Research Institute Research Articles

Kidney medicine meets computer vision: a bibliometric analysis.

Rapid advances in computer vision (CV) have the potential to facilitate the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the kidney. The bibliometric study aims to explore the research landscape and evolving research focus of the application of CV in kidney medicine research. The Web of Science Core Collection was utilized to identify publications related to the research or applications of CV technology in the field of kidney medicine from January 1, 1900, to December 31, 2022. We analyzed emerging research trends, highly influential publications and journals, prolific researchers, countries/regions, research institutions, co-authorship networks, and co-occurrence networks. Bibliographic information was analyzed and visualized using Python, Matplotlib, Seaborn, HistCite, and Vosviewer. There was an increasing trend in the number of publications on CV-based kidney medicine research. These publications mainly focused on medical image processing, surgical procedures, medical image analysis/diagnosis, as well as the application and innovation of CV technology in medical imaging. The United States is currently the leading country in terms of the quantities of published articles and international collaborations, followed by China. Deep learning-based segmentation and machine learning-based texture analysis are the most commonly used techniques in this field. Regarding research hotspot trends, CV algorithms are shifting toward artificial intelligence, and research objects are expanding to encompass a wider range of kidney-related objects, with data dimensions used in research transitioning from 2D to 3D while simultaneously incorporating more diverse data modalities. The present study provides a scientometric overview of the current progress in the research and application of CV technology in kidney medicine research. Through the use of bibliometric analysis and network visualization, we elucidate emerging trends, key sources, leading institutions, and popular topics. Our findings and analysis are expected to provide valuable insights for future research on the use of CV in kidney medicine research.

Retracted] lncRNA‑u50535 promotes the progression of lung cancer by activating CCL20/ERK signaling.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the western blotting data shown in Fig. 4B and C on p. 1952, and the Transwell invasion assay data in Fig. 2F and 4I, had already appeared in previously published articles written by different authors at different research institutes (a number of which have been retracted). Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 42: 1946‑1956, 2019; DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7302].

Retracted] MEG3/miR‑21 axis affects cell mobility by suppressing epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the Transwell cell invasion assay data shown in Fig. 2B on p. 42 and the immunofluorescence data shown in Fig. 4D on p. 44 were strikingly similar to data appearing in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes that were submitted to different journals at around the same time. Moreover, a further investigation of this paper undertaken by the Editorial Office identified a large number of overlapping data panels comparing the Transwell cell migration and invasion assay data and the scratch‑wound assay data both within and between Figs. 2 and 3, where data which were intended to have shown the results from differently performed experiments had apparently been derived from the same original source, including an overlapping section of data within the 'MEG3+mimic' panel in Fig. 3G that would be difficult to attribute to pure chance. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been submitted for publication at around the same time as its submission to Oncology Reports, and given an overall lack of confidence in the presented data, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 40: 39‑48, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6424].

Variability in addictive and carcinogenic potential of smokeless tobacco products marketed in Mumbai, India: a surveillance study

India has the highest incidence worldwide of smokeless tobacco (SLT)-associated oral cancer, accounting for nearly 70% of all SLT users globally. Nicotine and tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNA) play critical roles in the addictive and carcinogenic potential, respectively, of SLT products. Our group has previously reported substantial variability in nicotine and TSNA levels across a small SLT product sample in India, calling for systematic surveillance. However, there is no information available on the current levels of these constituents in Indian SLT. We analysed 321 samples representing 57 brands of eight popular types of manufactured SLT products purchased from five local markets in Mumbai, India between August, and September 2019. The sampling locations were Mumbai Central, Kurla, Thane, Vashi, and Airoli. Product pH, moisture content, total and unprotonated (biologically available) nicotine, and TSNA levels were measured at the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Mumbai. Total nicotine content ranged from 0.45 to 35.1mg/g across products. The unprotonated nicotine fraction contributed 0.1-100% of the total nicotine content. The carcinogenic TSNA levels ranged 0.06-76 ug/g for N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 0.02-19.2 ug/g for 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), and 0.01-6.51 ug/g for 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL). Consistent with our previous study, we observed substantial variations across different brands of the same product type. This is the most extensive and the first within-country study to report brand-specific nicotine and TSNA levels in SLT products marketed in Mumbai, India. Our results show that levels of these constituents remain extremely variable across Indian SLT and are strikingly high in many products. Enhanced public education and continued efforts to reduce SLT use prevalence in India are critical for reducing the global burden of SLT-associated morbidity and mortality. Regulation of nicotine and TSNA levels in SLT products should be considered. This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (USA) grant R01-TW010651 and, in part, by grants R01-CA180880 and R50-CA211256. The LC-MS/MS analysis was supported in part by XII Plan project funding from the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.

Addressing malnutrition through inclusive nutrition and early childhood development (ECD) services: A review of the contribution of a research and training institution in Rwanda.

Addressing malnutrition through inclusive nutrition and early childhood development (ECD) services: A review of the contribution of a research and training institution in Rwanda.

Tympanic Membrane Regeneration Therapy for Pediatric Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

To evaluate tympanic membrane regeneration therapy (TMRT) for pediatric tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs). Intervention study. Research institute hospital. In this study, 20 patients with chronic TMP (M/F: 13/7, 13/8 ears, age 0-15 years) treated with TMRT were evaluated. As comparison, 20 pediatric patients with chronic TMP who underwent myringoplasty/tympanoplasty were included. For the TM repair procedure, the edge of the TMP was disrupted mechanically, and gelatin sponge immersed in basic fibroblast growth factor was placed inside and outside the tympanic cavity and covered with fibrin glue. The TMP was examined 4 ± 1 weeks later. The protocol was repeated up to four times until closure was complete. Closure of the TMP and hearing improvement were evaluated at 16 weeks after the final regenerative procedure. Adverse events were monitored. The mean follow-up period was 427.1 days. The TM regenerated in all cases, but pinhole reperforation occurred in two cases, and the final closure rate was 90.5% (19 of 21). Hearing improved to 24.9 ± 7.6 dB on average before surgery and to 13.8 ± 5.4 dB after surgery. The AB gap improved from 12.9 ± 8.0 to 5.2 ± 3.5 dB.The myringoplasty/tympanoplasty group had significantly lower AB gap improvement compared with the TMRT group. There were no adverse events. TMRT can be expected to regenerate near-normal TMs with a high closure ratio, resulting in better-hearing improvement compared with the myringoplasty/tympanoplasty group, and is an effective treatment for children with long life expectancy.

Building Relationships, Forming Collaborations: Lessons Learned From an Unconference Seeking to Cultivate Solutions in Healthcare.

Calls for a 'major rethinking' of the delivery of healthcare services are echoed across Canada as the healthcare crisis continues. Proposed strategies to address the challenges of this crisis include: a transdisciplinary approach that is patient-focused and community-based; a representative team composed of patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, decision makers and policymakers; and authentic collaboration among stakeholder groups throughout the research cycle. This study aimed to enable community members to take on a leading role in building capacity and to provide a space for discourse among diverse groups while respecting community wisdom, values and priorities. The Collaborative Health Research Institute of Southern Alberta (CHRISA) organized a participant-oriented Unconference event to address the factors contributing to the healthcare crisis in Alberta, Canada. An Unconference is a participant-oriented meeting where the attendees nominate the topics, agree on the agenda and lead the sessions. This article describes the Unconference programme and presents the findings from a thematic analysis of the discussion notes from breakout sessions, feedback from participants (i.e., lessons learned) and pragmatic recommendations for future Unconference events. Findings from sessions included the following: (1) identifying the 'wicked' problems, (2) the factors/causes contributing to each problem (i.e., contributors) and (3) potential multifaceted solutions or ideas to remedy the problem. Lessons learned from the postevent evaluation resulted in six recommendations for organizing future Unconferences. The CHRISA Unconference achieved its goals by providing a venue for attendees to connect, engage and network on topics of interest, explore new ways of addressing challenges in healthcare and serve as a foundation for future initiatives and collaborations in healthcare research and practice. The Unconference was attended by community members who identify as patients, frontline workers, programme administrators and representatives of public organizations and agencies. Participants contributed to breakout session discussions, provided feedback on the Unconference and offered recommendations for future events. The co-authors are service users, people with lived experience or those work in the healthcare setting; they have been involved in data collection, analysis and interpretation, and contributed to this report.

Generative artificial intelligence usage by researchers at work: Effects of gender, career stage, type of workplace, and perceived barriers

The integration of generative artificial intelligence technology into research environments has become increasingly common in recent years, representing a significant shift in the way researchers approach their work. This paper seeks to explore the factors underlying the frequency of use of generative AI amongst researchers in their professional environments. As survey data may be influenced by a bias towards scientists interested in AI, potentially skewing the results towards the perspectives of these researchers, this study uses a regression model to isolate the impact of specific factors such as gender, career stage, type of workplace, and perceived barriers to using AI technology on the frequency of use of generative AI. It also controls for other relevant variables such as direct involvement in AI research or development, collaboration with AI companies, geographic location, and scientific discipline. Our results show that researchers who face barriers to AI adoption experience an 11 % increase in tool use, while those who cite insufficient training resources experience an 8 % decrease. Female researchers experience a 7 % decrease in AI tool usage compared to men, while advanced career researchers experience a significant 19 % decrease. Researchers associated with government advisory groups are 45 % more likely to use AI tools frequently than those in government roles. Researchers in for-profit companies show an increase of 19 %, while those in medical research institutions and hospitals show an increase of 16 % and 15 %, respectively. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving the use of generative AI tools amongst researchers, with valuable implications for both academia and industry.

Q&A: Tareq Abu Hamed champions environmental cooperation in the Middle East

The Palestinian director of a research institute in Israel uses dialog and science diplomacy to tackle regional challenges related to water, energy, climate adaptation, and more.

Asthma diagnosis: a comparison of established diagnostic guidelines in adults with respiratory symptoms

Considerable variability exists between asthma diagnostic guidelines. We tested the performance characteristics of the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines for the diagnosis of asthma in adults. In this prospective observational study (ISRCTN-11676160, May 2019-June 2022), participants referred from primary care with clinician-suspected asthma underwent comprehensive investigation including: spirometry, bronchodilator reversibility, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, peak expiratory flow variability, bronchial challenge testing with methacholine and mannitol, and responsiveness to inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Results were reviewed by a panel of asthma specialists to determine asthma diagnosis (reference standard) and compared to each diagnostic test and the ERS, NICE and GINA diagnostic algorithms (index tests). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values were calculated. One hundred and forty adults were enrolled and 118 given a definitive diagnostic outcome [75 female; mean (SD) age 36 (12) years; 70 (59%) with asthma] and included in the analysis. Sensitivity of individual tests was poor (15-62%), but they provided good specificity at the most stringent thresholds (range: 88-100%). The sensitivity/specificity of ERS, NICE and GINA was 81/85%, 41/100% and 47/100%, respectively. Concordance between guidelines was only moderate (Cohen's Kappa 0.45-0.51). Current guidelines for the diagnosis of asthma in adults provide either excellent specificity but low sensitivity (GINA and NICE) or only reasonable sensitivity and specificity (ERS). All guidelines therefore have limitations with regards to their clinical application; new guidelines are needed but should be tested prospectively before roll out. This work was supported by the Manchester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) (grant no. BRC-1215-20007, and NIHR203308), Asthma UK/Innovate (grant no. AUK-PG-2018-406), GSK ID 212474 and North West Lung Centre Charity.

Associations of socioeconomic status and healthy lifestyle with incident dementia and cognitive decline: two prospective cohort studies

Little is known about the complex associations of socioeconomic status (SES) and healthy lifestyle with cognitive dysfunction. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) [2008-2020] and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) [2004-2018], SES was constructed by latent class analysis using education level, total household income and wealth. Overall healthy lifestyle was derived using information on never smoking, low to moderate alcohol consumption (drinks/day: (0, 1] for women and (0, 2] for men), top tertile of physical activity, and active social contact. A total of 12,437 and 6565 participants from the HRS and ELSA were included (40.8% and 46.0% men and mean age 69.3 years and 65.1 years, respectively). Compared with participants of high SES, those of low SES had higher risk of incident dementia (hazard ratio 3.17, 95% confidence interval 2.72-3.69 in the HRS; 1.43, 1.09-1.86 in the ELSA), and the proportions mediated by overall lifestyle were 10.4% (7.3%-14.6%) and 2.7% (0.5%-14.0%), respectively. Compared with participants of high SES and favorable lifestyle, those with low SES and unfavorable lifestyle had a higher risk of incident dementia (4.27, 3.40-5.38 in the HRS; 2.02, 1.25-3.27 in the ELSA) and accelerated rate of global cognitive decline (β=-0.058 SD/year; 95% CI:-0.073,-0.043 in the HRS; β=-0.049 SD/year; 95% CI:-0.063,-0.035 in the ELSA). Unhealthy lifestyle only mediated a small proportion of the socioeconomic inequality in dementia risk in both US and UK older adults. This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82088102 and 82370819), the National Key R&D Program of China (2023YFC2506700), the Shanghai Municipal Government (22Y31900300), the Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases (19MC1910100), the Innovative Research Team of High-Level Local Universities in Shanghai, the Special Project for Clinical Research in Health Industry of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (202340084), and Ruijin Hospital Youth Incubation Project (KY20240805). Y.X. is supported by the National Top Young Talents program.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-care use among patients with cancer in England, UK: a comprehensive phase-by-phase time-series analysis across attendance types for 38 cancers

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the widespread disruption of cancer health provision services across the entirety of the cancer care pathway in the UK, from screening to treatment. The potential long-term health implications, including increased mortality for individuals who missed diagnoses or appointments, are concerning. However, the precise impact of lockdown policies on national cancer health service provision across diagnostic groups is understudied. We aimed to systematically evaluate changes in patterns of attendance for groups of individuals diagnosed with cancer, including the changes in attendance volume and consultation rates, stratified by both time-based exposures and by patient-based exposures and to better understand the impact of such changes on cancer-specific mortality. In this retrospective, cross-sectional, phase-by-phase time-series analysis, by using primary care records linked to hospitals and the death registry from Jan 1, 1998, to June 17, 2021, we conducted descriptive analyses to quantify attendance changes for groups stratified by patient-based exposures (Index of Multiple Deprivation, ethnicity, age, comorbidity count, practice region, diagnosis time, and cancer subtype) across different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in England, UK. In this study, we defined the phases of the COVID-19 pandemic as: pre-pandemic period (Jan 1, 2018, to March 22, 2020), lockdown 1 (March 23 to June 21, 2020), minimal restrictions (June 22 to Sept 20, 2020), lockdown 2 (Sept 21, 2020, to Jan 3, 2021), lockdown 3 (Jan 4 to March 21, 2021), and lockdown restrictions lifted (March 22 to March 31, 2021). In the analyses we examined changes in both attendance volume and consultation rate. We further compared changes in attendance trends to cancer-specific mortality trends. Finally, we conducted an interrupted time-series analysis with the lockdown on March 23, 2020, as the intervention point using an autoregressive integrated moving average model. From 561 611 eligible individuals, 7 964 685 attendances were recorded. During the first lockdown, the median attendance volume decreased (-35·30% [IQR -36·10 to -34·25]) compared with the preceding pre-pandemic period, followed by a median change of 4·38% (2·66 to 5·15) during minimal restrictions. More drastic reductions in attendance volume were seen in the second (-48·71% [-49·54 to -48·26]) and third (-71·62% [-72·23 to -70·97]) lockdowns. These reductions were followed by a 4·48% (3·45 to 7·10) increase in attendance when lockdown restrictions were lifted. The median consultation rate change during the first lockdown was 31·32% (25·10 to 33·60), followed by a median change of -0·25% (-1·38 to 1·68) during minimal restrictions. The median consultation rate decreased in the second (-33·89% [-34·64 to -33·18]) and third (-4·98% [-5·71 to -4·00]) lockdowns, followed by a 416·16% increase (409·77 to 429·77) upon lifting of lockdown restrictions. Notably, across many weeks, a year-over-year decrease in weekly attendances corresponded with a year-over-year increase in cancer-specific mortality. Overall, the pandemic period revealed a statistically significant reduction in attendances for patients with cancer (lockdown 1 -24 070·19 attendances, p<0·0001; minimal restrictions -19 194·89 attendances, p<0·0001; lockdown 2 -31 311·28 attendances, p<0·0001; lockdown 3 -43 843·38 attendances, p<0·0001; and lockdown restrictions lifted -56 260·50 attendances, p<0·0001) compared with before the pandemic. The UK's COVID-19 pandemic lockdown affected cancer health service access negatively. Many groups of individuals with cancer had declines in attendance volume and consultation rate across the phases of the pandemic. A decrease in attendances might lead to delays in cancer diagnoses, treatment, and follow-up, putting such groups of individuals at higher risk of negative health outcomes, such as cancer-specific mortality. We discuss the factors potentially responsible for explaining changes in service provision trends and provide insight to help inform clinical follow-up for groups of individuals at risk, alongside potential future policy changes in the care of such patients. Wellcome Trust, National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Academy of Medical Sciences, and the University College London Overseas Research Scholarship.

The effect of ceramides on skin absorption by Raman spectroscopy.

Ceramides are essential epidermal constituents that play a critical role in skin moisturization treatment as a raw material in cosmetics formulation. Recently, ceramides have been known to be frequently applied in various cosmetic formulations. Despite ceramide's beneficial characteristics, academic research regarding ceramides and their skin absorption remains insufficient. Therefore, our study conducted clinical research employing Raman spectroscopy to investigate the effects of ceramides on skin absorption to enhance the understanding of ceramides' dermatological functionality and their topical application in cosmetics science. Twenty healthy individuals with dry skin have participated in this clinical trial. In this double-arm designed trial, the test group received an investigational product with ceramides (5000ppm) and a control group received an investigational product without the ceramides while all other components remained identical. The subjects visited the clinical research center and acclimatized for 30 min in constant humidity and temperature for equilibrium, subsequently conducting a measurement. Before the trial, the research subject's target site (lower arm area) was kept clean, devoid of any cosmetic administering 24h before the trial when investigational product was topically applied. Our findings with Raman spectroscopy statistically demonstrate that skin absorption amount, speed and depth for both groups improved overall (p<0.05) after administration of the investigational product. Notably, the test group received an investigational product with ceramides (5000ppm) indicating superior effectiveness across all parameters compared to a control group from comparison analysis of each parameter (p<0.05). This study concludes that ceramide-containing cosmetics provide a beneficial effect on skin absorption via visual and statistical results of Raman spectroscopy analysis.

Investigations on Design Space for Highly Loaded Tandem Bladed Axial Flow Rotor- novel Stator for Low-speed Compressor Research Facility

Investigations on Design Space for Highly Loaded Tandem Bladed Axial Flow Rotor- novel Stator for Low-speed Compressor Research Facility

Essential Oil with Mosquito-Repellent Potential from Plectranthus Amboinicus Leaves Against Aedes Aegypti via Human Volunteer Study

Plectranthus amboinicus(PA) is a highly aromatic perennial shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It has thick, fleshy and succulent leaves and stem. The margins of the leaves contain numerous glandular hairs that produce essential oil. The essential oil of PA(PAEO) exhibits therapeutical, nutritional, antioxidant, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and insect repellent potentials. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the repellent properties of PAEO and DEET against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are known carriers of dengue fever. The extraction of PAEO was carried out using hydrodistillation method while the chemical profile was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The bioefficacy test was conducted according to the household insecticide products personal mosquito repellent evaluation method for biological efficacy (First revision) (MS1497:2007) provided by the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) with slight modification. 10% PAEO was used as test solution while 10% DEET was used as positive control. Fabric and patches treated with 10% PAEO were tested on human volunteers. Both the fabric and the patch, treated with 10% PAEO, exhibit excellent repellency (97 - 100%) against Ae. aegypti mosquitoes for a duration of up to 240 min (4 h) post-application. In contrast, 10% DEET, which initially showed a comparable repellency (99%) 30 min after application, experiences a gradual decline in repellency over time, reaching a 51% repellency rate at the end of the test (240 min post-application). A two-way ANOVA analysis indicates significant effect for type of treatment (p = 0.016) but with no significant difference between the exposure time. Tukey’s test showed significant differences between 10% PAEO-treated patches and 10% DEET (p = 0.016), and between 10% PAEO-treated fabric and 10% DEET (p = 0.026). These findings suggest that PAEO is potentially an effective natural repellent against Ae. aegypti.

Determination of the dead time of a GM counter using the two-source method

Calculations and experiments of the dead time and standard error of the ST360 counter have been carried out at the Training Center of Dalat Nuclear Research Institute employing the Sr-90 and Cs-137. The average dead time and standard error of the counter for measurements lasting 300 seconds or longer is (141.5 ± 11.8) μs. This value is in good agreement with that mentioned by the manufacturer.

Bayesian approach for assessment of co-variances and genetic parameters of production and reproduction traits in Sahiwal cattle.

Precise as well as unbiased estimates of genetic parameters of economically important traits is important for framing breeding programmes meant for genetic progress of dairy animals. Present work was carried out to assess the co-variances along with genetic parameters of production and reproduction traits in Sahiwal cattle with Bayesian approach. Records of Sahiwal cattle kept at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana for the period 1988-2016 were used. Heritability estimates ± posterior standard deviation for 305 days' milk yield (305DMY), lactation milk yield (LMY), lactation length (LL), peak yield (PY), days to attain peak yield (DPY), dry period (DP), gestation period (GP), calving to first insemination interval (CFI), days open (DO) and calving interval (CI) as obtained were 0.23 ± 0.03, 0.26 ± 0.03, 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.07 ± 0.02, 0.08 ± 0.02, 0.08 ± 0.02, 0.07 ± 0.02, 0.09 ± 0.02 and 0.02 ± 0.02, respectively and estimates of repeatability for the corresponding traits were 0.23 ± 0.03, 0.26 ± 0.03, 0.21 ± 0.03, 0.21 ± 0.03, 0.12 ± 0.02, 0.14 ± 0.03, 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.17 ± 0.03 and 0.17 ± 0.03. Moderate heritability values for 305DMY and LMY implies that sufficient additive genetic variability is available to obtain selection response. Repeatability estimates for 305DMY, LMY and PY were moderate, pointing towards the possibility of early appraisal of Sahiwal cattle for selection. Antagonistic genetic associations were observed between reproduction and production traits suggesting that reproduction traits need due attention while selecting high producing Sahiwal animals.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding blood donation among the residents in the urban field practice area of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute: a community based cross sectional study

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding blood donation among the residents in the urban field practice area of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute: a community based cross sectional study

The OBS UK Dashboard: an interactive tool for representative trial site selection to facilitate equality and diversity in maternity research

BackgroundObstetric Bleeding Study UK (OBS UK) (award ID: 152057) is a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention for postpartum haemorrhage. This was developed in Wales and evaluated in a feasibility study, with improvements in maternal outcomes observed. Generalisability of the findings is limited by lack of control data and limited ethnic diversity in the Welsh obstetric patient population compared to the United Kingdom (UK): 94% of the Welsh population identifies as White, versus 82% in the UK. Non-White ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation are linked to increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes. Traditionally, decisions regarding site selection are based on desire to complete trials on target in ‘tried and tested’ research active institutions. To ensure widespread applicability of the results and investigate the impact of ethnicity and social deprivation on trial outcomes, maternity units were recruited that represent the ethnic diversity and social deprivation profiles of the UK.MethodUsing routinely collected, publicly available data, an interactive dashboard was developed that demonstrates the demographics of the population served by each maternity unit in the UK, to inform site recruitment. Data on births per year, ethnic and socioeconomic group of the population for each maternity unit, across the UK, were integrated into the dashboard.ResultsThe dashboard demonstrates that OBS UK trial sites reflect the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the UK (study vs UK population ethnicity: White 79.2% vs 81.7%, Asian 10.5% vs 9.3%, Black 4.7% vs 4.0%, Mixed 2.5% vs 2.9%, Other 3.0% vs 2.1%) with variation in site demography, size and location. Missing data varied across sites and nations and is presented.ConclusionThe NIHR equality, diversity and inclusion strategy states studies must widen participation, facilitating individuals from all backgrounds to engage. The development of this novel interactive dashboard demonstrates an innovative way of achieving this. National Health Service (NHS) maternity researchers should consider using this tool to enhance diversity in research, address health disparities and improve generalisability of findings. This approach could be applied to healthcare settings beyond maternity care and across different global populations.Trial registrationISRCTN 17679951. Registered on August 30, 2023.

Working towards securing and building a trusted institutional research data repository through the CoreTrustSeal process: case of Cape Peninsula University of Technology data repository

Working towards securing and building a trusted institutional research data repository through the CoreTrustSeal process: case of Cape Peninsula University of Technology data repository