85 results on '"Rafi I"'
Search Results
2. The implementation of pharmacogenomics into UK general practice: a qualitative study exploring barriers, challenges and opportunities
- Author
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Rafi, I., Crinson, I., Dawes, M., Rafi, D., Pirmohamed, M., and Walter, F. M.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. How genomic information is accessed in clinical practice: an electronic survey of UK general practitioners
- Author
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Evans, W. R. H., Tranter, J., Rafi, I., Hayward, J., and Qureshi, N.
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- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. The BARCODE1 Pilot: a feasibility study of using germline single nucleotide polymorphisms to target prostate cancer screening
- Author
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Benafif, S, Ni Raghallaigh, H, McGrowder, E, Saunders, EJ, Brook, MN, Saya, S, Rageevakumar, R, Wakerell, S, James, D, Chamberlain, A, Taylor, N, Hogben, M, Benton, B, D'Mello, L, Myhill, K, Mikropoulos, C, Bowen-Perkins, H, Rafi, I, Ferris, M, Beattie, A, Kuganolipava, S, Sevenoaks, T, Bower, J, Kumar, P, Hazell, S, deSouza, NM, Antoniou, A, Bancroft, E, Kote-Jarai, Z, Eeles, R, Benafif, S, Ni Raghallaigh, H, McGrowder, E, Saunders, EJ, Brook, MN, Saya, S, Rageevakumar, R, Wakerell, S, James, D, Chamberlain, A, Taylor, N, Hogben, M, Benton, B, D'Mello, L, Myhill, K, Mikropoulos, C, Bowen-Perkins, H, Rafi, I, Ferris, M, Beattie, A, Kuganolipava, S, Sevenoaks, T, Bower, J, Kumar, P, Hazell, S, deSouza, NM, Antoniou, A, Bancroft, E, Kote-Jarai, Z, and Eeles, R
- Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and uptake of a community-based prostate cancer (PCa) screening programme selecting men according to their genetic risk of PCa. To assess the uptake of PCa screening investigations by men invited for screening. The uptake of the pilot study would guide the opening of the larger BARCODE1 study recruiting 5000 men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Healthy males aged 55-69 years were invited to participate via their general practitioners (GPs). Saliva samples were collected via mailed collection kits. After DNA extraction, genotyping was conducted using a study specific assay. Genetic risk was based on genotyping 130 germline PCa risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated for each participant using the sum of weighted alleles for 130 SNPs. Study participants with a PRS lying above the 90th centile value were invited for PCa screening by prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy. RESULTS: Invitation letters were sent to 1434 men. The overall study uptake was 26% (375/1436) and 87% of responders were eligible for study entry. DNA genotyping data were available for 297 men and 25 were invited for screening. After exclusions due to medical comorbidity/invitations declined, 18 of 25 men (72%) underwent MRI and biopsy of the prostate. There were seven diagnoses of PCa (38.9%). All cancers were low-risk and were managed with active surveillance. CONCLUSION: The BARCODE1 Pilot has shown this community study in the UK to be feasible, with an overall uptake of 26%. The main BARCODE1 study is now open and will recruit 5000 men. The results of BARCODE1 will be important in defining the role of genetic profiling in targeted PCa population screening. Patient Summary What is the paper about? Very few prostate cancer screening programmes currently exist anywhere in the world. Our pilot study investigated if men in the UK would find it acceptable to have a genetic test based on a saliva sample to examin
- Published
- 2022
5. Personalised Prescribing. Using pharmacogenomics to improve patient outcomes. A report from the Royal College of Physicians and British Pharmacological Society joint working party
- Author
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Pirmohammed, M, O’Donoghue, D, Turner, R, Magavern, E, Roebuck, D, Ross, P, Keavney, B, Shovlin, C, Popoola, J, Nasser, S, McEntagart, M, Sanghvi, S, Seller, A, Bishop, M, Caulfield, M, Sharma, R, Rafi, I, and Hayward, J
- Abstract
A new report from the Royal College of Physicians and British Pharmacological Society joint working party considers the opportunities provided by increasing pharmacogenomic testing.
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- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Exploring the use of portfolio assessment in fostering students' mathematical creativity and self-regulated learning in an era of uncertainty.
- Author
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Rafi, I. and Retnawati, H.
- Subjects
- *
CREATIVE ability , *TIME management , *LEARNING strategies , *STUDENT development , *TEACHING aids , *PHYSIOLOGY education - Abstract
Mathematical creativity and self-regulated learning (SRL) have been frequently explored in many previous studies in the mathematics education field because of their importance to be developed in the twenty-first-century era. Many studies more emphasise learning strategies or developing instructional media or material to support students in developing those two competencies. However, the use of portfolio assessment in supporting the development of students' mathematical creativity and SRL has not been sufficiently explored so far. Accordingly, this study intended to fill in that gap by providing a concise description ofit with an emphasis on the extent to which a portfolio assessment can be used in fostering students' mathematical creativity and SRL and the challenges surrounding it. This literature review employed the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis (SALSA) method to achieve the objectives of this study. This study revealed that portfolio assessment can be used to promote students' mathematical creativity by allowing students to involve in open-ended investigations and it can foster students' SRL by allowing students to involve in self-assessment and self-reflection activities and improve their self-efficacy. The challenges surrounding using portfolio assessment are related to task selection, time allocation, and validity and reliability issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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7. Acquisition, Production, Consumption, and Discard: 1 Reconstruction of Operational Chain of Haft Tappeh Metal Artifacts
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Rafi,i-Alavi, Babak
- Abstract
The present study seeks to understand the 'Chaîne Opératoire' of Haft Tappeh metal objects from raw material to the time they were retrieved through archaeological excavation. For reconstructing the operational sequence, the archaeological and textual evidence, as well as isotopic analysis were used. The essential goal of this paper is not only to reconstruct the life cycle of Haft Tappeh metal artifacts but also to understand the society and everyday life of the people behind objects. The typological diversity and spatial distribution of metal objects in Haft Tappeh show that it was an urban center with industrial characteristics and one of the production centers during the first phase of the Middle Elamite period, where manufacturing weapons and tools was of particular importance. The comparison between the Chogha Zanbil and Haft Tappeh in terms of metal objects shows fundamental differences between the types and amount of metal objects in these two Middle Elamite urban centers with distinctly diverse characteristics.
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- 2021
- Full Text
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8. Predicting Time to Graduation of Open University Students: An Educational Data Mining Study
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Santoso Agus, Retnawati Heri, Kartianom, Apino Ezi, Rafi Ibnu, and Rosyada Munaya Nikma
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educational data mining ,machine learning ,open university ,time to graduation ,Education - Abstract
The world’s move to a global economy has an impact on the high rate of student academic failure. Higher education, as the affected party, is considered crucial in reducing student academic failure. This study aims to construct a prediction (predictive model) that can forecast students’ time to graduation in developing countries such as Indonesia, as well as the essential factors (attributes) that can explain it. This research used a data mining method. The data set used in this study is from an Indonesian university and contains demographic and academic records of 132,734 students. Demographic data (age, gender, marital status, employment, region, and minimum wage) and academic (i.e., grade point average (GPA)) were utilized as predictors of students’ time to graduation. The findings of this study show that (1) the prediction model using the random forest and neural networks algorithms has the highest classification accuracy (CA), and area under the curve (AUC) value in predicting students’ time to graduation (CA: 76% and AUC: 79%) compared to other models such as logistic regression, Naïve Bayes, and k-nearest neighbor; and (2) the most critical variable in predicting students’ time to graduation along with six other important variables is the student’s GPA.
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- 2024
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9. Evaluasi Non Tes di Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 2 Surakarta: Impementasi dan Hambatan
- Author
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Rafi Iqbal Maulana, Dimas Faturrahman Hanafi, Muhammad Faruq Abbad Rosidi, and Nurul Latifatul Inayati
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evaluasi pembelajaran ,instrumen non-tes ,implementasi dan hambatan. ,Education - Abstract
Evaluasi non-tes, atau evaluasi formatif, memiliki peran krusial dalam pengembangan pendidikan, menilai kemajuan siswa di luar aspek akademis. Metode ini memungkinkan penilaian holistik terhadap keterampilan sosial, kepribadian, dan bakat siswa. Keunggulan utamanya terletak pada identifikasi keterampilan sosial dan kepribadian, kunci keberhasilan dalam masyarakat kompleks saat ini. Evaluasi ini juga memberikan guru peluang untuk memberikan umpan balik mendalam dan mendukung pendekatan pembelajaran yang responsif. Namun, penelitian ini menyoroti kendala dalam implementasi evaluasi non-tes di MAN 2 Surakarta, terutama pada pelaksanaan evaluasi pembelajaran PAI. Guru mengalami kesulitan dalam mengembangkan instrumen non-tes, kurangnya pengembangan teknik evaluasi, dan perhatian yang masih lebih besar pada instrumen tes. Observasi menunjukkan bahwa evaluasi non-tes belum mendapatkan perhatian yang memadai, menghasilkan hambatan teknis, fokus pada penilaian sikap, kendala waktu, dan kurangnya keterampilan guru. Solusi yang diusulkan guru melibatkan peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan guru melalui sosialisasi, pengembangan soft skill siswa, dan manajemen waktu yang lebih baik. Kesimpulannya, evaluasi non-tes diidentifikasi sebagai tantangan utama yang dapat diatasi dengan upaya peningkatan keterampilan guru dan manajemen pendidikan yang lebih efisien. Seiring dengan itu, penerapan evaluasi non-tes di MAN 2 Surakarta memberikan gambaran tentang pentingnya evaluasi, variasi instrumen yang digunakan, dan peran guru dalam memastikan evaluasi mencakup aspek hasil dan proses belajar siswa.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Experiences of GP trainees in undertaking telephone consultations: a mixed methods study
- Author
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Chaudhry, UAR, Ibison, J, Harris, T, Rafi, I, Johnston, M, and Fawns, T
- Subjects
education - Abstract
Background Primary care telephone consultations are increasingly used for patient triage, reviews, and providing clinical information. They are also a key postgraduate training component yet little is known about GP trainees’ preparation for, or experiences and perceptions of, them.\ud \ud Aim To understand the experiences, perceptions, and training of GP trainees in conducting telephone consultations.\ud \ud Design & setting A mixed-methods study was undertaken of North Central and East London (NCEL) GP trainees.\ud \ud Method A cross-sectional electronic survey of trainees was performed with subsequent semi-structured interviews. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data using thematic analysis.\ud \ud Results The survey response was 16% (n = 100/618), and 10 participated in semi-structured interviews. Trainees felt least confident with complicated telephone consulting, and there was a strong positive correlation between the percentage reporting having received training and their confidence (R 2 = 0.71, P
- Published
- 2020
11. The implementation of pharmacogenomics into UK general practice: a qualitative study exploring barriers, challenges and opportunities
- Author
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Rafi, I, Crinson, I, Dawes, M, Rafi, D, Pirmohamed, M, Walter, FM, Rafi, I, Crinson, I, Dawes, M, Rafi, D, Pirmohamed, M, and Walter, FM
- Abstract
Pharmacogenomics describes interpatient genetic variability in drug responses. Information based on whole genome sequencing will soon open up the field of pharmacogenomics and facilitate the use of genomic information relating to drug metabolism and drug responses. We undertook a qualitative study, aiming to explore the potential barriers, opportunities and challenges facing the implementation of pharmacogenomics into primary care. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 clinical participants (16 GPs and 2 other clinicians). All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using a thematic analysis approach, data items were coded, ordered and themes constructed. Most participants were aged 55-60 years and worked as part-time clinical GPs with other clearly defined roles. The emerging themes covered several areas of concern, including the following: the utility of pharmacogenomics and the value of introducing such testing into primary care; how to educate the primary care workforce and 'mainstream' pharmacogenomics; the ethical, legal and social aspects of pharmacogenomics and its impact on patients; and potential impacts on the healthcare system particularly around economics and informatics. Most participants had concerns about pharmacogenomics and felt that there were a number of barriers and challenges to its implementation into routine primary care. Most striking were their concerns around the cost-effectiveness of using pharmacogenomics in primary care. At the same time most recognised the increasing availability of direct-to-consumer testing, and felt that this would drive the need to understand the ethical and social implications of using genomic information in primary care. This study has raised important issues that need to be considered when planning the implementation of pharmacogenomics into clinical practice. Prior to the implementation of genomic testing into day-to-day practice in UK primary care, it is important that considerations ar
- Published
- 2020
12. The Effect of Dolomitization on Mergi Formation Sequences (Cenomanian- Early Turonian ) at The Type Section, Northern Iraq
- Author
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Rafi I. AL-Homadi and Ibrahim S. Al- Okli
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- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Incidence of lower respiratory tract infections and atopic conditions in boys and young male adults: Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre Annual report 2015-2016
- Author
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De Lusignan, S, Correa, A, Pebody, R, Yonova, I, Smith, G, Byford, R, Pathirannehelage, SR, McGee, C, Elliot, AJ, Hriskova, M, Ferreira, FI, Rafi, I, and Jones, S
- Subjects
medical record system, Computerized ,Pediatrics ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Population ,Health Informatics ,bronchitis ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,rhinitis ,Lower respiratory tract infection ,medicine ,conjunctivitis ,030212 general & internal medicine ,education ,population surveillance ,general practice ,education.field_of_study ,Original Paper ,Respiratory tract infections ,business.industry ,Incidence (epidemiology) ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,pharyngitis ,Common cold ,Odds ratio ,asthma ,medicine.disease ,common cold ,Upper respiratory tract infection ,030228 respiratory system ,Bronchitis ,urinary tract infections ,business ,gastroenteritis - Abstract
Background: The Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre comprises more than 150 general practices, with a combined population of more than 1.5 million, contributing to UK and European public health surveillance and research. Objective: The aim of this paper was to report gender differences in the presentation of infectious and respiratory conditions in children and young adults. Methods: Disease incidence data were used to test the hypothesis that boys up to puberty present more with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and asthma. Incidence rates were reported for infectious conditions in children and young adults by gender. We controlled for ethnicity, deprivation, and consultation rates. We report odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI, P values, and probability of presenting. Results: Boys presented more with LRTI, largely due to acute bronchitis. The OR of males consulting was greater across the youngest 3 age bands (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.35-1.87; OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05-1.21; OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.32). Allergic rhinitis and asthma had a higher OR of presenting in boys aged 5 to 14 years (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.37-1.68; OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.17-1.48). Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and urinary tract infection (UTI) had lower odds of presenting in boys, especially those older than 15 years. The probability of presenting showed different patterns for LRTI, URTI, and atopic conditions. Conclusions: Boys younger than 15 years have greater odds of presenting with LRTI and atopic conditions, whereas girls may present more with URTI and UTI. These differences may provide insights into disease mechanisms and for health service planning.
- Published
- 2018
14. Learning mathematics from erroneous example in individual and collaborative setting: is it effective to facilitate students’ mathematical disposition?
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Rafi, I, primary and Setyaningrum, W, additional
- Published
- 2019
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15. An Unusual Case of Acute Chondrocalcinosis in Wrist Joint Presenting as Cellulitis
- Author
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Rafi I Farkhad, Haider Ghazanfar, Razia Awan, and Karen A Martes Pena
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Provisional diagnosis ,Dermatology ,Wrist ,03 medical and health sciences ,pseudogout ,0302 clinical medicine ,Rheumatology ,Internal Medicine ,medicine ,acute chondrocalcinosis ,cellulitis ,030203 arthritis & rheumatology ,Unusual case ,business.industry ,General Engineering ,medicine.disease ,Surgery ,Hand swelling ,Joint aspiration ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Cellulitis ,wrist joint ,Pseudogout ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Chondrocalcinosis ,calcium pyrophosphate deposition - Abstract
Chondrocalcinosis is a common arthritic disorder among elderly patients. We present a case of a 71-year-old woman presenting with an acute episode of the left forearm with hand swelling. A provisional diagnosis of cellulitis was made and the patient was started on intravenous antibiotics. The patient’s condition did not improve. Joint aspiration of the wrist joint was done and showed positive birefringent rhomboid-shaped crystals. A final diagnosis of acute chondrocalcinosis was made.
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- 2017
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16. What are the common errors made by students in solving logarithm problems?
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Rafi, I, primary and Retnawati, H, additional
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- 2018
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17. The Effect of Dolomitization on Mergi Formation Sequences (Cenomanian- Early Turonian ) at The Type Section, Northern Iraq
- Author
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AL-Homadi, Rafi I., primary and Okli, Ibrahim S. Al-, additional
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- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Polymorphism of Prolactin Gene (PRL/PstI) In Sikumbang Jonti Duck Using PCR-RFLP Methods
- Author
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Teguh Rafian, Yurnalis Yurnalis, Yosi Fenita, and Rafi Iskandarsyah
- Subjects
local duck ,payakumbuh city ,sumatera barat ,genetic resources ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
This study is aimed to determine polymorphism of the Prolactin gene (PRL|PstI) in Sikumbang Jonti ducks using PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) method. This study used 56 Sikumbang Jonti ducks whose blood samples were taken. Gene amplification used a pair of primers forward 5' TGC AAA CCA TAA AAG AAA AGA 3' and reverse 5' CAA TGA AAA GTG GCA AAG CAA 3', which resulted in a 400 bp fragment in exon 5 of the Prolactin (PRL) gene. The amplification product was restricted using the PstI enzyme, which recognizes the truncation site (5' G↓ACGTC 3'). From 56 samples of Sikumbang Jonti ducks identified, just one genotype was found, homozygous (-/-) with only one allele (-). Analysis of the restriction product in Sikumbang Jonti ducks obtained a uniform genetic variation of PRL|PstI (monomorphic) with an allele frequency (-) of 100%.
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- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. An Unusual Case of Acute Chondrocalcinosis in Wrist Joint Presenting as Cellulitis
- Author
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Awan, Razia, primary, Ghazanfar, Haider, additional, Martes Pena, Karen A, additional, and Farkhad, Rafi I, additional
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- 2017
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- View/download PDF
20. The role of self-care and the use of smart sensors in the UK’s health provision
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Sullivan, R, primary and Rafi, I, primary
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- 2017
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21. PENGARUH DIMENSI PELAYANAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN PADA BENGKEL HONDA PT. KOKO MOTOR DI MAKASSAR
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ZULKARNAEN, MUHAMMAD RAFI???I
- Subjects
kehandalan ,ketanggapan dan jaminan ,Kualitas fisik ,empati - Abstract
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat pengaruh yang mempengaruhi kepuasan konsumen yang menggunakan jasa bengkel Honda PT. Koko Motor di Makassar. Metode analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linier berganda dengan program SPSS Versi 20. Populasi yang digunakan adlaah masyarakat kota Makassar yang menggunakan sepeda motor Honda yang menggunakan jasa bengkel PT.. Koko Motor, sedangkan sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 100 orang dengan metode purposive sampling. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahsa pengaruh dimensi yang teriri dari tangible, reliability, empathy, responsiveness, dan assurance berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan konsumen baik secara parsial maupun secara simultan. Kata Kunci : Kualitas fisik, kehandalan, empati, ketanggapan dan jaminan T his study aims to look at the influence that affect customer satisfaction using the services of PT. Koko Motor in Makassar. The method of analysis used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS version 20. Population used public tends Makassar who use Honda motorcycle repair shops that use the services of PT. Koko Motor, while the sample of 100 people who used the purposive sampling method. The study findings suggest the influence of language support dimensions that consist of tangible , reliability, empathy, responsiveness, and assurance positive and significant impact on consumer satisfaction either partially or simultaneously. Keywords : physical quality, reliability, empathy, responsiveness and assurance
- Published
- 2015
22. Launch of British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons book: Important oral and maxillofacial presentations for the primary care clinician-educating and promoting our specialty to general practitioners across the UK
- Author
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Brennan, P.A., primary, Goodson, A.M., additional, Payne, K.F., additional, Tahim, A.S., additional, Davidson, M.C., additional, and Rafi, I., additional
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- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Methane Production of Pistia Stratiotes as a Single Substrate and as a Co-Substrate with Dairy Cow Manure
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Sutaryo Sutaryo, Aldila Nugrahaini Sempana, Rifo Martio Mulya, Dian Sulistyaningrum, Mochamad Sofyan Ali, Rafi Ihsa Damarjati, Endang Purbowati, Retno Adiwinarti, and Agung Purnomoadi
- Subjects
co-digestion ,methane ,manure ,aquatic weed ,post digestion ,Fermentation industries. Beverages. Alcohol ,TP500-660 - Abstract
Mono anaerobic digestion (AD) of dairy cow manure (DCM) is constrained by high moisture, ash and crude fibre content. Anaerobic co-digestion DCM and other biomass is one of the methods to overcome this drawback. This study aimed to evaluate: methane production from different parts of Pistia stratiotes (PS), methane production from the mixed substrate of PS and DCM in different proportions of PS in terms of volatile solids (VS) (0%, 7.99%, 14.91%, and 20.94%) using continuous digesters, and the potency of biogas yield from the digested slurry. Methane production from the whole plant, shoot system, and root of PS was 405.68, 416.82, and 326.42 L/kg VS, respectively. The highest methane production was obtained from the shoot system because that part contained higher crude protein and hemicellulose contents. Utilization of PS as a co-substrate for AD of the DCM can increase methane production by 28.65–56.98% compared to the control digester. No effect on pH, total ammonia nitrogen and total volatile fatty acid indicated that PS was suitable as a co-substrate of DCM and can significantly increase methane yield of the mixed substrate. AD of digested slurries showed that to recover the biogas production from the mixed substrate, the post-digestion treatment should be applied before the slurries are used as organic fertilizer.
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- 2022
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24. Visual Expressions of Children’s Strengths, Difficulties and Wishes in Person Picking an Apple from a Tree Drawings among Preschoolers Living in Areas of Persistent Political Violence
- Author
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Michal Bat Or, Rafi Ishai, Nirit Barkay, and Or Shalev
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PPAT ,children ,self-potency ,EF ,maternal distress ,political violence ,Pediatrics ,RJ1-570 - Abstract
The present study sought to inquire into the subjective experience of 156 preschoolers (age 4–6.9 years) living in an area of political violence in Israel (on the border with the Gaza Strip) during a period of massive bombing. Children were invited to draw a Person Picking an Apple from a Tree (PPAT), and were interviewed on their sense of self-potency using the CAMP, a measure of potency. Teachers were asked to report problems in executive functions using a few BRIEF scales; and mothers filled out a questionnaire for maternal distress (BSI), a measure of their child strengths and difficulties (SDQ), and were asked to provide their assessment regarding the extent to which their child was exposed to political violence. Findings reveal associations between mothers’ distress, the degree of exposure of their child to trauma, and the child’s emotional symptoms. PPAT analysis identified four main factors: Tree Generosity, Person Agency, Vividness, and As-Real-R. Positive associations were found between self-potency and the main factors of the drawings; negative associations were found between the child’s difficulties in executive functions and the drawing’s four main factors; and two small negative associations were found between the child’s emotional symptoms and Tree Generosity and As-Real-R factors. The following associations were found within each gender group: mothers’ depression degree was associated with boy’s Tree Generosity, and mother’s perceptions of their girl’s exposure to trauma was related to Person Agency, Tree Generosity, and As-Real-R factors; furthermore, a significant difference was found between the narrative focus of drawings in this sample and the narrative focus of drawings of a sample of the same age group from a non-war zone. In addition, narrative focus was found to be related to children’s self-potency. The discussion deals with the study’s findings through the prism of developmental psychology, self-agency, object-relations, and art-therapy theories.
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- 2022
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25. Budaya Patriarkhi dan Perjuangan Perempuan dalam Novel `Pesan Cinta Dari Hujan` Karya Erni Aladjai
- Author
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Muhammad Rafi`i
- Subjects
Patriarchy Culture ,Women’s Struggles ,Feminist Approach ,Language and Literature - Abstract
This paper discusses patriarchy culture and women’s struggles in Pesan Cinta Dari Hujan, a novel written by Erni Aladjai (2010). Patriarchy culture can be seen in attitudes, behaviors, and actions conducted by male characters toward female characters. This paper adopts a feminist approach to explore patriarchy culture and women’s struggles in the novel. The findings show that patriarchy culture includes violence of domestic or women, violence of education and building children’s characters, and violence of space and movement given for self-actualization. Women characters’ struggles to fight patriarchy culture are determination, tear, and running.
- Published
- 2017
26. The implementation of pharmacogenomics into UK general practice: a qualitative study exploring barriers, challenges and opportunities
- Author
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Fiona M Walter, Munir Pirmohamed, I. Crinson, Imran Rafi, Martin Dawes, D. Rafi, Rafi, I. [0000-0001-9673-9675], and Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository
- Subjects
0303 health sciences ,Medical education ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Epidemiology ,business.industry ,Public health ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Informatics ,Pharmacogenomics ,Workforce ,medicine ,Mainstream ,Original Article ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Personalized medicine ,Thematic analysis ,Psychology ,business ,Genetics (clinical) ,030304 developmental biology ,Qualitative research - Abstract
Funder: St. George's University of London, Pharmacogenomics describes interpatient genetic variability in drug responses. Information based on whole genome sequencing will soon open up the field of pharmacogenomics and facilitate the use of genomic information relating to drug metabolism and drug responses. We undertook a qualitative study, aiming to explore the potential barriers, opportunities and challenges facing the implementation of pharmacogenomics into primary care. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 clinical participants (16 GPs and 2 other clinicians). All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using a thematic analysis approach, data items were coded, ordered and themes constructed. Most participants were aged 55–60 years and worked as part-time clinical GPs with other clearly defined roles. The emerging themes covered several areas of concern, including the following: the utility of pharmacogenomics and the value of introducing such testing into primary care; how to educate the primary care workforce and ‘mainstream’ pharmacogenomics; the ethical, legal and social aspects of pharmacogenomics and its impact on patients; and potential impacts on the healthcare system particularly around economics and informatics. Most participants had concerns about pharmacogenomics and felt that there were a number of barriers and challenges to its implementation into routine primary care. Most striking were their concerns around the cost-effectiveness of using pharmacogenomics in primary care. At the same time most recognised the increasing availability of direct-to-consumer testing, and felt that this would drive the need to understand the ethical and social implications of using genomic information in primary care. This study has raised important issues that need to be considered when planning the implementation of pharmacogenomics into clinical practice. Prior to the implementation of genomic testing into day-to-day practice in UK primary care, it is important that considerations around education, cost-effectiveness and informatics are addressed, as well as the impact on patients.
- Published
- 2020
27. Outcome, Complications, and Survival of Sarcomas of the Extremities Treated With Mega Prostheses: A Comprehensive Analysis of 115 Cases in a Cancer-Dedicated Hospital.
- Author
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Farooque K, Shafiq MB, Farooq MZ, Rafi I, Shoaib A, and Asif S
- Abstract
Introduction: In the late 20th century, limb salvage surgery emerged as a game-changer for treating musculoskeletal tumors, evolving with advanced techniques to offer both survival and functional preservation. The objective of the study is to discuss key metrics, such as overall survival, metastasis-free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and functional outcomes, recognizing the importance of these measures. Despite hurdles such as potential infections and implant issues, it is crucial to understand and address complications, which is also highlighted in this study., Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients with primary malignant bone tumors from January 2017 to December 2023 and the progress was followed up till June 2024. Variables assessed included patient age, size and anatomical location of the primary tumor, metastasis, histological subtype, stage and grade of tumor, resection margins, treatment provided, functional outcome, and complications. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 27. Five-year metastasis-free survival, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier method., Results: A total of 115 patients were analyzed, among which the most common type of tumor was osteosarcoma, found in 79 (68.7%) patients. Out of the 115 patients, 20 (17.4%) expired, six were lost to follow-up, and the five-year overall survival rate was approximately 78% (95% CI: 69.6-87.5%). Fourteen (12.2%) patients had local recurrence, and the five-year recurrence-free survival rate was approximately 83.2% (95% CI: 74.4-92.6%). Meanwhile, 27 (23.5%) patients had distant metastasis, and the five-year metastasis-free survival rate was approximately 67.5% (95% CI: 55.3-82.3%). Complications occurred in 31 (27%) patients, with 13 (11.3%) patients having local soft-tissue-related complications., Conclusion: We observed good survival and functional outcomes in patients treated with wide-margin excision of bone sarcomas and reconstruction with mega prostheses., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Center (SKMCH&RC) issued approval EX-04-10-23-02. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Farooque et al.)
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- 2024
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28. Persistent Challenges: A Recurrent Adamantinoma - Case Report.
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Farooque K, Farooq MZ, and Rafi I
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Introduction: Adamantinoma is a rare, locally aggressive bone tumor that primarily affects the long bones, with a predilection for the tibia. Although considered a low-grade malignancy, adamantinoma is notorious for its high propensity for recurrence, which poses significant clinical challenges in the management of affected individuals. This case report aims to explore the intricacies of recurrent adamantinoma of the tibia, shedding light on its clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies, and prognostic factors., Objective: This case report aims to evaluate surgical and functional outcomes of post-excision and reconstruction in recurrent adamantinoma., Case Report: This retrospective case report includes the patient who presented in Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center Lahore with recurrent adamantinoma. Data were collected after patient's written and informed consent, and a retrospective analysis of the patient's demographics was done with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences using the information in the Hospital Information System with a predesigned pro forma. Histology slides were collected from the Department of Pathology. Variables that were included are categorized into demographics, history and examination findings, site, and size of the primary tumor, radiological findings, histological type, stage, and resection margins. The patient underwent wide margin excision and reconstruction with free vascularized fibula graft and his functional outcome was evaluated using the musculoskeletal tumor society score which showed good functional outcome., Conclusion: Despite therapeutic challenges, wide excision of the tumor followed by free vascularized fibula grafting for reconstruction is a viable option to treat such patients where advanced prosthesis and allografts are not available., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: Nil, (Copyright: © Indian Orthopaedic Research Group.)
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- 2024
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29. Implementing a digital rare disease case-finding tool in UK primary care: a qualitative study of health professionals' experience.
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Yahia R, Rafi I, and Evans W
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- Humans, United Kingdom, Health Personnel, Male, Female, Rare Diseases diagnosis, Qualitative Research, Primary Health Care, Attitude of Health Personnel
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Background: Rare diseases affect millions of people globally, with a lifetime incidence of 1 in 17. They are complex, multisystem, severe disease, and patients experience a diagnostic delay averaging 5.6 years with associated misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and anxiety. MendelScan is a digital case-finding tool that uses structured primary care data to identify patients at risk of being affected by one of a series of rare diseases. This qualitative study explored primary healthcare professionals' experiences of implementing this technology., Aim: To develop an understanding of primary healthcare professionals' experiences of implementing MendelScan with a focus on their perception of the technology and its implementation, challenges and opportunities., Method: A qualitative appraisal of implementing MendelScan using descriptive analysis of surveys and semi-structured interviews with professionals., Results: A total of 11 professionals from the two project areas participated. Participants included GPs, nurses, a genetic counsellor, and healthcare managers.Participants reported that they received adequate support, the project increased confidence in integrating genetics in primary care, and that it may improve inequity in rare disease diagnosis. Professionals' reservations were related to knowledge, time commitments, primary care pressures, contacting patients, data sharing and confidentiality, and overcoming clinical resistance in sharing data with a non-NHS external body., Conclusion: This study provides a valuable insight into the experiences of primary care professionals using a novel tool to identify rare diseases. The potential of this tool is promising with benefits for skill development. Large-scale implementation faces challenges related to primary care capacity, data, and funding., (© British Journal of General Practice 2024.)
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- 2024
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30. Complications and Outcome of Bone Sarcoma Patients with Limb Salvage using Liquid Nitrogen-treated Bone for Reconstruction.
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Farooq MZ, Shafiq MB, Ali S, and Rafi I
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Introduction: The recommended treatment method for bone sarcoma is wide local excision and reconstruction to preserve limb function. Established methods of reconstruction are mega prosthesis or biological reconstruction. This study aimed to determine the complications and functional outcomes associated with limb salvage surgery using liquid nitrogen-treated bone., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively observed the short-term outcome of limb salvage surgeries where liquid nitrogen bone was used for reconstruction. A total of 15 patients underwent reconstruction with liquid nitrogen auto graft from January 2018 to December 2020. We used the free freezing method of liquid nitrogen treatment after wide local excision of sarcoma. We observed short-term outcomes after liquid nitrogen-treated bone reconstruction in limb salvage surgery. Survival of the auto grafts was recorded using the Kaplan-Meier method with a 95% confidence interval., Results: The mean follow-up was 19.83 ± 4.5 months. The mean musculoskeletal tumor society score was 62.4 ± 7.9%, while the average Toronto extremity score was 59.6 ± 5.7%. Three patients died during the study duration due to visceral metastasis. Skin necrosis and wound breakdown were major complications in 9 (60%) patients. Deep infection was observed in 4 (26.7%). Similarly, 4 (26.7%) patients had non-union at either the proximal or distal osteotomy site, while the average time of bone union in the rest of the patients was 6.3 ± 1.7 months. A total of 6 (40%) patients underwent reoperation after liquid nitrogen treatment, either due to infection or non-union at the osteotomy site. Recurrence was observed in 3 (20%) of patients., Conclusion: We observed a high complication rate with liquid nitrogen-treated autograft reconstruction. Vascularized fibula with liquid nitrogen-treated autograft or endoprosthesis should be encouraged., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Farooq MZ, et al.)
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- 2024
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31. KU-BdSL: An open dataset for Bengali sign language recognition.
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Jim AAJ, Rafi I, Akon MZ, Biswas U, and Nahid AA
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Sign language is a form of communication medium for speech and hearing disabled people. It has various forms with different troublesome patterns, which are difficult for the general mass to comprehend. Bengali sign language (BdSL) is one of the difficult sign languages due to its immense number of alphabet, words, and expression techniques. Machine translation can ease the difficulty for disabled people to communicate with generals. From the machine learning (ML) domain, computer vision can be the solution for them, and every ML solution requires a optimized model and a proper dataset. Therefore, in this research work, we have created a BdSL dataset and named `KU-BdSL', which consists of 30 classes describing 38 consonants ('banjonborno') of the Bengali alphabet. The dataset includes 1500 images of hand signs in total, each representing Bengali consonant(s). Thirty-nine participants (30 males and 9 females) of different ages (21-38 years) participated in the creation of this dataset. We adopted smartphones to capture the images due to the availability of their high-definition cameras. We believe that this dataset can be beneficial to the deaf and dumb (D&D) community. Identification of Bengali consonants of BdSL from images or videos is feasible using the dataset. It can also be employed for a human-machine interface for disabled people. In the future, we will work on the vowels and word level of BdSL., (© 2023 The Authors.)
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- 2023
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32. Embedding genomics across the NHS: a primary care perspective.
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Hayward J, Evans W, Miller E, and Rafi I
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Primary care remains the point of access to the NHS as well as having key roles in care coordination and prescribing. Therefore, embedding of genomic medicine in the NHS relies on successful implementation into the primary care landscape. Primary care is currently facing considerable challenges, including increasing numbers of patients and consultations per GP, multiple health conditions and polypharmacy, all contributing to increasing workload within a resource-constrained system. Although genomic medicine has enormous potential to benefit patients, its successful implementation demands alignment with existing skills and working practices, development of underpinning informatics infrastructure, integration into care pathways with consideration of commissioning and leadership. Here, we set out current initiatives and future strategies to support primary care colleagues in the delivery of genomic medicine, covering issues of workforce development and education, primary care leadership, and data and digital considerations., (© Royal College of Physicians 2023. All rights reserved.)
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- 2023
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33. Progress in primary and integrated care.
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Hawthorne K and Rafi I
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- 2023
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34. Integrating primary care: an inside perspective on the Fuller Stocktake.
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Fuller C, Mason U, Shackles D, and Rafi I
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In November 2021 Claire Fuller led a national piece of work looking at primary care within integrated care systems (ICSs) to identify what was working well and why. The published report from this piece of work became known as the Fuller Stocktake.
1 In this interview, Professor Fuller sets out the process and principles behind the Stocktake., (© Royal College of Physicians 2023. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2023
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35. Limb Salvage Surgery in a Voluminous Malignant Quadriceps Tumor.
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Farooq MZ, Shafiq MB, Rafi I, and Ali S
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It is uncommon for soft tissue sarcomas to develop after adenocarcinoma of the rectum. In a treated rectal adenocarcinoma patient, we encountered a huge malignant quadriceps tumor as leiomyosarcoma and salvaged the limb. A 49-year-old male known case of treated moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the rectum presented in the Orthopedic Clinic with a new swelling in his left thigh. MRI of the left lower limb was obtained, and it demonstrated a large 15.8 x 13.2 x 30 cm well-defined mixed solid cystic lesion in the anterolateral aspect of the left mid-thigh without the involvement of adjacent bony cortex. Limb salvage surgery with wide local excision of the tumor was done. The patient was ambulated full weight from the very next day with a Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) score of 20. Despite the massive size of the tumor, limb salvage was attempted successfully and achieved good functional status., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Farooq et al.)
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- 2023
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36. Autoimmune Hypoglycemia With Anti-Insulin Autoantibodies in an Eighty-One-Year-Old Woman Without Apparent Risk Factors.
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Kumar V, Gala D, Rafi I, Shah M, Marowa S, Kaul D, Lukose S, and Kazeem S
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Background/objective: Insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is a very rare cause of hypoglycemia presenting with recurrent fasting or postprandial hypoglycemia episodes with elevated serum insulin levels and insulin autoantibodies. The objective of this case is to highlight the importance of considering IAS in patients with hypoglycemia., Case Report: We present a case of an 81-year-old female who presented with symptoms of hypoglycemia. She was found to have hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic episodes without any apparent risk factors for IAS. She had positive-insulin autoantibodies in her serum leading to the diagnosis of IAS. Acutely, hypoglycemia was managed with D50 pushes, oral glucose, and glucagon injection., Discussion: Patients who present with hypoglycemia due to endogenous hyperinsulinemia should have IAS considered as a possible differential diagnosis. Insulin autoantibodies are measured as the gold standard diagnostic test for IAS. Foods with a low glycemic index are the primary treatment for IAS., Conclusion: This case presentation highlights the importance of considering IAS as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with hypoglycemia secondary to hyperinsulinemia, even in the absence of apparent risk factors., Competing Interests: The authors have no multiplicity of interest to disclose., (© 2023 AACE. Published by Elsevier Inc.)
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- 2023
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37. Radiotherapy and Limb-Sparing Surgery in the Management of Localized Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Tertiary Care Center Experience From Pakistan.
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Raza SM, Riaz A, Mansha MA, Fasih S, Awan UK, Siddiqui K, Rafi I, Shoaib A, Abu Bakar M, and Fareed MM
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- Adult, Male, Humans, Young Adult, Middle Aged, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Retrospective Studies, Pakistan epidemiology, Tertiary Care Centers, Neoplasm Recurrence, Local surgery, Sarcoma radiotherapy, Sarcoma surgery, Soft Tissue Neoplasms radiotherapy, Soft Tissue Neoplasms surgery
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Purpose: When combined with radiotherapy, limb salvage surgery is an alternative to amputation. This study sought to determine the limb-sparing treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with soft tissue extremity sarcomas treated at our institution., Materials and Methods: All adult patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma treated with the radical limb salvage strategy at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Canter, Lahore, Pakistan, between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively assessed., Results: A total of 122 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 42 years (range 19-82), and 64 (52.5%) were males. The majority of patients, 65 (53.3%), were diagnosed with stage III and grade III disease according to American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification (Eighth edition). The most common surgical modality was wide local excision that was performed in 106 (86.9%) patients. Adjuvant radiation treatment was given in 111 (91%) patients, whereas 11 (9%) patients received neoadjuvant radiation treatment. The mean dose was 58 Gy (range: 46-66 Gy). Eighty-two (67.2%) of the patients were disease-free on post-treatment radiologic scans with disease recurrence observed in 40 (32.8%) patients. The median disease-free survival was 8 months (95% CI, 5.45 to 10.55). Local recurrence and distant metastases developed in 16 (13%) and 24 (20%) patients, respectively., Conclusion: About two thirds of patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma were successfully treated with limb salvage strategy, surgery, and radiation therapy. However, high rate of relapse warrants further novel strategies in this patient population.
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- 2023
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38. Impact of General Practitioner Education on Acceptance of an Adjuvanted Seasonal Influenza Vaccine among Older Adults in England.
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de Lusignan S, Ashraf M, Ferreira F, Tripathy M, Yonova I, Rafi I, Kassianos G, and Joy M
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Seasonal vaccination against influenza and in-pandemic COVID-19 vaccination are top public health priorities; vaccines are the primary means of reducing infections and also controlling pressures on health systems. During the 2018-2019 influenza season, we conducted a study of the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of 159 general practitioners (GPs) and 189 patients aged ≥65 years in England using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches to document beliefs about seasonal influenza and seasonal influenza vaccine. GPs were surveyed before and after a continuing medical education (CME) module on influenza disease and vaccination with an adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (aTIV) designed for patients aged ≥65 years, and patients were surveyed before and after a routine visit with a GP who participated in the CME portion of the study. The CME course was associated with significantly increased GP confidence in their ability to address patients' questions and concerns about influenza disease and vaccination ( p < 0.001). Patients reported significantly increased confidence in the effectiveness and safety of aTIV after meeting their GP. Overall, 82.2% of the study population were vaccinated against influenza (including 137 patients vaccinated during the GP visit and 15 patients who had been previously vaccinated), a rate higher than the English national average vaccine uptake of 72.0% that season. These findings support the value of GP-patient interactions to foster vaccine acceptance.
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- 2023
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39. Factors impacting COVID-19 vaccination intention among medical students.
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Gala D, Parrill A, Patel K, Rafi I, Nader G, Zhao R, Shoaib A, Swaminath G, Jahoda J, Hassan R, Colello R, and Rinker DV
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- COVID-19 Vaccines, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Intention, SARS-CoV-2, Vaccination, COVID-19 prevention & control, Students, Medical
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Medical students represent a significant part of the health-care community and are active members of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response. This study aimed to evaluate various factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intention among medical students via an online anonymous survey. A total of 370 students completed the online survey, with 229 (61.89%) not vaccinated for COVID-19. Of students not yet vaccinated, 45 (19.65%) were unsure or did not intend to accept the vaccine, while 184 (80.35%) intend to be vaccinated within 6 months. Overall, female gender, health status, clinical science enrollment, and the practice of COVID-19 preventative behaviors significantly correlated with the intention to be vaccinated within 6 months. Greater perceived risk for contracting COVID-19, lesser beliefs that the COVID-19 vaccination trials were rushed, and greater beliefs that being vaccinated would help complete their medical education were uniquely associated with the intention to be vaccinated within 6 months. Collectively, this study identified several factors that influenced medical students' intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. This information may be used in future immunization strategies to increase the vaccination rates among this group of future medical professionals.
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- 2022
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40. Polygenic risk scores: improving the prediction of future disease or added complexity?
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Ayoub A, McHugh J, Hayward J, Rafi I, and Qureshi N
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- Humans, Risk Factors, Genetic Predisposition to Disease
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- 2022
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41. The Outcome of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Terms of Resection Margins: A Study From a Cancer Dedicated Center.
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Shafiq MB Sr, Rafi I, Shoaib A, Ali S, Iqbal F, Latif T, and Mushtaq U
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Introduction Extremity soft-tissue sarcomas are uncommon malignancies of mesenchymal tissue, it accounts for <1 % of cancers and has a high recurrence rate with positive resection margins and unplanned excision. This study aims to determine the influence of unplanned excision and resection margins on local recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival in soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. Methods A retrospective review was conducted from January 2005 to December 2015 on all the patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities. Age, sex, histopathology, site, tumor grade, biopsy type, recurrence, metastasis, and end outcome were analyzed. Kaplan-Meir curves were used for Survival analysis, and log-rank or the Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used for Significance analysis. The data were entered into SPSS version 20, and Statistical significance was set at a p-value ≤0.05. Results One hundred forty-five patients with soft tissue sarcoma of extremities were managed with a mean follow-up of 76.3+/-6.7 months. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma 47 (32.4%) was the most common pathology found in this cohort, followed by Synovial sarcoma 34 (23.4%) and Liposarcoma 19 (13.1%). The most common site of occurrence was lower extremity 102 (70.3%). All the patients had residual disease after unplanned excisions; 107 underwent R0 resection, while 38 underwent R1 resection. Five-year overall survival was 70.2 & 71.1 % for R1 & R0 resections, respectively, and 71.3% for excisional and 74.2% for incisional biopsy. The tumor grade significantly influences overall survival, while other variables were not found to affect Recurrence-free survival and metastasis-free survival. Conclusion The data indicates that the high-grade tumor has a negative influence on overall survival, while resection margins width and unplanned excision have no significant effect on local recurrence, Metastasis free survival, and overall survival; however, before excision, adequate planning and awareness among general surgeons is necessary to improve the surgical morbidity and financial burden over the health care facilities., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Shafiq et al.)
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- 2022
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42. Evaluation of in vitro anticancer potential of pharmacological ethanolic plant extracts Acacia modesta and Opuntia monocantha against liver cancer cells.
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Abid F, Saleem M, Leghari T, Rafi I, Maqbool T, Fatima F, Arshad AM, Khurshid S, Naz S, Hadi F, Tahir M, Akhtar S, Yasir S, Mobashar A, and Ashraf M
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- Antioxidants pharmacology, Hep G2 Cells, Humans, Superoxide Dismutase metabolism, Trypan Blue, Tumor Suppressor Protein p53, Acacia chemistry, Liver Neoplasms, Opuntia chemistry, Plant Extracts pharmacology
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Acacia modesta (AM) and Opuntia monocantha (OM) are distributed in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. Both of these plants have different pharmacological properties. This study was designed to evaluate anticancer potential of Acacia modesta (AM) and Opuntia monocantha (OM). Liver cancer cell line HepG2 was used for assessment of anticancer activity. For the evaluation of anti-proliferative effects, cell viability and cell death in all groups of cells were evaluated via MTT, crystal violet and trypan blue assays. For the evaluation of apoptosis ELISA of p53 performed. Furthermore, LDH assay to find out the ability of malignant cells to metabolize pyruvate to lactate and antioxidant enzymes activity (GSH, CAT and SOD) at the end HPLC was performed to find active compound of AM and OM. Cytotoxicity (MTT), Viability assays (trypan blue, crystal viability, MUSE analysis) showed more dead, less live cells in plant treated groups with increase of concentration. Scratch assay for the anti-migratory effect of these plants showed treated groups have not ability to heal scratch/wound. ELISA of p53 for cellular apoptosis showed more release of p53 in treated groups. Antioxidant assay via glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) showed less anti-oxidative potential in treated cancer groups. LDH assay showed more lactate dehydrogenase release in treated groups compared with untreated. HPLC analysis showed the presence of phytochemicals such as steroids, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinone and amino acids in AM and OM plant extracts. Based on all these findings, it can be concluded that ethanolic extracts of Acacia modesta and Opuntia monocantha have promising anti-cancer potential.
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- 2022
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43. The BARCODE1 Pilot: a feasibility study of using germline single nucleotide polymorphisms to target prostate cancer screening.
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Benafif S, Ni Raghallaigh H, McGrowder E, Saunders EJ, Brook MN, Saya S, Rageevakumar R, Wakerell S, James D, Chamberlain A, Taylor N, Hogben M, Benton B, D'Mello L, Myhill K, Mikropoulos C, Bowen-Perkins H, Rafi I, Ferris M, Beattie A, Kuganolipava S, Sevenoaks T, Bower J, Kumar P, Hazell S, deSouza NM, Antoniou A, Bancroft E, Kote-Jarai Z, and Eeles R
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- Early Detection of Cancer methods, Feasibility Studies, Germ Cells pathology, Humans, Male, Pilot Projects, Prostate-Specific Antigen genetics, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide genetics, Prostatic Neoplasms diagnosis, Prostatic Neoplasms genetics, Prostatic Neoplasms pathology
- Abstract
Objectives: To assess the feasibility and uptake of a community-based prostate cancer (PCa) screening programme selecting men according to their genetic risk of PCa. To assess the uptake of PCa screening investigations by men invited for screening. The uptake of the pilot study would guide the opening of the larger BARCODE1 study recruiting 5000 men., Subjects and Methods: Healthy males aged 55-69 years were invited to participate via their general practitioners (GPs). Saliva samples were collected via mailed collection kits. After DNA extraction, genotyping was conducted using a study specific assay. Genetic risk was based on genotyping 130 germline PCa risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was calculated for each participant using the sum of weighted alleles for 130 SNPs. Study participants with a PRS lying above the 90th centile value were invited for PCa screening by prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy., Results: Invitation letters were sent to 1434 men. The overall study uptake was 26% (375/1436) and 87% of responders were eligible for study entry. DNA genotyping data were available for 297 men and 25 were invited for screening. After exclusions due to medical comorbidity/invitations declined, 18 of 25 men (72%) underwent MRI and biopsy of the prostate. There were seven diagnoses of PCa (38.9%). All cancers were low-risk and were managed with active surveillance., Conclusion: The BARCODE1 Pilot has shown this community study in the UK to be feasible, with an overall uptake of 26%. The main BARCODE1 study is now open and will recruit 5000 men. The results of BARCODE1 will be important in defining the role of genetic profiling in targeted PCa population screening. Patient Summary What is the paper about? Very few prostate cancer screening programmes currently exist anywhere in the world. Our pilot study investigated if men in the UK would find it acceptable to have a genetic test based on a saliva sample to examine their risk of prostate cancer development. This test would guide whether men are offered prostate cancer screening tests. What does it mean for patients? We found that the study design was acceptable: 26% of men invited to take part agreed to have the test. The majority of men who were found to have an increased genetic risk of prostate cancer underwent further tests offered (prostate MRI scan and biopsy). We have now expanded the study to enrol 5000 men. The BARCODE1 study will be important in examining whether this approach could be used for large-scale population prostate cancer screening., (© 2021 The Authors BJU International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of BJU International.)
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- 2022
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44. Molecular topography of an entire nervous system.
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Taylor SR, Santpere G, Weinreb A, Barrett A, Reilly MB, Xu C, Varol E, Oikonomou P, Glenwinkel L, McWhirter R, Poff A, Basavaraju M, Rafi I, Yemini E, Cook SJ, Abrams A, Vidal B, Cros C, Tavazoie S, Sestan N, Hammarlund M, Hobert O, and Miller DM 3rd
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- Animals, Caenorhabditis elegans genetics, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins genetics, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins metabolism, Fluorescent Dyes metabolism, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Genes, Reporter, Larva metabolism, Neurons metabolism, Neuropeptides genetics, Neuropeptides metabolism, Nucleotide Motifs genetics, RNA-Seq, Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid genetics, Signal Transduction genetics, Transcription Factors metabolism, Transcription, Genetic, Caenorhabditis elegans metabolism, Nervous System metabolism
- Abstract
We have produced gene expression profiles of all 302 neurons of the C. elegans nervous system that match the single-cell resolution of its anatomy and wiring diagram. Our results suggest that individual neuron classes can be solely identified by combinatorial expression of specific gene families. For example, each neuron class expresses distinct codes of ∼23 neuropeptide genes and ∼36 neuropeptide receptors, delineating a complex and expansive "wireless" signaling network. To demonstrate the utility of this comprehensive gene expression catalog, we used computational approaches to (1) identify cis-regulatory elements for neuron-specific gene expression and (2) reveal adhesion proteins with potential roles in process placement and synaptic specificity. Our expression data are available at https://cengen.org and can be interrogated at the web application CengenApp. We expect that this neuron-specific directory of gene expression will spur investigations of underlying mechanisms that define anatomy, connectivity, and function throughout the C. elegans nervous system., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2021
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45. Videoconferencing to deliver genetics services: a systematic review of telegenetics in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Brown EG, Watts I, Beales ER, Maudhoo A, Hayward J, Sheridan E, and Rafi I
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- Genetic Counseling, Humans, Pandemics, Patient Satisfaction, SARS-CoV-2, Videoconferencing, COVID-19, Telemedicine
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Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced reorganization of clinical services to minimize face-to-face contact between patients and health-care providers. Specialist services, including clinical genetics, must consider methods of remote delivery including videoconferencing-termed telegenetics. This review evaluates the evidence for telegenetics and its applicability to future service development., Methods: A systematic review of six databases was conducted to identify studies from 2005 onward using synchronous videoconferencing to deliver clinical genetics services. Included studies compared telegenetics to an alternative method or used a before and after design., Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria (eight compared telegenetics to in-person consultations and three to telephone delivery). Patient satisfaction, genetic knowledge, and psychosocial outcomes were similar for in-person and telegenetic counseling. There was some evidence that telegenetics may be superior to telephone delivery for knowledge gain and reduction in anxiety and depression. There is limited evidence concerning the effect of telegenetics on provider satisfaction and behavioral outcomes. Conclusions are limited by at least moderate risk of bias in all evaluated studies and small sample sizes., Conclusion: Across most outcomes measured, telegenetics had equivalent outcomes to in-person appointment; however, the extent to which the available evidence is applicable to longer-term use is debatable., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.)
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- 2021
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46. In silico analysis of the transcriptional regulatory logic of neuronal identity specification throughout the C. elegans nervous system.
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Glenwinkel L, Taylor SR, Langebeck-Jensen K, Pereira L, Reilly MB, Basavaraju M, Rafi I, Yemini E, Pocock R, Sestan N, Hammarlund M, Miller DM 3rd, and Hobert O
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- Animals, Caenorhabditis elegans genetics, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins metabolism, Computer Simulation, Nervous System growth & development, Transcription Factors metabolism, Caenorhabditis elegans growth & development, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins genetics, Cell Differentiation, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Neurons physiology, Transcription Factors genetics
- Abstract
The generation of the enormous diversity of neuronal cell types in a differentiating nervous system entails the activation of neuron type-specific gene batteries. To examine the regulatory logic that controls the expression of neuron type-specific gene batteries, we interrogate single cell expression profiles of all 118 neuron classes of the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system for the presence of DNA binding motifs of 136 neuronally expressed C. elegans transcription factors. Using a phylogenetic footprinting pipeline, we identify cis- regulatory motif enrichments among neuron class-specific gene batteries and we identify cognate transcription factors for 117 of the 118 neuron classes. In addition to predicting novel regulators of neuronal identities, our nervous system-wide analysis at single cell resolution supports the hypothesis that many transcription factors directly co-regulate the cohort of effector genes that define a neuron type, thereby corroborating the concept of so-called terminal selectors of neuronal identity. Our analysis provides a blueprint for how individual components of an entire nervous system are genetically specified., Competing Interests: LG, ST, KL, LP, MR, MB, IR, EY, RP, NS, MH, DM No competing interests declared, OH Reviewing editor, eLife, (© 2021, Glenwinkel et al.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Temporal, Spatial, Sexual and Environmental Regulation of the Master Regulator of Sexual Differentiation in C. elegans.
- Author
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Bayer EA, Sun H, Rafi I, and Hobert O
- Subjects
- Animals, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins genetics, DNA-Binding Proteins genetics, Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear genetics, Transcription Factors genetics, Caenorhabditis elegans physiology, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins metabolism, DNA-Binding Proteins metabolism, Gene Expression Regulation, Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear metabolism, Sex Differentiation, Spatio-Temporal Analysis, Transcription Factors metabolism
- Abstract
Sexual differentiation is controlled by diverse master regulatory factors across the animal kingdom. The transcription factor TRA-1 is the master regulator of somatic sexual differentiation in the nematode C. elegans, where it was reported to be expressed sex-specifically in the non-gonadal soma of hermaphrodites. Using a gfp-tagged allele of tra-1, we reveal unanticipated dynamics of TRA-1 protein expression in five dimensions: space, time, sex, environment, and subcellular localization. We show temporal regulation of TRA-1 protein accumulation in somatic tissues with different onsets of expression in different tissue types, indicating that sexual identity is not uniformly imposed. In hermaphrodites, neuronal expression is initially highly restricted and then increases variably between individuals during larval development until reaching panneuronal expression in the fourth larval stage. Unexpectedly, TRA-1 also accumulates in a subset of sex-shared neurons in the male. Additionally, a food signal is required to turn on TRA-1 expression in the intestine, and environmental stressors shut off TRA-1 expression in the entire non-gonadal soma, suggesting that somatic sexual differentiation may be affected by external conditions. We show that, in contrast to the protein degradation mechanisms that control TRA-1 accumulation in the adult, the temporal, sexual, and spatial specificities of TRA-1 accumulation during development are regulated transcriptionally. A nuclear hormone receptor, daf-12, previously implicated in developmental timing in C. elegans, contributes to temporal accumulation of TRA-1 in the nervous system. Our studies reveal a mosaic and dynamic nature of sexual identity acquisition and uncover hormonal control mechanisms for sexual differentiation of the brain., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Experiences of GP trainees in undertaking telephone consultations: a mixed-methods study.
- Author
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Chaudhry U, Ibison J, Harris T, Rafi I, Johnston M, and Fawns T
- Abstract
Background: Primary care telephone consultations are increasingly used for patient triage, reviews, and providing clinical information. They are also a key postgraduate training component yet little is known about GP trainees' preparation for, or experiences and perceptions of, them., Aim: To understand the experiences, perceptions, and training of GP trainees in conducting telephone consultations., Design & Setting: A mixed-methods study was undertaken of North Central and East London (NCEL) GP trainees., Method: A cross-sectional electronic survey of trainees was performed with subsequent semi-structured interviews. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data using thematic analysis., Results: The survey response was 16% ( n = 100/618), and 10 participated in semi-structured interviews. Trainees felt least confident with complicated telephone consulting, and there was a strong positive correlation between the percentage reporting having received training and their confidence ( R
2 = 0.71, P <0.0001). Positive experiences included managing workload and convenience. Negative experiences included complex encounters, communication barriers, and absence of examination. Trainees reported that training for telephone consultations needed strengthening, and that recently introduced audio-clinical observation tools (COTs) were useful. Positive correlations were found between the length of out-of-hours (OOH) but not in-hours training and the level of supervision or feedback received for telephone consultations., Conclusion: This project sheds light on GP trainees' current experiences of telephone consultations and the need to enhance future training. The findings will inform a wider debate among stakeholders and postgraduate learners regarding training for telephone consultations, and potentially for other remote technologies., (Copyright © 2020, The Authors.)- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Quality improvement of prescribing safety: a pilot study in primary care using UK electronic health records.
- Author
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Booth HP, Gallagher AM, Mullett D, Carty L, Padmanabhan S, Myles PR, Welburn SJ, Hoghton M, Rafi I, and Valentine J
- Subjects
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal therapeutic use, General Practice, Heart Failure, Humans, Pilot Projects, Risk Assessment, Thiazolidinediones therapeutic use, United Kingdom, Drug Utilization Review, Electronic Health Records, Patient Safety, Primary Health Care, Quality Improvement
- Abstract
Background: Quality improvement (QI) is a priority for general practice, and GPs are expected to participate in and provide evidence of QI activity. There is growing interest in harnessing the potential of electronic health records (EHR) to improve patient care by supporting practices to find cases that could benefit from a medicines review., Aim: To develop scalable and reproducible prescribing safety reports using patient-level EHR data., Design and Setting: UK general practices that contribute de-identified patient data to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)., Method: A scoping phase used stakeholder consultations to identify primary care QI needs and potential indicators. QI reports containing real data were sent to 12 pilot practices that used Vision GP software and had expressed interest. The scale-up phase involved automating production and distribution of reports to all contributing practices that used both Vision and EMIS software systems. Benchmarking reports with patient-level case review lists for two prescribing safety indicators were sent to 457 practices in December 2017 following the initial scale-up (Figure 2)., Results: Two indicators were selected from the Royal College of General Practitioners Patient Safety Toolkit following stakeholder consultations for the pilot phase involving 12 GP practices. Pilot phase interviews showed that reports were used to review individual patient care, implement wider QI actions in the practice, and for appraisal and revalidation., Conclusion: Electronic health record data can be used to provide standardised, reproducible reports that can be delivered at scale with minimal resource requirements. These can be used in a national QI initiative that impacts directly on patient care., (© British Journal of General Practice 2019.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Should UK primary care be an early adopter of genomic medicine?
- Author
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Dickenson D, Rafi I, Spicer J, and Papanikitas A
- Subjects
- Humans, Pharmacogenetics, United Kingdom, Whole Genome Sequencing, Genomics, Precision Medicine, Primary Health Care
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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