Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disease characterized by airway obstruction and accelerated lung function decline. Our understanding of systemic protein biomarkers ...associated with COPD remains incomplete.
To determine what proteins and pathways are associated with impaired pulmonary function in a diverse population.
We studied 6,722 participants across six cohort studies with both aptamer-based proteomic and spirometry data (4,566 predominantly White participants in a discovery analysis and 2,156 African American cohort participants in a validation). In linear regression models, we examined protein associations with baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV
) and FEV
/forced vital capacity (FVC). In linear mixed effects models, we investigated the associations of baseline protein levels with rate of FEV
decline (ml/yr) in 2,777 participants with up to 7 years of follow-up spirometry.
We identified 254 proteins associated with FEV
in our discovery analyses, with 80 proteins validated in the Jackson Heart Study. Novel validated protein associations include kallistatin serine protease inhibitor, growth differentiation factor 2, and tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (discovery β = 0.0561,
= 4.05 × 10
; β = 0.0421,
= 1.12 × 10
; and β = 0.0358,
= 1.67 × 10
, respectively). In longitudinal analyses within cohorts with follow-up spirometry, we identified 15 proteins associated with FEV
decline (
< 0.05), including elafin leukocyte elastase inhibitor and mucin-associated TFF2 (trefoil factor 2; β = -4.3 ml/yr,
= 0.049; β = -6.1 ml/yr,
= 0.032, respectively). Pathways and processes highlighted by our study include aberrant extracellular matrix remodeling, enhanced innate immune response, dysregulation of angiogenesis, and coagulation.
In this study, we identify and validate novel biomarkers and pathways associated with lung function traits in a racially diverse population. In addition, we identify novel protein markers associated with FEV
decline. Several protein findings are supported by previously reported genetic signals, highlighting the plausibility of certain biologic pathways. These novel proteins might represent markers for risk stratification, as well as novel molecular targets for treatment of COPD.
Overstrain of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a common Thoroughbred racehorse limb injury requiring treatment.
To determine whether treatment of SDFT lesions in flat Thoroughbred ...racehorses with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) or allogenic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (A-MSCs) is associated with improved likelihood of returning to racing, when compared to racehorses managed with a controlled exercise rehabilitation program (CERP) alone.
Retrospective cohort study combining clinical treatment records with race records.
A total of 213 Thoroughbred racehorses were identified. All were prescribed the same 12-month CERP and 66 also received intralesional BM-MSC and 17 A-MSC treatment. Follow-up was a minimum of 2 years after return to full race training. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between the treatments and the likelihood of returning to racing and completing five or more (C5+) races post-injury.
Compared to CERP alone, BM-MSC treatment was associated with increased odds of returning to racing (OR 3.19; 95% CI 1.55-6.81) and C5+ races post-injury (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.32-5.33). Older age and increasing lesion length were associated with a reduced likelihood of returning to racing. Male sex and increased number of pre-injury starts were associated with increased odds of returning to racing. There was no observed increased likelihood of return to racing or C5+ races associated with treatment with A-MSCs compared to CERP alone.
Due to the retrospective nature of the study it was not possible to ascertain how strictly the CERP was followed. Due to the novelty of the method, the A-MSC treatment group included a limited number of horses.
In the study population, intralesional BM-MSC treatment was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of returning to racing and C5+ races post-injury compared to CERP alone. Intralesional A-MSC showed no significant association between treatment and the two investigated outcomes.
Infections with persistent or latent viruses alter host immune homeostasis and have potential to affect the outcome of concomitant acute viral infections such as influenza A virus (IAV). ...Gammaherpesviruses establish life-long infections and require an on-going immune response to control reactivation. We have used a murine model of co-infection to investigate the response to IAV infection in mice latently infected with the gammaherpesvirus MHV-68. Over the course of infection, latently infected BALB/c mice showed less weight loss, clinical signs, pulmonary cellular infiltration and expression of inflammatory mediators than naïve mice infected with IAV and had significantly more activated CD8
T cells in the lungs. Four days after IAV infection, virus spread in the lungs of latently infected animals was significantly lower than in naïve animals. By 7 days after IAV infection latently infected lungs express elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines indicating they are primed to respond to the secondary infection. Investigation at an early time point showed that 24 h after IAV infection co-infected animals had higher expression of IFNβ and Ddx58 (RIG-I) and a range of ISGs than mice infected with IAV alone suggesting that the type I IFN response plays a role in the protective effect. This effect was mouse strain dependent and did not occur in 129/Sv/Ev mice. These results offer insight into innate immune mechanisms that could be utilized to protect against IAV infection and highlight on-going and persistent viral infections as a significant factor impacting the severity of acute respiratory infections.
Summary
Background
Endurance riding competitions are increasingly popular, with a corresponding awareness of the frequency of Failure to Qualify (FTQ) due to lameness or metabolic problems. ...Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules require a minimum number of days between competitions, known as a mandatory rest period (MRP).
Objectives
To analyse the impact on FTQ outcomes of MRPs which applied between January 2014 and December 2016, and model potential changes to MRPs to establish which rule change could lead to the largest further reduction in the number of FTQ outcomes.
Study design
Retrospective cohort study and predictive model using a subset of data collected by the FEI of every horse start worldwide in Concours de Raid d’Endurance Internationale (CEI) competitions between 2010 and 2017.
Methods
Descriptive statistics followed by predictive/retrospective modelling of potential scenarios. Scenarios involved extended MRP for all horses and/or for only the fastest ridden horses.
Results
There were clear direct benefits demonstrated from the introduction of MRPs. Among directly affected horses, current MRPs could have prevented 2.3% of FTQ outcomes. Further benefits could be gained by extending MRPs. The ‘best‐value’ impact could be found in a 1‐week extension for all horses plus a 1‐week extension for the fastest ridden horses – which could result in a reduction of up to 11.5% of FTQ outcomes among directly affected horses.
Main limitations
The data set covers all FEI competitions but no National Federation events. The data set is geographically comprehensive but it does not include every competition started by every individual horse. Training data for each horse were not available.
Conclusions
Mandatory rest periods for horses between endurance competitions have had the intended impact of reducing numbers of FTQ outcomes in CEI events. Further benefits could be gained by extending rest periods for all horses and/or for horses ridden at the highest average speeds.
•The effect of riding speed on elimination of horses in Fédération Equestre Internationale endurance events was studied.•Faster riding speeds, especially during stages (‘loops’) 1 and 2, were ...associated with deleterious outcomes.•Sudden drops in riding speed during loop 3 were associated with an increased likelihood of elimination.•There may be an opportunity for real-time risk analysis during endurance rides.
This study examined the association between riding speed and elimination in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) endurance events. A total of 35,061 horse starts from 1st July 2012 to 31st December 2015 were included in a multivariable logistic regression model containing 25 different risk factors. Riding speeds in individual stages (‘loops’) were included as individual risk factors in studying the progress of horses through loops 1–3 of each endurance ride. The possibility of real-time, ‘mid-ride’ predictive modelling was explored by modelling both riding speeds and sudden changes in speed between loops as potential risk factors. Faster riding speeds, especially during loops 1 and 2, were associated with deleterious outcomes. Furthermore, sudden drops in riding speed during loop 3 were associated with an increased likelihood of elimination.
Background
Equestrian eventing is a dangerous Olympic sport, with 16 rider and 69 horse fatalities at competition in the last 10 years. Despite this, there is limited research that aims to improve ...safety within the sport.
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for horse falls, which are the leading cause of rider fatality within the sport.
Study design
Retrospective cohort study.
Methods
Competition data between January 2005 and December 2015 were analysed. Descriptive statistics followed by univariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for inclusion in a multivariable logistic regression model were conducted. Models were constructed stepwise using a bidirectional process and assessed using the Akaike information criterion. A total of 749 534 cross‐country starts were analysed for association with the risk of horse falls.
Results
Sixteen risk factors were identified including: higher event levels, higher dressage penalties and higher number of days since horses' last start. For example, horse and rider combinations competing at BE100 (OR 1.64, confidence interval (CI) 1.37–1.96, p < 0.001), novice (OR 3.58, CI 3.03–4.24, p < 0.001), intermediate (OR 8.00, CI 6.54–9.78, p < 0.001), advanced (OR 12.49, CI 9.42–16.57, p < 0.001) and international (OR 4.63, CI 3.50–6.12, p < 0.001) all had a higher risk of having a horse fall in comparison to combinations competing at BE90 level. Furthermore, for every additional 10 dressage penalties awarded to a horse and rider combination, there was a higher risk of a horse fall (OR 1.20, CI 1.12–1.28, p < 0.001).
Main limitations
The study is not geographically comprehensive (UK only) and does not include any information on training activity of horses and riders.
Conclusions
This is the largest‐scale study ever conducted on horse falls during eventing competition. Study results can be used by sport governing bodies to inform policy which has the potential to reduce the risk of injury and fatality to sport participants.
Background
Le concours complet équestre demeure un sport Olympique dangereux, tel qu'en témoigne les accidents fatals impliquant 16 cavaliers et 69 chevaux sur une période de 10 ans. Malgré cela, très peu de recherche se consacre à améliorer la sécurité de ce sport.
Objectives
L'objectif de cette étude était d'identifier les risques facteur de chutes des chevaux, qui représentent la cause première d'accidents fatals dans ce sport.
Study Design
Étude de cohorte rétrospective.
Methods
Les données de compétition entre Janvier 2005 et Décembre 2015 ont été analysées. Les analyses descriptives ont été produites, suivies de régression logistique univariée afin d'identifier les risques facteurs pour l'inclusion dans un modèle de régression logistique multivariée. Les modèles ont été construits par étapes en utilisant un procédé bidirectionnel et le critère d'information d'Akaike. 749 534 départs de cross‐country ont été analysés pour évaluer l'association avec le risque de chutes du cheval.
Results
Seize facteurs de risque ont été identifiés incluant: événements de plus haut niveau, pénalités de dressage plus élevées, nombre supérieur de jours depuis le dernier départ du cheval. Par exemple, les combinaisons cheval‐cavalier en compétition au niveau britannique 100 (BE100) (OR 1.64, p < 0.001), Novice (OR 3.58, p < 0.001), Intermédiaire (OR 8.00, p < 0.001), Avancé (OR 12.49, p < 0.001) et international (OR 4.63, p < 0.001) avaient tous un niveau de risque de chute supérieur comparativement aux combinaisons en compétition au niveau 90 (BE 90). De plus, pour chaque tranche de 10 points de pénalités octroyés à une combinaison cheval‐cavalier, le risque de chutes était supérieur (OR 1.20, p < 0,001).
Main Limitations
Cette étude est limitée géographiquement (Grande‐Bretagne seulement) et n'inclus pas d'informations sur l'entraînement des chevaux et cavaliers.
Conclusions
Cette étude représente celle a plus grande échelle sur les chutes à cheval en compétition équestre. Les résultats de l'étude peuvent être utilisé par les organismes dirigeants afin d'élaborer une politique ayant le potentiel de réduire les risques de blessures et d'accidents fatals aux participants de concours complets équestres.
Verifiable control of a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles Bennet, D J; McInnes, C R
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part G, Journal of aerospace engineering,
07/2009, Letnik:
223, Številka:
7
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Abstract
This article considers the distributed control of a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) investigating autonomous pattern formation and reconfigurability. A behaviour-based approach to ...formation control is considered with a velocity field control algorithm developed through bifurcating potential fields. This new approach extends previous research into pattern formation using potential field theory by considering the use of bifurcation theory as a means of reconfiguring a swarm pattern through a free parameter change. The advantage of this kind of system is that it is extremely robust to individual failures, is scalable, and also flexible. The potential field consists of a steering and repulsive term with the bifurcation of the steering potential resulting in a change of the swarm pattern. The repulsive potential ensures collision avoidance and an equally spaced final formation. The stability of the system is demonstrated to ensure that desired behaviours always occur, assuming that at large separation distances the repulsive potential can be neglected through a scale separation that exists between the steering and repulsive potential. The control laws developed are applied to a formation of ten UAVs using a velocity field tracking approach, where it is shown numerically that desired patterns can be formed safely ensuring collision avoidance.
Background
Endurance competitions over distances of 80‐160 km are required by Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules to be divided into a number of stages between three and six. These stages ...are also known as “loops”. Veterinary inspections, designed to ensure horse welfare, are conducted at the end of each loop, with details recorded on a separate “vet card” for each horse.
Objectives
To identify risk factors recorded on vet cards that were associated with elimination at subsequent loops.
Study design
Retrospective cohort study.
Methods
Data relating to 3213 horse starts worldwide in international (CEI) events during 2014 were analysed. Univariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for potential inclusion in a final multivariable logistic regression model. Models were constructed stepwise using backwards‐removal and assessed using the Bayesian information criterion.
Results
Risk factors were identified, which would allow an “in‐ride” risk profile to be constructed for each horse which evolves as the horse progresses through the ride. Some risk factors such as abnormal gait and high heart rate were found to be repeatedly associated with imminent failure to qualify.
Main limitations
This is a relatively small study in terms of cohort size, based on the data that were available at the time of the study. Although comprehensive ride history data were also available for each horse via the main FEI database, training data were not.
Conclusions
By identifying risk factors observed during the veterinary inspections at the end of a loop that are strongly associated with elimination at the end of the next or subsequent loops, these results provide an evidence‐base for educational initiatives and regulatory changes that will inform the way veterinary delegates use veterinary inspections to help identify horses at risk of imminent FTQ.
Awareness and management of ethical issues in data science are becoming crucial skills for data scientists. Discussion of contemporary issues in collaborative and interdisciplinary spaces is an ...engaging way to allow data-science work to be influenced by those with expertise in sociological fields and so improve the ability of data scientists to think critically about the ethics of their work. However, opportunities to do so are limited. Data Ethics Club is a fortnightly discussion group about data science and ethics whose community-generated resources are hosted publicly online. These include a collaborative list of materials around topics of interest and guides for leading an online data-ethics discussion group. Our meetings and resources are designed to reduce the barriers to learning, reflection, and critique on data science and ethics, with the broader aim of building ethics into the cultural fabric of quality data-science work.
•
Data Ethics Club meetings encourage interdisciplinary discussion about data ethics
•
Organizing openly means resources and ideas can be generated collaboratively
•
Materials for organizing your own Data Ethics Club are provided
•
Interested contributors are warmly invited to participate and make new suggestions
The Data Ethics Club aims to help data scientists, analysts, and other interested parties up skill in their knowledge of data ethics through discussions in an interdisciplinary setting that encourages individuals to explore their own ethical challenges and boundaries. Our aim is to make conversations about data ethics more common in data-science spaces and for these conversations to be informed by the critical work taking place in sociological and philosophical disciplines. Our longer-term ambitions are for our community to continue to grow and develop the resources we have created and for more groups in other locations and time zones to be established. By bringing data ethics to people in a range of roles and organizations, we can increase the awareness of ethics in our day-to-day settings and work toward preventing future injustices being aided and abetted by data science.
Safe and responsible data-science work should be influenced by knowledge from sociological fields, but there are limited opportunities for regular interdisciplinary conversation. Data Ethics Club (
dataethicsclub.com
) is a fortnightly discussion group about data science and ethics whose community-generated resources are hosted publicly online. The group’s meetings and resources reduce the barriers to learning, reflection, and critique on data science and ethics, with the broader aim of building ethics into the cultural fabric of quality data-science work.
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