Article
Respiratory System
Sarah J. Chalmers, Amos Lal, Ognjen Gajic, Rahul Kashyap
Summary: The study evaluated a pragmatic electronic health record-based measure of ICU ARDS resolution, finding that patients who met the resolution criteria had lower hospital mortality rates, which could be beneficial for assessing novel treatments.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Niall Mac Dowell, Nixon Sunny, Nigel Brandon, Howard Herzog, Anthony Y. Ku, Wilfried Maas, Andrea Ramirez, David M. Reiner, Gaurav N. Sant, Nilay Shah
Summary: For hydrogen to play a meaningful role in a sustainable energy system, all elements of the value chain must scale coherently. Efforts to definitively choose how to deliver this scaling up are premature. Net zero transition pathways need to be formulated in a way that is coherent with socio-political-economic constraints in order to have a realistic chance of success.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vandana Anand, Jasvinder Kaur, Sonal Srivastava, Vidisha Bist, Pallavi Singh, Suchi Srivastava
Summary: This article introduces the pollution of arsenic and its adverse effects on human health, discusses the role of microorganisms in the geocycling of arsenic, and explores the prospects of microbial remediation and plant-microbe interaction in arsenic bioremediation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Teresa A. Hillier, Kathryn L. Pedula, Keith K. Ogasawara, Kimberly K. Vesco, Caryn E. S. Oshiro, Suzanne L. Lubarsky, Jan Van Marter
Summary: In this study comparing one-step screening with two-step screening for gestational diabetes mellitus, the one-step approach resulted in more diagnoses of gestational diabetes mellitus but did not have a significant impact on the incidence of adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed Alduais, Hind Alfadda, Silvia Allegretta, Tamara Trivkovic
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive review of pragmatic language impairment (PLI) by analyzing a substantial corpus of documents. The key findings include the identification of major themes in the PLI literature, such as social communication disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and highlighting the critical overlap between PLI and autism spectrum disorder.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
James Peters, Nirosen Vijiaratnam, Heather Angus-Leppan
Summary: This study reviewed the clinical spectrum of tic disorders induced by AED, including the types of AED implicated and the characteristics of the symptoms. The analysis revealed that multiple AEDs can induce tic disorders, suggesting that the cause is unlikely to be solely related to alterations in a single neurotransmitter, but rather a network imbalance influenced by various factors.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Veronika Timpe-Laughlin, Ashley Green, Saerhim Oh
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of the Words at Work platform in enhancing pragmatic awareness among adult English-language learners. Results showed a significant increase in pragmatic-related episodes in posttest think-alouds, emphasizing the importance of providing learners with vocabulary to discuss language use for improving pragmatic awareness among L2 learners.
Article
History & Philosophy Of Science
Ludger van Dijk
Summary: This paper aims to topple the traditional hierarchy by explicating a pragmatic view of emergence based on John Dewey's work, arguing that the relationship between ontology and epistemology is a temporally reciprocal one.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Alessandro G. Buda, Giuseppe Primiero
Summary: Computational phenomena are influenced by pragmatic considerations, challenging the independence of specification and implementation. The interaction between pragmatics, epistemology, and ontology is crucial in understanding computational artifacts. User Levels (ULs) offer a flexible hierarchy where users have their own semantic and normative requirements, potentially competing with logical specifications.
MINDS AND MACHINES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Sebastiano Mercadante, Claudio Adile, Patrizia Ferrera, Yasmine Grassi, Alessio Lo Cascio, Alessandra Casuccio
Summary: This study aimed to determine the initial and final conversion ratios used for a successful opioid switching in cancer patients and to identify associated factors. The results showed no statistical differences between the initial and stabilized conversion ratios for all sequences of opioid switching. No associations were found between the factors considered and patients switched to methadone.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Jeremy J. Hoffman, Simon Arunga, Abeer H. A. Mohamed Ahmed, Victor H. Hu, Matthew J. Burton
Summary: Filamentous fungal keratitis is difficult to treat, and the first-line treatment is usually topical natamycin. Surgical therapy may be required for severe cases, and alternative treatments are not always effective.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jacek Wytrebowicz, Krzysztof Cabaj, Jerzy Krawiec
Summary: This paper provides a thorough comparison and analysis of messaging protocols for IoT systems in order to assist in selecting appropriate protocols. The results include an evaluation of the protocols' suitability for different types of IoT devices and communication purposes. In conclusion, recommendations are made for protocol selection and usage.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leonardo Braga Castilho, Paulo Inacio Prado
Summary: A comparison between information theory and null hypothesis testing methods in basic statistical applications in ecology showed that they performed equally well in simple designs, leading to consistent conclusions drawn from the data set. Emphasizing practical consequences of inferences can promote insightful dialogue among researchers and facilitate finding common ground.
Article
Microbiology
Ryan J. McGuire, Sean C. Yu, Philip R. O. Payne, Albert M. Lai, M. Cristina Vazquez-Guillamet, Marin H. Kollef, Andrew P. Michelson
Summary: In this study, a machine learning model was developed to predict carbapenem-resistant (CR) infections, showing that factors such as prior antibiotic days and central venous catheter placement were associated with resistance. The model achieved high positive predictive value (PPV) in predicting CR infections at the time of culture collection.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Konstantinos D. Rizas, Luisa Freyer, Nikolay Sappler, Lukas von Stuelpnagel, Peter Spielbichler, Aresa Krasniqi, Michael Schreinlechner, Felix N. Wenner, Fabian Theurl, Amira Behroz, Elodie Eiffener, Mathias P. Klemm, Annika Schneidewind, Martin Zens, Theresa Dolejsi, Ulrich Mansmann, Steffen Massberg, Axel Bauer
Summary: The study compared the efficacy of digital smart devices in detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) and found that digital screening technology more than doubled the detection rate of treatment-relevant AF compared to usual care. This technology has the potential for broad applicability and further studies are needed to assess if digital screening for AF leads to better treatment outcomes.
Article
Substance Abuse
Kathryn M. Chu, Jenna-Lee Marco, Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi, Riaan Duvenage, Mukhethwa Londani, Carl Lombard, Charles D. H. Parry
Summary: The study found that trauma volume significantly decreased during periods of complete alcohol prohibition in South Africa during the COVID-19 lockdown, increased when alcohol sales were partially reinstated, and decreased again with complete ban. When alcohol sales were partially allowed again, trauma volume increased to pre-COVID-19 levels.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Andrew D. Oxman, Atle Fretheim, Simon Lewin, Signe Flottorp, Claire Glenton, Arnfinn Helleve, Didrik Frimann Vestrheim, Bjorn Gunnar Iversen, Sarah E. Rosenbaum
Summary: Health communication during the COVID-19 pandemic has focused more on persuading people rather than just informing them, which can sometimes lead to conflicts. Decisions to persuade people instead of enabling informed choice may be justified, but transparency and avoiding distortion of evidence are key considerations.
HEALTH RESEARCH POLICY AND SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Suzanne M. M. Zaremba, Martine Stead, Jennifer McKell, Ronan E. O'Carroll, Nanette Mutrie, Shaun Treweek, Annie S. Anderson
Summary: The ActWELL trial examined the effectiveness of a weight management program delivered by volunteer lifestyle coaches in women attending breast clinics. The study found that greater adherence to the weight self-awareness plan initiated by the coaches was associated with achieving a 5% weight loss.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Barbara Farquharson, Marie Johnston, Brian Williams, Karen Smith, Stephan Dombrowski, Claire Jones, Shaun Treweek, Nadine Dougall, Mark Grindle, Jan Savinc, Purva Abyhankar
Summary: This study evaluated a behavior change intervention to reduce patient delay with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. The intervention showed significant increases in the intention to phone an ambulance immediately for ACS symptoms. However, the study lacked sufficient power to detect differences in intention changes between the three groups.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shoba Dawson, Katie Banister, Katie Biggs, Seonaidh Cotton, Declan Devane, Heidi Gardner, Katie Gillies, Gosala Gopalakrishnan, Talia Isaacs, Kamlesh Khunti, Alistair Nichol, Adwoa Parker, Amy M. Russell, Victoria Shepherd, Frances Shiely, Gillian Shorter, Bella Starling, Hywel Williams, Andrew Willis, Miles D. Witham, Shaun Treweek
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Martina Svobodova, Nina Jacob, Kerry Hood, Katie Gillies, Rachel Hale, Jennifer Bostock, Peter Bower, Adrian Edwards, Penelope Farthing, Sarah Rawlinson, Shaun Treweek, Jeremy Howick
Summary: This study developed seven principles to improve the composition of information about potential trial intervention benefits and harms within participant information leaflets, reducing variability and avoidable harms. The principles were generated through a modified Delphi survey and a consensus meeting.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lydia Morris, Jo Dumville, Shaun Treweek, Nasima Miah, Ffion Curtis, Peter Bower
Summary: This study examines the barriers and facilitators to enhancing the recruitment of under-served groups into trials. It highlights the need for proactive steps to involve these groups and offers practical suggestions. The study also emphasizes the importance of considering resources and enabling funding for diverse and inclusive recruitment.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jodie Chan, David Blane, Pratik Choudhary, Tahseen A. Chowdhury, Aaliya Goyal, Wasim Hanif, Joyce Jacca, Rohini Mathur, Shivani Misra, Nana Ocran, Martin K. Rutter, Ruth Studley, Shaun Treweek, Jonathan Valabhji, Kamlesh Khunti
Summary: This article aims to develop a position statement that identifies research priorities to address health inequalities in diabetes and provides recommendations to researchers and research funders on how best to conduct research in these areas. By conducting a two-day research workshop, experts from various fields were able to identify key areas that need increased focus, such as improving patient and public involvement in research, improving research design to represent the people who could benefit most, and using theories from implementation science to facilitate the uptake of research findings into routine practice. The article emphasizes the urgency of addressing health inequalities in diabetes and calls on the diabetes research community to act upon the recommendations outlined in the position statement.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Luke David Hunter, Anton Frans Doubell, Alfonso Jan Kemp Pecoraro, Mark Monaghan, Guy Lloyd, Carl Lombard, Philipus George Herbst
Summary: This study evaluated a novel screening criteria for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and compared it with the current World Heart Federation (WHF) criteria. The results showed that the new criteria had significantly improved specificity and equal sensitivity compared to the current criteria. This holds promise for developing a two-step RHD screening algorithm in endemic regions.
Article
Oncology
Judy Schoeman, Ilde-Marie Kellerman, Paul C. Rogers, Elena J. Ladas, Carl J. Lombard, Ronelle Uys, Mariana Kruger
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of vitamin and iron deficiencies among pediatric cancer patients in South Africa. The research found that nearly half of the patients had iron deficiency, while a third had deficiencies in Vitamins A, D, or folate. Associations were observed between moderate acute malnutrition and low levels of Vitamins A, B12, and folate, as well as between Vitamin D deficiency and wasting. The study highlights the need for micronutrient assessment at diagnosis to ensure optimal nutritional support.
PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Edward Nicol, Wisdom Basera, Carl Lombard, Kim Jonas, Trisha Ramraj, Darshini Govindasamy, Mbuzeleni Hlongwa, Tracy McClinton-Appollis, Vuyelwa Mehlomakulu, Nuha Naqvi, Jason Bedford, Jennifer Drummond, Mireille Cheyip, Sibongile Dladla, Desiree Pass, Noluntu Funani, Cathy Mathews
Summary: This study aims to describe the current approaches for engaging adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 years and adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) aged 15-34 years in the treatment continuum in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in order to generate knowledge that can guide efforts to improve linkage to, and retention in, HIV care among these populations.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ciara Buckley, Shaun Treweek, Lynn Laidlaw, Frances Shiely
Summary: A recent study aimed to answer whether Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) representatives were involved in the design and outcome selection of breast cancer and nephrology trials. The study found that the teams conducting the trials made wrong choices for primary outcomes more often than they made right choices.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah R. Prowse, Shaun Treweek, Kirsty Kiezebrink, Catherine Hanna
Summary: This study evaluated case studies of randomised trials from the 2018 Engagement and Impact Assessment to understand how the impacts of health research are evidenced and assessed within Australia. The results showed that although researchers were seeking to maximise trial impact, case studies lacked details on the role of trial participants and other beneficiaries in generating impact.
HEALTH PROMOTION JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ronald Ssenyonga, Andrew D. Oxman, Esther Nakyejwe, Faith Chesire, Michael Mugisha, Allen Nsangi, Daniel Semakula, Matt Oxman, Christopher James Rose, Sarah E. Rosenbaum, Jenny Moberg, Margaret Kaseje, Laetitia Nyirazinyoye, Astrid Dahlgren, Simon Lewin, Nelson K. Sewankambo
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Informed Health Choices (IHC) educational intervention on secondary students' ability to assess health-related claims and make informed choices. The results showed that the intervention improved students' ability to think critically and make informed choices in evaluating claims.
JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Eileen Vuong, Sian Megan Hemmings, Shibe Mhlongo, Esnat Chirwa, Carl Lombard, Nasheeta Peer, Naeemah Abrahams, Soraya Seedat
Summary: This study investigated the association of ADIPOQ gene SNPs with PTSS severity in female rape survivors, and found that the selected SNPs were not significantly associated with changes in PTSS severity over a 6-month period, suggesting limited clinical utility as risk biomarkers for rape-related PTSD. Further research on possible gene-gene and gene-environment interactions is recommended.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOTRAUMATOLOGY
(2022)
