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Differences in trajectories of quality of life according to type of dementia: 6-year longitudinal findings from the IDEAL programme
No full textYesBackground
People with different types of dementia may have distinct symptoms and experiences that affect their quality of life. This study investigated whether quality of life varied across types of dementia and over time.
Methods
The participants were 1555 people with mild-to-moderate dementia and 1327 carers from the IDEAL longitudinal cohort study, recruited from clinical services. As many as possible were followed for up to 6 years. Diagnoses included were Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, mixed Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia. Self- and informant-rated versions of the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease scale were used. A joint model, incorporating a mixed effects model with random effects and a survival model to account for dropout, was used to examine whether quality of life varied by dementia type at the time of diagnosis and how trajectories changed over time.
Results
The strongest associations between dementia type and quality of life were seen around the time of diagnosis. For both self-ratings and informant ratings, people with Parkinson’s disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies had lower quality of life scores. Over time there was little change in self-rated scores across all dementia types (− 0.15 points per year). Informant-rated scores declined over time (− 1.63 points per year), with the greatest decline seen in ratings by informants for people with dementia with Lewy bodies (− 2.18 points per year).
Conclusions
Self-rated quality of life scores were relatively stable over time whilst informant ratings showed a steeper decline. People with Parkinson’s disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies report particularly low levels of quality of life, indicating the importance of greater attention to the needs of these groups
Overcoming Vemurafenib Resistance in Metastatic Melanoma: Targeting Integrins to Improve Treatment Efficacy
Get PDFYesMetastatic melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, often develops resistance to the BRAF inhibitor drug vemurafenib, highlighting the need for understanding the underlying mechanisms of resistance and exploring potential therapeutic strategies targeting integrins and TGF-β signalling. In this study, the role of integrins and TGF-β signalling in vemurafenib resistance in melanoma was investigated, and the potential of combining vemurafenib with cilengitide as a therapeutic strategy was investigated. In this study, it was found that the transcription of PAI1 and p21 was induced by acquired vemurafenib resistance, and ITGA5 levels were increased as a result of this resistance. The transcription of ITGA5 was mediated by the TGF-β pathway in the development of vemurafenib resistance. A synergistic effect on the proliferation of vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells was observed with the combination therapy of vemurafenib and cilengitide. Additionally, this combination therapy significantly decreased invasion and colony formation in these resistant cells. In conclusion, it is suggested that targeting integrins and TGF-β signalling, specifically ITGA5, ITGB3, PAI1, and p21, may offer promising approaches to overcoming vemurafenib resistance, thereby improving outcomes for metastatic melanoma patients
The Galaxy platform for accessible, reproducible, and collaborative data analyses: 2024 update
Get PDFYesGalaxy (https://galaxyproject.org) is deployed globally, predominantly through free-to-use services, supporting user-driven research that broadens in scope each year. Users are attracted to public Galaxy services by platform stability, tool and reference dataset diversity, training, support and integration, which enables complex, reproducible, shareable data analysis. Applying the principles of user experience design (UXD), has driven improvements in accessibility, tool discoverability through Galaxy Labs/subdomains, and a redesigned Galaxy ToolShed. Galaxy tool capabilities are progressing in two strategic directions: integrating general purpose graphical processing units (GPGPU) access for cutting-edge methods, and licensed tool support. Engagement with global research consortia is being increased by developing more workflows in Galaxy and by resourcing the public Galaxy services to run them. The Galaxy Training Network (GTN) portfolio has grown in both size, and accessibility, through learning paths and direct integration with Galaxy tools that feature in training courses. Code development continues in line with the Galaxy Project roadmap, with improvements to job scheduling and the user interface. Environmental impact assessment is also helping engage users and developers, reminding them of their role in sustainability, by displaying estimated CO2 emissions generated by each Galaxy job.NIH [U41 HG006620, U24 HG010263, U24 CA231877, U01 CA253481]; US National Science Foundation [1661497, 1758800, 2216612]; computational resources are provided by the Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem (ACCESS-CI), Texas Advanced Computing Center, and the JetStream2 scientific cloud. Funding for open access charge: NIH. ELIXIR IS and Travel grants; EU Horizon Europe [HORIZON-INFRA-2021-EOSC-01-04, 101057388]; EU Horizon Europe under the Biodiversity, Circular Economy and Environment program (REA.B.3, BGE 101059492); German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, BMBF [031 A538A de.NBI-RBC]; Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg (MWK) within the framework of LIBIS/de.NBI Freiburg. Galaxy Australia is supported by the Australian BioCommons which is funded through Australian Government NCRIS investments from Bioplatforms Australia and the Australian Research Data Commons, as well as investment from the Queensland Government RICF program.Please note, contributors are listed in alphabetical order
Modelling the Logistics of Mantzikert
No full textNoThe Battle of Mantzikert had profound consequences for both Byzantine and Turkish history, yet the historical sources for this campaign contain significant gaps. This book presents the results of a project that seeks to demonstrate the important role computer simulation can play in the analysis of pre-modern military logistics.
In AD 1071, the Byzantine Emperor, Romanos IV Diogenes, set out from Constantinople for the eastern borders of his Empire with an army described as “more numerous than the sands of the sea”. His military campaign culminated in defeat by the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan at the Battle of Mantzikert. This defeat was to have profound consequences for both Byzantine and Turkish history and is still commemorated in the modern state of Turkey. Yet the historical sources for this campaign contain significant gaps and we know more about the political intrigues surrounding the emperor than we do about how the army moved and fed itself.
The ‘Medieval Warfare on the Grid’ project (2007-2011) was funded by an AHRC-EPSRC-Jisc e-Science grant and set out to use computer simulation to shed new light on the Mantzikert campaign. In this book we present the results of the project and demonstrate that computer simulation has an important role to play in the analysis of pre-modern military logistics. It can give new context to historical sources, present new options for the interpretation of past events and enable questions of greater complexity to be asked of historical military campaigns. It can also highlight the similarities that exist across time and space when armies need to be mobilised, moved and fed
Design of an electric activation system for the smart hybrid tendons crack-closure system in concrete beams
Get PDFYesThis work presents the design of a smart activation system for the crack-closure technology of the Hybrid Tendons. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology in providing a self-repairing mechanism for concrete elements. The Hybrid Tendons are made combining a pre-stressed Kevlar inner core restrained by a Shape Memory Polymer sleeve. To trigger the crack-closing action, the Shape memory potential of the outer sleeve needs to be activated via heating. The work focuses on the design and testing of an electric activation system for the Hybrid Tendons using a system of heating wires. Kanthal wires are chosen for this application and integrated in the manufacturing process of the Hybrid Tendons: the wires are wrapped around each tendon and connected to a power supply. An experimental campaign is conducted to assess the system's capability to activate the Hybrid Tendons and deliver the crack-closing action in concrete beams under constant load. Additionally a numerical model is also developed to offer a sound interpretation of the experimental results. The system is ultimately proven successful in activating the Hybrid Tendons embedded in the concrete, effectively delivering the crack-closing action and boosting the flexural response of the structural element.UKRI-EPSRC (Grant No. EP/P02081X/1 , Resilient Materials 4 Life, RM4L), Leverhulme Trust ECF-2022-235
A multi-layered defence strategy against DDoS attacks in SDN/NFV-based 5G mobile networks
Get PDFYesSoftware-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualisation (NFV) are crucial technologies for integration in the fifth generation of cellular networks (5G). However, they also pose new security challenges, and a timely research subject is working on intrusion detection systems (IDSs) for 5G networks. Current IDSs suffer from several limitations, resulting in a waste of resources and some security threats. This work proposes a new three-layered solution that includes forwarding and data transport, management and control, and virtualisation layers, emphasising distributed controllers in the management and control layer. The proposed solution uses entropy detection to classify arriving packets as normal or suspicious and then forwards the suspicious packets to a centralised controller for further processing using a self-organising map (SOM). A dynamic OpenFlow switch relocation method is introduced based on deep reinforcement learning to address the unbalanced burden among controllers and the static allocation of OpenFlow switches. The proposed system is analysed using the Markov decision process, and a Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN) is used to train the system. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in mitigating DDoS attacks, efficiently balancing controller workloads, and reducing the duration of the balancing process in 5G networks
Unlocking power: impact of physical and mechanical properties of biomass wood pellets on energy release and carbon emissions in power sector
Get PDFYesThis study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of 12 biomass wood pellet samples utilised in a power generation, focusing on their implications for energy release and carbon emissions during combustion. Through comprehensive analysis involving bulk density measurements, compression tests, moisture analysis, calorimetry and controlled burning experiments, significant correlations among key properties are identified. Pellets with densities above 1100 kg/m3 demonstrate superior mechanical durability and strength, achieving maximum strengths of 0.6 to 0.8 kN with durability exceeding 99.4%. Optimal moisture content, typically between 6 and 7% is crucial for maximising density, bulk density, mechanical durability and fracture resistance, ensuring robust pellet structure and performance. The research underscores the impact of pellet dimensions, highlighting those longer lengths, > 12 mm enhance durability, while larger diameters > 8 mm exhibit reduced durability. Elemental analysis focusing on calcium, silicon and potassium plays a critical role in predicting and managing combustion system fouling, potentially reducing operational costs. Moreover, the study emphasises the significant influence of oxygen levels during combustion on CO2 emissions, achieving optimal results with moisture content in the 7–8% range for maximum higher heating value (HHV). The moisture content in the 14–15% range represents the lowest CO2 emission. The findings underscore the intricacy of the system and the interplay of parameters with one another. In accordance with the priority of each application, the selection of parameters warrants careful consideration.UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Community (UKCCSRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through the UKCCSRC Flexible Funding Call 2022
12-CS2 production from methane reforming with H2S
No full textNoMethane reforming in the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2SMR) is not only conspicuous in terms of producing valuable material but also because of its advantages in obtaining hydrogen as a clean fuel. Substitution of traditional hydrogen production processes such as methane steam reforming (MSR), elimination of natural gas amine–based H2S removal, and sulfur recovery processes have attracted much attention. The current hydrogen production is associated with consuming energy that is usually supplied by burning fossil fuels. Thus, producing hydrogen by current high greenhouse gas emitter methods seems not to be a rational approach to benefit from this clean energy source. Additionally, H2SMR with the potential of producing four moles of hydrogen and one mole of CS2 from methane could be a promising alternative as providing the opportunity to benefit from producing cleaner fuels and simultaneously making CS2 that is used for the production of more valuable products. This chapter reviews the recent progress in CS2 production from methane reforming in the presence of H2S and brings the effect of dominant parameters on this process
Recognition of advanced level practice against multiprofessional capabilities: Experiences of the first radiography applicants
Get PDFYesIntroduction: Advanced practice is well established in the health professions with multiprofessional capabilities in place in England. To recognise achievement of these capabilities an ePortfolio (supported) route was initiated in 2022. This study aimed to review the demographics and experiences of radiographers applying for recognition in the first year of operation.
Methods: The multi method evaluation consisted of quantitative data analysis of information regarding the first three cohorts of radiographers (n = 40) participating in the NHS England (NHSE) scheme. Interviews with 12 participants was undertaken with thematic analysis of the transcripts.
Results: Self-rated scores of expertise were significantly higher by therapeutic radiographers (n = 8) compared to their 32 diagnostic colleagues (t = 5.556; p < 0.01). Radiographers saw the ePortfolio as an opportunity to validate their experience and to evidence parity with other professions. Participants felt the process also enabled critical reflection and gave unseen insight into themselves and their roles. The support of experienced educational supervisors was felt to be vital in this process and for successful completion of portfolio.
Conclusions: Several radiographers have now achieved the necessary standards to achieve NHSE recognition. The evaluation exposed that most radiographers did not have the relevant evidence to hand and the ongoing collection of evidence around capabilities and impact is critical to evidencing advanced practice capabilities.
Implications for practice: Radiographers are able to achieve the capabilities expected for multiprofessional practice. Cultural change is required to normalise recording of evidence within practice including case-based discussions, clinical supervision and feedback from colleagues and patients. The support of an experienced educational supervisor aided the critical reflection on practice level
Gender, religion, and political violence: lessons from Muslim women's experiences in UK elections
Get PDFYesViolence against women in politics is on the rise, threatening political achievements with respect to equality. Little research, however, has been conducted on the experiences of women from minority communities. This article, therefore, takes an intersectional approach to explore how gender, religion, and other categories of difference intersect when it comes to Muslim women’s experiences in the UK. Based on a longitudinal case study of Bradford West during the 2015, 2017, and 2019 general elections that combines participant observations, qualitative interviews, and a Twitter analysis, we argue that, in addition to the violence often experienced by women, Muslim women are also confronted with Islamophobic bias and abuse, as well as intersectional intimidation and harassment from within the Muslim community in their constituencies. Our case study approach, however, also reveals the existence of appreciation and support for Muslim women in politics that needs to be nurtured to counter abuse