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- 2017
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In: Physical Review D. - 2470-0010 .- 2470-0029. ; 96:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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- Karaye, Kamilu M., et al.
(author)
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Incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of peripartum cardiomyopathy in Nigeria : results from the PEACE Registry
- 2020
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In: ESC Heart Failure. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2055-5822. ; 7:1, s. 236-244
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) in Nigeria.Methods and Results: The study was conducted in 22 hospitals in Nigeria, and PPCM patients were consecutively recruited between June 2017 and March 2018. To determine factors associated with PPCM, the patients were compared with apparently healthy women who recently delivered, as controls. Four hundred six patients were compared with 99 controls. The incidence and disease burden (based on the rate of consecutive recruitment of subjects) varied widely between the six geographical zones of Nigeria. From the North-West zone, 72.3% of the patients was recruited, where an incidence as high as 1 per 96 live births was obtained in a centre, while the disease was uncommon (7.6% of all recruited patients) in the South. Majority of the patients (76.6%) and controls (74.8%) (p = 0.694) were of Hausa-Fulani ethnic group. Atrial fibrillation, intracardiac thrombus, stroke, and right ventricular systolic dysfunction were found in 1.7%, 6.4%, 2.2%, and 54.9% of the patients, respectively. Lack of formal education (odds ratio [OR] 3.08, 95% confidence interval [1.71, 5.53]; P < 0.001), unemployment (OR: 3.28 [2.05, 5.24]; P < 0.001), underweight (OR: 13.43 [4.17, 43.21]; P < 0.001) and history of pre-eclampsia (OR: 9.01 [2.18, 37.75]; P = 0.002) emerged as independent PPCM risk factors using regression models. Customary hot baths (OR: 1.24 [0.80, 1.93]; P = 0.344), pap enriched with dried lake salt (OR: 1.20 [0.74, 1.94]; P = 0.451), and Hausa-Fulani ethnicity (OR: 1.11 [0.67, 1.84]; P = 0.698) did not achieve significance as PPCM risk factors.Conclusions: In Nigeria, the burden of PPCM was greatest in the North-West zone, which has the highest known incidence. PPCM was predicted by sociodemographic factors and pre-eclampsia, which should be considered in its control at population level. Postpartum customary birth practices and Hausa-Fulani ethnicity were not associated with PPCM in Nigeria.
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- Merckx, Vincent S. F. T., et al.
(author)
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Evolution of endemismon a young tropical mountain
- 2015
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 524:7565, s. 347-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Tropical mountains are hot spots of biodiversity and endemism(1-3), but the evolutionary origins of their unique biotas are poorly understood(4). In varying degrees, local and regional extinction, long-distance colonization, and local recruitment may all contribute to the exceptional character of these communities(5). Also, it is debated whether mountain endemics mostly originate from local lowland taxa, or from lineages that reach the mountain by long-range dispersal from cool localities elsewhere(6). Here we investigate the evolutionary routes to endemism by sampling an entire tropical mountain biota on the 4,095-metre-high Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. We discover that most of its unique biodiversity is younger than the mountain itself (6 million years), and comprises a mix of immigrant pre-adapted lineages and descendants from local lowland ancestors, although substantial shifts from lower to higher vegetation zones in this latter group were rare. These insights could improve forecasts of the likelihood of extinction and 'evolutionary rescue'(7) in montane biodiversity hot spots under climate change scenarios.
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- Koranyi, Isa, et al.
(author)
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Precarious employment and occupational accidents and injuries - a systematic review
- 2018
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health. - : Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; 44:4, s. 341-350
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Precarious employment conditions have become more common in many countries over the last decades, and have been linked to various adverse health outcomes. The objective of this review was to collect and summarize existing scientific research of the relationship between dimensions of precarious employment and the rate of occupational injuries. Methods A protocol was developed in accordance with the PRISMA-P checklist for systematic literature reviews. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for articles on observational studies from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand published in peer-reviewed journals 1990-2017. A minimum of two independent reviewers assessed each article with respect to quality and eligibility criteria. Articles of high/moderate quality meeting all specified inclusion criteria were included in the review. Results The literature search resulted in 471 original titles, of which 17 articles met all the inclusion criteria. The most common exposures were in descending order; temporary employment, multiple jobs, working for a subcontractor at the same worksite/temp agency, part-time, self-employment, hourly pay, union membership, insurance benefits, flexible versus fixed work schedule, wages, job insecurity, work-time control and precarious career trajectories. Ten studies reported a positive association between precarious employment and occupational injuries. Four studies reported a negative association, and three studies did not show any significant association. Conclusions This review supports an association between some of the dimensions of precarious employment and occupational injuries; most notably for multiple jobholders and employees of temp agencies or subcontractors at the same worksite. However, results for temporary employment are inconclusive. There is a need for more prospective studies of high quality, designed to measure effect sizes as well as causality.
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- Ronnblad, T., et al.
(author)
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Precarious employment and mental health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
- 2019
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health. - : Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; 45:5, s. 429-443
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives Precarious employment (PE) is a term used to describe non-standard employment forms characterized by low security that may have negative effects on mental health. The objective of this review was to systematically review the evidence for effects of PE on mental health and identify important areas for further research. Methods A protocol was developed following PRISMA-P guidelines. Web of Science, PubMed and PsycINFO were searched up to 4 September 2017. All unique records were assessed for eligibility and quality by at least two reviewers. Data from included studies were summarized in forest plots and meta-analyses using a random-effects model. Evidence quality was rated using the GRADE method. Results We obtained 3328 unique records, of which 16 studies of sufficient quality met the inclusion criteria. Moderate quality evidence (GRADE score 3 of 4) was found for an adverse effect of job insecurity on mental health; summary odds ratio (OR) 1.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-1.70]. There was very low quality (GRADE 1 of 4) evidence for effects of temporary employment or unpredictable work hours on mental health. Five studies on multidimensional exposures all showed adverse effects, weighted average OR 2.01 (95% CI 1.60-2.53). Conclusions Research on PE and mental health is growing, but high-quality prospective studies are still scarce. Job insecurity likely has an adverse effect on mental health. A clear multi-dimensional definition of PE is lacking, and harmonization efforts are needed. Further single-variable observational studies on job insecurity or temporary employment should not be prioritized.
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- Zeichner, Sarah S., et al.
(author)
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in samples of Ryugu formed in the interstellar medium
- 2023
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In: Science. - : AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE. - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 382:6677, s. 1411-1415
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contain less than or similar to 20% of the carbon in the interstellar medium. They are potentially produced in circumstellar environments (at temperatures greater than or similar to 1000 kelvin), by (similar to 10 kelvin) interstellar clouds, or by processing of carbon-rich dust grains. We report isotopic properties of PAHs extracted from samples of the asteroid Ryugu and the meteorite Murchison. The doubly-C-13 substituted compositions (Delta 2x(13)C values) of the PAHs naphthalene, fluoranthene, and pyrene are 9 to 51 parts per thousand higher than values expected for a stochastic distribution of isotopes. The Delta 2x(13)C values are higher than expected if the PAHs formed in a circumstellar environment, but consistent with formation in the interstellar medium. By contrast, the PAHs phenanthrene and anthracene in Ryugu samples have Delta 2x(13)C values consistent with formation by higher-temperature reactions.
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- Alstermark, Bror, et al.
(author)
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Lack of monosynaptic corticomotoneuronal EPSPs in rats : disynaptic EPSPs mediated via reticulospinal neurons and polysynaptic EPSPs via segmental interneurons.
- 2004
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In: Journal of Neurophysiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0022-3077 .- 1522-1598. ; 91:4, s. 1832-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the rat, some findings have been taken to suggest the existence of monosynaptic corticomotoneuronal (CM) connections. Because this connection is believed to be largely responsible for the ability to make independent digit movements in primates and man, it has been inferred that the monosynaptic CM connection in the rat is likewise important for skilled prehension. Comparison of intra- and extracellular recordings from forelimb motoneurons in anesthetized rats, revealed no monosynaptic CM excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). The fastest descending excitation in forelimb motoneurons was disynaptically mediated via a corticoreticulospinal pathway and slowly conducted excitation via corticospinal fibers and segmental interneurons. The findings stress the importance of di- and trisynaptic excitatory corticofugal pathways to forelimb motoneurons in the control of skillful digit movements.
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- Alstermark, Bror, et al.
(author)
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Motor command for precision grip in the macaque monkey can be mediated by spinal interneurons
- 2011
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In: Journal of Neurophysiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0022-3077 .- 1522-1598. ; 106:1, s. 122-126
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In motor control, the general view is still that spinal interneurons mainly contribute to reflexes and automatic movements. The question raised here is whether spinal interneurons can mediate the cortical command for independent finger movements, like a precision grip between the thumb and index finger in the macaque monkey, or if this function depends exclusively on a direct corticomotoneuronal pathway. This study is a followup of a previous report (Sasaki et al. J Neurophysiol 92: 3142-3147, 2004) in which we trained macaque monkeys to pick a small piece of sweet potato from a cylinder by a precision grip between the index finger and thumb. We have now isolated one spinal interneuronal system, the C3-C4 propriospinal interneurons with projection to hand and arm motoneurons. In the previous study, the lateral corticospinal tract (CST) was interrupted in C4/C5 (input intact to the C3-C4 propriospinal interneurons), and in this study, the CST was interrupted in C2 (input abolished). The precision grip could be performed within the first 15 days after a CST lesion in C4/C5 but not in C2. We conclude that C3-C4 propriospinal interneurons also can carry the command for precision grip.
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- Alstermark, Bror, et al.
(author)
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The C3-C4 propriospinal system in the cat and monkey: a spinal pre-motoneuronal centre for voluntary motor control.
- 2007
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In: Acta physiologica (Oxford, England). - : Wiley. - 1748-1708 .- 1748-1716. ; 189:2, s. 123-40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This review deals with a spinal interneuronal system, denoted the C3-C4 propriospinal system, which is unique in the sense that it so far represents the only spinal interneuronal system for which it has been possible to demonstrate a command mediating role for voluntary movements. The C3-C4 propriospinal neurones govern target reaching and can update the descending cortical command when a fast correction is required of the movement trajectory and also integrate signals generated from the forelimb to control deceleration and termination of reaching.
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- Goggins, S., et al.
(author)
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Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning at Work : CSCL@Work - Bridging Learning and Work
- 2013
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In: CSCL 2013 conference proceedings volume 2. ; , s. 436-440
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We created an interdisciplinary workshop to explore principles of computer-supported collaborative learning in work settings. The workshop's theme was, simply CSCL at work. Our first workshop at ACM Group 2010, the 2 nd at ACM Group 2012, and the resulting book, raise an important set of issues and potentials for research, but does not solve the thorny and controversial issues. This workshop wanted to make progress on the identified issues. The CSCL@Work workshop was a half-day workshop devoted to sharing innovative approaches and discussing solutions aimed at understanding studying and designing 'learning at work' supported by digital/mobile technologies. We selected the CSCL conference as an ideal venue for a workshop on this topic because the North American and European communities who participate in the Learning Sciences include leading members of the international CSCL communities. The workshops at ACM group focused more on CSCW whereas this proposed workshop on CSCL2013 included CSCL researchers. It started with contextualizing the current situation. Then, participant questions and proposed solutions aimed at the issues we have raised and begun to recognize. We focused on working groups, an approach, which supports knowledge building. To participate in the workshop, discussants was asked for a position paper of up to 2 pages in standard CSCL conference format. Our edited book was made available to participants in advance, and selected authors provided overviews of their work and perspective in an interleaved way with the more action oriented working sessions.
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- Pettersson, L-G, et al.
(author)
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Skilled digit movements in feline and primate--recovery after selective spinal cord lesions.
- 2007
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In: Acta Physiologica. - : Wiley. - 1748-1708 .- 1748-1716. ; 189:2, s. 141-54
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Recovery of voluntary movements after partial spinal cord injury depends, in part, on a take-over of function via unlesioned pathways. Using precise forelimb movements in the cat as model, spinal pathways contributing to motor restitution have been investigated in more detail. The food-taking movement by which the cat graSPS a morsel of food with the digits and brings it to the mouth is governed by interneurones in the forelimb segments (C6-Th1) and is normally controlled via the cortico- and rubrospinal tracts. Food-taking disappears after transection of these pathways in the dorsal part of the lateral funiculus (DLF) in C5/C6, but then recovers during a period of 2-3 weeks. Experiments with double lesions showed that the recovery depends on a take-over via ipsilateral ventral systems; a ventrally descending pathway, most probably cortico-reticulospinal, and a pathway via propriospinal neurones in the C3-C4 segments. It is postulated that the recovery involves a plastic reorganization of these systems. Dexterous finger movements in the macaque monkey are generally considered to depend on the monosynaptic cortico-motoneuronal (CM) connexion, which is lacking in the cat. Such movements are abolished after pyramidotomy at the level of the trapezoid body. However, experiments with transection of the corticospinal tract in the DLF and partly ventral part of the lateral funiculus in C5, showed a fast (1-28 days) recovery of precision grip and, to some extent, independent finger movements. Deficits in preshaping during the final approach to the morsel as well as lack of force were observed. A C5 DLF lesion spares corticofugal pathways to the brainstem and upper cervical segments. It is suggested that indirect corticomotoneuronal pathways may provide for recovery of dexterous finger movements and that the role of CM pathways for such movements should be broadened to include not only the monosynaptic connexion.
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- Sa'idu, H., et al.
(author)
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Influence of systolic blood pressure on outcomes in Nigerians with peripartum cardiomyopathy
- 2022
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In: Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1119-3077 .- 2229-7731. ; 25:12, s. 1963-1968
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The relationship between blood pressure (BP) trajectories and outcomes in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is not clear.Aim: The study aimed to assess the clinical features and outcomes (all-cause mortality and unrecovered left ventricular [LV] systolic function) of PPCM patients grouped according to their baseline systolic BP (SBP).Patients and Methods: PPCM patients presenting to 14 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria were consecutively recruited between June 2017 and March 2018 and then followed up till March 2019. SBP at first presentation was used to categorize the patients into seven groups: <90, 90-99, 100-109, 110-119, 120-129, 130-139, and ≥140 mmHg. Unrecovered LV systolic function was defined as echocardiographic LV ejection fraction (LVEF) below 55% at the last profiling.Results: Two hundred and twenty-seven patients were recruited and followed up for a median of 18 months. Of these, 4.0% had <90 mmHg, 16.3% had 90-99 mmHg, 24.7% had 100-109 mmHg, 24.7% had 110-119 mmHg, 18.5% had 120-129 mmHg, 7.5% had 130-139 mmHg, and 4.4% had ≥140 mmHg of SBP at presentation. The highest frequency of all-cause mortality was recorded among patients with SBP ≤90 mmHg (30.8%) followed by those with 90-99 mmHg (20.5%) (P = 0.076), while unrecovered LV systolic function did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.659). In a Cox proportional regression model for all-cause mortality, SBP <90 mmHg had a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49-10.78, P = 0.006), LVEF had an HR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.91-0.98, P = 0.003, B = 0.06%), and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin receptor and/or β-receptor blockers had an HR of 1.71 (95% CI 0.93-3.16, P = 0.085). However, SBP was not associated with LV function recovery.Conclusion: In our cohort of PPCM patients, one-fifth was hypotensive at presentation. SBP <90 mmHg at presentation was associated with a four-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality during a median follow-up of 18 months.
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- Sasaki, S, et al.
(author)
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Dexterous finger movements in primate without monosynaptic corticomotoneuronal excitation
- 2004
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In: Journal of Neurophysiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0022-3077 .- 1522-1598. ; 92:5, s. 3142-3147
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It is generally accepted that the precision grip and independent finger movements (IFMs) in monkey and man are controlled by the direct (monosynaptic) corticomotoneuronal (CM) pathway. This view is based on previous observations that pyramidotomy causes near permanent deficits of IFMs. However, in addition to the direct CM pathway, pyramidotomy interrupts several corticofugal connections to the brain stem and upper cervical segments. Indirect (oligosynaptic) CM pathways, which are phylogenetically older, have been considered to be of little or no importance in prehension. In three adult macaque monkeys, complete transection of the direct CM pathway was made in C4/C5, which is rostral to the forelimb segments (C6–Th1). Electrophysiological recordings revealed lack of the direct lateral corticospinal tract (LCST) volley, monosynaptic extracellular field potentials in the motor nuclei, and monosynaptic CM excitation. However, a disynaptic volley, disynaptic field potentials and disynaptic CM excitation mediated via C3–C4 propriospinal neurons remained after the lesion. Thus the lesion interrupted the monosynaptic CM pathway and oligosynaptic LCST pathways mediated by interneurons in the forelimb segments. Precision grip and IFMs were observed already after 1–28 days postoperatively. Weakness in force and deficits in preshaping remained for an observation period of 3 mo. Indirect CM pathways may be important for neuro-rehabilitation.
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