Using routine primary care data in research: (in)efficient case studies and perspectives from the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research.

Aim: We aimed to identify enablers and barriers of using primary care routine data for healthcare research, to formulate recommendations for improving efficiency in knowledge discovery.

Background: Data recorded routinely in primary care can be used for estimating the impact of interventions provided within routine care for all people who are clinically eligible. Despite official promotion of 'efficient trial designs', anecdotally researchers in the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR) have encountered multiple barriers to accessing and using routine data.

Chromosomal rearrangements and instability caused by the LINE-1 retrotransposon.

LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposition is widespread in many cancers, especially those with a high burden of chromosomal rearrangements. However, whether and to what degree L1 activity directly impacts genome integrity is unclear. Here, we apply whole-genome sequencing to experimental models of L1 expression to comprehensively define the spectrum of genomic changes caused by L1.

Genotype-Guided Asthma Treatment Reduces Exacerbations in Children: Meta-Analysis of Two RCTs.

Background: Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA) in combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are commonly used to treat asthma, however, some children lack response to the addition of LABA. This might be partially due to the presence of the Arg16Gly polymorphism, encoded by rs1042713 G>A in the ADRB2 gene. Carrying the A allele (Arg16) at this variant has been associated with an increased risk of exacerbations despite LABA treatment.

Mantle oxidation by sulfur drives the formation of giant gold deposits in subduction zones.

Oxidation of the sub-arc mantle driven by slab-derived fluids has been hypothesized to contribute to the formation of gold deposits in magmatic arc environments that host the majority of metal resources on Earth. However, the mechanism by which the infiltration of slab-derived fluids into the mantle wedge changes its oxidation state and affects Au enrichment remains poorly understood. Here, we present the results of a numerical model that demonstrates that slab-derived fluids introduce large amounts of sulfate (S) into the overlying mantle wedge that increase its oxygen fugacity by up to 3 to 4 log units relative to the pristine mantle.

Evaluation of a Training Model to Teach Skills Associated with Esophagostomy Tube Placement in Companion Animals.

Models and simulations are used in veterinary education to allow students to practice surgical skills in order to obtain clinical competence. Further development of models is also driven by the requirement of veterinary institutions to reduce the use of animal patients in teaching (live or cadaver). Esophagostomy tube placement is a common therapeutic procedure performed in companion animal critical care cases, and a model was developed to help teach this skill.