Treatment patterns for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease under the tiered medical system.

China has implemented the "tiered medical services" policy since 2015, while there is a paucity of data evaluating the the current status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management under the system. Characteristics and treatments from 11,905 COPD patients in 88 hospitals across different tiers in China were included and analyzed. We assessed the statistical significance of differences by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables and with the chi-squared test for categorical variables.

Unsupervised self-organising map classification of Raman spectra from prostate cell lines uncovers substratified prostate cancer disease states.

Prostate cancer is a disease which poses an interesting clinical question: Should it be treated? Only a small subset of prostate cancers are aggressive and require removal and treatment to prevent metastatic spread. However, conventional diagnostics remain challenged to risk-stratify such patients; hence, new methods of approach to biomolecularly sub-classify the disease are needed. Here we use an unsupervised self-organising map approach to analyse live-cell Raman spectroscopy data obtained from prostate cell-lines; our aim is to exemplify this method to sub-stratify, at the single-cell-level, the cancer disease state using high-dimensional datasets with minimal preprocessing.

The global implications of a Russian gas pivot to Asia.

Recent years have seen unprecedented shifts in global natural gas trade, precipitated in large part by Russia's war on Ukraine. How this regional conflict impacts the future of natural gas markets is subject to three interconnected factors: (i) Russia's strategy to regain markets for its gas exports; (ii) Europe's push towards increased liquified natural gas (LNG) and the pace of its low carbon transition; and (iii) China's gas demand and how it balances its climate and energy security objectives. A scenario modelling approach is applied to explore the potential implications of this geopolitical crisis.

Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) use in medical students: a literature review.

Purpose: Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) is an emergent phenomenon within medical education. The rise of FOAMed resources has meant that medical education needs no longer be confined to the lecture theatre or the hospital setting, but rather, can be produced and shared amongst any individual or group with access to internet and a suitable device. This study presents a review of the use of FOAMed resources by students as part of their university medical education.

Clinical outcomes of closed versus open simple ankle fractures patterns requiring soft tissue reconstruction: A prospective comparative observational study.

Background: Contemporary guidelines advocate for initial debridement and single-stage definitive fixation with immediate soft tissue reconstruction for open fractures. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of single-stage stabilization and immediate definitive soft tissue coverage in open ankle fractures compared to closed fractures.

Methods: We compared all isolated open ankle fractures (OF) treated between January 2017 and June 2019 to a control group of operatively managed closed ankle fractures (CF).

Lung proteomic and metabolomic changes induced by carbon black nanoparticles and high humidity in a mouse asthma model.

Allergic asthma is a significant international concern in respiratory health, which can be exacerbated by the increasing levels of non-allergenic pollutants. This rise in airborne pollutants is a primary driver behind the growing prevalence of asthma, posing a health emergency. Additionally, climatic risk factors can contribute to the onset and progression of asthma.

Ionically crosslinked composite gels containing amine-functionalized CoFeO nanoparticles as a bioactive and pH-responsive drug delivery system.

Composite gels are a type of soft matter, which contains a continuous three-dimensional crosslinked network and has been embedded with non-gel materials. Compared to pure gels, composite gels show high flexibility and tunability in properties and hence have attracted extensive interest in applications ranging from cancer therapy to tissue engineering. In this study, we incorporated triethylenetetramine (TETA)-functionalized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (ANPs) into a hydrogel consisting of sodium alginate (SA) and methyl cellulose (MC), and examined the resulting composite gels for controlled drug release.

Long-range directional growth of neurites induced by magnetic forces.

The ability to control the growth and orientation of neurites over long distances has significant implications for regenerative therapies and the development of physiologically relevant brain tissue models. In this study, the forces generated on magnetic nanoparticles internalised within intracellular endosomes are used to direct the orientation of neuronal outgrowth in cell cultures. Following differentiation, neurite orientation was observed after 3 days application of magnetic forces to human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells, and after 4 days application to rat cortical primary neurons.

Biodegradable microplastics adsorb more Cd than conventional microplastic and biofilms enhance their adsorption.

Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) mulch has been developed to replace conventional polyethylene (PE) mulch in agriculture to reduce plastic pollution and the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in soil. Cadmium (Cd) is a significant soil contaminant, and can be adsorbed by MPs. It is increasingly recognised that in the natural environment biofilms can develop on MPs and that this can affect their adsorption properties.

Host hepatocyte senescence determines the success of hepatocyte transplantation in a mouse model of liver injury.

Background & Aims: Hepatocyte transplantation has shown promise for genetic diseases of the hepatocytes but to date has shown limited efficacy for non-genetic forms of severe liver injury. Limited cell engraftment and poor function of donor hepatocytes in recipient livers impacts the clinical utility of hepatocyte cell therapy. The mechanisms underpinning this are poorly understood.

Linzagolix rapidly reduces heavy menstrual bleeding in women with uterine fibroids: An analysis of the PRIMROSE 1 & 2 trials.

Objective: To study the timing of the effect of linzagolix, an oral GnRH antagonist, on significant reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women with uterine fibroids.

Design: The study used pooled data from PRIMROSE1 and PRIMROSE2, two double-blind, similar placebo-controlled trials of linzagolix in US and Europe, respectively. Eligible participants were randomized equally across four treatment arms (linzagolix 100mg and 200mg, with and without concomitant hormonal add-back therapy [ABT] consisting of 1 mg estradiol and 0.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular treatment of carotid blowout syndrome.

Unlabelled: Carotid Blowout Syndrome (CBS) is a rare and life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt intervention to prevent fatal hemorrhage. This study compares the outcomes of two primary endovascular approaches: reconstructive interventions, which aim to preserve carotid artery function using stents or balloon angioplasty, and deconstructive interventions, which involve vessel occlusion to halt bleeding. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by searching multiple databases for relevant studies published from January 2000 to August 2023.

Measuring self-objectification in cisgender heterosexual women and men: A psychometric validation of the self-objectification beliefs and behaviors scale.

Research demonstrates that self-objectification negatively impacts both cisgender heterosexual women and men. However, measures of self-objectification have primarily been designed for and validated in women, raising doubts about their applicability to men and demonstrated gender differences in self-objectification. This research investigated the psychometric properties of the Self-Objectification Beliefs and Behaviors Scale (SOBBS; Lindner & Tantleff-Dunn, 2017) in cisgender heterosexual women, and for the first time, in cisgender heterosexual men.

Use of a hidden Markov model for interpretation of serial cow milk paratuberculosis antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results adjusted for milk yield and quality.

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a common, economically-important and potentially zoonotic contagious disease of cattle, with worldwide distribution. Disease management relies on identification of animals which are at high-risk of being infected or infectious.

Disposable and sensitive electrochemical magneto-immunosensor for point-of-care HCV diagnostics: Targeting HCVcAg, the active viremia biomarker, in patient samples.

Early detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is crucial for eliminating this silent killer, especially in resource-limited settings. HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) represents a promising alternative to the current "gold standard" HCV RNA assays as an active viremia biomarker. Herein, a highly sensitive electrochemical magneto-immunosensor for the HCVcAg was developed.

Investigating digital determinants shaping pharmacists' preparedness for interoperability and health informatics practice evolution: a systematic review.

Background: Fragmented healthcare systems hinder pharmacists' access to comprehensive patient data, limiting their clinical role and posing health risks. Enhancing system interoperability and evaluating factors influencing pharmacists' readiness for technology-driven practice change is a crucial step.

Aim: This systematic review aimed to investigate the digital determinants of pharmacists' readiness for technology-oriented practice change and interoperability.

Novel Selective Cardiac Myosin-Targeted Inhibitors Alleviate Myocardial Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Purpose: Reperfusion of the ischaemic heart is essential to limit myocardial infarction. However, reperfusion can cause cardiomyocyte hypercontracture. Recently, cardiac myosin-targeted inhibitors (CMIs), such as Mavacamten (MYK-461) and Aficamten (CK-274), have been developed to treat patients with cardiac hypercontractility.

Incongruent virtual reality cycling exercise demonstrates a role of perceived effort in cardiovascular control.

In this study we have used a highly immersive virtual reality (VR) cycling environment where incongruence between virtual hill gradient (created by visual gradient and bike tilt angle) and actual workload (pedalling resistance) can experimentally manipulate perception of exercise effort. This therefore may provide a method to examine the role of effort perception in cardiorespiratory control during exercise. Twelve healthy untrained participants (7 men, age 26 ± 5 years) were studied during five visits.

Annual Research Review: Psychosis in children and adolescents: key updates from the past 2 decades on psychotic disorders, psychotic experiences, and psychosis risk.

Psychosis in children and adolescents has been studied on a spectrum from (common) psychotic experiences to (rare) early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This research review looks at the state-of-the-art for research across the psychosis spectrum, from evidence on psychotic experiences in community and clinical samples of children and adolescents to findings from psychosis risk syndrome research, to evidence on early-onset psychotic disorders. The review also looks at new opportunities to capture psychosis risk in childhood and adolescence, including opportunities for early intervention, identifies important unanswered questions, and points to future directions for prevention research.

CO2-driven Oxygen Vacancy Diffusion and Healing on TiO2(110) at Ambient Pressure.

Understanding how TiO2 interacts with CO2 at the molecular level is crucial in the CO2 reduction toward value-added energy sources. Here, we report in-situ observations of the CO2 activation process on the reduced TiO2(110) surface at room temperature using ambient pressure scanning tunneling microscopy. We found that oxygen vacancies (Vo) diffuse dynamically along the bridging oxygen (Obr) rows of the TiO2(110) surface under ambient CO2(g) environments.

Randomised controlled trials of dual antiplatelet therapy versus aspirin in patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack: an updated meta-analysis.

Introduction: We explored the efficacy and safety of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for individuals diagnosed with stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), incorporating the latest insights from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The emerging evidence surrounding DAPT in stroke and TIA plays a pivotal role in guiding clinical decisions.

Methods: Our study included five RCTs (INSPIRES, THALES, POINT, CHANCE, FASTER) on DAPT (aspirin + P2Y12 inhibitor) initiated within 72 hours of acute stroke or TIA, which evaluated DAPT efficacy and safety over 21-90 days, focusing on new strokes and major bleeding.

Impact of number of passes and futile reperfusion in basilar artery occlusion acute ischaemic stroke.

Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. A vital modifiable factor is successful reperfusion. While multiple passes improve the rates of successful reperfusion, previous studies have reported progressively diminishing returns.

Online health information seeking behavior among breast cancer patients and survivors: a scoping review.

Purpose: This scoping review aims to summarize online health information seeking (OHIS) behavior among breast cancer patients and survivors, identify research gaps, and offer insights for future studies.

Methods: Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework, we conducted a review across PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed, covering literature from 1 January 2014 to 13 August 2023. A total of 1,368 articles were identified, with 33 meeting the inclusion criteria.

Providing an e-cigarette starter kit for smoking cessation and reduction as adjunct to usual care to smokers with a mental health condition: findings from the ESCAPE feasibility study.

Background: Smoking rates in the UK have declined steadily over the past decades, masking considerable inequalities, as little change has been observed among people with a mental health condition. This trial sought to assess the feasibility and acceptability of supplying an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) starter kit for smoking cessation as an adjunct to usual care for smoking cessation, to smokers with a mental health condition treated in the community, to inform a future effectiveness trial.

Methods: This randomised controlled feasibility trial, conducted March-December 2022, compared the intervention (e-cigarette starter kit with a corresponding information leaflet and demonstration with Very Brief Advice) with a 'usual care' control at 1-month follow-up.

Place-based household vouchers for locally supplied fruit and vegetables: the Fresh Street pilot cluster randomised controlled trial.

Background: Households in areas of socio-economic deprivation are more likely to consume diets low in fruit and vegetables. Fresh Street is a place-based fruit and vegetable voucher scheme with vouchers redeemable with local independent (non-supermarket) vendors. Paper vouchers are offered to all households in a geographical area regardless of household type, size, or income with no requirement to demonstrate need.