Diversity and 'successful ageing': exploring intersectional and existential dimensions to ageing well.

Background And Objectives: This paper aims to add to the literature on successful ageing in minoritized ethnic groups. Concurring with the critiques of 'successful ageing' for focusing on values and abilities more attainable by white middle-class older people, it explores alternative discourses according to which older people from minoritized groups consider themselves to be 'ageing well'.

Research Design And Methods: The paper draws on original empirical material derived from a longitudinal research project focused on five minority ethnic groups living in a city (and surrounding areas) of the UK known for its diverse population.

Bayesian Inference of Phylogenetic Distances: Revisiting the Eigenvalue Approach.

Using genetic data to infer evolutionary distances between molecular sequence pairs based on a Markov substitution model is a common procedure in phylogenetics, in particular for selecting a good starting tree to improve upon. Many evolutionary patterns can be accurately modelled using substitution models that are available in closed form, including the popular general time reversible model (GTR) for DNA data. For more complex biological phenomena, such as variations in lineage-specific evolutionary rates over time (heterotachy), other approaches such as the GTR with rate variation (GTR ) are required, but do not admit analytical solutions and do not automatically allow for likelihood calculations crucial for Bayesian analysis.

Meaningful change threshold estimation for the non-small cell lung cancer symptom assessment questionnaire (NSCLC-SAQ): psychometric analysis from a phase 3 trial (LIBRETTO-431).

Purpose: Meaningful change thresholds are important to help interpret patient-reported outcome scores. To date, meaningful within-patient change (MWPC) thresholds have only been proposed for NSCLC-SAQ total score. This study proposed clinically MWPC thresholds, and group-level minimal important change/difference (MIC/MID) thresholds for both improvement and worsening for the Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer- Symptom Assessment Questionnaire (NSCLC-SAQ) total and symptom scores.

Systematic review of the needs and health-related quality of life domains relevant to people surviving cancer in Europe.

Purpose: To systematically review qualitative studies on outcomes, needs, experiences, preferences, concerns and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people surviving cancer in Europe in the last decade.

Methods: Protocol registered ( https://www.crd.

The Multimorbidity Questionnaire (MMQ1): English translation and validation of a Danish patient reported outcome measure for quality of life in people with multiple long-term conditions in a cross-sectional survey.

Purpose: MMQ1 is a Danish-language patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for quality of life (QOL) in people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC). It measures needs-based QOL across six scales: Physical ability, Concerns and worries, Limitations in daily life, Social life, Personal finances and Self-image. There is currently no such measure available in English.

Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) has been suggested as superior to on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (ONCAB) in certain high-risk subgroups, but its benefit in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate OPCAB versus ONCAB outcomes in COPD patients.

Methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines and searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library in August 2024 for studies comparing OPCAB and ONCAB in COPD patients.

Co-design of a novel rehabilitation intervention for patients after ankle fracture surgery: establishing healthcare professional consensus.

Post-surgical rehabilitation advice after ankle fracture surgery, particularly regarding weight-bearing, varies significantly, leading to patient frustration and inconsistent recovery outcomes. This study aimed to establish a consensus for ankle fracture rehabilitation advice and identify content and implementation options for future interventions through consultation with healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study was part of the weight-bearing in ankle fractures (WAX) trial, a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Are Dietary Patterns Relevant for Reducing the Risk of Fractures and Sarcopenia?

Purpose Of Review: This review aims to summarise recent evidence on the effects of dietary patterns on the risk of bone fractures and sarcopenia.

Recent Findings: Several dietary patterns have been investigated in relation to musculoskeletal health, including Mediterranean Dietary Patterns (MDP), Dietary Inflammatory Indices, vegetarian and vegan diets. Adherence to 'healthier' dietary patterns appears to be protective against fractures and sarcopenia, with the strongest protective associations found between the MDP and fractures.

Potassium titanyl phosphate laser resection of tongue T1/T2 squamous cell carcinoma - a cross-sectional study of quality of life and nutritional outcomes.

Introduction: Increasing emphasis has been placed on measurement of quality of life (QOL) as a central criterion for assessment of success of any medical treatment. The aim of our study was to assess the nutritional and quality of life of patient-reported outcomes among patients who have undergone laser resection of tongue cancer.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken of patients treated with KTP laser resection of T1/T2 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) between 2011-2019.

Key Structural Features of Microvascular Networks Leading to the Formation of Multiple Equilibria.

We analyse mathematical models of blood flow in two simple vascular networks in order to identify structural features that lead to the formation of multiple equilibria. Our models are based on existing rules for blood rheology and haematocrit splitting. By performing bifurcation analysis on these simple network flow models, we identify a link between the changing flow direction in key vessels and the existence of multiple equilibria.

Improving postsurgical paresis in brain tumor patients by transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Background And Objectives: Recently, reduction of transcallosal inhibition by contralateral navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) improved neurorehabilitation of glioma patients with new postoperative paresis. This multicentric study examines the effect of postoperative nrTMS in brain tumor patients to treat surgery-related upper extremity paresis.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of two randomized and three one-arm studies in brain tumor patients with new/progressive postoperative paresis.

A literature-based cost-effectiveness analysis of device-assisted suturing versus needle-driven suturing during laparotomy closure.

Purpose: Small-bites suturing technique for laparotomy closure is now recommended as the standard of care. However, uptake of the practice remains slow. A medical technology called the SutureTOOL has been developed which can facilitate implementation of small-bites.

Membranes of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity PIM-1 for Gas Separation: Modification Strategies and Meta-Analysis.

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) have received considerable attention for making high-performance membranes for carbon dioxide separation over the last two decades, owing to their highly permeable porous structures. However, challenges regarding its relatively low selectivity, physical aging, and plasticisation impede relevant industrial adoptions for gas separation. To address these issues, several strategies including chain modification, post-modification, blending with other polymers, and the addition of fillers, have been developed and explored.

Centriolar cap proteins CP110 and CPAP control slow elongation of microtubule plus ends.

Centrioles are microtubule-based organelles required for the formation of centrosomes and cilia. Centriolar microtubules, unlike their cytosolic counterparts, are stable and grow very slowly, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we reconstituted in vitro the interplay between the proteins that cap distal centriole ends and control their elongation: CP110, CEP97, and CPAP/SAS-4.

Structured hernia surgery training program for general practitioners in Rwanda - feasibility and evaluation.

Background: Hernias are among the most common surgical conditions worldwide, with significant prevalence in Africa. However, according to recent WHO statistics, Africa faces a critical shortage of trained surgeons. Structured surgical training programs are also scarce.

The Brussels consensus for non-invasive ICP monitoring when invasive systems are not available in the care of TBI patients (the B-ICONIC consensus, recommendations, and management algorithm).

Background: Invasive systems are commonly used for monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are considered the gold standard. The availability of invasive ICP monitoring is heterogeneous, and in low- and middle-income settings, these systems are not routinely employed due to high cost or limited accessibility. The aim of this consensus was to develop recommendations to guide monitoring and ICP-driven therapies in TBI using non-invasive ICP (nICP) systems.

Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms with the FRED X Flow Diverter Stent: Mid-term Angiographic and Safety Results.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess the mid-term efficacy and safety of the FRED X flow diverting stent (FDS) in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The FRED X FDS is relatively new with limited data on its longer-term effectiveness and safety profile.

Methods: Patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the FRED X FDS at two UK centres, between March 2021 and July 2022 with at least 18 months follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed.

Survey of legislative frameworks and national recommendations governing paediatric maintenance haemodialysis in Europe.

Background: The application of international recommendations for paediatric maintenance haemodialysis (HD) could be strengthened by national laws or written recommendations. Our aim was therefore to describe the national rules governing paediatric maintenance HD in European countries.

Methods: A national representative, approved by the president of each paediatric nephrology society, was contacted in all 42 European countries to complete two online questionnaires.

Microfluidic vessel-on-chip platform for investigation of cellular defects in venous malformations and responses to various shear stress and flow conditions.

A novel microfluidic platform was designed to study the cellular architecture of endothelial cells (ECs) in an environment replicating the 3D organization and flow of blood vessels. In particular, the platform was constructed to investigate EC defects in slow-flow venous malformations (VMs) under varying shear stress and flow conditions. The platform featured a standard microtiter plate footprint containing 32 microfluidic units capable of replicating wall shear stress (WSS) in normal veins and enabling precise control of shear stress and flow directionality without the need for complex pumping systems.

Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Prognosis in Acute Myocarditis.

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easy-to-use inflammatory biomarker. Baseline NLR is independently associated with incident cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. However, whether this applies to acute myocarditis (AM) has not been evaluated.

A Unique Case of 'in Situ' Bifluoride Triggered Formation of Supramolecular Organogels Using Isophthalamide Hydrogen Bond Donating Receptors.

A novel isopthalamide based receptor HL2 featuring two p-benzoic acid units has been synthesised and its anion binding properties analysed by H-NMR spectroscopy in DMSO-d/0.5 % HO. As expected, in the presence of tetrabutylammonium (TBA) fluoride the deprotonation of the carboxylic acid moieties was observed.

Protective association between dietary phytosterol intake and cardiovascular health: an analysis of the UK Biobank cohort.

: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with dietary interventions showing promise in reducing CVD risk factors. Phytosterols (PSs) in plant-based foods may reduce CVD risk by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the relationship between dietary PS intake and CVD outcomes remains inconclusive.

Understanding the role of mutations in voltage-gated sodium ion channels for cardiovascular disorders.

Elhanafy et al. used Molecular Dynamics simulations and electrophysiology to show how identical mutations in the volgage sending domain of sodium channels can yield differential functional effects.

Crystallographic Spin Torque Conductivity Tensor of Epitaxial IrO Thin Films for Oxide Spintronics.

Unconventional spin-orbit torques arising from electric-field-generated spin currents in anisotropic materials have promising potential for spintronic applications, including for perpendicular magnetic switching in high-density memory applications. Here, all the independent elements of the spin torque conductivity tensor allowed by bulk crystal symmetries for the tetragonal conductor IrO are determined via measurements of conventional (in-plane) anti-damping torques for IrO thin films in the high-symmetry (001) and (100) orientations. It is then tested whether rotational transformations of this same tensor can predict both the conventional and unconventional anti-damping torques for IrO thin films in the lower-symmetry (101), (110), and (111) orientations, finding good agreement.