Reconstructions of the past behavior of the geomagnetic field critically depend on the magnetic signal stored in extrusive igneous rocks. These rocks record the Earth's magnetic field when they cool ...and retain this magnetization on geological timescales. In rugged volcanic terrain, however, the magnetic signal arising from the underlying flows may influence the ambient magnetic field as recorded by newly formed flows on top. To measure these local anomalies in the Earth's magnetic field directly we developed a low-cost field magnetometer based on a fluxgate sensor. To improve the accuracy of the obtained paleomagnetic vector and user-friendliness of the device, we combined this fluxgate sensor with tilt and GPS sensors to rotate the measured magnetic vector to true north, east, and down. The data acquisition is done using a ruggedized laptop, and data are immediately available for first-order interpretation. The first measurements done on Mt. Etna show local variations in the ambient magnetic field that are larger than expected and illustrate both the accuracy (certainly <0.5∘ in paleomagnetic direction) and potential of our new device.
Neurodegeneration, rather than inflammation, plays a key role in the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS). Current disease modifying treatment options for people with progressive MS (PMS) do ...not specifically target neurodegeneration. Preliminary evidence suggests that exercise therapy might have neuroprotective effects. However, neuroprotective effect studies of exercise interventions in PMS are scarce and the possible mode of action underlying neuroprotective effects of exercise are unknown and need to be elucidated. The main aim of this phase II trial is to assess whether progressive resistance training (PRT) and high intensity interval training (HIIT), can slow down neurodegeneration in people with PMS.
In a single-blinded phase II clinical trial with an extended baseline period, 60 people with PMS will be randomly assigned to PRT or HIIT. The participants should have had a relapse onset of MS with confirmed disease progression, however still ambulatory. The duration of the study is 48 weeks, consisting of 16 weeks baseline period (no intervention), 16 weeks intervention and 16 weeks follow-up. Patient-tailored training will be performed 3 times per week for one hour in groups, led by an experienced physiotherapist. The primary outcome measure is neurodegeneration, measured as whole brain atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Secondary outcome parameters will include other biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration (i.e. regional brain atrophy, lesion load, white matter integrity, resting state functional connectivity, blood biomarkers (brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serum neurofilament light (sNFL)), patient functioning (physical and cognitive) and cardiovascular risk factors.
Besides the primary outcome measures, this study will examine a large variety of biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration after an exercise intervention. Combining outcome parameters may help to elucidate the mode of action underlying neuroprotective effects of exercise.
This trial is prospectively registered at the Dutch Trial Registry (number NL8265, date 06-01-2020).
It is increasingly recognised that interactions between geomorphological and biotic processes control the functioning of many ecosystem types as described e.g. by the ecological theory of ecosystem ...engineering. Consequently, the need for specific bio-geomorphological research methods is growing recently. Much research on biogeomorphological processes is done in coastal marshes. These areas provide clear examples of ecosystem engineering as well as other bio-geomorphological processes: Marsh vegetation slows down tidal currents and hence stimulates the process of sedimentation, while vice versa, the sedimentation controls ecological processes like vegetation succession. This review is meant to give insights in the various available methods to measure sedimentation, with special attention to their suitability to quantify bio-geomorphological interactions. The choice of method used to measure sedimentation is important to obtain the correct parameters to understand the biogeomorphology of tidal salt marshes. This review, therefore, aims to be a tool for decision making regarding the processes to be measured and the methods to be used. We, subdivide the methods into those measuring suspended sediment concentration (A), sediment deposition (B), accretion (C) and surface-elevation change (D). With this review, we would like to further encourage interdisciplinary studies in the fields of ecology and geomorphology.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) effectively reduces fatigue directly following treatment in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but little is known about the process of change during and after ...CBT.
Additional analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
To investigate which psychological factors mediate change in fatigue during and after CBT.
TREFAMS-CBT studied the effectiveness of a 16-week CBT treatment for MS-related fatigue. Ninety-one patients were randomized (44 to CBT, 47 to the MS-nurse consultations). Mediation during CBT treatment was studied using assessments at baseline, 8 and 16weeks. Mediation of the change in fatigue from post-treatment to follow-up was studied separately using assessments at 16, 26 and 52weeks. Proposed mediators were: changes in illness cognitions, general self-efficacy, coping styles, daytime sleepiness, concentration and physical activity, fear of disease progression, fatigue perceptions, depression and physical functioning. Mediators were separately analysed according to the product-of-coefficients approach. Confidence intervals were calculated with a bootstrap procedure.
During treatment the decrease in fatigue brought on by CBT was mediated by improved fatigue perceptions, increased physical activity, less sleepiness, less helplessness, and improved physical functioning. Post-treatment increases in fatigue levels were mediated by reduced physical activity, reduced concentration, and increased sleepiness.
These results suggests that focusing on improving fatigue perceptions, perceived physical activity, daytime sleepiness, helplessness, and physical functioning may further improve the effectiveness of CBT for fatigue in patients with MS. Maintenance of treatment effects may be obtained by focusing on improving physical activity, concentration and sleepiness.
•Little is known about the process of change during CBT for MS-related fatigue.•Perception, physical activities, sleepiness and helplessness can benefit CBT.•Physical activity, concentration and sleep patterns can help maintain CBT effects.
Self-regulation refers to self-management and self-control, with or without disability. Outcomes of rehabilitation with respect to self-regulation are unclear. This study aims to identify elements of ...self-regulation that former patients consider important in the context of medical rehabilitation.
Qualitative exploration based on focus group discussions (FGDs). Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis as well as open coding. Forty individuals participated in seven diagnosis-related FGDs.
Six subthemes were raised in the FGDs which could be merged into three main themes. Two main themes are conditional for regaining self-regulation: 1) having insight into one's condition and abilities (i.e., insight into impairments. consequences of impairments. abilities); 2) to know how to cope with the consequences of the condition (be able to communicate limitations; have to trust in body and functioning). The subject of the last theme 3) is how to apply self-regulation in one's own life (to make use of abilities and optimize functioning).
Three main themes of self-regulation in the context of medical rehabilitation were identified by former patients, partly relating to the ability to self-regulate and partly to the execution of self-regulation. This knowledge can be used to define specific rehabilitation goals and further develop rehabilitation outcome measurement.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Awareness of the fundamental subthemes of self-regulation in rehabilitation will positively contribute to theory building and improve clinical practice (e.g., goal setting).
Paying explicit attention to the six subthemes as standard elements of rehabilitation will help to provide a comprehensive view concerning self-regulation.
The conceptual model of self-regulation, based on patient perspectives, can contribute to the measurement of rehabilitation outcomes.
Predicting the consequences of environmental changes, including human‐mediated climate change on species, requires that we quantify range‐wide patterns of genetic diversity and identify the ...ecological, environmental, and historical factors that have contributed to it. Here, we generate baseline data on polar bear population structure across most Canadian subpopulations (n = 358) using 13,488 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified with double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD). Our ddRAD dataset showed three genetic clusters in the sampled Canadian range, congruent with previous studies based on microsatellites across the same regions; however, due to a lack of sampling in Norwegian Bay, we were unable to confirm the existence of a unique cluster in that subpopulation. These data on the genetic structure of polar bears using SNPs provide a detailed baseline against which future shifts in population structure can be assessed, and opportunities to develop new noninvasive tools for monitoring polar bears across their range.
With ongoing rapid sea ice loss and environmental change in the Arctic, there is the potential for rapid changes in polar bear population structure. Here, we generated baseline data on polar bear population structure across 12 of 13 Canadian subpopulations using genome‐wide SNPs. These data on the genetic structure of polar bears using SNPs provide a detailed baseline against which future shifts in population structure can be assessed, and opportunities to develop new noninvasive tools for monitoring polar bears across their range.
Abstract The mechanical characteristics of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), such as the stiffness and neutral angle around the ankle and metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joints, are rarely quantified. ...Paradoxically, it is expected that these characteristics determine the function of the AFO in pathological gait. Therefore a device to determine these AFO characteristics named BRUCE was designed based on multidisciplinary consensus. The design is based on a replicated human leg that is manually driven and continuously registers joint configuration and force exerted by the AFO onto the device. From this information, neutral angles and stiffnesses around the ankle and MTP joints are determined using a linear fit. The reliability of the stiffnesses and neutral angles was studied by repeatedly measuring the mechanical characteristics of four different AFOs, and evaluating the inter-session, intra-session, and inter-observer errors. The reliability study revealed that ankle and MTP stiffness could be measured with very high reliability (ICC = 0.98–1.00). Ankle and MTP neutral angles showed reasonable reliability (ICC = 0.79–0.92). Measurement error in the neutral angles could mainly be attributed to the difference in testers. With a fixed tester excellent reliability was obtained (ICC = 0.99–0.99). The results derived using BRUCE can help to gain insight into the role of the mechanical characteristics of AFOs in correcting pathological gait. Objective information of AFO characteristics is expected to lead to a better founded prescription of AFOs, resulting in optimal functional benefit for the patient.
Understanding the behavior of enigmatic geomagnetic traits such as the Levant intensity high is currently challenged by a lack of full vector records of regional variations in the geomagnetic field. ...Here we apply the recently proposed multi-method paleointensity approach to a suite of 19 lavas from the Canary Islands dating between 4000 BC and 1909 AD. Our new record reveals high paleointensities (VADMs >120 ZAm2) coinciding with and shortly after the peak in geomagnetic intensity in the Levant at 1000 BC. Furthermore our data suggests a westward movement of this geomagnetic phenomenon at a rate of 6.7-12 degree per century. In addition to IZZI-Thellier, microwave-Thellier and the multi-specimen method, the calibrated pseudo-Thellier method is an important part of the multi-method paleointensity approach. The calibration of this relative paleointensity method was derived from a suite of Hawaiian lavas; it is improved with the results of the Canarian cooling units. Pseudo-Thellier results from samples with very low Curie temperature (<150 degree C), however, cannot be reliably converted to absolute paleointensity estimates. The multi-method paleointensity approach yielded a reliable estimate for 60% of the flows sampled - an unusually high success rate for a paleointensity study involving lavas.
•In patients with MS leg function declines earlier and faster than arm function.•Longitudinal data gives insights into the pathophysiological disease process.•Support was found for the hypothesized ...ascending order of deterioration in motor function.•Structural patient performance testing over a 10-year period is feasible.
From a clinical perspective there is a difference in the decline of arm and hand function and leg function in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Therefore, this study investigated the course of walking and arm and hand functions in PwMS over the first 10 years after diagnosis, including whether any function declined earlier or faster.
A long-term prospective follow-up study of an incidence cohort of 156 patients with a definite diagnosis of MS, either non-relapse onset (n=28) or relapse onset (n=128) type. Participants were systematically examined immediately after definite diagnosis, at 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 years. Walking was determined with the fast 10-meter timed walk test (10mTWT), arm and hand function with the Action Research Arm test (ARAT) and the nine-hole peg test (9HPT). The 10-year trajectories of walking and arm and hand functions were compared using standardized z-scores.
From 3 years onwards the z-scores of the arm and leg function were visually diverging, with a trend towards significance at 6 years, and at 10 years the 10mTWT z-score is significantly higher than the 9HPT. This difference is more pronounced in non-relapse onset patients than in patients with relapse onset type MS, but present in both groups over the first 10 years. In the non-relapse onset group a difference in z-scores at 10 years post-diagnosis between the 10m TWT and 9HPT was found of -12.94 (95% confidence interval (CI) -20.2 to -5.73) for the right and -10.14 (95% CI -17.3 to -2.93) for the left hand. In the relapse onset group there was a difference at 10 years post-diagnosis of -2.17 (95% CI -3.75 to -0.59) for the right and a difference of -2.29 (95% CI -3.87 to -0.71) for the left hand.
This is the first longitudinal study that shows that walking declines earlier and more rapidly than arm and hand function in patients with MS. These results give important insights that can be linked to the pathophysiological disease process regarding the ascending order of deterioration in patients with MS.
To investigate the cognitive skills of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and primary progressive MS (PPMS) relative to healthy control ...subjects and to assess whether there is heterogeneity in the type of cognitive disabilities demonstrated by patients with different MS phenotypes.
RRMS patients (n = 108), SPMS patients (n = 71), PPMS patients (n = 55), and healthy control subjects (n = 67) underwent neuropsychological assessment with the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests.
Relative to controls, cognitive performance of RRMS patients was deficient when tasks required higher-order working memory (WM) processes (Word List Generation, 10/36 Spatial Recall Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test). PPMS and SPMS patients performed poorer than control subjects on all tasks. SPMS patients performed more poorly than PPMS patients when tasks required higher-order WM processes, except when speed of information processing played a relatively important role (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test). Whereas RRMS patients generally performed better than the progressive subtypes, they showed relatively poor verbal fluency.
MS patients with different disease courses have different cognitive profiles.
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