24 results on '"O'Hara R"'
Search Results
2. Abstract No. 548 Controlled Doxorubicin Release from a Distally Penetrating Polyelectrolyte Gel Embolic Material
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O'Hara, R., primary, Stewart, R., additional, Sima, M., additional, Smith, D., additional, and Bjorklund, R., additional
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- 2024
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3. 137 Incidence of suicide among melanoma and non-keratinocyte skin cancer patients in the US, 2000-2020
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Chen, M.L., Nava, V., Rezaei, S.J., Kim, J., Rodriguez, C., Swetter, S., O'Hara, R., and Linos, E.
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- 2024
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4. EP24.30: Pilot study of intra‐ and interoperator agreement of a proposed image quality scoring system for transvaginal ultrasound images.
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Deslandes, A., Avery, J., Leonardi, M., O'Hara, R., Maple, S., Chen, H., Knox, S., Panuccio, C., Lo, G., Hull, M.L., and Condous, G.
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IMAGE quality in imaging systems ,INTER-observer reliability ,TRANSVAGINAL ultrasonography ,INTRACLASS correlation ,OVARIES - Abstract
This article discusses a pilot study that aimed to test the reliability of a proposed scoring system for quantifying the image quality of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) images. The scoring system, which could be used in the development of artificial intelligence tools for diagnosing endometriosis, assigned a score of 1-3 to each image based on its quality. The study involved six raters who assessed 150 images, and the results showed poor to moderate levels of interobserver and intraobserver reliability. The authors suggest that further refinement of the scoring system may be necessary to improve reliability. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
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5. Influence of zwitterionic amphiphilic copolymers on heterogeneous gypsum formation: A promising approach for scaling resistance.
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Wang M, Zuo X, Jacovone RMS, O'Hara R, Mondal AN, Asatekin A, and Rodrigues DF
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- Quartz Crystal Microbalance Techniques, X-Ray Diffraction, Scattering, Small Angle, Methacrylates chemistry, Surface-Active Agents chemistry, Phosphorylcholine analogs & derivatives, Phosphorylcholine chemistry, Calcium Sulfate chemistry, Polymers chemistry
- Abstract
This study aims to investigate the influence of zwitterionic amphiphilic copolymers (ZACs) in the nucleation and growth of heterogeneous CaSO
4 at the zwitterion-water interface, which is crucial for the prevention of mineral scaling and consequent downtime or suboptimal performance in industries like membrane desalination, heat exchangers, and pipeline transportation. In situ grazing incidence small angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS), and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) techniques were used to analyze the evolution of CaSO4 particles on two new ZAC coatings: poly-(trifluoroethyl methacrylate-random-sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PTFEMA-r-SBMA, or PT:SBMA) and poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate-random-2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PTFEMA-r-MPC, or PT:MPC). The results showed that PT:MPC coatings promoted nucleation but inhibited crystal growth, resulting in slower overall reaction kinetics on PT:MPC coatings compared to PT:SBMA coatings. Interfacial interactions involving the substrates, sulfate minerals, and ions were examined, revealing that calcium ion adsorption, primarily governed by electrostatic attraction, played a crucial role in the nucleation and growth processes on both ZAC coatings. The crystal characterization revealed a phase transition from bassanite to gypsum on both ZAC coatings, suggesting that these zwitterionic materials can influence the mineral phase of heterogeneously formed CaSO4 crystals. These findings enhance our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying heterogeneous CaSO4 scaling in the presence of zwitterionic materials., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2024
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6. Self-Management Among People Living With Endometriosis: A Qualitative Study.
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O'Hara R and Roufeil L
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Self-management is pivotal for effective chronic disease management. However, this concept remains unexplored among people with endometriosis, who often experience chronic pain and significant impacts on their quality of life. This research explored participants' experience managing endometriosis and their understanding and integration of self-management into their lives. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts from 15 semi-structured interviews among people with endometriosis. The themes captured many aspects of self-management and included (1) perceptions of control, (2) engaging in self-management behaviors, (3) active decision-makers versus recipients of care, (4) establishing a patient-provider partnership, and (5) support is vital. The extent to which participants engaged in self-management varied, however, is consistent with self-management literature for other chronic conditions suggesting that there is a role for self-management among people living with endometriosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
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- 2024
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7. Hydrophobic fouling-resistant electrospun nanofiber membranes from poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyampholyte blends.
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Jayasekara AS, Mazzaferro L, O'Hara R, Asatekin A, and Cebe P
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This study reports the fabrication of non-woven fibrous membranes from electrospinning blended solutions of PVDF with polyampholytes in N,N -dimethylformamide and methanol. Polyampholytes are macromolecules that have both positive and negative charged units in different side groups attached to the backbone. In this study, we used a random polyampholyte amphiphilic copolymer (r-PAC) synthesized by co-polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer in addition to the positive and negative charged monomer units, to reduce the fouling propensity of PVDF electrospun membranes while preserving its inherent hydrophobicity. Blends of PVDF/r-PAC were electrospun across the full range of compositions from 0/100 to 100/0. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed formation of beaded fibers with average fibril diameters from 0.09-0.18 μm. The variation in the fiber diameters is caused by the change in surface charge density, dynamic viscosity of the solution, and the instability of the Taylor cone. Bead formation was observed in the mats electrospun from less viscous solutions. Wide angle X-ray scattering showed that electrospun fibers of PVDF crystallized into the electro-active β and γ crystal phases, whereas polyampholytes were amorphous. Thermogravimetry showed that the PVDF/r-PAC blends have a multi-step thermal degradation mechanism while PVDF homopolymer showed single-step thermal degradation. Sessile drop contact angle measurements confirmed that fibers possess high hydrophobicity and super-oleophilicity. Adsorptive fouling experiments with a fluorescently labeled protein confirmed that the fiber mats obtained from the PVDF/r-PAC blends resist protein adsorption, exhibiting highly enhanced fouling resistance compared to the fibers obtained from homopolymer PVDF.
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- 2024
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8. Endogenous EWSR1-FLI1 degron alleles enable control of fusion oncoprotein expression in tumor cell lines and xenografts.
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McGinnis JH, Enriquez AB, Vandiver F, Bai X, Kim J, Kilgore J, Saha P, O'Hara R, Xie Y, Banaszynski LA, Williams N, and McFadden DG
- Abstract
Pediatric malignancies frequently harbor chromosomal translocations that induce expression of fusion oncoproteins. The EWSR1-FLI1 fusion oncoprotein acts as a neomorphic transcription factor and is the dominant genetic driver of Ewing's sarcoma. Interrogation of the mechanisms by which EWSR1-FLI1 drives tumorigenesis has been limited by a lack of model systems to precisely and selectively control its expression in patient-derived cell lines and xenografts. Here, we report the generation of a panel of patient-derived EWS cell lines in which inducible protein degrons were engineered into the endogenous EWSR1-FLI1 locus. These alleles enabled rapid and efficient depletion of EWSR1-FLI1. Complete suppression of EWSR1-FLI1 induced a reversible cell cycle arrest at the G
1 -S checkpoint, and we identified a core set of transcripts downstream of EWSR1-FLI1 across multiple cell lines and degron systems. Additionally, depletion of EWSR1-FLI1 potently suppressed tumor growth in xenograft models validating efforts to directly target EWSR1-FLI1 in Ewing's sarcoma.- Published
- 2024
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9. TASOR expression in naive embryonic stem cells safeguards their developmental potential.
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Pinzon-Arteaga CA, O'Hara R, Mazzagatti A, Ballard E, Hu Y, Pan A, Schmitz DA, Wei Y, Sakurai M, Ly P, Banaszynski LA, and Wu J
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The seamless transition through stages of pluripotency relies on a balance between transcription factor networks and epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we reveal the crucial role of the transgene activation suppressor (TASOR), a component of the human silencing hub (HUSH) complex, in maintaining cell viability during the transition from naive to primed pluripotency. TASOR loss in naive pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) triggers replication stress, disrupts H3K9me3 heterochromatin, and impairs silencing of LINE-1 (L1) transposable elements, with more severe effects in primed PSCs. Notably, the survival of Tasor knockout PSCs during this transition can be restored by inhibiting caspase or deleting the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS). This suggests that unscheduled L1 expression activates an innate immune response, leading to cell death specifically in cells exiting naive pluripotency. Our findings highlight the importance of epigenetic programs established in naive pluripotency for normal development., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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10. Long-term cognitive training enhances fluid cognition and brain connectivity in individuals with MCI.
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Gozdas E, Avelar-Pereira B, Fingerhut H, Dacorro L, Jo B, Williams L, O'Hara R, and Hosseini SMH
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- Humans, Male, Female, Aged, Single-Blind Method, Cognition physiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, White Matter diagnostic imaging, White Matter physiopathology, Executive Function physiology, Middle Aged, Brain diagnostic imaging, Brain physiopathology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods, Cognitive Training, Cognitive Dysfunction physiopathology, Cognitive Dysfunction diagnostic imaging, Cognitive Dysfunction rehabilitation
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Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multi-domain cognitive training (CT) may slow cognitive decline and delay AD onset. However, most work involves short interventions, targeting single cognitive domains or lacking active controls. We conducted a single-blind randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of a 6-month, multi-domain CT on Fluid Cognition, functional connectivity in memory and executive functioning networks (primary outcomes), and white matter microstructural properties (secondary outcome) in aMCI. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to either a multi-domain CT or crossword training (CW) group, and thirty-four participants completed the intervention. We found a significant group-by-time interaction in Fluid Cognition (p = 0.007, F (1,28) = 8.26, Cohen's d = 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.45-14.4), with 90% of CT patients showing post-intervention improvements (p < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.7). The CT group also showed better post-intervention Fluid Cognition than healthy controls (HCs, N = 45, p = 0.045). Functional connectivity analyses showed a significant group-by-time interaction (Cohen's d ≥ 0.8) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and inferior parietal cortex (IPC) networks. Specifically, CT displayed post-intervention increases whereas CW displayed decreases in functional connectivity. Moreover, increased connectivity strength between the left DLPFC and medial PFC was associated with improved Fluid Cognition. At a microstructural level, we observed a decline in fiber density (FD) for both groups, but the CT group declined less steeply (1.3 vs. 2%). The slower decline in FD for the CT group in several tracts, including the cingulum-hippocampus tract, was associated with better working memory. Finally, we identified regions in cognitive control and memory networks for which baseline functional connectivity and microstructural properties were associated with changes in Fluid Cognition. Long-term, multi-domain CT improves cognitive functioning and functional connectivity and delays structural brain decline in aMCI (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03883308)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
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- 2024
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11. Incidence of suicide among melanoma and nonkeratinocyte skin cancer patients in the United States, 2000-2020.
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Chen ML, Rezaei SJ, Kim J, Rodriguez C, Swetter SM, O'Hara R, and Linos E
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- Humans, United States epidemiology, Incidence, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Aged, Adult, Carcinoma, Basal Cell epidemiology, Carcinoma, Basal Cell psychology, Aged, 80 and over, Skin Neoplasms epidemiology, Skin Neoplasms pathology, Melanoma epidemiology, Suicide statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest None disclosed.
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- 2024
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12. How do emergency departments respond to ambulance pre-alert calls? A qualitative exploration of the management of pre-alerts in UK emergency departments.
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Long J, Sampson FC, Coster J, O'Hara R, Bell F, and Goodacre S
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Background: Calls to emergency departments (EDs) from ambulances to alert them to a critical case being transported to that facility that requires a special response ('pre-alerts') have been shown to improve outcomes for patients requiring immediate time-critical treatment (eg, stroke). However, little is known about their usefulness for other patients and the processes involved in ED responses to them. This study aimed to understand how pre-alerts influence patient care in the ED., Methods: We undertook non-participant observation (162 hours, 143 pre-alerts) and semi-structured interviews with staff (n=40) in six UK EDs between August 2022 and April 2023 focusing on how ED staff respond to pre-alert calls and what influences their response. Observation notes and interview transcripts were imported into NVivo and analysed using a thematic approach., Results: Pre-alert calls involved significant time and resources for ED staff but they were valued as they enabled staff to prepare for a patient's arrival (practically and psychologically). High demand and handover delays at ED created additional pre-alerts due to ambulance clinician concerns about the impact of long waits on patients.Despite the risk of pre-alert fatigue from calls for patients considered not to require a special response, ED clinicians appreciated timely pre-alert information, perceiving a higher risk from underalerting than overalerting. Variation in ED response was influenced by individual and organisational factors, particularly the resources available at the time of pre-alert. Unclear ED processes for receiving, documenting and sharing information about pre-alerts increased the risk of information loss., Conclusion: Improving processes for receiving and sharing pre-alert information may help ED clinicians prepare appropriately for incoming patients. Alternative routes for ambulance clinicians to seek advice on borderline pre-alert patients may help to improve the appropriateness of pre-alerts., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2024
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13. Surgery and Suicide Deaths Among Patients With Cancer.
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Chen ML, Gomez SL, O'Hara R, John EM, Morris AM, Kurian AW, and Linos E
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- Humans, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Aged, Adult, United States epidemiology, Surgical Procedures, Operative mortality, Surgical Procedures, Operative psychology, Surgical Procedures, Operative statistics & numerical data, Neoplasms mortality, Neoplasms psychology, Suicide statistics & numerical data, Suicide psychology
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- 2024
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14. Elucidating allergic reaction mechanisms in response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in adults.
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Shah MM, Layhadi JA, Hourcade DE, Fulton WT, Tan TJ, Dunham D, Chang I, Vel MS, Fernandes A, Lee AS, Liu J, Arunachalam PS, Galli SJ, Boyd SD, Pulendran B, Davis MM, O'Hara R, Park H, Mitchell LM, Akk A, Patterson A, Jerath MR, Monroy JM, Ren Z, Kendall PL, Durham SR, Fedina A, Gibbs BF, Agache I, Chinthrajah S, Sindher SB, Heider A, Akdis CA, Shamji MH, Pham CTN, and Nadeau KC
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- Humans, Male, Female, Adult, Middle Aged, mRNA Vaccines immunology, Vaccination adverse effects, Hypersensitivity immunology, Hypersensitivity etiology, Immunoglobulin G immunology, Immunoglobulin G blood, Aged, Immunoglobulin E immunology, Immunoglobulin E blood, COVID-19 Vaccines immunology, COVID-19 Vaccines adverse effects, COVID-19 immunology, COVID-19 prevention & control, SARS-CoV-2 immunology, Basophils immunology, Basophils metabolism, Complement Activation immunology
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Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, novel nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccines were developed. A small number of individuals developed allergic reactions to these vaccines although the mechanisms remain undefined., Methods: To understand COVID-19 vaccine-mediated allergic reactions, we enrolled 19 participants who developed allergic events within 2 h of vaccination and 13 controls, nonreactors. Using standard hemolysis assays, we demonstrated that sera from allergic participants induced stronger complement activation compared to nonallergic subjects following ex vivo vaccine exposure., Results: Vaccine-mediated complement activation correlated with anti-polyethelyne glycol (PEG) IgG (but not IgM) levels while anti-PEG IgE was undetectable in all subjects. Depletion of total IgG suppressed complement activation in select individuals. To investigate the effects of vaccine excipients on basophil function, we employed a validated indirect basophil activation test that stratified the allergic populations into high and low responders. Complement C3a and C5a receptor blockade in this system suppressed basophil response, providing strong evidence for complement involvement in vaccine-mediated basophil activation. Single-cell multiome analysis revealed differential expression of genes encoding the cytokine response and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways within the monocyte compartment. Differential chromatin accessibility for IL-13 and IL-1B genes was found in allergic and nonallergic participants, suggesting that in vivo, epigenetic modulation of mononuclear phagocyte immunophenotypes determines their subsequent functional responsiveness, contributing to the overall physiologic manifestation of vaccine reactions., Conclusion: These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, which may be used for future vaccine strategies in individuals with prior history of allergies or reactions and reduce vaccine hesitancy., (© 2024 European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
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- 2024
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15. What influences ambulance clinician decisions to pre-alert emergency departments: a qualitative exploration of pre-alert practice in UK ambulance services and emergency departments.
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O'Hara R, Sampson FC, Long J, Coster J, and Pilbery R
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Background: Ambulance clinicians use pre-alerts to inform receiving hospitals of the imminent arrival of a time-critical patient considered to require immediate attention, enabling the receiving emergency department (ED) or other clinical area to prepare. Pre-alerts are key to ensuring immediate access to appropriate care, but unnecessary pre-alerts can divert resources from other patients and fuel 'pre-alert fatigue' among ED staff. This research aims to provide a better understanding of pre-alert decision-making practice., Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 ambulance clinicians from three ambulance services and 40 ED staff from six receiving EDs. Observation (162 hours) of responses to pre-alerts (n=143, call-to-handover) was also conducted in the six EDs. Interview transcripts and observation notes were imported into NVIVO and analysed using thematic analysis., Findings: Pre-alert decisions involve rapid assessment of clinical risk based on physiological observations, clinical judgement and perceived risk of deterioration, with reference to pre-alert guidance. Clinical experience (pattern recognition and intuition) and confidence helped ambulance clinicians to understand which patients required immediate ED care on arrival or were at highest risk of deterioration. Ambulance clinicians primarily learnt to pre-alert 'on the job' and via informal feedback mechanisms, including the ED response to previous pre-alerts. Availability and access to clinical decision support was variable, and clinicians balanced the use of guidance and protocols with concerns about retention of clinical judgement and autonomy. Differences in pre-alert criteria between ambulance services and EDs created difficulties in deciding whether to pre-alert and was particularly challenging for less experienced clinicians., Conclusion: We identified potentially avoidable variation in decision-making, which has implications for patient care and emergency care resources, and can create tension between the services. Consistency in practice may be improved by greater standardisation of guidance and protocols, training and access to performance feedback and cross-service collaboration to minimise potential sources of tension., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2024
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16. Utilising Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) for Classifying Osteoarthritis (OA) Patients and Volunteers Based on Biomarker Concentration.
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Coleman LJ, Byrne JL, Edwards S, and O'Hara R
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management but remains challenging due to non-specific early symptoms. This study explores the application of Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) to classify OA patients and healthy volunteers based on biomarker concentrations of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Myeloperoxidase (MPO). DFA was employed to analyse biomarker data from 86 participants (58 patients, 28 volunteers) to evaluate the discriminatory power of these biomarkers in predicting OA. Significant differences were observed in MPO and TNF-α levels between groups, while IL-6 did not show a significant distinction. The iterative classification process improved model assumptions and classification accuracy, achieving a pre-classification accuracy of 71.8%, which adjusted to 57.1% post-classification. The results highlight DFA's potential in OA diagnosis, suggesting its utility in managing complex data and aiding personalised treatment strategies. The study underscores the need for larger sample sizes and additional biomarkers to enhance diagnostic robustness and provides a foundation for integrating DFA into clinical practice for early OA detection.
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- 2024
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17. Trauma Exposure Moderates the Link Between Cognitive Flexibility and Suicide Risk in Pre-Adolescent Children.
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Chen SE, Chick CF, and O'Hara R
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Objectives: Trauma exposure (TE) and cognitive flexibility (CF) are risk factors for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). However, it is unknown whether these risk factors contribute to mechanisms associated with distinct categories of SITBs. The current study examined the potential moderating role of TE in the relationships between CF and multiple SITBs, including active suicidal ideation (SI), passive SI, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and history of suicide attempt (SA), among pre-adolescent children., Methods: A total of 11,326 children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study were included in the present study. SITBs and TE were measured by the Kiddy Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia (KSADS). CF was measured using the NIH Cognitive Toolbox., Results: Cumulative TE moderated the relationship of CF to active SI. Higher CF was associated with lower odds of current SI in children with a single lifetime TE, but not in children without trauma or with two or more TE. As a main effect, two or more TE predicted higher odds of active SI, passive SI, and lifetime SA, but not NSSI. Higher CF was associated with lower odds of passive SI, with effects not moderated by trauma exposure., Conclusion: The current results clarify previously inconsistent findings about the relationship of CF to SI by identifying cumulative TE as a moderator. CF served as a protective factor against SI, but only in children with a single lifetime trauma. Implications for screening and treatment targets of children at risk for distinct categories of SITBs are discussed.
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- 2024
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18. Enabling Health Information Recommendation Using Crowdsourced Refinement in Web-Based Health Information Applications: User-Centered Design Approach and EndoZone Informatics Case Study.
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Li W, O'Hara R, Hull ML, Slater H, Sirohi D, Parker MA, and Bidargaddi N
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- Humans, Crowdsourcing methods, User-Centered Design, Internet
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Background: In the digital age, search engines and social media platforms are primary sources for health information, yet their commercial interests-focused algorithms often prioritize irrelevant content. Web-based health applications by reputable sources offer a solution to circumvent these biased algorithms. Despite this advantage, there remains a significant gap in research on the effective integration of content-ranking algorithms within these specialized health applications to ensure the delivery of personalized and relevant health information., Objective: This study introduces a generic methodology designed to facilitate the development and implementation of health information recommendation features within web-based health applications., Methods: We detail our proposed methodology, covering conceptual foundation and practical considerations through the stages of design, development, operation, review, and optimization in the software development life cycle. Using a case study, we demonstrate the practical application of the proposed methodology through the implementation of recommendation functionalities in the EndoZone platform, a platform dedicated to providing targeted health information on endometriosis., Results: Application of the proposed methodology in the EndoZone platform led to the creation of a tailored health information recommendation system known as EndoZone Informatics. Feedback from EndoZone stakeholders as well as insights from the implementation process validate the methodology's utility in enabling advanced recommendation features in health information applications. Preliminary assessments indicate that the system successfully delivers personalized content, adeptly incorporates user feedback, and exhibits considerable flexibility in adjusting its recommendation logic. While certain project-specific design flaws were not caught in the initial stages, these issues were subsequently identified and rectified in the review and optimization stages., Conclusions: We propose a generic methodology to guide the design and implementation of health information recommendation functionality within web-based health information applications. By harnessing user characteristics and feedback for content ranking, this methodology enables the creation of personalized recommendations that align with individual user needs within trusted health applications. The successful application of our methodology in the development of EndoZone Informatics marks a significant progress toward personalized health information delivery at scale, tailored to the specific needs of users., (©Wenhao Li, Rebecca O'Hara, M Louise Hull, Helen Slater, Diksha Sirohi, Melissa A Parker, Niranjan Bidargaddi. Originally published in JMIR Human Factors (https://humanfactors.jmir.org), 29.05.2024.)
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- 2024
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19. FAIR enough: Building an academic data ecosystem to make real-world data available for translational research.
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Chu I, Miller R, Mathews I, Vala A, Sept L, O'Hara R, and Rehkopf DH
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The Stanford Population Health Sciences Data Ecosystem was created to facilitate the use of large datasets containing health records from hundreds of millions of individuals. This necessitated technical solutions optimized for an academic medical center to manage and share high-risk data at scale. Through collaboration with internal and external partners, we have built a Data Ecosystem to host, curate, and share data with hundreds of users in a secure and compliant manner. This platform has enabled us to host unique data assets and serve the needs of researchers across Stanford University, and the technology and approach were designed to be replicable and portable to other institutions. We have found, however, that though these technological advances are necessary, they are not sufficient. Challenges around making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable remain. Our experience has demonstrated that there is a high demand for access to real-world data, and that if the appropriate tools and structures are in place, translational research can be advanced considerably. Together, technological solutions, management structures, and education to support researcher, data science, and community collaborations offer more impactful processes over the long-term for supporting translational research with real-world data., Competing Interests: Ian Mathews is the CEO and Founder of Redivis. None of the other authors have any conflicts of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024.)
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- 2024
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20. An evaluation of sexual function and health-related quality of life following laparoscopic surgery in individuals living with endometriosis.
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Van Niekerk L, Pugh S, Mikocka-Walus A, Ng C, O'Hara R, Armour M, Leonardi M, and Evans S
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- Humans, Female, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological etiology, Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological psychology, Middle Aged, Surveys and Questionnaires, Sexual Behavior psychology, Endometriosis surgery, Endometriosis psychology, Endometriosis complications, Quality of Life, Laparoscopy
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Study Question: What is the relationship between sexual function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and laparoscopic surgery in individuals living with endometriosis?, Summary Answer: A higher number of laparoscopic surgeries is significantly associated with poorer HRQoL and greater levels of sexual dysfunction in individuals with endometriosis., What Is Known Already: Prior research indicates that endometriosis is associated with lowered HRQoL and sexual function and that these outcomes are influenced by endometriosis-related symptom profiles, medical, and surgical management. A limited number of studies have examined changes in sexual function in individuals with endometriosis following laparoscopic surgery or following repeated surgeries., Study Design, Size, Duration: A cross-sectional community-based online survey was used to examine the relationships between sexual function, HRQoL, and laparoscopic surgery (n = 210)., Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited via online advertising through social media and gynaecology clinics. Endometriosis-specific data (e.g. diagnostic delay, symptom experience) was collected in addition to engagement with laparoscopic surgery, level of HRQoL (EuroQol-5 Dimension: EQ-5D-5L), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index: FSFI). Bivariate correlational analyses and hierarchical multiple regression were used to determine the associations between the variables of interest., Main Results and the Role of Chance: Individuals with endometriosis have substantially poorer HRQoL in comparison to Australian normative samples, with greater levels of endometriosis-related symptom burden, distress, and pain significantly associated with lower levels of HRQoL. The mean FSFI score was suggestive of clinically significant female sexual dysfunction, with the lowest level of function noted in the domain of sexual pain and the highest level of function noted in the sexual satisfaction domain. A greater number of laparoscopic surgeries was significantly associated with poorer overall HRQoL and greater levels of sexual dysfunction., Limitations, Reasons for Caution: The cross-sectional nature of the data precludes direct findings of causality and further longitudinal research is recommended. The information pertaining to engagement in laparoscopic surgery was self-report in nature and was not medically verified., Wider Implications of the Findings: The study's findings highlight the pervasive impact of endometriosis on all domains of living, emphasizing the need to extend treatment planning beyond that of physical pain management alone. Early referral for assessment and management of sexual wellbeing is recommended prior to, and post-surgical intervention, with a focus on maintaining post-surgical changes, potentially reducing the need for multiple surgeries., Study Funding, Competing Interest(s): The study was not associated with research funding. Author CN reports grant funding from the Australian Government and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and was a previous employee of CSL Vifor (formerly Vifor Pharma Pty Ltd)., Trial Registration Number: N/A., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.)
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- 2024
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21. Cold Plasma Deposition of Tobramycin as an Approach to Localized Antibiotic Delivery to Combat Biofilm Formation.
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Olayiwola B, O'Neill F, Frewen C, Kavanagh DF, O'Hara R, and O'Neill L
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Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a significant factor in hospitals, with implant surfaces often becoming contaminated by highly resistant strains of bacteria. Recent studies have shown that electrical plasma discharges can reduce bacterial load on surfaces, and this approach may help augment traditional antibiotic treatments. To investigate this, a cold atmospheric plasma was used to deposit tobramycin sulphate onto various surfaces, and the bacterial growth rate of K. pneumoniae in its planktonic and biofilm form was observed to probe the interactions between the plasma discharge and the antibiotic and to determine if there were any synergistic effects on the growth rate. The plasma-deposited tobramycin was still active after passing through the plasma field and being deposited onto titanium or polystyrene. This led to the significant inhibition of K. pneumoniae , with predictable antibiotic dose dependence. Separate studies have shown that the plasma treatment of the biofilm had a weak antimicrobial effect and reduced the amount of biofilm by around 50%. Combining a plasma pre-treatment on exposed biofilm followed by deposited tobramycin application proved to be somewhat effective in further reducing biofilm growth. The plasma discharge pre-treatment produced a further reduction in the biofilm load beyond that expected from just the antibiotic alone. However, the effect was not additive, and the results suggest that a complex interaction between plasma and antibiotic may be at play, with increasing plasma power producing a non-linear effect. This study may contribute to the treatment of infected surgical sites, with the coating of biomaterial surfaces with antibiotics reducing overall antibiotic use through the targeted delivery of therapeutics.
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- 2024
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22. Scientia pro bono humani generis: Science for the benefit of humanity.
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James LP, Kimberly R, Lindsell CJ, Meinzen-Derr JK, and O'Hara R
- Abstract
Competing Interests: None.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. A First-in-Human Trial of a New Aqueous Ionic Liquid Embolic Material in Distal Embolization Applications.
- Author
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Holden A, Krauss M, O'Hara R, Jones J, and Smith DK
- Subjects
- Humans, Prospective Studies, Treatment Outcome, Embolism, Embolization, Therapeutic adverse effects, Embolization, Therapeutic methods, Ionic Liquids
- Abstract
Purpose: A prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter, first-in-human, early feasibility study was completed to evaluate the safety and performance of the GPX Embolic Device (Fluidx, Salt Lake City, Utah), a novel liquid embolic agent, for use in the peripheral vasculature when deep distal embolization is desired., Materials and Methods: The early feasibility study evaluated the use of the device in the peripheral vasculature. Enrollment consisted of 17 patients with diverse embolization needs requiring deep distal vessel/vessel bed occlusion. Technical success, freedom from adverse events (AEs), and handling/performance characteristics were assessed with follow-up at 30 days., Results: The trial enrolled 17 patients requiring distal vascular penetration of the embolic agent, including 7 with renal angiomyolipomas, 4 with renal cell carcinomas (primary and secondary), 4 with portal veins needing embolization, 1 with pelvic sarcoma, and 1 with polycystic kidney. In all cases (100%), technical success was achieved with target regions fully occluded on the first angiogram (taken immediately after delivery). Furthermore, the material received high usability ratings, as measured by a postprocedural investigator questionnaire. Most patients (15/17, 88.2%) were free from device-related severe AEs, and there were no unanticipated AEs during the study. Each patient completed a 30-day follow-up evaluation, and sites remained fully occluded in each case where imaging was available (6 [35.3%] of 17 patients had follow-up imaging where all sites were deemed occluded [100%] with a mean of 30.2 days after the procedure)., Conclusions: The results of this first-in-human, early feasibility study demonstrate that the GPX Embolic Device may provide safe and effective embolization for arterial or venous applications where deep distal penetration is desired., (Copyright © 2023 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. High-Quality eHealth Websites for Information on Endometriosis: Systematic Search.
- Author
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Sirohi D, Ng CHM, Bidargaddi N, Slater H, Parker MA, Hull ML, and O'Hara R
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Australia, Authorship, Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, Telemedicine
- Abstract
Background: eHealth websites are increasingly being used by community members to obtain information about endometriosis. Additionally, clinicians can use these websites to enhance their understanding of the condition and refer patients to these websites. However, poor-quality information can adversely impact users. Therefore, a critical evaluation is needed to assess and recommend high-quality endometriosis websites., Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality and provide recommendations for high-quality endometriosis eHealth websites for the community and clinicians., Methods: PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines informed 2 Google searches of international and Australian eHealth websites. The first search string used the terms "endometriosis," "adenomyosis," or "pelvic pain," whereas "Australia" was added to the second search string. Only free eHealth websites in English were included. ENLIGHT, a validated tool, was used to assess the quality across 7 domains such as usability, visual design, user engagement, content, therapeutic persuasiveness, therapeutic alliance, and general subjective evaluation. Websites with a total score of 3.5 or more were classified as "good" according to the ENLIGHT scoring system and are recommended as high-quality eHealth websites for information on endometriosis., Results: In total, 117 eHealth websites were screened, and 80 were included in the quality assessment. Four high-quality eHealth websites (ie, those that scored 3.5 or more) were identified (Endometriosis Australia Facebook Page, Endometriosis UK, National Action Plan for Endometriosis on EndoActive, and Adenomyosis by the Medical Republic). These websites provided easily understood, engaging, and accurate information. Adenomyosis by the Medical Republic can be used as a resource in clinical practice. Most eHealth websites scored well, 3.5 or more in the domains of usability (n=76, 95%), visual design (n=64, 80%), and content (n=63, 79%). However, of the 63 websites, only 25 provided references and 26 provided authorship details. Few eHealth websites scored well on user engagement (n=18, 23%), therapeutic persuasiveness (n=2, 3%), and therapeutic alliance (n=22, 28%). In total, 30 (38%) eHealth websites scored well on general subjective evaluation., Conclusions: Although geographical location can influence the search results, we identified 4 high-quality endometriosis eHealth websites that can be recommended to the endometriosis community and clinicians. To improve quality, eHealth websites must provide evidence-based information with appropriate referencing and authorship. Factors that enhance usability, visual design, user engagement, therapeutic persuasiveness, and therapeutic alliance can lead to the successful and long-term uptake of eHealth websites. User engagement, therapeutic persuasiveness, and therapeutic alliance can be strengthened by sharing lived experiences and personal stories and by cocreating meaningful content for both the community and clinicians. Reach and discoverability can be improved by leveraging search engine optimization tools., Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020185475; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=185475&VersionID=2124365., (©Diksha Sirohi, Cecilia Hoi Man Ng, Niranjan Bidargaddi, Helen Slater, Melissa A Parker, Mary Louise Hull, Rebecca O'Hara. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 10.01.2024.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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