Somatic mutations and DNA methylation identify a subgroup of poor prognosis within lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

Lower risk (LR) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous hematopoietic stem and progenitor disorders caused by the accumulation of somatic mutations in various genes including epigenetic regulators that may produce convergent DNA methylation patterns driving specific gene expression profiles. The integration of genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic profiling has the potential to spotlight distinct LR-MDS categories on the basis of pathophysiological mechanisms. We performed a comprehensive study of somatic mutations and DNA methylation in a large and clinically well-annotated cohort of treatment-naive patients with LR-MDS at diagnosis from the EUMDS registry (ClinicalTrials.

Mapping decision-making pathways: Determination of intervention entry points for diagnostic tests in suspected serious infection.

Background: PROTECT ( Platform Randomised evaluation of clinical Outcomes using novel TEChnologies to optimise antimicrobial Therapy) has brought together a team of researchers to design a platform trial to rapidly evaluate and adopt into care multiple diagnostic technologies, bringing immediate benefit to patients. Rapid diagnostic tests will be used to identify patients at risk of deterioration from severe infection, before they become critically unwell. The platform will assess their comparative clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness relative to current standard of care.

Large language model based mutations in genetic improvement.

Ever since the first large language models (LLMs) have become available, both academics and practitioners have used them to aid software engineering tasks. However, little research as yet has been done in combining search-based software engineering (SBSE) and LLMs. In this paper, we evaluate the use of LLMs as mutation operators for genetic improvement (GI), an SBSE approach, to improve the GI search process.

Multi-omics approaches to deciphering complex pathological mechanisms of migraine: a systematic review.

Background: Migraine represents a chronic neurological disorder characterized by high prevalence, substantial disability rates, and significant economic burden. Its pathogenesis is complex, and there is currently no cure. The rapid progress in multi-omics technologies has provided new tools to uncover the intricate pathological mechanisms underlying migraine.

Neural reshaping: the plasticity of human brain and artificial intelligence in the learning process.

Unlabelled: This study explores the concept of neural reshaping and the mechanisms through which both human and artificial intelligence adapt and learn.

Objectives: To investigate the parallels and distinctions between human brain plasticity and artificial neural network plasticity, with a focus on their learning processes.

Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted using literature reviews and machine learning experiments, specifically employing a multi-layer perceptron neural network to examine regression and classification problems.

Advancing neural computation: experimental validation and optimization of dendritic learning in feedforward tree networks.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the capabilities of dendritic learning within feedforward tree networks (FFTN) in comparison to traditional synaptic plasticity models, particularly in the context of digit recognition tasks using the MNIST dataset.

Methods: We employed FFTNs with nonlinear dendritic segment amplification and Hebbian learning rules to enhance computational efficiency. The MNIST dataset, consisting of 70,000 images of handwritten digits, was used for training and testing.

Associations of Retinal Microvascular Density and Fractal Dimension with Glaucoma: A Prospective Study from UK Biobank.

Objective: To explore the association between retinal microvascular parameters and glaucoma.

Design: Prospective study.

Subjects: The UK Biobank subjects with fundus images and without a history of glaucoma.

Postcards Post-Petroleras: Exploring Collaborative Ethnography via Mail from the Venezuelan Diaspora.

Postcards, as 'travelling communication devices', have been identified as excellent tools for their ability to collapse 'the field' in a new, visually experiential way. Though often presented as a (post)colonial medium that has exoticized 'the other', they may also be able to give snapshots of diverse biographies otherwise silenced, and can therefore be utilised as a form of collaborative ethnography. This paper analyses postcards sent from Venezuelans living in Bogota during the pandemic.

Association Between Glycemic Control and Complications With Concentration of Urinary Exfoliated Proximal Tubule Kidney Cells in People With Diabetes Mellitus.

Emerging evidence suggests cell exfoliation could be operating under the control of cell metabolism. It is unclear if there are associations between the concentration of exfoliated kidney proximal tubule cells (PTCs) in urine with glycemic control and complications. Our study is aimed at exploring this.

Spatiotemporal regulation of alginate sub-structures at multiple scales revealed by monoclonal antibodies.

Alginates are abundant linear polysaccharides produced by brown algae and some bacteria. They have multiple biological roles and important medical and commercial uses. Alginates are comprised of D-mannuronic acid (M) and L-guluronic acid (G) and the ratios and distribution patterns of M and G profoundly impact their physiological and rheological properties.

Supply chain risk transmission monitoring based on graphic evaluation and review technique.

In the supply chain context, risk events can accumulate, amplify, and mutate as they spread through the supply chain network structure. This can lead to significant losses for supply chains and global businesses. Therefore, monitoring supply chain risk is crucial to ensure the smooth operation of the supply chain.

Adherence to integrated care using the 'Atrial fibrillation Better Care' pathway in asymptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation improves clinical outcomes: A report from the prospective COOL-AF registry.

Background: Identifying asymptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a challenge, and their optimal management is less certain, despite similar outcomes to symptomatic AF patients. The 'Atrial fibrillation Better Care' (ABC) pathway has been recently proposed as a holistic or integrated care approach for the comprehensive management of symptomatic patients with AF. We aimed to determine the use of the ABC pathway on clinical outcomes in asymptomatic patients with AF.

Developing and validating the Sierra Leone perinatal psychological distress scale through an emic-etic approach.

Background: Addressing perinatal psychological distress in Sierra Leone faces challenges due to the lack of culturally appropriate assessment tools, despite recent WHO recommendations for screening during the pre- and postpartum periods. While high-income countries use tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), their cross-cultural validity and efficacy in developing countries are uncertain. The aim of this study was to address this gap by developing a functional assessment tool, culturally appropriate screening tool for perinatal psychological distress, and validate it with the PHQ-9.

The efficacy and safety of indobufen in patients with ischemic cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of indobufen in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and thromboembolic disorders. The primary focus is on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), thrombosis, bleeding events, and adverse reactions. The results are intended to provide a reference for the clinical application of indobufen and suggest directions for further large-scale, multi-center, prospective studies.

Filamentous cyanobacteria growth assessment using fluorinated ethylene propylene microcapillaries.

Abstract: Filamentous cyanobacteria originate toxic harmful algal blooms (HABs) in aquatic ecosystems, severely impacting freshwater ecosystems and life. Despite being natural bloomers, these microorganisms are challenging to handle , due to the formation of aggregates with entangled filaments. Consequently, their precise growth dynamics, although vital to timely predict HABs, remains inaccessible.

Physicians', pharmacists', and nurses' education of patients about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in primary care settings: a qualitative systematic literature review.

Background: Patients' adherence to antibiotic treatment and related prevention of AMR is significant. Understanding healthcare professionals' strategies for advising and educating patients in primary care settings is crucial.

Aim: From the perspectives of professionals and patients, to explore how physicians, pharmacists, and nurses educate patients about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in primary care settings.

Student perspectives of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the curriculum of a UK medical school-A mixed-methods study.

Background: Equity, inclusion, and diversity in medical education are increasingly recognized as crucial for enhancing student engagement and improving health outcomes. This paper aims to analyze trends and assess student attitudes toward ethnic equity, inclusion, and diversity within campus-based modules at the University of Buckingham Medical School, UK.

Materials And Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 97 medical students aged 18-24 years (86.

Social prescribing for adults with chronic pain in the U.K.: a rapid review.

Introduction: Social prescribing links patients to community groups and services to meet health needs; however, it is uncertain what the benefits and impacts of social prescribing are for people with chronic pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) undertook a systematic review to investigate the clinical and cost effectiveness of social interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of people with chronic pain; no relevant clinical studies comparing social interventions with standard care for chronic pain were found, though the inclusion criteria for studies was narrow.

Objectives: To undertake a rapid review of all types of research and policy on social prescribing for adults with chronic pain in the U.

Proton beam therapy image-guided radiotherapy training for RTTs - Experience from a single institution.

This study investigates whether an Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) workbook and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) case studies enhances Radiation Therapists' (RTTs) confidence analysing Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) CBCTs. An 11-participant questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess pre- and post-training confidence. Prior to training, RTTs exhibited higher confidence in photon CBCT decision-making over proton CBCT, highlighting the need for PBT-specific IGRT training, irrespective of prior photon experience.

Rapid gram-scale microwave-assisted synthesis of organic anodes for sodium-ion batteries with environmental impact assessment.

Development of sustainable synthesis methods of organic electrode materials (OEMs) for sodium (Na)-ion batteries must take hold rapidly in large scale-synthesis if subsequent commercialisation is to occur. We report a facile and rapid gram-scale synthesis method based on microwave irradiation for disodium naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylate (Na-NDC) and mono/disodium benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (Na-BDC) as model compounds. Phase purity and formation of materials was confirmed by various characterisation techniques.

Vanillic acid as a promising intervention for metabolic syndrome: Preclinical studies.

Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of metabolic abnormalities and anthropometric factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. As the search for effective treatments intensifies, attention has turned towards natural substances with potential medicinal benefits. Among them, vanillic acid, a phenolic acid present in many plants, has attracted some attention due to its wide range of biological activities.

Platelet rich plasma and anterior cruciate ligament repair: A new frontier, or a short term adjunct.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product rich in platelets, showing promise in reducing inflammation and accelerating healing. While extensively utilized in plastic surgery, dermatology, and osteoarthritis treatment, its application in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is limited. This article examines PRP's potential in ACL reconstruction (ACLR), exploring its history, current usage, controversies and future directions.

Analysis of orthopaedic private healthcare patterns in England: A potential emerging two-tier system.

Objectives: Private healthcare is a rapidly growing industry in the UK, particularly for surgical procedures, due to extensive waiting times in publicly funded health care. The NHS also commissions private healthcare to provide procedures for NHS patients to alleviate waiting times. We aimed to explore the trends and geographical variations between the North and South of England in privately funded and NHS-funded privately delivered orthopaedic procedures compared to NHS waiting times.