A mixed methods PAR study investigating social capital as a resource for Black and other racially minoritised communities in the UK:A study protocol

Understanding how different Black and other racially minoritised communities thrive is an emerging priority area in mental health promotion. Literature demonstrates health benefits of social capital (social resources embedded within social networks). However, its effects are not always positive, particularly for certain subpopulations who are already disadvantaged. The CONtributions of social NEtworks to Community Thriving (CONNECT) study will use Participatory Action Research (PAR) to investigate social capital as a resource that benefits (or hinders) racially minoritised communities and their mental health. The CONNECT study was designed within a partnership with community organisations and responds to local policy in two South-East London Boroughs, thereby providing potential channels for the action component of PAR. Taking an anti-racism lens, we acknowledge the underpinning role of racism in creating health inequities. We apply an intersectional framework to be considerate of overlapping forms of oppression such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation as an essential part of developing effective strategies to tackle health inequities. Key components of this mixed methods PAR study include (1) involving racialised minority community members as peer researchers in the team (2) collecting and analysing primary qualitative data via interviews, photovoice, and community mapping workshops, (3) developing relevant research questions guided by peer researchers and collaborating organisations and analysing secondary quantitative data accordingly, (4) integrating qualitative and quantitative phases, and (5) working closely with community and policy partners to act on our findings and use our research for social change. The PAR approach will allow us to engage community (voluntary sector and government) and academic partners in decision making and help address imbalances in power and resource allocation. Knowledge generated through this collaborative approach will contribute to existing community initiatives, policies, and council strategies. This will ensure the views and experiences of racially minoritised communities drive the changes we are collaboratively committed to achieving.<br/

Clinical relevance of nine transcriptional molecular markers for the diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in tissue and saliva rinse

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Analysis of 23 published transcriptome studies allowed us to identify nine genes displaying frequent alterations in HNSCC (<it>FN1, MMP1, PLAU, SPARC</it>, <it>IL1RN, KRT4, KRT13, MAL</it>, and <it>TGM3</it>). We aimed to independently confirm these dysregulations and to identify potential relationships with clinical data for diagnostic, staging and prognostic purposes either at the tissue level or in saliva rinse.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>For a period of two years, we systematically collected tumor tissue, normal matched mucosa and saliva of patients diagnosed with primary untreated HNSCC. Expression levels of the nine genes of interest were measured by RT-qPCR in tumor and healthy matched mucosa from 46 patients. <it>MMP1 </it>expression level was measured by RT-qPCR in the salivary rinse of 51 HNSCC patients and 18 control cases.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Dysregulation of the nine genes was confirmed by the Wilcoxon test. <it>IL1RN, MAL </it>and <it>MMP1 </it>were the most efficient diagnostic markers of HNSCC, with ROC AUC > 0.95 and both sensitivity and specificity above 91%. No clinically relevant correlation was found between gene expression level in tumor and T stage, N stage, tumor grade, global survival or disease-free survival. Our preliminary results suggests that with 100% specificity, <it>MMP1 </it>detection in saliva rinse is potentially useful for non invasive diagnosis of HNSCC of the oral cavity or oropharynx, but technical improvement is needed since sensitivity was only 20%.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>IL1RN, MAL </it>and <it>MMP1 </it>are prospective tumor diagnostic markers for HNSCC. <it>MMP1 </it>overexpression is the most promising marker, and its detection could help identify tumor cells in tissue or saliva.</p

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

Effect of Edge Distance on Shear Friction Capacity of Steel Plates Anchored with Reinforcing Bars in Comparison with Headed Bolts

The shear friction capacity calculated using clauses 11.6.4 to 11.6.10 in ACI 318-14 or clauses 11.5.1 to 11.5.6 in CSA-A23.3-14 do not take into consideration the effect of edge distance on the shear friction capacity. The main objectives of this research are to study the effect of edge distance on the shear friction capacity by means of a specifically designed experimental program, to determine the minimum edge distance to develop the shear friction capacity, and to derive an expression for reduction of shear friction capacity for edge distances less than the minimum edge distance. The study involved testing eight specimens. In four specimens, a steel plate was anchored using welded reinforcing steel bars, and in the other four specimens the steel plate was anchored using headed concrete anchors (bolts) (HCA). The steel plates were tested under shear load at edge distances of 75, 150, 225, and 300 mm (3.0, 6.0, 9.0, and 12.0 in), for the two types of anchorage. The results were compared to design values according to ACI 318-14 and CAN/CSA-A23.3-14 standards. An equation is derived to compute the minimum edge distance after which the full shear friction capacity is developed. Another equation is derived to compute the proposed shear capacity for reinforcing bar anchors for edge distances less than the minimum edge distance.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Evaluation of the role of CD56 cells in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

Objective: To determine whether peripheral natural killer (NK) cells play a role in recurrent miscarriage by evaluating the percentage of these cells using flow cytometry and comparing it with the percentages in normal multiparous women and women who experienced miscarriage only once. Methods: This case-control study was carried out on a total of 108 women. The study participants consisted of two groups of cases: unexplained recurrent miscarriage cases (n=36) and explained recurrent miscarriage cases (n=36). Additionally, a control group of normal multiparous women or women with only one previous miscarriage (n=36) was included. Detailed clinical assessments, laboratory investigations, and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to collect relevant data. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of CD56+ NK cells in peripheral blood samples. Results: The mean age of the participants ranged from 26.72 to 28.33 years, with no significant difference among the three groups. Parity showed a statistically significant difference, with a higher proportion of nulliparous women in the unexplained abortion group. The number of previous abortions did not differ significantly between the unexplained and explained groups. Among the causes of abortion, endocrine and immunological factors were prominent.&nbsp

Evaluation of pregnancy outcome in cases of intrauterine growth restriction in relation to placenta apoptosis and doppler indices of the umbilical and uterine arteries

Objective: To assess apoptotic changes in trophoblastic cells in normal term placentae and term placentae complicated by either preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Additionally, we aim to examine the correlation between these apoptotic changes and the Doppler velocity of the umbilical and uterine arteries. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 150 pregnant women, including 100 cases with preeclampsia and 50 controls. Placentas were collected at delivery, and apoptotic changes were examined using light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. Doppler velocimetries were performed to assess umbilical and uterine artery resistance indices. Pregnancy outcomes and neonatal data were recorded. Results: The incidence of apoptosis in placentae was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group compared to the control group (p&lt;0.001). The umbilical and uterine resistance indices were also significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (p&lt;0.001). There was a positive correlation between the incidence of apoptosis and Doppler resistance indices in the preeclampsia group. Fetal birth weight, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, and gestational age at delivery were significantly lower in the preeclampsia group (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Increased placental apoptosis and abnormal Doppler indices are associated with preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.&nbsp

Intersectionality informed and narrative-shifting whole school approaches for LGBTQ+ secondary school student mental health:A UK qualitative study

School is a key site for prevention and early intervention in public mental health, with sexual and gender minority students being a priority group for action. Context is important in understanding how school inclusion of sexual and gender minorities shapes mental health and well-being, with rapidly changing social and political forces necessitating ongoing research. This coproduced UK secondary school-based study aimed to understand (a) key components of mentally, socially and emotionally healthy school environments for LGBTQ+ students considerate of intersecting minoritised identities; (b) staff information, skills and capacity needs and (c) factors influencing uptake and implementation. Online interviews and focus groups were conducted with 63 participants (22 staff, 32 students (aged 13–19 years), and 9 training providers), diverse in relation to gender and sexual identity, ethnicity, religious and social context. Data were analysed thematically. One overarching theme captured the need for an intersectionality-informed, contextually adaptable, whole school approach which ‘shifts the narrative’ away from deficit thinking, challenging prevailing cis/heteronormative and White norms. This underpinned four themes: (1) ‘Feeling safe, seen and celebrated: embedding intersectional signs, signals and symbols’, (2) ‘Everyone’s business: the need for collaboration’, (3) ‘Embedding a culture of change’, and (4) ‘Re-locating the problem: challenging deficit thinking’. Contextually diverse research is needed which critically addresses ways in which social power enacted interpersonally and structurally serves to hinder schools from enacting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Evidence to inform and develop implementation strategies for institutional changes and to advocate for wider socio-political support is also key to mitigate the potential for widening inequities linked to inequitable school environments

A mixed methods PAR study investigating social capital as a resource for Black and other racially minoritised communities in the UK: A study protocol.

Understanding how different Black and other racially minoritised communities thrive is an emerging priority area in mental health promotion. Literature demonstrates health benefits of social capital (social resources embedded within social networks). However, its effects are not always positive, particularly for certain subpopulations who are already disadvantaged.The CONtributions of social NEtworks to Community Thriving (CONNECT) study will use Participatory Action Research (PAR) to investigate social capital as a resource that benefits (or hinders) racially minoritised communities and their mental health. The CONNECT study was designed within a partnership with community organisations and responds to local policy in two South-East London Boroughs, thereby providing potential channels for the action component of PAR. Taking an anti-racism lens, we acknowledge the underpinning role of racism in creating health inequities. We apply an intersectional framework to be considerate of overlapping forms of oppression such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation as an essential part of developing effective strategies to tackle health inequities. Key components of this mixed methods PAR study include (1) involving racialised minority community members as peer researchers in the team (2) collecting and analysing primary qualitative data via interviews, photovoice, and community mapping workshops, (3) developing relevant research questions guided by peer researchers and collaborating organisations and analysing secondary quantitative data accordingly, (4) integrating qualitative and quantitative phases, and (5) working closely with community and policy partners to act on our findings and use our research for social change.The PAR approach will allow us to engage community (voluntary sector and government) and academic partners in decision making and help address imbalances in power and resource allocation. Knowledge generated through this collaborative approach will contribute to existing community initiatives, policies, and council strategies. This will ensure the views and experiences of racially minoritised communities drive the changes we are collaboratively committed to achieving

Evaluation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of non obstructive azoospermia

Background: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents an infertility problem that is usually difficult to treat. Such patients usually have testicular biopsy of germ cell aplasia or spermatogenic arrest. In recent decades, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) had been studied thoroughly and proved safe and effective regarding their capability for trans-differentiation into different cell types. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MSCs local intratesticular injection in induction of spermatogenesis. Patients and method: The current study included 87 infertile non-obstructive azoospermic patients. Clinical assessment and repeated semen analysis with centrifugation were done to confirm azoospermia. Karyotyping and AZF study were done. Some of the patients had previous testicular biopsy proving a lack of sperm in the testes. Single intratesticular injection of purified MSCs suspension was done. Results: 20.7% of patients showed sperm in their semen after variable period of time. Hormonal profile among treated patients showed significant improvement regardless success of treatment. Also most of the treated patients appreciated the improvement of their sexual function and libido. Conclusions: Bone marrow derived MSCs could be a new hope and therapeutic modality for treatment of refractory cases of NOA