Top Research Priorities Research Articles

Patients’ and carers’ views on research priorities in prehabilitation for cancer surgery

IntroductionThe views of patients and carers are important for the development of research priorities. This study aimed to determine and compare the top research priorities of cancer patients and carers with those of multidisciplinary clinicians with expertise in prehabilitation.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed patients recovering from cancer surgery at a major tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, and/or their carers between March and July 2023. Consenting patients and carers were provided a list of research priorities according to clinicians with expertise in prehabilitation, as determined in a recent International Delphi study. Participants were asked to rate the importance of each research priority using a 5-item Likert scale (ranging from 1 = very high research priority to 5 = very low research priority).ResultsA total of 101 patients and 50 carers participated in this study. Four areas were identified as research priorities, achieving consensus of highest importance (> 70% rated as “high” or “very high” priority) by patients, carers, and clinical experts. These were “optimal composition of prehabilitation programs” (77% vs. 82% vs. 88%), “effect of prehabilitation on surgical outcomes” (85% vs. 90% vs. 95%), “effect of prehabilitation on functional outcomes” (83% vs. 86% vs. 79%), and “effect of prehabilitation on patient reported outcomes” (78% vs. 84% vs. 79%). Priorities that did not reach consensus of high importance by patients despite reaching consensus of highest importance by experts included “identifying populations most likely to benefit from prehabilitation” (70% vs. 76% vs. 90%) and “defining prehabilitation core outcome measures” (66% vs. 74% vs. 87%). “Prehabilitation during neoadjuvant therapies” reached consensus of high importance by patients but not by experts or carers (81% vs. 68% vs. 69%).ConclusionThis study delineated the primary prehabilitation research priorities as determined by patients and carers, against those previously identified by clinicians with expertise in prehabilitation. It is recommended that subsequent high-quality research and resource allocation be directed towards these highlighted areas of importance.

CULTURAL BELIEFS AND INTERPRETATION OF SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN KENYA

This abstract provides a concise overview of the prevalence of cultural beliefs and their impact on the recognition and treatment of schizophrenia symptoms in Kenya, drawing from a review of relevant literature including "A survey of psychosis risk symptoms in Kenya," "Cultural Aspects of Major Mental Disorders: A Critical Review from an Indian Perspective," "Psychotic Symptoms in Kenya – Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Relationship with Common Mental Disorders," and "Exploring mental health practice among traditional health practitioners: a qualitative study in rural Kenya." This review reveals a complex interaction between traditional cultural beliefs that are held by many Kenyan communities and Western biomedical viewpoints on schizophrenia. Results of a survey conducted in Kenya on psychosis risk symptoms highlight the substantial overlap between symptoms that are distinctive to a culture and those that meet Western psychiatric standards. This overlap emphasizes how crucial it is to use culturally aware methods when diagnosing and treating schizophrenia in Kenya. Studies conducted on psychotic symptoms in Kenya show that a significant proportion of schizophrenia patients experience symptoms that are culturally specific, such as spirit possession and witchcraft beliefs. These culturally particular symptoms frequently impact behavior related to seeking help and adhering with treatment, with traditional healers having a significant role in the treatment of mental illness. Reliance on conventional healers, however, may impede treatment outcomes for people with schizophrenia and prolong the time it takes to receive evidence-based psychiatric therapy. It is important to consider the cultural perceptions and beliefs around the symptoms of schizophrenia in Kenya highlight the critical need for culturally competent methods to mental health treatment. Schizophrenia treatment initiatives must strike a careful balance between honoring various cultural viewpoints and encouraging cooperation between conventional healers and biological professionals. The creation of culturally appropriate therapies and the improvement of mental health literacy in Kenyan communities ought to be the top priorities for future research in order to guarantee that people with schizophrenia have fair access to high-quality mental health care.

How the Assessment of Scientific Performance Impacts the Research Freedom of Scientists

Introduction. Poorly constructed assessment systems can disrupt the logic of scientific development and contribute to a narrow scientific principles. This is particularly facilitated by the predetermination of priority research topics and methods, limitation of funding, and access to scientific communication tools. Understanding the mechanisms of how evaluations influence allows for the improvement of evaluation tools and minimises the likelihood of negative evaluation consequences. Methods. A review of the global document flow reflecting the impact of scientific performance assessments has clarified information about the mechanisms of how assessments impact research freedom. The majority of foreign publications included in the review are from 2008—2023. Results and Discussion. Qualitative research is the main source of information on the impact of evaluation. Strong quantitative evidence of the impact of peer and hybrid assessment on the choice of topics, research areas, and approaches pertains to social sciences and humanities. The mechanism of influence varies depending on the assessment method. The influence of peer review is evident in that researchers take into account expert opinions when planning a study. The impact of quantitative assessment is that researchers consider publication prospects. Therefore, due to risk avoidance, evaluation can stimulate self-limitation, which can ultimately lead to increased uniformity in research. Scientists are required to make additional efforts to find ways to maintain research freedom. Many instances of its manifestation are due to the factors in the environment that counteract evaluation and the adaptation of scientists to the evaluation system. Conclusion. Evaluation is one of the key factors in implementing science policies. It signals which studies are prioritised, which rules they must comply with, and which ones they should not. The impact of evaluation on research freedom is most pronounced for scientifically weak subjects, when evaluation periods are insufficient for obtaining a scientific result, and when formal criteria are used without considering disciplinary specifics. During the implementation of evaluation activities, measures must be taken to preserve research freedom.

Clickable Granular Hydrogel Scaffolds for Delivery of Neural Progenitor Cells to Sites of Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition with limited treatment options. Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplantation is a promising treatment option, and the identification of novel biomaterial scaffolds that support NPC engraftment and therapeutic activity is a top research priority. The objective of this study is to evaluate in situ assembled poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based granular hydrogels for NPC delivery in a murine model of SCI. Microgel precursors are synthesized by using thiol-norbornene click chemistry to react four-armed PEG-amide-norbornene with enzymatically degradable and cell adhesive peptides. Unreacted norbornene groups are utilized for in situ assembly into scaffolds using a PEG-di-tetrazine linker. The granular hydrogel scaffolds exhibit good biocompatibility and do not adversely affect the inflammatory response after SCI. Moreover, when used to deliver NPCs, the granular hydrogel scaffolds supported NPC engraftment, do not adversely affect the immune response to the NPC grafts, and successfully support graft differentiation toward neuronal or astrocytic lineages as well as axonal extension into the host tissue. Collectively, these data establish PEG-based granular hydrogel scaffolds as a suitable biomaterial platform for NPC delivery and justify further testing, particularly in the context of more severe SCI.

Scientific Research Priorities in Light of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 from the Researchers' Point of View at Umm Al-Qura University

This research aims to know the priorities of scientific research in light of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 from the point of view of researchers at Umm Al-Qura University. The research has followed the descriptive approach to achieve the research objectives. The sample consisted of female researchers at the College of Education, Umm Al-Qura University (Master’s and PhD programs, at the Departments of Curriculum and Teaching Methods, Psychology, Educational Administration, and Islamic Fundamentals), and the tool consists of a four-axis questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed. SPSS software has been used to process the data through a number of statistical methods. The research has found out several results, the most important of which are that the "Digital Citizenship" axis came as a top research priority among others with an arithmetic mean (4.43), while "Intellectual Security" got the second top priority with an arithmetic mean (4.35), and the "Community Partnership" axis got the third top priority with an arithmetic mean of (4.19), while the "sustainable development" axis occupied the fourth and last priority, with an arithmetic mean of (4.11), from the point of view of the respondents. The research has presented several recommendations, including: Encouraging research projects related to the research priorities included in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Supporting it financially, developing and linking academic programs for postgraduate studies to the needs of society and what serves its contemporary issues.

O244: Patients’ priorities in Vulval lichen sclerosus – results of a patient and public involvement for a study investigating autologous lipotransfer and platelet-rich plasma in Vulval lichen sclerosus

Abstract Background Vulval lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a high-burden, under-researched chronic skin disease. It is characterised by itching, pain, sexual dysfunction and poor quality of life. Up to 70% of patients develop fibrosis and vulval architectural changes. The only evidence-based treatment includes topical steroids. New potential surgical treatments include autologous fat transfer (AFG) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections but high-level evidence supporting these treatments is sparse. Aims To identify patients’ research priorities and evaluate the acceptability of AFG and PRP as treatments for VLS and design a trial co-produced by patients. Methods One-to-one interviews, focus groups and online questionnaires were used to investigate patients’ research priorities, acceptability of treatments, preferred outcome assessment tools, views on a sham procedure and trial design. Results A focus group (n=18) and an online patient survey (n=809) identified the top research priorities: changes to vulval anatomy, emotional impact on intimate relationships, inability to have penetrative intercourse and pain during intercourse. Patients reported poor quality of life and said that addressing these would be life-changing. Ninety-nine percent of patients agreed that this trial should be performed and 73% were willing to take part if a sham procedure was used. A patient advisory group (n=5) has been created to co-produce the trial. Conclusion VLS is a complex disease with no core outcome set. Patient co-production is a keystone to a successful trial design and ensures that research is aligned with patients’ priorities. This research defines the key priorities of research into current surgical interventions for VLS.

Ovarian ferroptosis induced by androgen is involved in pathogenesis of PCOS.

Does ovarian ferroptosis play an active role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Increased ovarian ferroptosis was present in PCOS ovaries and the inhibition of ferroptosis with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) ameliorated polycystic ovary morphology and anovulation. Programmed cell death plays a fundamental role in ovarian follicle development. However, the types and mechanisms of cell death involved in the ovary are yet to be elucidated. Ferroptosis is a recently discovered iron-dependent programmed cell death. Impaired iron metabolism and cell death have been observed in women with PCOS, the main cause of anovulatory infertility. Additionally, previous studies reported that an abnormal expression of noncoding RNA may promote ferroptosis in immortalized ovarian granulosa cell lines. However, little is known about whether ovarian ferroptosis is increased in PCOS, and there is insufficient direct evidence for a role of ferroptosis in PCOS, and the underlying mechanism. Moreover, the effect of the inhibition of ferroptosis with Fer-1 in PCOS remains unclear. Ferroptosis was evaluated in human granulosa cells (hGCs) from non-PCOS (n = 6-16) and PCOS (n = 7-18) patients. The experimental study was completed in vitro using primary hGCs from women undergoing IVF. Improvements in PCOS indicators following ferroptosis inhibition with Fer-1 were investigated in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS rat model (n = 8 per group). Ovarian ferroptosis was evaluated in the following ways: by detecting iron concentrations via ELISA and fluorescent probes; measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations via ELISA; assessing ferroptosis-related protein abundance with western blotting; observing mitochondrial morphology with transmission electron microscopy; and determining cell viability. Primary hGCs were collected from women undergoing IVF. They were treated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) for 24 h. The effect of DHT on ferroptosis was examined in the presence or absence of small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of the putative receptor coregulator for signaling molecules. The role of ovarian ferroptosis in PCOS progression was explored in vivo in rats. The DHEA-induced PCOS rat model was treated with the ferroptosis inhibitor, Fer-1, and the oocytes and metaphase II oocytes were counted after ovarian stimulation. Additionally, rats were treated with the ferroptosis inducer, RSL3, to further explore the effect of ferroptosis. The concentrations of testosterone, FSH, and LH were assessed. Increased ferroptosis was detected in the ovaries of patients with PCOS and in rats with DHEA-induced PCOS. Increased concentrations of Fe2+ (P < 0.05) and MDA (P < 0.05), and upregulated nuclear receptor coactivator 4 protein levels, and downregulated ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins were observed in the hGCs in patients with PCOS and ovaries of PCOS rats (P < 0.05 versus control). DHT was shown to induce ferroptosis via activation of NOCA4-dependent ferritinophagy. The inhibition of ferroptosis with Fer-1 in rats ameliorated a cluster of PCOS traits including impaired glucose tolerance, irregular estrous cycles, reproductive hormone dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, anovulation, and oocyte quality (P < 0.05). Treating rats with RSL3 resulted in polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogenism (P < 0.05). N/A. Although ovarian-targeted ferroptosis inhibition may be a more targeted treatment for PCOS, the underlying mechanisms in the cycle between ferroptosis and hyperandrogenism require further exploration. Additionally, since PCOS shows high heterogeneity, it is important to investigate whether ferroptosis increases are present in all patients with PCOS. Androgen-induced ovarian ferroptosis appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, which potentially makes it a promising treatment target in PCOS. This study was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2023YFC2705500, 2023YFC2705505, 2019YFA0802604), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82130046, 82320108009, 82101708, 82101747, and 82001517), Shanghai leading talent program, Innovative research team of high-level local universities in Shanghai (No. SHSMU-ZLCX20210201, No. SSMU-ZLCX20180401), Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Affiliated Renji Hospital Clinical Research Innovation Cultivation Fund Program (RJPY-DZX-003) and Shanghai Municipal Education Commission-Gaofeng Clinical Medicine Grant Support (No. 20161413), Shanghai's Top Priority Research Center Construction Project (2023ZZ02002), and Three-Year Action Plan for Strengthening the Construction of the Public Health System in Shanghai (GWVI-11.1-36). The authors report no competing interests.

Crown-ether threaded covalent organic polyrotaxane framework (COPF) towards synergistic crown/Zn2+/photothermal/photodynamic antibacterial and infected wound healing therapy

Controllable preparation of materials with new structure has always been the top priority of polymer materials science research. Here, the supramolecular binding strategy is adopted to develop covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with novel structures and functions. Based on this, a two-dimensional crown-ether ring threaded covalent organic framework (COF), denoted as Crown-COPF with intrinsic photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic (PDT) therapeutic capacity, was facilely developed using crown-ether threaded rotaxane and porphyrin as building blocks. Crown-COPF with discrete mechanically interlocked blocks in the open pore could be used as a molecular machine, in which crown-ether served as the wheel sliding along the axle under the laser stimulation. As a result, Crown-COPF combining with the bactericidal power of crown ether displayed a significant photothermal and photodynamic antibacterial activity towards both the Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), far exceeding the traditional Crown-free COF. Noteworthily, the bactericidal performance could be further enhanced via impregnation of Zn2+ ions (Crown-COPF-Zn) flexible coordinated with the multiple coordination sites (crown-ether, bipyridine, and porphyrin), which not only endow the positive charge with the skeleton, enhancing its ability to bind to the bacterial membrane, but also introduce the bactericidal ability of zinc ions. Notably, in vivo experiments on mice with back infections indicates Crown-COPF-Zn with self-adaptive multinuclear zinc center, could effectively promote the repairing of wounds. This study paves a new avenue for the effectively preparation of porous polymers with brand new structure, which provides opportunities for COF and mechanically interlocked polymers (MIPs) research and applications.

Synthesis of Poly-Lactic Acid by Ring Open Polymerization from Beer Spent Grain for Drug Delivery.

Poly-lactic acid (PLA) is a synthetic polymer that has gained popularity as a scaffold due to well-established manufacturing processes, predictable biomaterial properties, and sustained therapeutic release rates. However, its drawbacks include weak mechanical parameters and reduced medicinal delivery efficacy after PLA degradation. The development of synthetic polymers that can release antibiotics and other medicines remains a top research priority. This study proposes a novel approach to produce PLA by converting Brewer's spent grain (BSG) into lactic acid by bacterial fermentation followed by lactide ring polymerization with a metal catalyst. The elution properties of the PLA polymer are evaluated using modified Kirby-Bauer assays involving the antimicrobial chemotherapeutical, trimethoprim (TMP). Molded PLA polymer disks are impregnated with a known killing concentration of TMP, and the PLA is evaluated as a drug vehicle against TMP-sensitive Escherichia coli. This approach provides a practical means of assessing the polymer's ability to release antimicrobials, which could be beneficial in exploring new drug-eluting synthetic polymer strategies. Overall, this study highlights the potential of using BSG waste materials to produce valuable biomaterials of medical value with the promise of expanded versatility of synthetic PLA polymers in the field of drug-impregnated tissue grafts.

An implementation science focused practice‐based research network for rural community pharmacies: RURAL‐CP

AbstractPractice‐based research networks (PBRNs) support the translation and evaluation of evidence‐based practices and interventions on a large scale and have primarily been used in primary care settings. Few pharmacy PBRNs exist. Our objective is to describe the composition and characteristics of the Rural Research Alliance of Community Pharmacies (RURAL‐CP), which is the first PBRN exclusively for rural community pharmacies. For each enrolled pharmacy, a pharmacist liaison completed a survey that assessed the pharmacy's operational characteristics, including business operations, human resource management, division of clinical responsibilities, technology and enhanced services, organizational context, and research priorities. Additionally, up to five other pharmacy staff members completed a brief survey on organizational context. Descriptive statistics were calculated. As of May 2023, there were 126 pharmacies across seven southeastern states that were enrolled in RURAL‐CP. Most pharmacies (91%) were independent pharmacies and operated 6 days per week (82%). On average, pharmacies employed 10 staff members and most trained student pharmacists. Pharmacies offered valuable services in their community, including immunizations, naloxone dispensing, and medication delivery. Blood glucose testing was the most common point‐of‐care (POC) test offered, and most pharmacies were interested in expanding POC offerings, particularly A1c testing and cholesterol screening. RURAL‐CP pharmacies have, on average, relatively strong organizational contexts and readiness for change. Pharmacists' top research priorities were expansion of clinical services, reimbursement, patient adherence, and addressing diabetes and hypertension. Although not generalizable to all rural pharmacies, results indicate that rural pharmacies deliver many important services in their communities and are interested in increasing services provided.

Switched Z-Source Boost Converter in Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Grid-Tied Applications

The world's focus is shifting toward Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as a result of the sharp rise in energy demand and the depletion of conventional energy sources. Distributed generation (DG) units developed on RES are easily and reliably integrated into grid due to microgrid technology. Inverters are typically used to integrate DGs into microgrid. At present, the fastestgrowing renewable sources of electricity in the world is photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy conversion system (WECS), which evolved in response to growing environmental concerns about the risks of climate change connected with power generation. Recent technological developments have made it a top priority for researchers to find ways to enhance the efficiency of hybrid systems and the power converter stage. In order to achieve transmission losses and ensure energy savings, a new 13-bus system is developed in this work for regulating the output voltage in distribution networks. Switched Z-source Boost converter along with Proportional Integral (PI) controller is employed to boost the voltage obtained from PV system. A battery converter along with a bi-directional battery is connected to the DC link, to store energy generated by Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) in excess amount. The obtained DC link voltage is transferred to three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) for the conversion of DC to AC voltage. Effective harmonic reduction is attained with the aid of LC filter coupled to Three phase grid, and the PI controller associated to the grid supports in achieving effective grid synchronization. The proposed research is validated using MATLAB Simulink by considering the 13-bus system and an efficiency of 96.8 % is obtained with 0.93% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Understanding customer brand engagement through service environment: a multilevel analysis

ABSTRACT Customer brand engagement (CBE) is acknowledged as a top research priority, although little remains known concerning the interface of CBE and individual/organizational variables, thus, examined in this study. Replying this gap, ground on relationship-marketing-theory and social-exchange-theory, this study develops and tests a proposed research-framework of organizational-based factors (i.e. service-environment) as well as individual-led factors (i.e. CBE) towards hospitality service brands. We also examine moderating interaction effect of brand-reputation in proposed model. To test our model, data of hotel respondents was gathered by adopting confirmatory-factor-analysis and hierarchical-linear-modeling, which considers organizational- and individual-based factors. The study verified that service-environment and customer-brand-experience have positive effects on customer brand engagement. It is discovered that CBE enhances brand-relationship-quality along with brand equity. Findings substantiated CBE’s mediation effect amongst modeled links. Results also corroborated brand-reputation’s interaction/cross-level effect between the proposed factors. This article offers important implications for both theory and practice.

Symptom Science in Kidney Disease.

Physical and emotional symptoms are highly prevalent among patients with kidney disease and are directly linked to impaired health-related quality of life. Symptom science is a field of research aimed at advancing knowledge of the holistic mechanisms driving symptoms, how best to assess symptoms accurately, and developing novel and patient-centered approaches to symptom management. Patients with kidney disease have identified symptom science as a top research priority, and opportunities abound for ongoing patient engagement in symptom-related research efforts and clinical care. This review describes the burden of symptoms experienced by patients with kidney disease, explores the spectrum of patient engagement in symptom care and research, and discusses approaches for symptom assessment and management, taking into consideration the multitude of factors that may contribute to symptoms.

Health and social care experience and research perception of different ethnic minority populations in the East Midlands, United Kingdom (REPRESENT study).

Ethnic minority populations experience significant health and social care disparities; despite experiencing a greater burden of diseases, these groups are underrepresented in health and social care research. Consequently, related research can be less applicable to these population groups. The REPRESENT study aims to explore the health and social care experiences of ethnic minorities and other minoritised populations, their research interests and appropriate research practices. Focus groups and semistructured interviews were conducted between May and September 2022 with members of a number of ethnic minority communities in England. Data were audio recorded, transcribedand thematically coded using NVivo 12. Rigour was determined through extensive sampling, iterative data collection and analysis. Fifty-two ethnic minority members were engaged in group interviews and one-to-one interviews. Participants included representatives of the following groups: African Caribbean, Eastern European, Gypsy Travellers, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexand Asexual+, Refugee/Asylum Seekers, Somali and South Asian communities. Interviews were also conducted with ethnic minority healthcare providers and researchers. Three overarching categories were identified: health information, medical service experiences, health and social care concerns and health research. Health and social care services challenges were mostly attributed to discrimination, delayed services, poor cultural relevanceand language and cultural barriers. The most influential information sources were local community organisations and word-of-mouth. The main health and social care concerns were chronic long-term health conditions, mental health, maternal healthand child development. Recommendations for research involved understanding the motivations for participation, improving communication and empowering communities. Top research priorities were long-term health conditions, health promotion and education, early care interventions and understanding community needs. Discrimination and bias in health and social care provision have severe implications for worsening ethnic health inequalities. Healthcare commissioning authorities and policymakers can leverage the preference of ethnic minority groups for pharmacy services and community organisations to improve access to care. Improving research interest and engagement requires understanding individual community needs, community sensitivity, research relevanceand cultural appropriateness. Members of ethnic minority Patient and Public Involvement and Engagementgroup and Community Advisory Boardsupported the REPRESENT study design, conceptualisation and report development.

What about validity? Thoughts on the state of research on written corrective feedback

Validity is the most important factor in good research, and it cannot be taken for granted. As the term is used here, validity is determined by (a) whether the research actually addresses the question that it is intended to address; and (b) whether the inferences drawn from it, by its authors and by subsequent reviewers, are legitimate. Validity thus depends on the goals of the research. While a variety of meaningful goals can be identified, the primary goal of WCF research is to determine if WCF is an effective way to improve learners’ ability to write accurately and should therefore be used in language instruction. Judging validity in terms of this goal, it is argued here that problems are pervasive. Goals are confused, a variety of fundamental issues in design and analysis make a study unable to address the primary question, and far too much emphasis is placed on one very narrow feature, commonly studied in ways which themselves lack validity. These problems are reflected in the meta-analyses done on this topic; as a result, this work is not presenting us with a valid picture of the effects of WCF. Altogether, this research area has major validity problems; dealing with these problems should be the top priority for researchers.

Priority Research Topics to Improve Streamflow Data Availability in Data-Scarce Countries: The Case for Ethiopia

Lack of consistent streamflow data has been an increasing challenge reported by many studies in developing countries. This study aims to understand the current challenges in streamflow monitoring in Ethiopia to prioritize research topics that can support sustained streamflow monitoring in the country and elsewhere. A workshop-based expert consultation, followed by a systematic literature review, was conducted to build a collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities of streamflow monitoring in Ethiopia. The experts’ consultation identified the top ten research priorities to improve streamflow monitoring through research, education, remote sensing applications, and institutions. The experts’ views were supported by a systematic review of more than 300 published articles. The review indicated scientific investigation in Ethiopian basins was constrained by streamflow data gaps to provide recent and relevant hydrological insights. However, there is inadequate research that seeks solutions, while some researchers use experimental methods to generate recent streamflow data, which is an expensive approach. Articles that attempted to fill data gaps make up less than 20% of the reviewed articles. This study identified research priorities that can benefit streamflow data providers and the research community in alleviating many of the challenges associated with streamflow monitoring in countries such as Ethiopia.

Patent Foramen Ovale Management for Secondary Stroke Prevention: State-of-the-Art Appraisal of Current Evidence.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is frequently identified in young patients with ischemic stroke. Randomized controlled trials provide robust evidence supporting PFO closure in selected patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke; however, several questions remain unanswered. This report summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology of PFO-associated stroke, the role of PFO as a cause of stroke, and anatomic high-risk features. We also comment on breakthrough developments in patient selection algorithms for PFO closure in relation to the PFO-associated stroke causal likelihood risk stratification system. We further highlight areas for future research in PFO-associated stroke including the efficacy and safety of PFO closure in the elderly population, incidence, and long-term consequences of atrial fibrillation post-PFO closure, generalizability of the results of clinical trials in the real world, and the need for assessing the effect of neurocardiology teams on adherence to international recommendations. Other important knowledge gaps such as sex, race/ethnicity, and regional disparities in access to diagnostic technologies, PFO closure devices, and clinical outcomes in the real world are also discussed as priority research topics.

Protocol Development for a Qualitative Methodological Study Within a Trial (Qual-SWAT): The KARMA-Dep-2 Trial

Background Despite methodological improvements in clinical trial design and conduct more generally, methodological limitations persist in trials concerning mental health care. A qualitative Study Within A Trial (Qual-SWAT), embedded in the KARMA-Dep-2 host trial, will be undertaken to explore and gain an understanding of two methodological questions in randomised trials specific to mental health care: (1) what are the key barriers and enablers of participation in randomised trials in mental health; and (2) how can randomised trials become part of routine mental health care. These issues will be examined from patient-participant and clinician- / researcher-participant perspectives, in alignment with PRioRiTy research themes. Methods A descriptive qualitative study design will be used. Data will be collected via one-to-one semi-structured interviews, conducted via Microsoft Teams. The interview data will be analysed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis approach. One-to-one interviews will be conducted with three participant groups (N = 30): 1) host trial patient-participants (n = 10); 2) potentially eligible host trial patient-participants who refused enrolment in the host trial (n = 10); and 3) clinician- / researcher-participants who are associated with work on the host trial (n = 10). Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted by St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services Research Ethics Committee, Ireland (Ref: Protocol 09/20). When the study is completed, a report will be prepared and submitted to the Health Research Board (HRB). Findings will be shared with the host trial team and study participants, and submitted for publication. Host trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04939649); EudraCT (2019-003109-92). Official title: Ketamine as an Adjunctive Therapy for Major Depression - A Randomised Controlled Trial: [KARMA-Dep (2)].

Metal-decorated Tri-graphene as a high-performance reversible hydrogen storage medium: A first-principles study

Due to a series of problems caused by the energy crisis, the development of safe and efficient new hydrogen storage materials has become the top priority of current research. In this work, based on the experimental preparation of T‑carbon (Zhang et al. Nat Commun 8, 683 (2017)) material, the [110] surface Tri-graphene (Tri-G) was intercepted. The first-principles method was used to study the hydrogen storage properties of Tri-G and metal-decorated Tri-G. The basic structure and stability of Tri-G are studied systematically, and the electronic properties of Tri-G and metal-decorated Tri-G are calculated respectively. Next, Tri-G is decorated with lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca). Finally, H2 molecules are attached to each of these bases. The results showed that Tri-G and K@Tri-G could not stably adsorb hydrogen, while Li@Tri-G, Na@Tri-G and Ca@Tri-G could adsorb 24, 14 and 24 hydrogen molecules, and their hydrogen storage rates reached 13.99 wt%, 8.26 wt% and 12.77 wt%, respectively. Moreover, it can be seen that the desorption temperature of H2 is in the range of 255.55 K–281.11 K under the actual conditions of simulated temperature and pressure by Van't Hoff equation, which proves that Li/Na/Ca@Tri-G is an efficient and reversible hydrogen storage material. This study provides theoretical guidance for further expanding the application of carbon-based materials in the field of hydrogen storage.

Anti-Obesity Drug Delivery Systems: Recent Progress and Challenges.

Obesity has reached an epidemic proportion in the last thirty years, and it is recognized as a major health issue in modern society now with the possibility of serious social and economic consequences. By the year 2030, nearly 60% of the global population may be obese or overweight, which emphasizes a need for novel obesity treatments. Various traditional approaches, such as pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery, have been utilized in clinical settings to treat obesity. However, these methods frequently show the possibility of side effects while remaining ineffective. There is, therefore, an urgent need for alternative obesity treatments with improved efficacy and specificity. Polymeric materials and chemical strategies are employed in emerging drug delivery systems (DDSs) to enhance therapy effectiveness and specificity by stabilizing and controlling the release of active molecules such as natural ingredients. Designing DDSs is currently a top priority research objective with an eye towards creating obesity treatment approaches. In reality, the most recent trends in the literature demonstrate that there are not enough in-depth reviews that emphasize the current knowledge based on the creation and design of DDSs for obesity treatment. It is also observed in the existing literature that a complex interplay of different physical and chemical parameters must be considered carefully to determine the effectiveness of the DDSs, including microneedles, for obesity treatment. Additionally, it is observed that these properties depend on how the DDS is synthesized. Although many studies are at the animal-study stage, the use of more advanced DDS techniques would significantly enhance the development of safe and efficient treatment approaches for obese people in the future. Considering these, this review provides an overview of the current anti-obesity treatment approaches as well as the conventional anti-obesity therapeutics. The article aims to conduct an in-depth discussion on the current trends in obesity treatment approaches. Filling in this knowledge gap will lead to a greater understanding of the safest ways to manage obesity.