Strategies in surface engineering for the regulation of microclimates in skin-medical product interactions.

There is a growing number of personal healthcare devices that are in prolonged contact with the skin. The functionality of these products is linked to the interface formed by the contact between the medical apparatus and the skin. The interface can be characterised by its topology, compliance, and moisture and thermal regulating capabilities. Many devices are, however, described to have suboptimal and occlusive contacts, resulting in physiological unfavourable microclimates at the interface. The resulting poor management of moisture and temperature can impact the functionality and utility of the device and, in severe cases, lead to physical harm to the user. Being able to control the microclimate is therefore expected to limit medical-device related injuries and prevent associated skin complications. Surface engineering can modify and potentially enhance the regulation of the microclimate factors surrounding the interface between a product's surface and the skin. This review provides an overview of potential engineering solutions considering the needs for, and influences on, regulation of temperature and moisture by considering the skin-medical device interface as a system. These findings serve as a platform for the anticipated progress in the role of surface engineering for skin-device microclimate regulation.

Impaired communication ability in SOX11 syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Speech and language skills are important for social interaction and learning. This study characterised the communication abilities of verbal individuals with SOX11 syndrome using a standardised parent/carer questionnaire, the Children's Communication Checklist (CCC-2). METHOD: Thirteen parent/carers of verbal individuals (aged 5-19 years) diagnosed with SOX11 syndrome completed the CCC-2. In order to contextualise findings, responses were compared to norms and to data from Noonan syndrome, a relatively well-known genetic diagnosis associated with communication impairment. RESULTS: For all individuals, the CCC-2 composite score indicated significant communication difficulties. Language structure (speech, syntax, semantics and coherence), pragmatic language (inappropriate initiation, stereotyped language use of context and non-verbal communication) and autistic features (social relations and interests) scores were lower than typically developing norms. Subscale comparisons revealed relative difference in use of context compared to other pragmatic domains (stereotyped language and inappropriate initiation). Individual scores showed substantial variation, particularly in regard to language structure profile. Differences were more pronounced than for Noonan syndrome, specifically in domains of speech, syntax, non-verbal communication and social relations. CONCLUSIONS: SOX11 syndrome is associated with communication impairment. It is important to assess communication abilities as part of the management of individuals with SOX11 syndrome and understand individual strengths and difficulties in order to provide targeted support.

Prediction of clinically important acquired cardiac disease without an echocardiogram in large breed dogs using a combination of clinical, radiographic and electrocardiographic variables.

INTRODUCTION: Large breed (LB) dogs develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Echocardiography is required for a definitive diagnosis but is not always available. Our objective was to assess the clinical utility of thoracic radiographs alone and in combination with physical examination and electrocardiography findings for the prediction of clinically important DCM or MMVD in LB dogs. ANIMALS: Four hundred fifty-five client-owned dogs ≥20 kg with concurrent thoracic radiographs and echocardiogram. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed and stored thoracic radiographs and echocardiographic images were measured to classify dogs as normal heart size (NHS), preclinical DCM, clinical DCM, preclinical MMVD (with cardiomegaly), clinical MMVD, or equivocal. Dogs with preclinical MMVD, without cardiomegaly, were classified as NHS. Vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) were measured. Receiver operating characteristic curves and prediction models were derived. RESULTS: Prevalence of MMVD (39.3%) was higher than the prevalence of DCM (24.8%), though most MMVD dogs (67.0%) lacked cardiomegaly and were classified as NHS for analysis. The area under the curve for VHS to discriminate between NHS and clinical DCM/MMVD or preclinical DCM/MMVD was 0.861 and 0.712, respectively, while for VLAS, it was 0.891 and 0.722, respectively. Predictive models incorporating physical examination and electrocardiography findings in addition to VHS/VLAS increased area under the curve to 0.978 (NHS vs. clinical DCM/MMVD) and 0.829 (NHS vs. preclinical DCM/MMVD). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic radiographs were useful for predicting clinically important DCM or MMVD in LB dogs, with improved discriminatory ability when physical examination abnormalities and arrhythmias were accounted for.

Age modifies the effect of ethanol on behavior: Investigations in adolescent, adult and aged rats.

The number of older people is increasing in most if not all countries in the world. In addition, the amount of alcohol consumption in the aged population is increasing and the consumption pattern is often in a binge fashion. However, little is known if the effects of alcohol, either acute or chronic exposure, vary in the older population compared to younger populations. The current mini-review will provide an overview of the effects of acute and chronic ethanol exposure at three different periods of development: adolescent, adult and aged on multiple different commonly studied behaviors. The overall conclusion is that biological age of the subject is a critical factor in understanding the effects of ethanol across the lifespan.

Hydrogeochemical mineral exploration in deeply weathered terrains: An example from Mumbwa, Zambia.

Locating mineral deposits in areas of thick or transported overburden is notoriously difficult. Post-mineral cover is prevalent in many parts of the globe and has led to prospective geological sequences being missed by traditional methods of exploration. Hydrogeochemistry is particularly applicable for the exploration of Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) deposits because, when compared to larger porphyry or sediment-hosted systems, IOCG deposits tend to be smaller and high-grade with a limited lateral footprint to intersect with grid-drilling; groundwater interactions and ion dispersion tend to produce a much larger anomaly target than regolith geochemistry alone and require fewer samples. As a case study, we examine the hydrogeochemistry of the Kitumba IOCG deposit, located in the Mumbwa district of west-central Zambia. We present physicochemical data (Eh, pH, TDS, conductivity), major and trace element concentrations, and isotopic compositions (δ98Mo, 87Sr/86Sr, and δ65Cu) from groundwaters interacting with the Kitumba deposit and surrounding prospects. A hydrogeochemical footprint of As, Mo, Fe, Mn, and Zn is dispersed from the deposit. Groundwater 87Sr/86Sr values (0.708832 to 0.731807) reflect the mixing in varying proportions of waters that have interacted with distinct lithological endmembers in the Mumbwa area, corresponding to a complicated tectonic and metamorphic history. We report fractionation of 1.34 to 1.60‰ (∆65Cugroundwater - chalcopyrite) between proximal groundwater and primary chalcopyrite, which we postulate may be related to the oxidative dissolution of primary sulfide minerals. The δ98Mo3134 values of groundwaters proximal to known ore bodies are isotopically distinct (-1.08 ± 0.18‰ 2SE to 0.64 ± 0.08‰ 2 SE) from background aquifers (2.08 ± 0.12‰ 2SE). The trace element and isotopic hydrogeochemical patterns described in this study document water-rock and water-deposit interactions and demonstrate the potential of non-traditional stable isotopes to be employed in district-scale reduction of exploration ground and vectoring towards undisturbed ore deposits similar to Kitumba.

Mechanical standardisation of mammographic compression using Volpara software.

INTRODUCTION: Although breast compression is required in routine mammographic practices, current subjective protocols enforcing 'breast tautness' have minimal clinical reproducibility. Whilst objective guidelines of target force (daN) do not consider breast volumes, new measures of pressure (kPa) account for associated variations. The study aims to determine characteristic compressive forces applied at an Australian diagnostic breast clinic, thereby establishing performance success in achieving ideal pressures of 10 kPa. METHODS: Parameters of 1972 mammograms were analysed retrospectively from a South Australian diagnostic breast clinic. Raw data were processed using VolparaDensity software; applied compression (force/pressure), breast thickness, breast volume, breast density and average glandular dose estimates were investigated based on breast/paddle contact areas. RESULTS: Distributions of applied average forces is large, yet distributions of applied average pressures are larger; this is internationally comparable. Regarding force-compressions, 98.6% are >5 daN, 16.6% are >10 daN, and 0.0% are >15 daN. Regarding pressure-compressions, 94.5% are >5 kPa, 36.0% are >10 kPa, and 6.3% are >15 kPa. Measures of average breast thickness, volume and density show anatomically consistent trends, with average glandular dose values constant, albeit high. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high level of variation of applied compression forces in relation to breast/paddle contact area and an even higher variation in applied pressure. This is comparable with existing literature. Real-time compression pressure standardisation may benefit examination consistency. The relationship between breast volume, contact area, compression force and resultant compression pressure may aid in developing an objective compression protocol for clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Practical guidelines may increase the reproducibility of image acquisition, whilst optimizing patient discomfort and additional radiation dose from image repeats. Patient compliance may increase in accordance with perceived advantages of mechanical standardisation, ultimately aiding in the detection of early-stage breast cancer.

Gut T cell-independent IgA responses to commensal bacteria require engagement of the TACI receptor on B cells.

The gut mounts secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) responses to commensal bacteria through nonredundant T cell-dependent (TD) and T cell-independent (TI) pathways that promote the establishment of mutualistic host-microbiota interactions. SIgAs from the TD pathway target penetrant bacteria, and their induction requires engagement of CD40 on B cells by CD40 ligand on T follicular helper cells. In contrast, SIgAs from the TI pathway bind a larger spectrum of bacteria, but the mechanism underpinning their production remains elusive. Here, we show that the intestinal TI pathway required CD40-independent B cell-activating signals from TACI, a receptor for the innate CD40 ligand-like factors BAFF and APRIL. TACI-induced SIgA responses targeted a fraction of the gut microbiota without shaping its overall composition. Of note, TACI was dispensable for TD induction of IgA in gut-associated lymphoid organs. Thus, BAFF/APRIL signals acting on TACI orchestrate commensal bacteria-specific SIgA responses through an intestinal TI program.

Data on laser induced preferential crystal (re)orientation by picosecond laser ablation of zinc in air.

Laser ablation of zinc is performed with a 6.7 ps pulsed laser source to investigate the ablation mechanism and resulting morphology of the irradiated surface. The data shows the changes in crater morphology, as well as chemical composition, for different number of pulses and laser fluence levels. We observed Laser Induced Preferential Crystal Orientation (LIPCO), as a result of ultra-short pulsed laser processing of Zn at a wavelength of 515 nm. Crystallographic data for other laser wavelengths, namely 343 and 1030 nm, as well as for Zn coated steel are also provided in support of this observation. Data presented in this article are related to the research article "Investigation of the ultrashort pulsed laser processing of zinc at 515 nm: morphology, crystallography and ablation threshold" [1].

Plasma glucose in screening for diabetes and pre-diabetes: how much is too much? Analysis of fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance test in Sri Lankans.

BACKGROUND: Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is the most commonly used screening tool for diabetes in Sri Lanka. Cut-off values from American Diabetes Association recommendations are adopted in the absence of local data. We aimed to establish FPG cut offs for Sri Lankans to screen for diabetes and pre-diabetes. METHODS: Data on FPG and diabetes/pre-diabetes status were obtained from Sri Lanka Diabetes and Cardiovascular Study (SLDCS), a community based island wide observational study conducted in 2005-6. Sensitivity specificity and area under the ROC curve were calculated for different FPG values. RESULTS: Study included 4014 community dwelling people after excluding people already on treatment for diabetes or pre-diabetes. Mean age was 45.3 (± 15) years and 60.4% were females. FPG cut off of 5.3 mmol/L showed better sensitivity and specificity than 5.6 mmol/L in detecting diabetes (87.8% and 84.4% Vs 80.8% and 92.1%) and pre-diabetes (54.7% and 87.0% Vs 43.8% and 94.2%). CONCLUSIONS: A lower FPG cut off of 5.3 mmol/L has a better sensitivity and acceptable specificity in screening for diabetes and pre-diabetes in Sri Lankan adults.

Baseline characteristics in the VERIFY study: a randomized trial assessing the durability of glycaemic control with early vildagliptin-metformin combination in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To assess the long-term clinical benefits of early combination treatment with vildagliptin-metformin vs. standard-of-care, metformin monotherapy in the ongoing VERIFY study. METHODS: We randomized 2001 participants with multi-ethnic background, aged 18-70 years, having HbA1c levels 48-58 mmol/mol (6.5-7.5%) and BMI 22-40 kg/m2 . Baseline data included HbA1c , fasting plasma glucose and homeostasis model ß-cell and insulin sensitivity. Standardized meal-tests, insulin secretion rate relative to glucose, and oral glucose insulin sensitivity were assessed in a subpopulation. RESULTS: Out of 4524 screened, data were collected from the 2001 eligible participants (53% women) across Europe (52.4%), Latin America (26.8%), Asia (17.2%), South Africa (3.1%) and Australia (0.5%). The median (interquartile range) disease duration was 3.4 (0.9, 10.2) months; mean (±SD) age 54.3±9.4 years; weight 85.5±17.5 kg and BMI 31.1±4.7 kg/m2 . Baseline HbA1c was 52±3 mmol/mol (6.9±0.3%), fasting plasma glucose 7.5±1.5 mmol/l and the median (interquartile range) of fasting insulin was 109 (75-160) mU/l. Homeostasis model ß-cell and insulin sensitivity values were 84% (60, 116) and 46% (31, 68), respectively. In those undertaking meal-tests, insulin secretion rate relative to glucose was 28±12 pmol/min/m2 /mmol/l and oral glucose insulin sensitivity was 353±57 ml/min/m2 . CONCLUSIONS: Our current, multi-ethnic, newly diagnosed VERIFY population reflects a characteristic presence of early insulin resistance in participants with increased demand for insulin associated with obesity. The VERIFY study will provide unique evidence in characterizing therapeutic intervention in a diverse population with hyperglycaemia, focusing on durability of early glycaemic control.

Bleeding emergencies in neonatal and paediatric patients: improving the quality of care using simulation.

OBJECTIVES: Using a multidisciplinary approach and simulation, a massive transfusion process (MTP) was developed to care for patients in need of emergency transfusion. It was then assessed for effectiveness. BACKGROUND: After a series of sentinel emergency bleeding events, a reliable process for hospital staff to deliver appropriate blood products and obtain relevant laboratory tests to guide therapy for patients with emergency bleeding was needed. METHODS: To determine the feasibility of the new MTP, multidisciplinary teams participated in simulation events. Each simulation event helped refine the MTP. A special laboratory testing panel was devised. To judge the effectiveness and timeliness of the MTP, process measures and patient survival was retrospectively evaluated during the time period before and after MTP implementation. RESULTS: A new emergency bleeding panel of laboratory tests significantly decreased the turn-around time for fibrinogen, haematocrit, International normalised ratio (INR) and platelet count. The speed of commencing the first red blood cells transfusion was also improved (2:00 h vs 0:20 min, P = 0·001). Of 78 patients, there was no change in survival before (n = 31, 48·4%) and after (n = 47, 42·6%; P = 0·6478) MTP implementation. However, there was significant improvement in survival associated with MTP events on the weekdays. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable emergency transfusion process consists of an automatic chain of events that keeps decision-making to a minimum and leads to the fast procurement of blood products and salient test results. This work shows that a multidisciplinary iterative process using simulation increases the efficiency of clinical care delivery for bleeding paediatric and neonatal patients.

Picosecond-pulsed laser ablation of zinc: crater morphology and comparison of methods to determine ablation threshold.

Ablation of bulk polycrystalline zinc in air is performed with single and multiple picosecond laser pulses at a wavelength of 1030 nm. The relationships between the characteristics of the ablated craters and the processing parameters are analyzed. Morphological changes of the ablated craters are characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Chemical compositions of both the treated and untreated surfaces are quantified with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A comparative analysis on the determination of the ablation threshold using three methods, based on ablated diameter, depth and volume is presented along with associated incubation coefficients. The single pulse ablation threshold value is found to equal 0.21 J/cm2. Using the calculated incubation coefficients, it is found that both the fluence threshold and energy penetration depth show lesser degree of incubation for multiple laser pulses.

Pattern of Opioid Analgesic Prescription for Adults by Dentists in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Global consumption of prescription opioid analgesics has increased dramatically in the past 2 decades, outpacing that of illicit drugs in some countries. The increase has been partly ascribed to the widespread availability of prescription opioid analgesics and their subsequent nonmedical use, which may have contributed to the epidemic of opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose-related deaths. International studies report that dentists may be among the leading prescribers of opioid analgesics, thus adding to the societal impact of this epidemic. Between 2009 and 2011, dentists in the United States prescribed 8% to 12% of opioid analgesics dispensed. There is little information on the pattern of opioid analgesic prescription by dentists in Canada. The aim of this study was to examine the pattern of opioid analgesics prescription by dentists in Nova Scotia (NS), Canada. This retrospective observational study used the provincial prescription monitoring program's record of oral opioid analgesics and combinations dispensed to persons 16 y and older at community pharmacies that were prescribed by dentists from January 2011 to December 2015. During the study period, more than 70% of licensed dentists in NS wrote a prescription for dispensed opioid analgesics, comprising about 17% of all opioid analgesic prescribers. However, dentists were responsible for less than 4% of all prescriptions for dispensed opioid analgesics, prescribing less than 0.5% of the total morphine milligram equivalent (MMEq) of opioid analgesics dispensed over the 5 y. There was a significant downward trend in total MMEq of dispensed opioid analgesics prescribed by dentists from about 2.23 million MMEq in 2011 to 1.93 million MMEq in 2015 (r = -0.97; P = 0.006). Opioid prescription is common among dentists, but their contribution to the overall availability of opioid analgesics is low. Furthermore, there has been a downward trend in total dispensed MMEq of opioid analgesics prescribed by dentists. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This study will serve to inform dentists and policy makers on the types and dosage of opioid analgesics being prescribed by dentists. The study may prompt dentists to reflect on and adjust their practice of opioid analgesic prescription in view of the current opioid analgesic epidemic.

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology workforce assessment: Part 2-Implications for fellowship training.

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) solicited information from division directors and fellowship training program directors to capture pediatric hematology/oncology (PHO) specific workforce data of 6 years (2010-2015), in response to an increase in graduating fellows during that time. Observations included a stable number of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) in clinical PHO, an increased proportion of APPs hired compared to physicians, and an increase in training-level first career positions. Rapid changes in the models of PHO care have significant implications to current and future trainees and require continued analysis to understand the evolving discipline of PHO.

A systematic review of postoperative cognitive decline following open and endovascular aortic aneurysm surgery.

OBJECTIVES Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a well-recognised neurological phenomenon following major surgery. Most commonly seen in elderly patients, it has direct links to increased long-term morbidity and reduced quality of life. Its incidence following open and endovascular abdominal and thoracic aneurysm surgery is unclear. The purpose of this systematic review is to collate available evidence for POCD following abdominal and thoracic aortic surgery, and to identify continuing controversies directing future research. METHODS A MEDLINE search was conducted following the recommendations of the PRISMA guidelines. Terms searched for included but were not limited to: aortic surgery, delirium, postoperative cognitive decline/dysfunction thoracic aortic surgery, abdominal aortic surgery. Reference lists were searched for additional studies. RESULTS Five observational studies were identified from the literature search. Variation in study methods, cognitive test batteries and thresholds set by the study coordinators did not allow for pooled results. In those studies that did find evidence of decline, risk was linked to age over 65 years, presence of postoperative delirium and decreased years in education. CONCLUSIONS Evidence thus far suggests that POCD can affect patients following major aortic, non-cardiothoracic as well as cardiothoracic surgery. Future research should focus on using a validated repeatable battery of cognitive tests and a single defined threshold for POCD to allow pooled analysis and more robust conclusions. Larger, adequately powered studies are required to re-evaluate the effect of aortic aneurysm surgery on postoperative cognitive function.

The comparative hydrodynamics of rapid rotation by predatory appendages.

Countless aquatic animals rotate appendages through the water, yet fluid forces are typically modeled with translational motion. To elucidate the hydrodynamics of rotation, we analyzed the raptorial appendages of mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) using a combination of flume experiments, mathematical modeling and phylogenetic comparative analyses. We found that computationally efficient blade-element models offered an accurate first-order approximation of drag, when compared with a more elaborate computational fluid-dynamic model. Taking advantage of this efficiency, we compared the hydrodynamics of the raptorial appendage in different species, including a newly measured spearing species, Coronis scolopendra The ultrafast appendages of a smasher species (Odontodactylus scyllarus) were an order of magnitude smaller, yet experienced values of drag-induced torque similar to those of a spearing species (Lysiosquillina maculata). The dactyl, a stabbing segment that can be opened at the distal end of the appendage, generated substantial additional drag in the smasher, but not in the spearer, which uses the segment to capture evasive prey. Phylogenetic comparative analyses revealed that larger mantis shrimp species strike more slowly, regardless of whether they smash or spear their prey. In summary, drag was minimally affected by shape, whereas size, speed and dactyl orientation dominated and differentiated the hydrodynamic forces across species and sizes. This study demonstrates the utility of simple mathematical modeling for comparative analyses and illustrates the multi-faceted consequences of drag during the evolutionary diversification of rotating appendages.

Development and validation of a Diabetes Risk Score for screening undiagnosed diabetes in Sri Lanka (SLDRISK).

BACKGROUND: Screening for undiagnosed diabetes is not widely undertaken due to the high costs and invasiveness of blood sampling. Simple non-invasive tools to identify high risk individuals can facilitate screening. The main objectives of this study are to develop and validate a risk score for screening undiagnosed diabetes among Sri Lankan adults and to compare its performance with the Cambridge Risk Score (CRS), the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) and three other Asian risk scores. METHODS: Data were available from a representative sample of 4276 adults without diagnosed diabetes. In a jack-knife approach two thirds of the sample was used for the development of the risk score and the remainder for the validation. Age, waist circumference, BMI, hypertension, balanitis or vulvitis, family history of diabetes, gestational diabetes, physical activity and osmotic symptoms were significantly associated with undiagnosed diabetes (age most to osmotic symptoms least). Individual scores were generated for these factors using the beta coefficient values obtained in multiple logistic regression. A cut-off value of sum = 31 was determined by ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve of the risk score for prevalent diabetes was 0.78 (CI 0.73-0.82). In the sample 36.3 % were above the cut-off of 31. A risk score above 31 gave a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 77.9, 65.6, 9.4 and 98.3 % respectively. For Sri Lankans the AUC for the CRS and IDRS were 0.72 and 0.66 repectively. CONCLUSIONS: This simple non-invasive screening tool can identify 80 % of undiagnosed diabetes by selecting 40 % of Sri Lankan adults for confirmatory blood investigations.

Farmers' beliefs about bovine tuberculosis control in Northern Ireland.

Beliefs can play an important role in farmer behaviour and willingness to adopt new policies. In Northern Ireland, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is one of the most important endemic diseases facing the cattle industry. An observational study was conducted on 192 farms in a high bTB incidence area during 2010-2011 in order to obtain a better understanding of farmers' beliefs in relation to bTB control. The views of farmers who had experienced a recent confirmed or multiple reactor bTB breakdowns (cases) were compared to those of farmers who had no recent reactors or restricted herd tests (controls). Data were obtained from a face-to-face questionnaire assessing farmers' agreement to 22 statements. All participating farmers found bTB control important and most were keen to learn more about bTB biosecurity measures and were in favour of the cattle-related bTB control measures as presented in the questionnaire (isolation of skin test inconclusive animals, use of the gamma-interferon test and pre-movement testing). The majority of farmers would allow badger vaccination and culling on their own land with an overall preference for vaccination. Highest disagreement was shown for the statements querying a willingness to pay for bTB control measures. There was agreement on most issues between case and control farmers and between different age groups of farmers although case farmers showed more support for additional advice on bTB biosecurity measures (P = 0.042). Case farmers were also more in favour of allowing badger vaccination (P = 0.008) and culling (P = 0.043) on their land and showed less concern for public opposition (P = 0.048).

Herd-level risk factors for bovine tuberculosis and adoption of related biosecurity measures in Northern Ireland: A case-control study.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease which is endemic in Northern Ireland. As it has proven difficult to eradicate this disease, partly due to a wildlife reservoir being present in the European badger (Meles meles), a case-control study was conducted in a high incidence area in 2010-2011. The aim was to identify risk factors for bTB breakdown relating to cattle and badgers, and to assess the adoption of bTB related biosecurity measures on farms. Face-to-face questionnaires with farmers and surveys of badger setts and farm boundaries were conducted on 117 farms with a recent bTB breakdown (cases) and 75 farms without a recent breakdown (controls). On logistic regression at univariable and multivariable levels, significant risk factors associated with being a case herd included having an accessible badger sett within the farm boundaries in a field grazed in the last year (odds ratio, OR, 4.14; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.79, 9.55), observation of live badgers (OR 4.14; 95% CI 1.79, 9.55), purchase of beef cattle (OR 4.60; 95% CI 1.61, 13.13), use of contractors to spread slurry (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.24, 6.49), feeding meal on top of silage (OR 3.55; 95% CI 1.53, 8.23) and feeding magnesium supplement (OR = 3.77; 95% CI 1.39, 10.17). The majority of setts within the farm boundary were stated to be accessible by cattle (77.1%; 95% CI 71.2, 83.0%) and 66.8% (95% CI 63.8, 69.7%) of farm boundaries provided opportunities for nose-to-nose contact between cattle. Adoption of bTB related biosecurity measures, especially with regards to purchasing cattle and badger-related measures, was lower than measures related to disinfection and washing.

Fertility and genomics: comparison of gene expression in contrasting reproductive tissues of female cattle.

To compare gene expression among bovine tissues, large bovine RNA-seq datasets were used, comprising 280 samples from 10 different bovine tissues (uterine endometrium, granulosa cells, theca cells, cervix, embryos, leucocytes, liver, hypothalamus, pituitary, muscle) and generating 260 Gbases of data. Twin approaches were used: an information-theoretic analysis of the existing annotated transcriptome to identify the most tissue-specific genes and a de-novo transcriptome annotation to evaluate general features of the transcription landscape. Expression was detected for 97% of the Ensembl transcriptome with at least one read in one sample and between 28% and 66% at a level of 10 tags per million (TPM) or greater in individual tissues. Over 95% of genes exhibited some level of tissue-specific gene expression. This was mostly due to different levels of expression in different tissues rather than exclusive expression in a single tissue. Less than 1% of annotated genes exhibited a highly restricted tissue-specific expression profile and approximately 2% exhibited classic housekeeping profiles. In conclusion, it is the combined effects of the variable expression of large numbers of genes (73%-93% of the genome) and the specific expression of a small number of genes (<1% of the transcriptome) that contribute to determining the outcome of the function of individual tissues.