143174 research outputs found
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Revealing the value and feedback dynamics of green space co-design through causal loop diagrams
No full textUrban green spaces are vital for environmental sustainability and social equity, yet their co-design, a participatory approach to stakeholder collaboration, remains under-evaluated despite its rising global adoption. In a London, UK, case study, this study introduces a novel application of Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs), a systems thinking tool, to unravel co-design’s benefits, barriers, and dynamics in urban green space planning. Through interviews (n = 23) and focus groups (n = 15), we identified 43 sub-themes across six overarching themes. CLDs, built from these themes, reveal the dynamic interactions and leverage points, showing social capital, community empowerment, and stakeholder capacity thriving through inclusive arrangements, local context, and trust, shaped by socio-economic, cultural, and organisational dynamics. The developed CLDs provide policymakers and practitioners with actionable indicators to enhance the effectiveness of co-design approaches. While focused on green spaces, the success factors, constraints, and system dynamics found in this study offer transferable insights across diverse collaborative domains
Runaway resorption of microcracks contributes to age-related hip- fracture patients
No full textMicrodefects, including microcracks and resorption trenches, may be important contributors to bone fragility. 3D microdefect morphology was imaged using synchrotron micro-CT to develop a classification system for investigating the relationship with bone mechanics and hip-fractures. Femoral heads from ageing hip-fracture patients (n = 5, 74–82 years) were compared to ageing non-fracture controls (n = 5, 72–84 years). Two trabecular cores were prepared from the chiasma; one was imaged using synchrotron micro-CT to measure microdefects and one was mechanically tested to measure tensile strength. Morphological and mechanical data were compared and correlated using Mann Whitney U test and Pearson’s rank correlation. All the procedures performed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Imperial College Tissue Bank (R13004) and the 1984 Declaration of Helsinki. Microdefects varied and were classified into four categories based on shape and measurable parameters. Hip-fracture donors exhibited significantly higher density of all microdefects (p < 0.05). Microdefect volume was strongly negatively correlated with ultimate tensile strength (p < 0.05) and stiffness (p < 0.05). Microdefects might contribute to loss of bone strength and fragility fracture via runaway resorption. Microcracks could promote focussed osteoclastic resorption and the formation of resorption pits which create stress risers leading to the re-formation of microcracks under continued load. CT-based classification methods should be used to explore the complex interaction between microdefects, metabolism, and bone fracture mechanics
Chimeric infective particles expand species boundaries in phage-inducible chromosomal island mobilization
No full textSome mobile genetic elements spread among unrelated bacterial species through unknown mechanisms. Recently, we discovered that identical capsid-forming phage-inducible chromosomal islands (cf-PICIs), a new family of phage satellites, are present across multiple species and genera, raising questions about their widespread dissemination. Here, we have identified and characterized a new biological entity enabling this transfer. Unlike other satellites, cf-PICIs produce their own capsids and package their DNA, relying solely on phage tails for transfer. cf-PICIs release non-infective, tailless capsids containing their DNA into the environment. These subcellular entities then interact with phage tails from various species, forming chimeric particles that inject DNA into different bacterial species depending on the tail present. Additionally, we elucidated the structure of the tailless cf-PICIs and the mechanism behind their unique capsid formation. Our findings illuminate the mechanisms used by satellites to spread in nature, contributing to bacterial evolution and the emergence of new pathogens
Spatiotemporal relationships between extreme weather events and arbovirus transmission across Brazil.
No full textPreprint version is available on medRxiv: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.01.25332773v
Blood pressure, plasma proteins and cardiovascular diseases: a network Mendelian randomisation and observational study
No full textBackground and Aims
The biological pathways leading to elevated blood pressure (BP) and subsequent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain incompletely understood. Investigating the proteomic landscape of BP and its overlap with CVD could provide critical insights into the molecular determinants and pathways involved in BP regulation and its subsequent effect on CVD.
Methods
A proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted by leveraging genetic instruments from 2007 plasma proteins to assess their causal effects on BP (systolic and diastolic BP). Proteins showing strong associations with BP were further analyzed for potential causal effects on coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke subtypes. Network MR was performed to estimate the proportion of CVD risk mediated through BP. Bayesian colocalization was applied to determine whether identified associations share common causal variants. Observational associations were examined in UK Biobank participants to assess associations between proteins, BP, and incident CVD events using linear regression and Cox proportional hazard models.
Results
Proteome-wide MR identified 242 proteins associated with BP, of which 48 were also linked to CAD or stroke, with four (ACOX1, FGF5, FURIN, MST1) also supported by genetic colocalization analyses (FDR 5% and PP ≥70%). Genetically predicted FURIN and FGF5 were strongly associated with BP and stroke risk, while ACOX1, FGF5, and MST1 exhibited potential causal effects on CAD. Network MR suggested that a substantial proportion of their effect on CAD and stroke (30.5%–77.2%) was mediated through BP regulation. Observational analyses further supported these findings.
Conclusions
This study identifies key plasma proteins with potential causal roles in BP regulation and CVD risk, highlighting BP as a major mediator of their effects on CAD and stroke. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying hypertension-related CVD and identify promising protein targets for further investigation
High HIV viral suppression among adults receiving WHO-recommended first-line dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of programmatic evidence
No full textBackground
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed viral suppression among adults receiving WHO-recommended first-line dolutegravir-based ART in programmatic settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Methods
A systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and major HIV conferences (IAS, AIDS, and CROI) from January 2019 to September 2024 identified cohort and cross-sectional studies reporting viral suppression among adults receiving WHO-recommended first-line dolutegravir-based ART in LMICs. Studies with follow-ups ≤ 4 months or using non-WHO-recommended regimens were excluded. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses excluded outliers. Subgroup analyses distinguished adults initiating versus transitioning to dolutegravir-based ART. Both on-treatment and intention-to-treat outcomes were assessed.
Results
Twenty-two studies (n = 47 to 50,742) from 13 countries were included. On-treatment pooled viral suppression was 95% (95% CI: 91–97%, I²= 96%) at six months, 96% (94–98%, I² = 97%) at 12 months, and 98% (96–99%, I² = 94%) at 24 months. Sensitivity analysis removing outliers decreased heterogeneity and slightly lowered the 6‑month estimate (to 94%), with negligible change at 12 months. At 6 months, viral suppression was higher in those transitioning than initiating ART (98% vs. 94%, p < 0.01), with similar rates at 12 months (97%, p = 0.67). The pooled intention-to-treat 12-month viral suppression rate was 89% (82–93%, I² = 95%), with no significant difference by ART status (initiating 86% vs. transitioning 91%, p = 0.44).
Conclusion
Adults retained in care receiving WHO-recommended first-line dolutegravir-based ART achieved viral suppression rates of ≥ 95% up to two years. These findings align with the UNAIDS 95% suppression target and reinforce the role of dolutegravir-based regimens in ending HIV as a public health threat.
Trial registration: CRD42024557769
Enhancing super-resolution network efficacy in CT imaging: cost-effective simulation of training data
No full textDeep learning-based Generative Models have the potential to convert low-resolution CT images into high-resolution counterparts without long acquisition times and increased radiation exposure in thin-slice CT imaging. However, procuring appropriate training data for these Super-Resolution (SR) models is challenging. Previous SR research has simulated thick-slice CT images from thin-slice CT images to create training pairs. However, these methods either rely on simplistic interpolation techniques that lack realism or on sinogram reconstruction, which requires the release of raw data and complex reconstruction algorithms. Thus, we introduce a simple yet realistic method to generate thick CT images from thin-slice CT images, facilitating the creation of training pairs for SR algorithms. The training pairs produced by our method closely resemble real data distributions (PSNR=49.74 vs. 40.66, p<0.05). A multivariate Cox regression analysis involving thick slice CT images with lung fibrosis revealed that only the radiomics features extracted using our method demonstrated a significant correlation with mortality (HR=1.19 and HR=1.14, p<0.005). This paper represents the first to identify and address the challenge of generating appropriate paired training data for Deep Learning-based CT SR models, which enhances the efficacy and applicability of SR models in real-world scenarios
A reference DNA barcode library for UK fungi associated with bark and ambrosia beetles
No full textBark and ambrosia beetles are ecologically important and widespread forest organisms. While flying between host plants and tunnelling into bark, they vector a high diversity of plant and insect-associated fungi within and between forests. These fungal communities live under the bark and rarely produce visible spore-bearing structures, making them difficult to sample and identify at scale. By combining passive insect trapping across the United Kingdom with individual beetle metabarcoding, we generated a reference DNA barcode library for fungi associated with over 1000 beetles, representing 25 native weevil species in the subfamily Scolytinae (Curculionidae). Sampling sites span longitudinal and latitudinal gradients, multiple forest types, and both natural and plantation forests. We use state-of-the-art fungal ITS2 OTU clustering and identification, resulting in 5274 identified fungal OTUs. This fungal diversity data can be used alongside extensive site and sample metadata to explore geographic and ecological biodiversity patterns. As these associations can be highly invasive and damaging, this resource provides a baseline to understand current fungal communities and monitor future changes
Social and policy interventions to reduce hospital admissions among socio-economically disadvantaged groups in OECD countries with universal health care: a systematic review
No full textObjectives:
Socioeconomic disadvantage increases the risk of acute illnesses and injuries requiring hospital admission, some of which are avoidable. This systematic review aimed to identify the impact of interventions on hospital admissions in socio-economically disadvantaged populations and identify knowledge gaps.
Design:
Systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42019153666).
Data sources:
We searched MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO),Cochrane CENTRAL (Wiley) and the Web of Knowledge platforms.
Eligibility criteria:
Studies published between January 1 2000 and April 1 2024. We included quantitative studies that included a socio-economically disadvantaged population, conducted in an OECD country with universal health care and reported on hospital admission or readmissions.
Data extraction and synthesis:
We assessed study quality using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. We summarised studies using a narrative synthesis approach and present findings using vote counting as a measure of effect.
Results:
We included 20 studies of interventions targeted towards socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. There impacts on hospitalisations of interventions grouped under three domains – (1) population level health and social policy, (2) health and care services-based interventions, and (3) integrative interventions were mixed. Through vote counting, we found that social policy interventions targeting socio-economically disadvantaged groups, have an important impact on hospitalisations, especially those focused on improved housing and income.
Conclusions:
Whist ongoing efforts to ensure healthcare interventions improve equity of access, experience and outcome are warranted, social policy interventions that address the wider determinants of health such as housing, income and education, are important for controlling rates of hospital admissions in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This underscores the value of multi-sectoral action to reduce inequalities. Future studies should explore the long-term outcomes of interventions, particularly integrative ones, which may bring benefits in the long-term but not so much in the short term
Mitigating the negative effects of internet browsing on young people’s resilience and outlook in life through classic Grimm fairy tales: exploratory randomized control study
No full textBackground:
Internet browsing is a daily activity for many young people. However, how internet browsing affects young people’s resilience and positive (vs negative) outlook on life remains largely unaddressed. Critically, how reading classical fairy tales may help mitigate the influence of internet browsing on resilience and foster a more positive rather than negative outlook on life has yet to be explored.
Objective:
This study examines the influence of internet browsing on young people’s resilience and positive (vs negative) outlook on life. Furthermore, this study aims to examine the potential mitigating effect of reading classical Grimms' fairy tales, such as Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood, on the relationship between internet browsing and postgraduate students’ resilience and outlook on life.
Methods:
A randomized controlled study was conducted using a 2 (internet browsing vs no internet browsing) × 2 (reading a classical fairy tale vs no classical fairy tale) between-subjects design. All study participants (N=412) were postgraduate students and randomly assigned to one of the study’s 4 conditions and answered a brief questionnaire, examining their resilience and positive versus negative outlook on life. To examine the potential mitigating effect of classical fairy tales on the relationship between internet browsing and resilience as well as positive versus negative outlook on life, we conducted an exploratory bootstrapping-based moderated mediation analysis with 5000 resamples.
Results:
The results showed a significant moderating role of reading classical Grimms' fairy tales on the negative effect of internet browsing on postgraduate students’ resilience and outlook on life. Specifically, when study participants browsed the internet, they reported a more positive outlook on life when they read a Grimms' fairy tale (read fairy tale: mean 5.46, SD 0.151 vs not read fairy tale: mean 3.01, SD 0.150, SE 0.213, 95% CI –2.860 to –2.024; P<.001). Furthermore, the results showed that when participants browsed the internet, they indicated significantly greater resilience when they read a Grimms' tale (mean 4.62, SE 0.179, 95% CI 4.271-4.976) than when they did not (mean 2.59, SE 0.179, 95% CI 2.243-2.945). In addition, an exploratory analysis demonstrated that the effect of internet browsing on outlook on life is mediated by resilience (effect 0.85, SE 0.17, 95% CI 0.52-1.20).
Conclusions:
The findings of this study show that reading a classical Grimms' fairy tale, such as Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood, helped mitigate the negative effects of internet browsing on postgraduate students’ resilience and outlook on life.
Trial Registration:
ISRCTN 16972408; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN1697240