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1.
Leveraging the urban-rural divide for epigenetic research.
Cronjé, HT, Elliott, HR, Nienaber-Rousseau, C, Pieters, M
Epigenomics. 2020;(12):1071-1081
Abstract
Urbanization coincides with a complex change in environmental exposure and a rapid increase in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Epigenetics, including DNA methylation (DNAm), is thought to mediate part of the association between genetic/environmental exposure and NCDs. The urban-rural divide provides a unique opportunity to investigate the effect of the combined presence of multiple forms of environmental exposure on DNAm and the related increase in disease risk. This review evaluates the ability of three epidemiological study designs (migration, income-comparative and urban-rural designs) to investigate the role of DNAm in the association between urbanization and the rise in NCD prevalence. We also discuss the ability of each study design to address the gaps in the current literature, including the complex methylation-mediated risk attributable to the cluster of forms of exposure characterizing urban and rural living, while providing a platform for developing countries to leverage their demographic discrepancies in future research ventures.
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Towards better evidence-informed global action: lessons learnt from the Lancet series and recent developments in physical activity and public health.
Ding, D, Ramirez Varela, A, Bauman, AE, Ekelund, U, Lee, IM, Heath, G, Katzmarzyk, PT, Reis, R, Pratt, M
British journal of sports medicine. 2020;(8):462-468
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In the past few decades, the field of physical activity has grown and evolved in scope, depth, visibility and impact around the world. Global progress has been observed in research and practice in physical activity regarding surveillance, health outcomes, correlates/determinants, interventions, translation and policy. The 2012 and 2016 Lancet series on physical activity provide some of the most comprehensive global analysis on various topics within physical activity. Based on the Lancet series and other key developments in the field, literature searches, and expert group meetings and consultation, we provide a global summary on the progress of, gaps in and future directions for physical activity research in the following areas: (1) surveillance and trends, (2) correlates and determinants, (3) health outcomes and (4) interventions, programmes and policies. Besides lessons learnt within each specific area, several recommendations are shared across areas of research, including improvement in measurement, applying a global perspective with a growing emphasis on low-income and middle-income countries, improving inclusiveness and equity in research, making translation an integral part of research for real-world impact, taking an 'upstream' public health approach, and working across disciplines and sectors to co-design research and co-create solutions. We have summarised lessons learnt and recommendations for future research as 'roadmaps' in progress to encourage moving the field of physical activity towards achieving population-level impact globally.
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3.
Microfluidic devices with gold thin film channels for chemical and biomedical applications: a review.
Toudeshkchoui, MG, Rabiee, N, Rabiee, M, Bagherzadeh, M, Tahriri, M, Tayebi, L, Hamblin, MR
Biomedical microdevices. 2019;(4):93
Abstract
Microfluidic systems (MFS) provide a range of advantages in biomedical applications, including improved controllability of material characteristics and lower consumption of reagents, energy, time and money. Fabrication of MFS employs various materials, such as glass, silicon, ceramics, paper, and metals such as gold, copper, aluminum, chromium and titanium. In this review, gold thin film microfluidic channels (GTFMFC) are discussed with reference to fabrication methods and their diverse use in chemical and biomedical applications. The advantages of gold thin films (GTF) include flexibility, ease of manufacture, adhesion to polymer surfaces, chemical stability, good electrical conductivity, surface plasmon resonance effects, ability to be chemically functionalized, etc. Various electroactuators and electroanalytical devices can incorporate GTF. GTF-based MFS have been used in environmental monitoring, assays of biomarkers, immunoassays, cell culture studies and pathogen identification.
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Current state and future prospects of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology: a review.
Hogarty, DT, Mackey, DA, Hewitt, AW
Clinical & experimental ophthalmology. 2019;(1):128-139
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major frontier in computer science research. Although AI has broad application across many medical fields, it will have particular utility in ophthalmology and will dramatically change the diagnostic and treatment pathways for many eye conditions such as corneal ectasias, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. However, given that AI has primarily been driven as a computer science, its concepts and terminology are unfamiliar to many medical professionals. Important key terms such as machine learning and deep learning are often misunderstood and incorrectly used interchangeably. This article presents an overview of AI and new developments relevant to ophthalmology.
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Cardiovascular disease research in the Arab world: a scoping review from seven Arab countries (2000-2018).
Ghandour, R, Husseini, A, Sibai, AM, Abu-Rmeileh, NME
Public health. 2019;:36-42
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to map cardiovascular disease (CVD) research productivity in Arab countries and identify gaps and opportunities that would inform future research agenda. STUDY DESIGN This is a scoping review. METHODS A review of research output between January 2000 and December 2018 in seven Arab countries, selected to represent various economies and epidemiological transitions, was conducted. Data on quantity and quality, study design, setting and focus were extracted and analysed for trends by time and place. RESULTS Over the study period, a total of 794 articles were published, with an average of 7.3 publications per million population. While time trends showed a 6-fold increase in the number of publications over the study period, a decreasing trend in mean journal impact factor was noted (from 2.3 in 2000 to 1.5 in 2018). Most studies (71%) were observational, 56% were conducted in medical facilities (hospitals or clinics) and most of the experimental studies (10%) were based in laboratory settings. Behavioural risk factors were addressed in 52% of the studies, and there was a dearth of studies examining associations with diet, physical inactivity or family history. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this review indicate gaps in robust methods and pertinent themes in CVD research in the Arab region. Greater attention should be paid to high-quality evidence and implementation research. Also, there is a need for a more targeted CVD research agenda that is responsive to local and regional health burden and needs.
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Research Techniques Made Simple: Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Proteins in Dermatological Research.
Hammers, CM, Tang, HY, Chen, J, Emtenani, S, Zheng, Q, Stanley, JR
The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2018;(6):1236-1242
Abstract
Identifying previously unknown proteins or detecting the presence of known proteins in research samples is critical to many experiments conducted in life sciences, including dermatology. Sensitive protein detection can help elucidate new intervention targets and mechanisms of disease, such as in autoimmune blistering skin diseases, atopic eczema, or other conditions. Historically, peptides from highly purified single proteins were sequenced, with many limitations, by stepwise degradation from the N-terminus to the C-terminus with subsequent identification by UV absorbance spectroscopy of the released amino acids (i.e., Edman degradation). Recently, however, the availability of comprehensive protein databases from different species (derived from high-throughput next-generation sequencing of those organisms' genomes) and sophisticated bioinformatics analysis tools have facilitated the development and use of mass spectrometry for identification and global analysis of proteins, summarized as mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique measuring the mass (m)-to-charge (z) ratio of ionized biological molecules such as peptides. Proteins can be identified by correlating peptide-derived experimental mass spectrometry spectra with theoretical spectra predicted from protein databases. Here we briefly describe how this technique works, how it can be used for identification of proteins, and how this knowledge can be applied in elucidating human biology and disease.
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Role of Incentives in Long-term Nutritional and Growth Studies in Children.
Fidler Mis, N, Kennedy, K, Fewtrell, M, Campoy, C, Koletzko, B, ,
Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2018;(6):767-772
Abstract
Available published advice on use of incentives is limited and generally refers to short-term studies without longer follow-up, predominantly conducted in developed countries. We aim to summarize published information related to the use of incentives in long-term nutrition studies involving infants, children, and adolescents and the views of researchers in the field, to provide guidance on acceptable incentives. We conducted a literature review and a short online survey of researchers regarding their opinions on the use of incentives in paediatric long-term (follow-up) clinical studies. Responses from 38 researchers from 14 different countries indicated that 41% had used incentives to increase participation and 29% to 73%, depending on child's age and type of procedure, thought incentives may be used to increase compliance with follow-up visits. A small number of respondents thought incentives would not be approved by national ethics boards. Based on the literature review and the survey results, and European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition working group concluded that incentives for children and adolescents up to the value of 30 Euros, based on average EU income levels, may be offered as cash, vouchers, or age-appropriate gifts or toys, in addition to reimbursing expenses. Additional incentives may be offered if a study includes more burdening procedures, techniques that may appear frightening for younger children, or requires sustained participation (eg, dietary diaries or activity monitoring). There was agreement that it is preferable to give toys or gifts rather than money to younger children.
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Can big data solve a big problem? Reporting the obesity data landscape in line with the Foresight obesity system map.
Morris, MA, Wilkins, E, Timmins, KA, Bryant, M, Birkin, M, Griffiths, C
International journal of obesity (2005). 2018;(12):1963-1976
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BACKGROUND Obesity research at a population level is multifaceted and complex. This has been characterised in the UK by the Foresight obesity systems map, identifying over 100 variables, across seven domain areas which are thought to influence energy balance, and subsequent obesity. Availability of data to consider the whole obesity system is traditionally lacking. However, in an era of big data, new possibilities are emerging. Understanding what data are available can be the first challenge, followed by an inconsistency in data reporting to enable adequate use in the obesity context. In this study we map data sources against the Foresight obesity system map domains and nodes and develop a framework to report big data for obesity research. Opportunities and challenges associated with this new data approach to whole systems obesity research are discussed. METHODS Expert opinion from the ESRC Strategic Network for Obesity was harnessed in order to develop a data source reporting framework for obesity research. The framework was then tested on a range of data sources. In order to assess availability of data sources relevant to obesity research, a data mapping exercise against the Foresight obesity systems map domains and nodes was carried out. RESULTS A reporting framework was developed to recommend the reporting of key information in line with these headings: Background; Elements; Exemplars; Content; Ownership; Aggregation; Sharing; Temporality (BEE-COAST). The new BEE-COAST framework was successfully applied to eight exemplar data sources from the UK. 80% coverage of the Foresight obesity systems map is possible using a wide range of big data sources. The remaining 20% were primarily biological measurements often captured by more traditional laboratory based research. CONCLUSIONS Big data offer great potential across many domains of obesity research and need to be leveraged in conjunction with traditional data for societal benefit and health promotion.
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Top studies relevant to primary care practice.
Perry, D, Kolber, MR, Korownyk, C, Lindblad, AJ, Ramji, J, Ton, J, Allan, GM
Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien. 2018;(4):280-285
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize 10 high-quality studies from 2017 that have strong relevance to primary care practice. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE Study selection involved routine literature surveillance by a group of primary care health professionals. This included screening abstracts of important journals and Evidence Alerts, as well as searching the American College of Physicians Journal Club. MAIN MESSAGE Topics of the 2017 articles include whether treating subclinical hypothyroidism improves outcomes or symptoms; whether evolocumab reduces cardiovascular disease as well as low-density lipoprotein levels; whether lifestyle interventions reduce medication use in patients with diabetes; whether vitamin D prevents cardiovascular disease, cancer, or upper respiratory tract infections; whether canagliflozin reduces clinical events in patients with diabetes; how corticosteroid injections affect knee osteoarthritis; whether drained abscesses benefit from antibiotic treatment; whether patients with diabetes benefit from bariatric surgery; whether exenatide reduces clinical events in patients with diabetes; and whether tympanostomy tubes affect outcomes in recurrent acute otitis media or chronic otitis media. We provide brief summaries, context where needed, and final recommendations for 10 studies with potential effects on primary care. We also briefly review 5 "runner-up" studies. CONCLUSION Research from 2017 produced several high-quality studies in diabetes management. These have demonstrated benefit for alternative therapies and offered evidence not previously available. This year's selection of studies also provided information on a variety of conditions and therapies that are, or might become, more common in primary care settings.
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Union of light ion therapy centers in Europe (ULICE EC FP7) - Objectives and achievements of joint research activities.
Pötter, R, Balosso, J, Baumann, M, Bert, C, Davies, J, Enghardt, W, Fossati, P, Harris, S, Jones, B, Krämer, M, et al
Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. 2018;(1):83-100
Abstract
Under the umbrella of the European Network for Light Ion Therapy (ENLIGHT), the project on Union of Light Ion Centers in Europe (ULICE), which was funded by the European Commission (EC/FP7), was carried out from 2009 to 2014. Besides the two pillars on Transnational Access (TNA) and Networking Activities (NA), six work packages formed the pillar on Joint Research Activities (JRA). The current manuscript focuses on the objectives and results achieved within these research work packages: "Clinical Research Infrastructure", "Biologically Based Expert System for Individualized Patient Allocation", "Ion Therapy for Intra-Fractional Moving Targets", "Adaptive Treatment Planning for Ion Radiotherapy", "Carbon Ion Gantry", "Common Database and Grid Infrastructures for Improving Access to Research Infrastructures". The objectives and main achievements are summarized. References to either publications or open access deliverables from the five year project work are given. Overall, carbon ion radiotherapy is still not as mature as photon or proton radiotherapy. Achieved results and open questions are reflected and discussed in the context of the current status of carbon ion therapy and particle and photon beam therapy. Most research topics covered in the ULICE JRA pillar are topical. Future research activities can build upon these ULICE results. Together with the continuous increase in the number of particle therapy centers in the last years ULICE results and proposals may contribute to the further growth of the overall particle therapy field as foreseen with ENLIGHT and new joint initiatives such as the European Particle Therapy Network (EPTN) within the overall radiotherapy community.