11237 research outputs found
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MIQE 2.0 and the Urgent Need to Rethink qPCR Standards
No full textThe recent publication of the revised MIQE 2.0 guidelines in Clinical Chemistry [1] marks a critical milestone in the evolution of quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) methodology. These revised recommendations were authored by an international consortium of multidisciplinary experts in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, statistics, regulatory science, and bioinformatics and build on the initial MIQE guidelines published in 2009 [2]. Over the past 16 years, MIQE has become one of the most widely cited methodological publications in molecular biology, with over 17,000 citations to date. It has helped to shape best practice in qPCR and reverse transcription-qPCR (RT-qPCR), informed journal editorial policies, and contributed to the development of ISO standards for molecular diagnostics [3]...</p
Cryolipolysis and associated health outcomes, adverse events and satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground: Cryolipolysis is a nonsurgical adiposity reduction treatment that is increasing in popularity globally. The aim of this paper was to carry out a systematic review with meta-analysis on cryolipolysis and associated health outcomes, adverse events (AE) and patient satisfaction.Methods: Major databases were searched from inception until April 4, 2024. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models to calculate the pooled effects size and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each finding. The systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO, CRD-42024548077.Results: A total of 30 studies were included, including 3158 participants. The result of meta-analyses showed reduced body mass index (mean differences [MD] = −1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.98, −0.62, p = 0.0003), waist-to-hip ratio (MD = −0.09, 95% CI −0.16, −0.02, p = 0.001), mean abdominal circumference (cm) (MD = −3.56, 95% CI −4.98, −2.15, p = 0.000001), and mean suprailiac fat thickness (FT) (mm) (MD = −5.22, 95% CI −9.03, −1.42, p = 0.0007), 12 weeks after cryolipolysis as compared with baseline values. The satisfaction rate was 80.4% and the AE of cryolipolysis was 49.5% for numbness, 44.5% for erythema, 30.5% for edema, 28.8% for pain, 25.4% for sensitivity, 15.2% for tingling, and 2% for hyperpigmentation.Conclusion: In the present study, it was found that cryolipolysis was associated with a reduction in the number of adiposity parameters at 3 months follow-up. A relatively high level of minor AEs was reported; however, patient satisfaction was high suggesting that the treatment is well tolerated.</p
Evaluating Telemedicine for Chronic Disease Management in Low- and Middle-Income Countries During Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
No full textBackground: The rapid expansion of telemedicine globally, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been critical for maintaining the continuity of chronic care, including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In the context of maintaining health services during major hazards, telemedicine offers a potential solution for reducing the impact of associated disruptions and maintaining the functionality of hospitals. This study aims to evaluate the application of telemedicine for chronic diseases in LMICs during COVID-19, with a focus on its role in enhancing health system resilience during disastrous events. Methods: A systematised review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Global Health, and Google Scholar for primary literature published between January 2020 and July 2023. English-language articles on chronic disease management were targeted; they were freely accessible and excluded abstracts, conference papers, posters, and grey literature. A multilevel evaluation framework was applied, covering access, cost, patient and health worker experiences, and the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions. Results: After screening one thousand six hundred seventy-eight records, twenty-three studies and two additional snowball-sourced papers from ten countries were included. Findings revealed that while telemedicine enhanced access to care, patient experiences, and effectiveness, cost analysis remains an understudied area. Discrepancies in perspectives were noted between patients and health workers, particularly regarding access and effectiveness. Nevertheless, the majority of studies agree on telemedicine’s positive impact on the accessibility and resilience of health systems during major emergencies, which reduces costs and improves the overall patient experience. However, concerns such as outdated regulations and policies and poor internet connectivity pose a challenge that needs to be addressed. Conclusions: This review highlights the potential of telemedicine in strengthening health system resilience, particularly in LMICs where more work is needed to update regulations and policies and to strengthen infrastructure for more affordable and uninterruptable connectivity. Further research is needed to explore the long-term sustainability of telemedicine in these contexts and to identify strategies for successful implementation across diverse public health challenges.</p
Innovation in a Post-Oil City: Moving Design Away from Carbon Dependency
No full textOil consumption makes us less aware of the real world and breeds arrogance through its visions of freedom, independence, and entrepreneurialism. The carbon form, known as oil and used as energy in the form of fuel and electricity, is accepted as an ordinary part of everyday life in cities that are embedded in design processes and subsequently in the practice of innovation, which allows designers—those who engage in creative problem-solving and innovation across various disciplines—to accomplish things we could not otherwise do. On the other hand, one big problem with the way we currently innovate—the way we think about and act on new ideas—is that it depends too much on oil-related activities like thinking, doing, making, and testing, which makes oil seem like a valuable resource for innovation in cities. Instead of just talking about oil’s important role in innovation, we need to look more deeply into why it was initially accepted by society and culture as an essential part of the design process. We also need to understand the more significant stories that have led to oil-dependent ways of innovation being seen as a colonial and universal model and oil’s essence and essential role in shaping modernity and our everyday lives. This has led to the development of a design mindset that prioritizes increased consumption and production, justifies resource access, and embodies a lifestyle unique to advanced societies. This chapter argues that the production and consumption of oil are like slavery. This unconscious act increases the ability to imagine while decreasing the possibilities for low-carbon and responsible innovation. Over the years, this mindset has influenced cultures elsewhere, contributing to cultural disjunction, increased carbon emissions, and an impact on climate change. This chapter uses a qualitative approach to (a) suggest and discuss conceptual design frameworks for responsible innovation and (b) show how challenging it is to approach innovation in a city without oil. These frameworks help protect finite energy sources, resources, and cultural practices specific to the city. This chapter’s findings provide methods and adaptation techniques for individuals and cities migrating from oil reliance by presenting conscious design frameworks that minimize dependence on oil.</p
Global, regional, and national trends in suicide mortality rates across 102 countries from 1990-2021, with projections up to 2050
No full textNo description supplied</p
AI literacy and gender bias: comparative perspectives from the UK and Indonesia
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and workforce demands globally. To ensure that individuals are prepared for an increasingly AI-driven world, it is crucial to develop robust AI literacy and address persistent gender biases in STEM fields. This paper presents a comparative study of AI literacy and gender bias among 192 participants from the United Kingdom and Indonesia. Using a survey-based approach, the study examines participants’ familiarity with AI concepts, confidence in utilizing AI tools, and engagement in ethical discussions related to AI. The findings reveal that while overall AI literacy levels are similar across both countries, UK respondents demonstrate significantly higher familiarity with programming and AI technologies, likely reflecting differences in educational frameworks and digital infrastructure. Moreover, despite widespread use of AI, discussions on its ethical implications remain limited in both countries. The study also highlights persistent gender biases that affect women’s participation and progression in AI and STEM fields; differences in perceptions of gender bias in recruitment, leadership promotion, and support for women suggest that, although progress is being made, significant barriers still exist. The study uncovers nuanced cultural variations in the perception of gender bias: UK participants exhibit greater confidence in gender inclusivity within recruitment and leadership roles, whereas Indonesian respondents report a higher prevalence of targeted initiatives to support women in technology. Overall, this research deepens our understanding of how AI literacy varies across diverse cultural and technological landscapes and offers valuable strategic guidance for tailoring interventions to overcome specific barriers, ultimately supporting innovative developments for women in STEM and women in AI in particular.</p
Amateur rowers to transatlantic trio race winners: a case study describing the physiological and psychological characteristics, training adaptations and race responses to ultra‐endurance rowing
No full textThis case study reports a team of three male (48 ± 12‐year) amateur rowers' physiological and psychological characteristics, training adaptations and responses to an ultra‐endurance rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean. Over 10 months, rowers completed laboratory‐based testing on three occasions (8 months pre‐race, 1 month pre‐race and 1 month post‐race), as well as self‐reporting fortnightly training metrics and monthly resilience, challenge/threat appraisals and mental toughness scores. Compared to baseline, lactate threshold (LT: +28 ± 12 W) and LT turn‐point (LTP: +25 ± 24 W) improved after training. However, maximum power remained unchanged (+3 ± 8 W) and peak oxygen uptake decreased (−0.30 ± 0.22 Lmin−1). During training, 54% of sessions were ergometer‐based rowing, 31% strength and conditioning and 15% sea‐based rowing. After 38‐day of transatlantic rowing (∼12‐h per day [3 x 4‐h blocks], per rower), the team finished first in the trio category and sixth overall. Mean body mass was −12.7 ± 2.0 kg (−14 ± 2%) lower at race finish, and rowers self‐reported a range of medical issues during the race (dermatological: 100% incidence, musculoskeletal: 100%, seasickness: 66.7%, mental health: 33.3%, infections: 33.3% and loss of appetite: 33.3%). One month post‐race, cumulative fatigue and inadequate recovery were likely demonstrated by impaired LT (−29 ± 11 W), LTP (−16 ± 27 W) and maximum power (−19 ± 19 W); however, increased resilience, challenge/threat appraisals and mental toughness were reported. A 38‐day transatlantic rowing race requires a considerable training demand for amateur rowers and induces a range of acute medical issues and prolonged cumulative fatigue.</p
Randomized comparison of fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave free ratio in serial disease
No full textBackground: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) identify arteries that benefit from percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). FFR or iFR gradients on pullback are often used to predict the physiological result (FFRΔ or iFRΔ), but this approach is unvalidated. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of FFRΔ, iFRΔ and FFRcalc (a mathematical solution incorporating interaction between lesions) for predicting post-PCI physiology in serial or diffuse disease. Methods: Patients with a focal target lesion and either a second focal lesion or a diffusely diseased segment in the same vessel were randomized to FFR- vs iFR-guided PCI (ISRCTN18106869). FFR and iFR pullbacks were performed, with operators blinded to one modality. Following target lesion PCI, FFR and iFR were remeasured. The primary outcome was the error in predicted post-PCI physiology compared with actual values. Results: A total of 87 patients were randomized to FFR (n = 45) or iFR (n = 42). Median FFR and iFR were 0.70 (Q1-Q3: 0.62 to 0.78) and 0.81 (Q1-Q3: 0.68 to 0.90) at baseline and 0.82 (Q1-Q3: 0.74 to 0.87) and 0.89 (Q1-Q3: 0.83 to 0.93) after target lesion PCI. The predictive errors were 12% (6% to 17%) for FFRΔ, 4% (0% to 9%; P Conclusions: FFR and iFR pullback gradients overestimate the benefit of target lesion PCI and can miss residual ischemia in one-third of patients. FFR or iFR should be routinely repeated post-PCI in serial disease.</p
Evaluating a skills-based equality diversity and inclusion learning event delivered in a UK HEI: recommendations for social work education
No full textEquality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles form core areas of knowledge in anti-oppressive practice and should be a focus of social work education. This study evaluated the impact of an EDI learning event, co-designed, and co-delivered by a care-experienced educator, alongside another colleague, to social work students and academics. Information was gathered both before and after the event using JISC Online Surveys. A total of 16 academics filled in the pre-evaluation questionnaire, and 14 the post-evaluation. A further 56 students filled in the pre-evaluation questionnaire, and 28 the post-evaluation. Socio-demographic, qualitative and quantitative data were collected; qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The evaluation underlined EDI as a bedrock of the social work profession and highlighted that post learning event, students reported being more confident in understanding discrimination and feeling more able to challenge it. The capability-based curricula in England, has the potential to enable students to become more confident and prepared to manage complex interactions, such as experiencing or witnessing discrimination. However it is suggested that teaching EDI in social work education must be underpinned by a commitment to incorporate a values-based approach to teaching, alongside cultural competency, as well as a capability-focus.</p
Development and Deployment of a Music Listening Intervention Mobile Application for a Two-Group Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
No full textMusic is one nonpharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety and stress for mechanically ventilated patients. Efficient delivery of a music listening intervention can be enhanced through digital tools such as a mobile application (app) loaded onto an electronic tablet device. The objective of this study is to describe the iterative development and deployment of a novel app (Soundese) to deliver, record, and retrieve data associated with a two-arm randomized, blinded clinical trial testing music listening intervention compared to control silence condition on delirium severity among critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) older adult patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. The Soundese mobile app was developed to deliver either experimental music listening intervention or a silence control listening condition to a sample of older adults receiving mechanical ventilatory support in the ICU and retrieve all protocol data. The Soundese app was developed using the Swift software language and is compatible with all iOS devices. The Soundese app consists of two components: (1) a mobile app that delivers the assigned, blinded listening intervention from an iPad through headphones to each subject and automatically logs each listening session, its duration, the randomization arm, and uploads these data to a server, and (2) an analysis app that generates a spreadsheet with summarized data of the respective listening session, music details, and reports for further analyses. A Dropbox application programmer interface enabled the secure storage of files on a designated Dropbox account. After initial field testing and iterative development changes based on research staff feedback, the Soundese app delivers the assigned experimental listening condition or silence control condition when deployed remotely in the field. The app’s mobile nature allows for immediate and automatic data capture, which is summarized for statistical analysis. There is no need for any manual recording of any intervention data by busy ICU staff, including listening time or music selections. The Soundese mobile app efficiently delivers the research protocol with fidelity and collects the necessary data for an ICU-based clinical trial. The app may be useful in other clinical trials testing music listening interventions in various settings or for deploying other audio-based interventions.</p
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