoA) were established. RESULTS Widths of pLoA were larger for head movement (29% to 50% in-hand; 22% to 38% on lunge) than for pelvic movement (13% to 24% in-hand; 14% to 24% on lunge). CONCLUSION The between-system pLoAs exceed current "lameness thresholds" aimed at identifying the affected limb(s) in lame horses. They also exceed published limits of agreement for stride-matched data but are similar to repeatability values and "lameness thresholds" from "non-lame" horses. This is encouraging for multi-centre studies and referral-level veterinary practice. The narrower pLoA values for pelvic movement asymmetry are particularly encouraging, given the difficulty of grading hind limb lameness "by eye".
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Pfau
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (W.M.S.)
| | - Kiki Landsbergen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (W.M.S.)
| | - Brittany L. Davis
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Olivia Kenny
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Nicole Kernot
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, North Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
| | - Nina Rochard
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Holly Sparks
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (W.M.S.)
| | - Yuji Takahashi
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Japan Racing Association, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
| | - Kasara Toth
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (W.M.S.)
| | - W. Michael Scott
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (W.M.S.)
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23
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Dehghani M, Montazeri Z, Bektemyssova G, Malik OP, Dhiman G, Ahmed AEM. Kookaburra Optimization Algorithm: A New Bio-Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:470. [PMID: 37887601 PMCID: PMC10604064 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8060470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, a new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm named the Kookaburra Optimization Algorithm (KOA) is introduced, which imitates the natural behavior of kookaburras in nature. The fundamental inspiration of KOA is the strategy of kookaburras when hunting and killing prey. The KOA theory is stated, and its mathematical modeling is presented in the following two phases: (i) exploration based on the simulation of prey hunting and (ii) exploitation based on the simulation of kookaburras' behavior in ensuring that their prey is killed. The performance of KOA has been evaluated on 29 standard benchmark functions from the CEC 2017 test suite for the different problem dimensions of 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that the proposed KOA approach, by establishing a balance between exploration and exploitation, has good efficiency in managing the effective search process and providing suitable solutions for optimization problems. The results obtained using KOA have been compared with the performance of 12 well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The analysis of the simulation results shows that KOA, by providing better results in most of the benchmark functions, has provided superior performance in competition with the compared algorithms. In addition, the implementation of KOA on 22 constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite, as well as 4 engineering design problems, shows that the proposed approach has acceptable and superior performance compared to competitor algorithms in handling real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Dehghani
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz 7155713876, Iran;
| | - Zeinab Montazeri
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz 7155713876, Iran;
| | - Gulnara Bektemyssova
- Department of Computer Engineering, International Information Technology University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Om Parkash Malik
- Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Gaurav Dhiman
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos 13-5053, Lebanon;
- University Centre for Research and Development, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun 248002, India
- Division of Research and Development, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
| | - Ayman E. M. Ahmed
- Faculty of Computer Engineering, King Salman International University, El Tor 46511, Egypt;
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Xie J, Kuppermann N, Florin TA, Tancredi DJ, Funk AL, Kim K, Salvadori MI, Yock-Corrales A, Shah NP, Breslin KA, Chaudhari PP, Bergmann KR, Ahmad FA, Nebhrajani JR, Mintegi S, Gangoiti I, Plint AC, Avva UR, Gardiner MA, Malley R, Finkelstein Y, Dalziel SR, Bhatt M, Kannikeswaran N, Caperell K, Campos C, Sabhaney VJ, Chong SL, Lunoe MM, Rogers AJ, Becker SM, Borland ML, Sartori LF, Pavlicich V, Rino PB, Morrison AK, Neuman MI, Poonai N, Simon NJE, Kam AJ, Kwok MY, Morris CR, Palumbo L, Ambroggio L, Navanandan N, Eckerle M, Klassen TP, Payne DC, Cherry JC, Waseem M, Dixon AC, Ferre IB, Freedman SB. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Association Between Laboratory Tests and Severe Outcomes Among Hospitalized Children. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad485. [PMID: 37869403 PMCID: PMC10588618 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To assist clinicians with identifying children at risk of severe outcomes, we assessed the association between laboratory findings and severe outcomes among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected children and determined if SARS-CoV-2 test result status modified the associations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of participants tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection in 41 pediatric emergency departments in 10 countries. Participants were hospitalized, had laboratory testing performed, and completed 14-day follow-up. The primary objective was to assess the associations between laboratory findings and severe outcomes. The secondary objective was to determine if the SARS-CoV-2 test result modified the associations. Results We included 1817 participants; 522 (28.7%) SARS-CoV-2 test-positive and 1295 (71.3%) test-negative. Seventy-five (14.4%) test-positive and 174 (13.4%) test-negative children experienced severe outcomes. In regression analysis, we found that among SARS-CoV-2-positive children, procalcitonin ≥0.5 ng/mL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 9.14; 95% CI, 2.90-28.80), ferritin >500 ng/mL (aOR, 7.95; 95% CI, 1.89-33.44), D-dimer ≥1500 ng/mL (aOR, 4.57; 95% CI, 1.12-18.68), serum glucose ≥120 mg/dL (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.06-3.81), lymphocyte count <1.0 × 109/L (aOR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.34-7.69), and platelet count <150 × 109/L (aOR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.31-6.07) were associated with severe outcomes. Evaluation of the interaction term revealed that a positive SARS-CoV-2 result increased the associations with severe outcomes for elevated procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and for reduced lymphocyte and platelet counts. Conclusions Specific laboratory parameters are associated with severe outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-infected children, and elevated serum procalcitonin, CRP, and D-dimer and low absolute lymphocyte and platelet counts were more strongly associated with severe outcomes in children testing positive compared with those testing negative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Todd A Florin
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniel J Tancredi
- Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Anna L Funk
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelly Kim
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Nipam P Shah
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | | | | | - Fahd A Ahmad
- Washington University School of Medicine, St.Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Santiago Mintegi
- University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Iker Gangoiti
- University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Amy C Plint
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Usha R Avva
- Montefiore-Nyack Hospital, Nyack, NewYork, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maala Bhatt
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Carmen Campos
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Shu-Ling Chong
- Duke-NUS Medical School, SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore
| | - Maren M Lunoe
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sarah M Becker
- Primary Children’s Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Laura F Sartori
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Pedro B Rino
- Hospital de Pediatría “Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan,” RIDEPLA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Naveen Poonai
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Norma-Jean E Simon
- Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - April J Kam
- McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Y Kwok
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork, New York, USA
| | - Claudia R Morris
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Laura Palumbo
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia—Pronto Soccorso Pediatrico, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Michelle Eckerle
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Daniel C Payne
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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25
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Li Q, Yu Y, Kossinna P, Lun T, Liao W, Zhang Q. XA4C: eXplainable representation learning via Autoencoders revealing Critical genes. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011476. [PMID: 37782668 PMCID: PMC10569512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Machine Learning models have been frequently used in transcriptome analyses. Particularly, Representation Learning (RL), e.g., autoencoders, are effective in learning critical representations in noisy data. However, learned representations, e.g., the "latent variables" in an autoencoder, are difficult to interpret, not to mention prioritizing essential genes for functional follow-up. In contrast, in traditional analyses, one may identify important genes such as Differentially Expressed (DiffEx), Differentially Co-Expressed (DiffCoEx), and Hub genes. Intuitively, the complex gene-gene interactions may be beyond the capture of marginal effects (DiffEx) or correlations (DiffCoEx and Hub), indicating the need of powerful RL models. However, the lack of interpretability and individual target genes is an obstacle for RL's broad use in practice. To facilitate interpretable analysis and gene-identification using RL, we propose "Critical genes", defined as genes that contribute highly to learned representations (e.g., latent variables in an autoencoder). As a proof-of-concept, supported by eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), we implemented eXplainable Autoencoder for Critical genes (XA4C) that quantifies each gene's contribution to latent variables, based on which Critical genes are prioritized. Applying XA4C to gene expression data in six cancers showed that Critical genes capture essential pathways underlying cancers. Remarkably, Critical genes has little overlap with Hub or DiffEx genes, however, has a higher enrichment in a comprehensive disease gene database (DisGeNET) and a cancer-specific database (COSMIC), evidencing its potential to disclose massive unknown biology. As an example, we discovered five Critical genes sitting in the center of Lysine degradation (hsa00310) pathway, displaying distinct interaction patterns in tumor and normal tissues. In conclusion, XA4C facilitates explainable analysis using RL and Critical genes discovered by explainable RL empowers the study of complex interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Pathum Kossinna
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Theodore Lun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Wenyuan Liao
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Qingrun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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26
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Dehghani M, Trojovská E, Trojovský P, Malik OP. OOBO: A New Metaheuristic Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:468. [PMID: 37887599 PMCID: PMC10604662 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8060468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study proposes the One-to-One-Based Optimizer (OOBO), a new optimization technique for solving optimization problems in various scientific areas. The key idea in designing the suggested OOBO is to effectively use the knowledge of all members in the process of updating the algorithm population while preventing the algorithm from relying on specific members of the population. We use a one-to-one correspondence between the two sets of population members and the members selected as guides to increase the involvement of all population members in the update process. Each population member is chosen just once as a guide and is only utilized to update another member of the population in this one-to-one interaction. The proposed OOBO's performance in optimization is evaluated with fifty-two objective functions, encompassing unimodal, high-dimensional multimodal, and fixed-dimensional multimodal types, and the CEC 2017 test suite. The optimization results highlight the remarkable capacity of OOBO to strike a balance between exploration and exploitation within the problem-solving space during the search process. The quality of the optimization results achieved using the proposed OOBO is evaluated by comparing them to eight well-known algorithms. The simulation findings show that OOBO outperforms the other algorithms in addressing optimization problems and can give more acceptable quasi-optimal solutions. Also, the implementation of OOBO in six engineering problems shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach in solving real-world optimization applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Dehghani
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 50003 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (P.T.)
| | - Eva Trojovská
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 50003 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (P.T.)
| | - Pavel Trojovský
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, 50003 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (P.T.)
| | - Om Parkash Malik
- Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
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Santosuosso E, David F, Massie S, Filho SA, McCrae P, Johnson S, Leguillette R. Frequency of cardiac arrhythmias in horses during straight and untethered swimming. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:738-746. [PMID: 36273248 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac arrhythmias have not been previously reported in horses while swimming. OBJECTIVES To describe the type and frequency of encountered arrhythmias during repetitive swimming cycles. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive observational study. METHODS Sixteen horses swam five pool lengths (75 m), each separated by an active recovery walk. Continuous electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded (n = 80) and analysed during the pre-swim, swim and active-recovery periods. Arrhythmias were categorised as sinus arrhythmia (SA), sinus block, sinus pause (compensatory and non-compensatory), second degree atrioventricular block (2AVB) for physiological arrhythmias, supraventricular premature depolarisation (SVPD) and ventricular premature depolarisation (VPD) for non-physiological arrhythmias. A linear mixed-effects model was used to examine the effects of repetitive swim lengths on arrhythmias and swimming parameters. Data were reported as median [interquartile range]. RESULTS Fifteen horses (94%) experienced at least one arrhythmia; however, the frequency remained low and 2AVB were only observed during the pre-swim period. The swimming heart rate (HR) was 162 bpm [141;173]. Sinus blocks, sinus pauses, SA, SVPD and VPD were all recorded at least once during swimming. Except for one VPD couplet, all premature depolarisations were isolated. During active-recovery, the HR was 105 bpm [103;106], with SA observed in 13 horses (81%), isolated SVPD in six horses (38%), sinus pause in one horse (6%) but no VPD present. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited number of horses precluding population prevalence assessment. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE High-quality underwater ECGs were acquired in swimming horses for the first time. The frequency of arrhythmias remained low and rare pathological arrhythmias were observed during repetitive swimming and active-recovery cycles. Swimming with active-recovery periods is not a high-risk cardio-arrhythmic exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Santosuosso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Florent David
- Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Member of Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shannon Massie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Silvio A Filho
- Al Shaqab - Endurance Department, Member of Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Persephone McCrae
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah Johnson
- Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Member of Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Renaud Leguillette
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Wei C, Jafari Raad SM, Hassanzadeh H. Estimation of natural methane emissions from the largest oil sand deposits on earth. PNAS Nexus 2023; 2:pgad260. [PMID: 37693212 PMCID: PMC10485889 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide methane emission by various industrial sources is one of the important human concerns due to its serious climate and air-quality implications. This study investigates less-considered diffusive natural methane emissions from the world's largest oil sand deposits. An analytical model, considering the first-order methane degradation, in combination with Monte Carlo simulations, is used to quantitatively characterize diffusive methane emissions from Alberta's oil sands formations. The results show that the average diffusive methane emissions from Alberta's oil sands formations is 1.56 × 10-4 kg/m2/year at the 90th percentile of cumulative probability. The results also indicate an annual diffusive methane emissions rate of 0.857 ± 0.013 Million tons of CO2e/year (MtCO2e/year) from Alberta's oil sands formations. This finding suggests that natural diffusive leakages from the oil sands contribute an additional 1.659 ± 0.025 and 5.194 ± 0.079% to recent Canada's 2019 and Alberta's 2020 methane emission estimates from the upstream oil and gas sector, respectively. The developed model combined with Monte Carlo simulations can be used as a tool for assessing methane emissions and current inventories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cao Wei
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University,Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Seyed Mostafa Jafari Raad
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hassan Hassanzadeh
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Haines-Saah RJ, Morris H, Schulz P, Jenkins E, Hyshka E. Engaging families and parent advocates in research on substance use and drug policy reform: Guiding principles from a Canadian community-academic partnership. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023. [PMID: 37608430 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Canada is in the midst of a public health emergency in drug poisoning (overdose) deaths. In this context parents, and especially mothers, of those who have died from drug poisoning have mobilised to advocate for urgent responses and drug policy reforms. To document this emerging women-led advocacy, we initiated a community-academic research partnership with three parent groups representing families in Canada bereaved by drug-related deaths. In this commentary, we describe four guiding principles we developed during the course of this project, to ensure an ethical and equitable approach to conducting our research partnership. In particular, we emphasise how we navigated parents' roles as vocal advocates for addressing drug stigma and expanding harm reduction while actively working to avoid eclipsing the need to centre the perspectives of people who use drugs. Meaningful and collaborative partnerships between academics and community groups may facilitate greater understandings of how families and communities can be allied in drug policy reforms urgently needed to prevent drug poisoning deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather Morris
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elaine Hyshka
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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McColman S, Shkalla K, Sidhu P, Liang J, Osman S, Kovacs N, Bokhari Z, Forjaz Marques AC, Li Y, Lin Q, Zhang H, Cramb DT. SARS-CoV-2 virus-like-particles via liposomal reconstitution of spike glycoproteins. Nanoscale Adv 2023; 5:4167-4181. [PMID: 37560413 PMCID: PMC10408587 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00190c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, implicated in the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizes and binds host cells using its spike glycoprotein through an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor-mediated pathway. Recent research suggests that spatial distributions of the spike protein may influence viral interactions with target cells and immune systems. The goal of this study has been to develop a liposome-based virus-like particle (VLP) by reconstituting the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein within a synthetic nanoparticle membrane, aiming to eventually establish tunability in spike protein presentation on the nanoparticle surface. Here we report on first steps to this goal, wherein liposomal SARS-CoV-2 VLPs were successfully produced via detergent mediated spike protein reconstitution. The resultant VLPs are shown to successfully co-localize in vitro with the ACE-2 receptor on lung epithelial cell surfaces, followed by internalization into these cells. These VLPs are the first step toward the overall goal of this research which is to form an understanding of the relationship between spike protein surface density and cell-level immune response, eventually toward creating better vaccines and anti-viral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah McColman
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto ON Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Klaidi Shkalla
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto ON Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Pavleen Sidhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto ON Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Jady Liang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Selena Osman
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto ON Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Norbert Kovacs
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto ON Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Zainab Bokhari
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto ON Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - Ana Carolina Forjaz Marques
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto ON Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Seção Técnica de Graduação, Universidade Estadual Paulista Araraquara SP Brazil
| | - Yuchong Li
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Qiwen Lin
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou Guangdong China
- Departments of Anaesthesia and Physiology, Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto ON Canada
| | - David T Cramb
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto ON Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
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Harper A, Schulte F, Guilcher GMT, Truong TH, Reynolds K, Spavor M, Logie N, Lee J, Fidler-Benaoudia MM. Alberta Childhood Cancer Survivorship Research Program. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3932. [PMID: 37568747 PMCID: PMC10417797 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse outcomes after childhood cancer have been assessed in a range of settings, but most existing studies are historical and ascertain outcomes only after 5-year survival. Here, we describe the Alberta Childhood Cancer Survivorship Research Program and its foundational retrospective, population-based cohort of Albertan residents diagnosed with a first primary neoplasm between the ages of 0 and 17 years from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2018. The cohort was established in collaboration with the Alberta Cancer Registry and Cancer in Young People in Canada program and has been linked to existing administrative health databases and patient-reported outcome questionnaires. The cohort comprised 2580 survivors of childhood cancer, 1379 (53.4%) of whom were 5-year survivors. Approximately 48% of the cohort was female, 47% of the cohort was diagnosed between 0 and 4 years of age, and the most frequent diagnoses were leukemias (25.4%), central nervous system tumors (24.0%), and lymphomas (14.9%). Detailed treatment information was available for 1741 survivors (67.5%), with manual abstraction ongoing for those with missing data. By the study exit date, the median time since diagnosis was 5.5 years overall and 10.4 years for 5-year survivors. During the follow-up time, 82 subsequent primary cancers were diagnosed, 20,355 inpatient and 555,425 ambulatory/outpatient events occurred, 606,773 claims were reported, and 437 survivors died. The results from this research program seek to inform and improve clinical care and reduce cancer-related sequelae via tertiary prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Harper
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, Canada;
| | - Fiona Schulte
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (F.S.); (G.M.T.G.); (T.H.T.)
- Long Term Survivor’s Clinic, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Gregory M. T. Guilcher
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (F.S.); (G.M.T.G.); (T.H.T.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tony H. Truong
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (F.S.); (G.M.T.G.); (T.H.T.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Kathleen Reynolds
- Long Term Survivor’s Clinic, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Supplementary Medicine, Faculty of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Maria Spavor
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada;
| | - Natalie Logie
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada;
| | - Joon Lee
- Data Intelligence for Health Lab, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Miranda M. Fidler-Benaoudia
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2S 3C3, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (F.S.); (G.M.T.G.); (T.H.T.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Mansoor O, Garcia J. Clinical Use of Blood Flow Analysis through 4D-Flow Imaging in Aortic Valve Disease. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:251. [PMID: 37367416 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10060251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which affects 1% of the general population, results from the abnormal fusion of the cusps of the aortic valve. BAV can lead to the dilatation of the aorta, aortic coarctation, development of aortic stenosis (AS), and aortic regurgitation. Surgical intervention is usually recommended for patients with BAV and bicuspid aortopathy. This review aims to examine 4D-flow imaging as a tool in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for assessing abnormal blood flow and its clinical application in BAV and AS. We present a historical clinical approach summarizing evidence of abnormal blood flow in aortic valve disease. We highlight how abnormal flow patterns can contribute to the development of aortic dilatation and novel flow-based biomarkers that can be used for a better understanding of the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Mansoor
- Undergraduate Medical Education, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Julio Garcia
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Nabil SK, Roy S, Algozeeb WA, Al-Attas T, Bari MAA, Zeraati AS, Kannimuthu K, Demingos PG, Rao A, Tran TN, Wu X, Bollini P, Lin H, Singh CV, Tour JM, Ajayan PM, Kibria MG. Bifunctional Gas Diffusion Electrode Enables In Situ Separation and Conversion of CO 2 to Ethylene from Dilute Stream. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2300389. [PMID: 36943940 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The requirement of concentrated carbon dioxide (CO2 ) feedstock significantly limits the economic feasibility of electrochemical CO2 reduction (eCO2 R) which often involves multiple intermediate processes, including CO2 capture, energy-intensive regeneration, compression, and transportation. Herein, a bifunctional gas diffusion electrode (BGDE) for separation and eCO2 R from a low-concentration CO2 stream is reported. The BGDE is demonstrated for the selective production of ethylene (C2 H4 ) by combining high-density-polyethylene-derived porous carbon (HPC) as a physisorbent with polycrystalline copper as a conversion catalyst. The BGDE shows substantial tolerance to 10 vol% CO2 exhibiting a Faradaic efficiency of ≈45% toward C2 H4 at a current density of 80 mA cm-2 , outperforming previous reports that utilized such partial pressure (PCO2 = 0.1 atm and above) and unaltered polycrystalline copper. Molecular dynamics simulation and mixed gas permeability assessment reveal that such selective performance is ensured by high CO2 uptake of the microporous HPC as well as continuous desorption owing to the molecular diffusion and concentration gradient created by the binary flow of CO2 and nitrogen (CO2 |N2 ) within the sorbent boundary. Based on detailed techno-economic analysis, it is concluded that this in situ process can be economically compelling by precluding the C2 H4 production cost associated with the energy-intensive intermediate steps of the conventional decoupled process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shariful Kibria Nabil
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Soumyabrata Roy
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wala Ali Algozeeb
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tareq Al-Attas
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Md Abdullah Al Bari
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Ali Shayesteh Zeraati
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Karthick Kannimuthu
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Pedro Guerra Demingos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Adwitiya Rao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Thien N Tran
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, 4226 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Praveen Bollini
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, 4226 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Haiqing Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Chandra Veer Singh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - James M Tour
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Pulickel M Ajayan
- Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Md Golam Kibria
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
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Alani AH, Miller L, Waweru I, Atwiine AB, Njagi S, Tonelli M, Kisarach K, Mohammed A, Mugera R, Ibrahim NM, Abdulhammed Mohamad D, Kiapi L. Lessons learned from implementing the Non-Communicable Diseases Kit in a humanitarian emergency: an operational evaluation in Sudan. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 7:e012077. [PMID: 37295806 PMCID: PMC10367079 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global health concern, and their management is particularly challenging in humanitarian contexts where healthcare resources are limited. The WHO Non-Communicable Diseases Kit (WHO-NCDK) is a health system intervention targeted at the primary healthcare (PHC) level and designed to provide essential medicines and equipment for NCDs management in emergency settings, meeting the needs of 10 000 people for 3 months. This operational evaluation aimed to assess the effectiveness and utility of the WHO-NCDK in two PHC facilities in Sudan and identify key contextual factors that may influence its implementation and impact. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods observational approach that combined quantitative and qualitative data, the evaluation found that the kit played a critical role in maintaining continuity of care when other supply chain solutions were disrupted. However, contextual factors such as local communities' unfamiliarity with healthcare facilities, the national integration of NCDs into PHC, and the existence of monitoring and evaluation systems were identified as important considerations for enhancing the WHO-NCDK's utility and usefulness. The evaluation suggests that the WHO-NCDK can be an effective intervention in emergency settings, provided that contextual factors such as local needs, facility capacity and healthcare worker capacity are considered before kit deployments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hecham Alani
- Health Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee, London, UK
- Independent Researcher, London, UK
| | - Laura Miller
- Health Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee, New York, New York, USA
| | - Isaac Waweru
- Health Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Aston B Atwiine
- Health Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stella Njagi
- Health Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marcello Tonelli
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelly Kisarach
- Health Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Ronald Mugera
- Health Technical Unit, International Rescue Committee, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Dina Abdulhammed Mohamad
- Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) & Surveillance, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Lilian Kiapi
- Health Technical Unit/Technical Excellence, International Rescue Committee, London, UK
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Ware AL, Onicas AI, Abdeen N, Beauchamp MH, Beaulieu C, Bjornson BH, Craig W, Dehaes M, Deschenes S, Doan Q, Freedman SB, Goodyear BG, Gravel J, Ledoux AA, Zemek R, Yeates KO, Lebel C. Altered longitudinal structural connectome in paediatric mild traumatic brain injury: an Advancing Concussion Assessment in Paediatrics study. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad173. [PMID: 37324241 PMCID: PMC10265725 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced diffusion-weighted imaging techniques have increased understanding of the neuropathology of paediatric mild traumatic brain injury (i.e. concussion). Most studies have examined discrete white-matter pathways, which may not capture the characteristically subtle, diffuse and heterogenous effects of paediatric concussion on brain microstructure. This study compared the structural connectome of children with concussion to those with mild orthopaedic injury to determine whether network metrics and their trajectories across time post-injury differentiate paediatric concussion from mild traumatic injury more generally. Data were drawn from of a large study of outcomes in paediatric concussion. Children aged 8-16.99 years were recruited from five paediatric emergency departments within 48 h of sustaining a concussion (n = 360; 56% male) or mild orthopaedic injury (n = 196; 62% male). A reliable change score was used to classify children with concussion into two groups: concussion with or without persistent symptoms. Children completed 3 T MRI at post-acute (2-33 days) and/or chronic (3 or 6 months, via random assignment) post-injury follow-ups. Diffusion-weighted images were used to calculate the diffusion tensor, conduct deterministic whole-brain fibre tractography and compute connectivity matrices in native (diffusion) space for 90 supratentorial regions. Weighted adjacency matrices were constructed using average fractional anisotropy and used to calculate global and local (regional) graph theory metrics. Linear mixed effects modelling was performed to compare groups, correcting for multiple comparisons. Groups did not differ in global network metrics. However, the clustering coefficient, betweenness centrality and efficiency of the insula, cingulate, parietal, occipital and subcortical regions differed among groups, with differences moderated by time (days) post-injury, biological sex and age at time of injury. Post-acute differences were minimal, whereas more robust alterations emerged at 3 and especially 6 months in children with concussion with persistent symptoms, albeit differently by sex and age. In the largest neuroimaging study to date, post-acute regional network metrics distinguished concussion from mild orthopaedic injury and predicted symptom recovery 1-month post-injury. Regional network parameters alterations were more robust and widespread at chronic timepoints than post-acutely after concussion. Results suggest that increased regional and local subnetwork segregation (modularity) and inefficiency occurs across time after concussion, emerging after post-concussive symptom resolve in most children. These differences persist up to 6 months after concussion, especially in children who showed persistent symptoms. While prognostic, the small to modest effect size of group differences and the moderating effects of sex likely would preclude effective clinical application in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Ware
- Correspondence to: Ashley L. Ware, PhD Department of Psychology, Georgia State University 140 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA E-mail:
| | - Adrian I Onicas
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 0V2, Canada
- Computer Vision Group, Sano Centre for Computational Medicine, Kraków 30-054, Poland
| | - Nishard Abdeen
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa,Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L1
| | - Miriam H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal and CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 1098 Research Transition Facility, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2V2
| | - Bruce H Bjornson
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3V4
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3V4
| | - William Craig
- University of Alberta and Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 1C9
| | - Mathieu Dehaes
- Department of Radiology, Radio-oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada H3T1J4
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada H3T1C5
| | - Sylvain Deschenes
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada H3T1C5
- Department of Radiology, Radio-oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada H3T1C5
| | - Quynh Doan
- Department of Pediatrics University of British Columbia, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4
| | - Stephen B Freedman
- Departments of Pediatric and Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T3B 6A8
| | - Bradley G Goodyear
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, AB T2N 0V2, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 0V2, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Gravel
- Pediatric Emergency Department, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC H3T1C5, Canada
- Department of Pediatric, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Andrée-Anne Ledoux
- Department of Cellular Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H8L1
| | - Roger Zemek
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H8L1
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Turner SE, Fedigan LM, Joyce MM, Matthews HD, Moriarity RJ, Nobuhara H, Nobuhara T, Stewart BM, Shimizu K. Mothers of disabled infants had higher cortisol levels in a free-ranging group of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). Am J Primatol 2023:e23500. [PMID: 37189289 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are hormones released in response to stressors and can provide insight into an organism's physiological well-being. Experiencing chronic challenges to homeostasis is associated with significant deviations from baseline fecal GCs (fGCs) in many species, providing a noninvasive biomarker for assessing stress. In the group of free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) at the Awajishima Monkey Center in Japan, ~17% have congenital limb malformations. We collected 646 fecal samples from 27 females over three consecutive birth seasons (May-August) and analyzed them using enzyme immunoassay to extract fGCs. We explored the relationship between fGC levels and individual (physical impairment and reproductive status), social (dominance rank and availability of kin for social support), and ecological variables (exposure to potential predators, rainfall, and wild fruit availability). A disabled infant was associated significantly with higher fGC in the mother; however, physical impairment in adult females was not significantly related to fGC levels. Females with higher dominance rank had significantly lower fGC levels than lower ranking females. Other factors did not relate significantly to fGC. These results suggest that providing care that meets the support needs of disabled infants poses a physiological challenge for mothers and suggests that physically impaired adults are able to effectively compensate for their disabilities with behavioral plasticity. Once an individual with congenital limb malformations survives infancy through their mother's care, physical impairment does not appear to influence fGC values, while social variables like dominance rank significantly influenced cortisol values in free-ranging female Japanese macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Turner
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Linda M Fedigan
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Megan M Joyce
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H Damon Matthews
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert J Moriarity
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Brogan M Stewart
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Keiko Shimizu
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama, Japan
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Kolstad AT, Eliason PH, Galarneau JM, Black AM, Hagel BE, Emery CA. Protective equipment in youth ice hockey: are mouthguards and helmet age relevant to concussion risk? Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:571-577. [PMID: 36918257 PMCID: PMC10176392 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the incidence rates and odds of concussion between youth ice hockey players based on mouthguard use and helmet age. MATERIALS AND METHODS Within a 5-year longitudinal cohort (2013/2014 to 2017/2018) of male and female ice hockey players (ages 11-18; n=3330 players) in Alberta (Canada), we analysed the relationship of equipment and concussion in both a prospective cohort and nested case (concussion) control (acute musculoskeletal injury) approach. The prospective cohort included baseline assessments documenting reported mouthguard use (yes/sometimes, no use), helmet age (newer/<2 years old, older/≥2 years old) and important covariables (weight, level of play, position of play, concussion history, body checking policy), with weekly player participation throughout the season. The nested case-control component used injury reports to document equipment (mouthguard use, helmet age) and other information (eg, mechanism and type of injury) for the injury event. Multivariable mixed effects negative binomial regression (prospective cohort, incidence rate ratios (IRRs)) and multivariable mixed effects logistic regression (nested case-control, odds ratios (OR)) examined the association between equipment and concussion. RESULTS Players who reported wearing a mouthguard had a 28% lower concussion rate (IRR=0.72, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.93) and 57% lower odds of concussion (OR=0.43, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.70) compared with non-wearers. There were no associations in the concussion rate (IRR=0.94, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.15) and odds (OR=1.16, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.86) between newer and older helmets. CONCLUSIONS Wearing a mouthguard was associated with a lower concussion rate and odds. Policy mandating use should be considered in youth ice hockey. More research is needed to identify other helmet characteristics (eg, quality, fit) that could lower concussion risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ash T Kolstad
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul H Eliason
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Galarneau
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amanda Marie Black
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brent E Hagel
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carolyn A Emery
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Integrated Concussion Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Rosca EC, Heneghan C, Spencer EA, Plüddemann A, Maltoni S, Gandini S, Onakpoya IJ, Evans D, Conly JM, Jefferson T. Coinfection with Strongyloides and SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050248. [PMID: 37235296 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatments for COVID-19, including steroids, might exacerbate Strongyloides disease in patients with coinfection. We aimed to systematically review clinical and laboratory features of SARS-CoV-2 and Strongyloides coinfection, investigate possible interventions, assess outcomes, and identify research gaps requiring further attention. METHODS We searched two electronic databases, LitCOVID and WHO, up to August 2022, including SARS-CoV-2 and Strongyloides coinfection studies. We adapted the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) system for standardized case causality assessment to evaluate if using corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs in COVID-19 patients determined acute manifestations of strongyloidiasis. RESULTS We included 16 studies reporting 25 cases of Strongyloides and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection: 4 with hyperinfection syndrome; 2 with disseminated strongyloidiasis; 3 with cutaneous reactivation of strongyloidiasis; 3 with isolated digestive symptoms; and 2 with solely eosinophilia, without clinical manifestations. Eleven patients were asymptomatic regarding strongyloidiasis. Eosinopenia or normal eosinophil count was reported in 58.3% of patients with Strongyloides reactivation. Steroids were given to 18/21 (85.7%) cases. A total of 4 patients (19.1%) received tocilizumab and/or Anakirna in addition to steroids. Moreover, 2 patients (9.5%) did not receive any COVID-19 treatment. The causal relationship between Strongyloides reactivation and COVID-19 treatments was considered certain (4% of cases), probable (20% of patients), and possible (20% of patients). For 8% of cases, it was considered unlikely that COVID-19 treatment was associated with strongyloidiasis reactivations; the relationship between the Strongyloides infection and administration of COVID-19 treatment was unassessable/unclassifiable in 48% of cases. Of 13 assessable cases, 11 (84.6%) were considered to be causally associated with Strongyloides, ranging from certain to possible. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed to assess the frequency and risk of Strongyloides reactivation in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our limited data using causality assessment supports recommendations that clinicians should screen and treat for Strongyloides infection in patients with coinfection who receive immunosuppressive COVID-19 therapies. In addition, the male gender and older age (over 50 years) may be predisposing factors for Strongyloides reactivation. Standardized guidelines should be developed for reporting future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena C Rosca
- Department of Neurology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Carl Heneghan
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Spencer
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Annette Plüddemann
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Susanna Maltoni
- Division of Research and Innovation, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Gandini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Igho J Onakpoya
- Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK
| | - David Evans
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - John M Conly
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases and O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Tom Jefferson
- Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK
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Barber MRW, Falasinnu T, Ramsey-Goldman R, Clarke AE. The global epidemiology of SLE: narrowing the knowledge gaps. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:i4-i9. [PMID: 36987602 PMCID: PMC10050933 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
SLE is a global health concern that unevenly affects certain ethnic/racial groups. Individuals of Asian, Black, Hispanic and Indigenous ethnicity/race are amongst those who experience increased prevalence, incidence, morbidity and mortality. Population-based surveillance studies from many regions are few and often still in nascent stages. Many of these areas are challenged by restricted access to diagnostics and therapeutics. Without accurately capturing the worldwide burden and distribution of SLE, appropriately dedicating resources to improve global SLE outcomes may be challenging. This review discusses recent SLE epidemiological studies, highlighting the challenges and emerging opportunities in low- and middle-income countries. We suggest means of closing these gaps to better address the global health need in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R W Barber
- Correspondence to: Megan R.W. Barber, Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 1820 Richmond Rd SW, Calgary AB T2T 5C7, Canada. E-mail:
| | - Titilola Falasinnu
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ann E Clarke
- Division of Rheumatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract
Gut microbiota contain communities of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and Eukarya, and live as biofilms. In health, these biofilms adhere to the intestinal mucus surface without contacting the epithelium. Disruptions to the equilibrium between these biofilms and the host may create invasive pathobionts from these commensal communities and contribute to disease pathogenesis. Environmental factors appear to dominate over genetics in determining the shifts in microbiota populations and function, including when comparing microbiota between low-income and industrialized countries. The observations discussed herein carry enormous potential for the development of novel therapies targeting phenotype in microbiota dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre G. Buret
- Department of Biological Sciences, Host-Parasite Interactions program, Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Thibault Allain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Host-Parasite Interactions program, Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Mohammadi M, Sabet N, Hassanzadeh H. Gravity Drainage of Bitumen Induced by Solvent Leaching. ACS Omega 2023; 8:4988-5002. [PMID: 36777599 PMCID: PMC9910341 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Steam-based thermal recovery processes are energy-intensive and pose environmental concerns due to their high greenhouse gas emissions. The application of solvents has shown promise in reducing the environmental impact of these processes. In this work, the solvent chamber theory is used to study the gravity drainage of bitumen. The results reveal that the drainage rate can be scaled using the thermophysical properties of solvents. The drainage rate is shown to be directly related to the density difference between bitumen and solvent and inversely proportional to the mixture viscosity. A universal scaling relation between the Sherwood number, as a measure of the mass transfer, and Rayleigh number, as a measure of the natural convection, in the form of Sh = βRa is presented using the experimental data of various solvents. This linear relationship is consistent with the theoretical studies of buoyancy-driven convection. Moreover, the scaling prefactor β is found to decrease with increasing natural log of the mobility ratio (α), which results in a lower rate of convective mass transfer. Furthermore, a new critical Rayleigh number equation based on the power-law mixing rule (PLMR) is derived, and the results are compared with the available theories in the literature based on the exponential mixing rule (EMR). The findings provide insights into understanding the convective dissolution with large viscosity contrast. Furthermore, the developed scaling relation provides a useful tool to predict the convective mixing of different bitumen/solvent systems. The results find application in the design of the solvent-based bitumen recovery processes.
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Kossinna P, Cai W, Lu X, Shemanko CS, Zhang Q. Stabilized COre gene and Pathway Election uncovers pan-cancer shared pathways and a cancer-specific driver. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabo2846. [PMID: 36542714 PMCID: PMC9770999 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo2846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Approaches systematically characterizing interactions via transcriptomic data usually follow two systems: (i) coexpression network analyses focusing on correlations between genes and (ii) linear regressions (usually regularized) to select multiple genes jointly. Both suffer from the problem of stability: A slight change of parameterization or dataset could lead to marked alterations of outcomes. Here, we propose Stabilized COre gene and Pathway Election (SCOPE), a tool integrating bootstrapped least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and coexpression analysis, leading to robust outcomes insensitive to variations in data. By applying SCOPE to six cancer expression datasets (BRCA, COAD, KIRC, LUAD, PRAD, and THCA) in The Cancer Genome Atlas, we identified core genes capturing interaction effects in crucial pan-cancer pathways related to genome instability and DNA damage response. Moreover, we highlighted the pivotal role of CD63 as an oncogenic driver and a potential therapeutic target in kidney cancer. SCOPE enables stabilized investigations toward complex interactions using transcriptome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pathum Kossinna
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Weijia Cai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Xuewen Lu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Carrie S. Shemanko
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Qingrun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
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Mills EP, Combs-Ramey K, Kwong GPS, Pang DSJ. Development of reference intervals for pupillometry in healthy dogs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1020710. [PMID: 36387393 PMCID: PMC9643214 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1020710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pupillometry, the measurement of pupil size and reactivity to a stimulus, has various uses in both human and veterinary medicine. These reflect autonomic tone, with the potential to assess nociception and emotion. Infrared pupillometry reduces inaccuracies that may occur when the pupillary light reflex is determined subjectively by the examiner. To our knowledge, there are no published studies outlining normal reference intervals for automated pupillometry in dogs. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to develop de novo automated pupillometry reference intervals from 126 healthy canine eyes. METHODS The pupillary light reflex (PLR) was measured with a handheld pupillometer (NeurOptics™ PLR-200™ Pupillometer). Parameters recorded included maximum pupil diameter (MAX), minimum pupil diameter (MIN), percent constriction (CON), latency (LAT), average constriction velocity (ACV), maximum constriction velocity (MCV), average dilation velocity (ADV) and time to 75% pupil diameter recovery (T75). One measurement was obtained for each eye. RESULTS The following reference intervals were developed: MAX (6.05-11.30 mm), MIN (3.76-9.44 mm), CON (-37.89 to -9.64 %), LAT (0.11-0.30 s), ACV (-6.39 to -2.63 mm/ s), MCV (-8.45 to -3.75 mm/s), ADV (-0.21-1.77 mm/s), and T75 (0.49-3.20 s). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The reference intervals developed in this study are an essential first step to facilitate future research exploring pupillometry as a pain assessment method in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erinn P. Mills
- Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Grace P. S. Kwong
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel S. J. Pang
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
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Tarr GAM, Persson DJ, Tarr PI, Freedman SB. Enteric Pathogen Testing Importance for Children with Acute Gastroenteritis: a Modified Delphi Study. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0186422. [PMID: 36125298 PMCID: PMC9602993 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01864-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of clinical diagnostics for gastroenteritis in children has implications for a broad collection of stakeholders, impacting clinical care, communicable disease control, and laboratory utilization. To support diagnostic stewardship as gastroenteritis testing options continue to advance, it is critical to understand which enteropathogens constitute priorities for testing across stakeholder groups. Using a modified Delphi technique, we elicited opinions of subject matter experts to determine clinical and public health testing priorities. There was a high level of overall agreement (≥80%) among stakeholders (final round n = 15) that testing was important for Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157 and other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, Yersinia, norovirus, and rotavirus. Immunocompromised children were identified as a special population that warranted the additional testing of three to four bacterial and parasitic targets. To support these clinical and public health testing priorities, diagnostic stewardship strategies can be employed, such as educating clinicians, developing new decision support tools, and using multiplex testing in concert with selective result reporting and annotation. IMPORTANCE Children with diarrhea and vomiting who seek care can be infected with a wide variety of infectious agents. This study reports findings from a survey of clinical, public health, and laboratory subject matter experts on the infectious agents that are most important to test for. The majority agreed on the importance of testing children likely infected with several bacterial agents, as well as two common viruses. Although confirming a child is positive for a viral agent is unlikely to change clinical care, participants noted the importance of monitoring these viruses for public health purposes. To avoid over-testing children, however, these results should be used to support diagnostic stewardship strategies and design new decision support tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian A. M. Tarr
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Drew J. Persson
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Phillip I. Tarr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stephen B. Freedman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Sections of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Gastroenterology, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Aghajamali M, Vieira MA, Firouzi-Haji R, Cui K, Cho JY, Bergren AJ, Hassanzadeh H, Meldrum A. Synthesis and properties of multi-functionalized graphene quantum dots with tunable photoluminescence and hydrophobicity from asphaltene and its oxidized and reduced derivatives. Nanoscale Adv 2022; 4:4080-4093. [PMID: 36285213 PMCID: PMC9514569 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00445c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with tunable photoluminescence (PL) and hydrophobicity were synthesized from an abundant natural carbon source containing nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen heteroatoms. Asphaltene and its oxidized and reduced derivatives were used as precursors to produce GQDs in organic solvents (i.e., methanol, toluene, and chloroform) using a facile ultrasonication technique. Asphaltene surface chemistry was tuned by sequential oxidation and reduction to investigate the surface effects on GQD properties. Spectroscopic characterizations confirmed the presence of N, S, and O heteroatoms and different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. Microscopic characterizations revealed that these crystalline carbon nanomaterials have mono-layered or multi-layered structures with lateral sizes in the range of ∼5-15 nm. The asphaltene-derived GQDs exhibit tunable PL with emission colors ranging from blue to orange, depending on the carbon precursor and the organic solvent. Solvent exchange studies also revealed that asphaltene and its derivatives contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions, resulting in varied hydrophobicity of the synthesized GQDs. Adding to the appeal of the present work, PL quenching of GQD-silica hybrid materials upon exposure to nitro-aromatics confirms that these GQDs can be incorporated to different host materials for advanced sensing or optoelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Aghajamali
- Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Mariana Arpini Vieira
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta Edmonton AB T6G 2E1 Canada
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada Edmonton AB T6G 2M9 Canada
| | | | - Kai Cui
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada Edmonton AB T6G 2M9 Canada
| | - Jae-Young Cho
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada Edmonton AB T6G 2M9 Canada
| | - Adam Johan Bergren
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada Edmonton AB T6G 2M9 Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia Kelowna BC V1V 1V7 Canada
| | - Hassan Hassanzadeh
- Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
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Pare A, Kippen L, Wagg C, Longmore M, Boysen S. Comparison of four different hematocrit assays and the effect of albumin on their measurements. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:937328. [PMID: 36090165 PMCID: PMC9449412 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.937328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical decisions are influenced by hematocrit values. Centrifugation (reference standard), conductivity, optical and impedance methods are often used interchangeably to measure hematocrit. The effects of albumin, which are known to affect conductivity methods, have not been evaluated for limits of agreement (LOA) between hematocrit assays in small animals. Canine venous blood was collected from 74 clinical cases and measured by centrifugation (n = 72), conductivity (n = 73), impedance (n = 24) and optical (n = 50) methods. Bland-Altman analysis determined bias (± SD) and 95% LOA between methods. There was a statistically significant difference between centrifugation hematocrit values and values obtained via conductivity (p < 0.0001), optical (p < 0.0001), and impedance (p = 0.0082) methods. The conductivity method underestimated hematocrit by 2.1 ± 2.9% (95% LOA −3.54 to 7.88), the optical method by 3.1 ± 3.6% (95% LOA −4.0 to 10.2), and the impedance method by 2.3 ± 3.7% (95% LOA −5 to 9.6) when compared to centrifuged hematocrit values. The hematocrit difference between conductivity and centrifugation methods was statistically different for low (4%, 0–5%), within reference limits (3%, −5 to 8%), and high (2%, −2 to 5%) albumin values, respectively (p = 0.02), with post-hoc analysis demonstrating that the difference occurred between the low and high albumin groups. This study confirms that albumin values outside reference limits can affect the conductivity method and that hematocrit values obtained via conductivity, optical and impedance methods underestimate values obtained via centrifugation. Therefore, the hematocrit methods cannot be used interchangeably. The wide limits of agreement also demonstrates that care must be taken when making clinical decisions with different hematocrit methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Pare
- Department of Internal Medicine, Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre–VCA, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Amelie Pare
| | - Laura Kippen
- Department of Emergency Care, Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital–VCA, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Wagg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matt Longmore
- Department of Emergency Care, Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre–VCA, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Soren Boysen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Hedhli M, Dewing K, Beauchamp B, Grasby SE, Meyer R. Devonian to Carboniferous continental-scale carbonate turnover in Western Laurentia (North America): upwelling or climate cooling? Facies 2022; 68:15. [PMID: 35910009 PMCID: PMC9314305 DOI: 10.1007/s10347-022-00653-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Devonian to Carboniferous (DC) transition coincided with a green-to-ice house climatic shift, anoxia, disappearance of lower latitude carbonate banks, and turnover from warm-to-cool water carbonate factories. In western Laurentia, the switch to carbonate factories dominated by cool-water biota was contemporaneous with a tectonically driven palaeogeographic change. To investigate this depositional shift and infer the relative impact of climate vs tectonics, a continental-scale sedimentological and geochemical study was conducted on twelve stratigraphic sections of DC strata from western Canada to southern Nevada (USA). The spatial-temporal distribution of microfacies records the turnover from [i] a Famennian lime mud-rich, shallow warm-water carbonate ramp with low sedimentation rates, mesotrophic conditions and tabular geometry to [ii] Tournaisian to Viséan lime mud-depleted and grainstone dominated cool-water carbonate ramp with anomalous high sedimentation rates, oligotrophic conditions and a pronounced slope. Positive excursions of δ 18Ocarb (+ 2‰ V-PDB) and δ 13Ccarb (+ 4‰ V-PDB) of Lower Mississippian carbonates likely correspond to the first cooling peak of the Carboniferous-Permian icehouse climate, following carbon withdrawal during black shale deposition during the late Famennian and early Tournaisian. However, late Tournaisian return of photozoan elements and their persistence throughout the Viséan suggests that warmer surface water existed, revealing a decoupling of the lower latitude ocean and the atmosphere. Shoaling of the thermocline was likely a result of cold-water upwelling along an open coast, as the Antler orogen no longer provided an oceanic obstruction to the west. This study shows that carbonate platforms are more susceptible to regional changes than global shifts. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10347-022-00653-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makram Hedhli
- Geological Survey of Canada, 3303-33rd Street NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A7 Canada
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Keith Dewing
- Geological Survey of Canada, 3303-33rd Street NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A7 Canada
| | - Benoit Beauchamp
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Stephen E. Grasby
- Geological Survey of Canada, 3303-33rd Street NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A7 Canada
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Rudi Meyer
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
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Gebresenbet RF, Kamaliddin C, Bekele ZM, Teferi M, Tegegne B, Yewhalaw D, Bayih AG, Pillai DR. Active case detection and treatment of malaria in pregnancy using LAMP technology (LAMPREG): a pragmatic randomised diagnostic outcomes trial-study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058397. [PMID: 35851027 PMCID: PMC10410974 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria is one of the major public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. It contributes significantly to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in affected countries. This study aims to evaluate the impact of enhanced case detection using molecular testing called loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) on birth outcomes in a prospective study design. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A pragmatic randomised diagnostic outcomes trial will be conducted in several health institutes in different Ethiopian regions. Women (n=2583) in their first and second trimesters of pregnancy will be included in the study and individually randomised to the standard of care or enhanced case detection arms, and followed until delivery. Enrolment will encompass the malaria peak transmission seasons. In the standard of care arm, a venous blood sample will be collected for malaria diagnosis only in symptomatic patients. In contrast, in the intervention arm, mothers will be tested by a commercially available Conformité Européene (CE)-approved LAMP malaria test, microscopy and rapid diagnostic test for malaria regardless of their symptoms at each antenatal care visit. The primary outcome of the study is to measure birth weight. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by the following ethical research boards: Armauer Hansen Research Institute/ALERT Ethics Review Committee (FORM AF-10-015.1, Protocol number PO/05/20), the Ethiopia Ministry of Science and Higher Education National Research Ethics Review Committee (approval SRA/11.7/7115/20), the Ethiopia Food and Drug Administration (approval 02/25/33/I), UCalgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB21-0234). The study results will be shared with the institutions and stakeholders such as the Ethiopia Ministry of Health, the Foundation for Innovative Diagnostics, WHO's Multilateral initiative on Malaria - Tropical Diseases Research (TDR-MIM), Roll Back Malaria and the Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium. The study results will also be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03754322.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Kamaliddin
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Mekonnen Teferi
- Clinical Trials Unit, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Banchamlak Tegegne
- Medical Parasitology, Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, Jimma University College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | - Dylan R Pillai
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Uddin G, Alam O, Serebrenik A. A qualitative study of developers' discussions of their problems and joys during the early COVID-19 months. Empir Softw Eng 2022; 27:117. [PMID: 35692984 PMCID: PMC9166204 DOI: 10.1007/s10664-022-10156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many software developers started to work from home on a short notice during the early periods of COVID-19. A number of previous papers have studied the wellbeing and productivity of software developers during COVID-19. The studies mainly use surveys based on predefined questionnaires. In this paper, we investigate the problems and joys that software developers experienced during the early months of COVID-19 by analyzing their discussions in online forum devRant, where discussions can be open and not bound by predefined survey questionnaires. The devRant platform is designed for developers to share their joys and frustrations of life. We manually analyze 825 devRant posts between January and April 12, 2020 that developers created to discuss their situation during COVID-19. WHO declared COVID-19 as pandemic on March 11, 2020. As such, our data offers us insights in the early months of COVID-19. We manually label each post along two dimensions: the topics of the discussion and the expressed sentiment polarity (positive, negative, neutral). We observed 19 topics that we group into six categories: Workplace & Professional aspects, Personal & Family well-being, Technical Aspects, Lockdown preparedness, Financial concerns, and Societal and Educational concerns. Around 49% of the discussions are negative and 26% are positive. We find evidence of developers' struggles with lack of documentation to work remotely and with their loneliness while working from home. We find stories of their job loss with little or no savings to fallback to. The analysis of developer discussions in the early months of a pandemic will help various stakeholders (e.g., software companies) make important decision early to alleviate developer problems if such a pandemic or similar emergency situation occurs in near future. Software engineering research can make further efforts to develop automated tools for remote work (e.g., automated documentation).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Omar Alam
- Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
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McLennan K, Rock MJ, Mattos E, Toohey AM. Leashes, Litterboxes, and Lifelines: Exploring Volunteer-Based Pet Care Assistance Programs for Older Adults. Front Psychol 2022; 13:873372. [PMID: 35558722 PMCID: PMC9087836 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.873372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At the convergence of population aging and pet-ownership, community stakeholders are well-positioned to support older adults' relationships with companion animals through age-related transitions in health and living arrangements. In this study's setting, a volunteer-based pet care assistance program launched in 2017 to provide practical assistance with pet care for socially disadvantaged, community-dwelling older adults. This case study explored the impacts and feasibility of this and similar programs via (i) an Internet-based environmental scan to compare similar programs and (ii) qualitative interviews with a sampling of diverse community stakeholders (n = 9). A small number of comparable international programs (n = 16) were found. Among these, programs were delivered using a range of funding models; fewer than half involved collaborations across human social services and animal welfare sectors; and none addressed all dimensions of support offered by our local program. Analysis of qualitative interviews highlighted five major themes confirming the value of the volunteer-based approach and the importance of cross-sectoral collaborations in addressing older adults' under-recognized pet care-related needs. Taken together, the findings confirmed the effectiveness of our local program model. Collaborative, cross-sectoral programs that target both human and companion animal well-being hold promise to reduce barriers to pet ownership that many disadvantaged older adults face. This unique approach leverages the health-promoting potential of human-animal relationships in ways that enhance quality of life for individuals, animal welfare, and age-friendliness of communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate McLennan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Melanie J. Rock
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O’Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Emma Mattos
- Calgary Seniors Resource Society, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ann M. Toohey
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O’Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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