Search

AbstractThe term vibration perception threshold (VPT) refers to the minimum amplitude required for a vibration to be consciously perceived. Knowledge of VPTs can be used to aid in the diagnosis of various pathologies, or to support design decisions during human-machine interface development. However, several factors affect VPT measurements (e.g., contactor size and pressure), thus, comparing VPT results from multiple studies should not be done without considering both the similarities and differences between said studies. This paper presents a systematic review on VPT results obtained across multiple studies, taking into consideration the different factors affecting the values reported in the literature. We intended to answer the following question: “What are the Vibration Perception Thresholds assessed on the glabrous skin of the hands and fingers of healthy humans?” To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt at conducting a systematic review focused specifically on numerical VPT results. Starting from 936 records, VPT results from 37 studies were organized according to various factors (gender, age, probe size, contact pressure, psychophysical method, room temperature, skin temperature, and hand location). This data was organized into a table, the Organization Table that is available for readers. This review can help future researchers and developers working on or working with the topic of human perception of vibrations by examining the factors that affect VPTs and discussing strategies to address them. We offer recommendations for future research and insights on how design engineers can utilize VPTs in the development of new haptic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) that can lead to frequent ulcerations, lower extremities, and reduced quality of life. Imbalance in the circulating levels of angiogenic growth factors, notably, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be among the underlying mechanisms of PSN in T2DM patients. We studied the association between PSN and angiogenic growth factors, Ang-1, Ang-2 and VEGF in T2DM patients in Ghana. Methods: In a case-control study design, PSN was evaluated in 160 patients with T2DM and 108 nondiabetic controls using vibration perception threshold (VPT) and diabetic neurological examination (DNE). The definition of PSN was abnormal VPT (≥25 mV) or the presence of neuropathic symptoms on examination (DNE score > 3). In addition, fasting venous blood samples were collected to measure circulating levels of Ang-1, Ang-2 and VEGF. Results: Compared to non-diabetic controls, patients with T2DM had a higher prevalence of PSN using abnormal VPT (20.6 % vs 2.8 %, p

Over the last 12 months, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) virus has emerged as a significant global health problem with extensive repercussions for the practise of dentistry. As the principle transmission-route is via droplet-spread, aerosol-generating dental procedures (AGPs) present an exquisite challenge, which either has to be avoided or performed using strict infection-control measures, which increase the deployment of resources and cost. This new working environment necessitates the adoption of simplified, yet effective procedures that reduce intervention and minimise clinical chair time to short, single visits. Vital pulp treatment (VPT) has emerged as an attractive, technically less-complicated group of biologically-based management strategies that are aimed at maintaining pulp vitality and avoiding root canal treatment (RCT). These procedures are carried out in a strict aseptic environment using a rubber dam and have a reported high success rate, suggesting that they could be considered as effective and simple alternative therapies to relieve pain and avoid multiple visit RCT and other endodontic procedures. The relevance of promoting a simple, predictable and effective alternative to traditional, more complex dentistry has never been more compelling. In this perspective article, the latest advances in VPT are highlighted, along with an analysis of their relative success and compelling reasons why we as dentists should be adopting these treatment approaches. Thereafter, case selection, prognostic factors, techniques, limitations and future prospects of these procedures are discussed.

The MCM-22 zeolite was produced using diatom as the green silica source through the vapor phase transport assisted-synthesis. This study shows that this process is essential as, in classical rotation conditions, only an amorphous material is produced. The diatomite-MCM-22 zeolite catalytic activity was tested in the degradation of low and high-density polyethylene as a probe reaction. The results obtained were similar to those obtained with an MCM-22 synthesized with commercial fumed silica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental procedures profoundly affect a child's dental fear and anxiety, rendering dental treatment difficult. Inhalation sedation with a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (NO2/02) breathed through a nosepiece is a form of light conscious sedation widely used in apprehensive children to help them relax and accept dental treatment. This, however, can have both shortand long-term effects on child dental fear and anxiety. This study aimed to assess the short-term immediate effect of inhalation sedation on child dental fear and anxiety scores., Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at Rehman College of Dentistry, Peshawar, Pakistan, over a period of 1.9 years (January 2019- October 2020). A total of 171 children aged 6-11 years were selected with moderate to severe dental anxiety using the Child Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), requiring pulp therapy in at least one of their deciduous molars. Baseline anxiety scores were calculated using Venham Clinical Anxiety Score (VCAS) and Venham Picture test (VPT) with a dental check-up and fluoride application. VCAS and VPT scores were then assessed at the end of their scheduled second dental visit involving dental anaesthesia and inhalation sedation. VCAS and VPT scores at the end of treatment were compared with the baseline scores., Results: Out of 171 children, 86 were male and 85 were female, with a mean age of 7.77. Females showed a higher range of VCAS and VPT scores (p ≤0.001) compared to males. The VCAS and VPT scores declined just at the end of the second dental visit following dental anaesthesia with inhalation sedation (mean difference = 1.96 and 3.39, respectively), which was statistically significant (p ≤0.001)., Conclusion: Inhalation sedation has a significant role in reducing child dental fear and anxiety in the short term., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objective: Peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) that can lead to frequent ulcerations, lower extremities, and reduced quality of life. Imbalance in the circulating levels of angiogenic growth factors, notably, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be among the underlying mechanisms of PSN in T2DM patients. We studied the association between PSN and angiogenic growth factors, Ang-1, Ang-2 and VEGF in T2DM patients in Ghana., Methods: In a case-control study design, PSN was evaluated in 160 patients with T2DM and 108 nondiabetic controls using vibration perception threshold (VPT) and diabetic neurological examination (DNE). The definition of PSN was abnormal VPT (≥25 mV) or the presence of neuropathic symptoms on examination (DNE score > 3). In addition, fasting venous blood samples were collected to measure circulating levels of Ang-1, Ang-2 and VEGF., Results: Compared to non-diabetic controls, patients with T2DM had a higher prevalence of PSN using abnormal VPT (20.6 % vs 2.8 %, p < 0.001) or neuropathic symptoms (35.6 % vs 3.7 %, p < 0.001). Compared to nondiabetic controls, patients with T2DM had increased levels of Ang-2 [597 (274 - 1005) vs 838 (473 - 1241) ng/ml, p = 0.018] and VEGF [48.4 (17.4 - 110.1) vs 72.2 (28 - 201.8), p = 0.025] and decreased Ang-1 levels [41.1 (30 - 57.3) vs 36.1 (24.7 - 42.1) ng/ml, p = 0.01]. In regression analyses, an increase in Ang-1 levels was associated with decreased odds, while an increase in Ang-2 levels was associated with increased odds, of abnormal VPT and neuropathic symptoms in T2DM patients., Conclusion: In our study population, PSN was associated with reduced plasma levels of Ang-1 and increased plasma levels of Ang-2 in patients with T2DM. Therefore, an imbalance of angiopoietins may be associated with PSN in T2DM., Competing Interests: 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., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Introduction Sex and gender play roles in the pain experience, such that pain is more frequent in women. Explanations for this observation range from factors related to biological sex to those related to psychosocial gender. Objectives To explore neuropathic pain characteristics in females with diabetes with and without established polyneuropathy. Methods We compared the presence and intensity of pain in males and females in 2 separate cohorts of patients with type II diabetes, with and without established diabetic polyneuropathy. Cohort #1 was recruited prospectively, while cohort #2 was studied retrospectively. Results Cohort #1 of 223 patients with diabetes with a relatively broad spectrum of nerve injury, showed more frequent pain in females (68% versus 53% in males), a higher frequency of additional neuropathic symptoms, and evidence of milder nerve injury. Cohort #2 of 128 patients with established diabetic polyneuropathy, showed a similar frequency of pain and additional neuropathic symptoms in both sexes. In both cohorts, females reported greater pain intensity (7.9–8.5 versus 6.8–6.9 in males, on visual analog scale). Discussion Though nerve injury and polyneuropathy are more common in males, females with diabetes report a higher frequency and intensity of pain despite milder polyneuropathy. Prospective epidemiological studies are required in order to confirm these findings in the community setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring skin sensitivity is studied to clarify its relationship on balance. Measuring skin sensitivity is performed when subjects are sitting or lying, whereas balance tests are measured during standing. However, afferent signal processing and subsequent efferent responses can be altered by different body positions. Therefore, this study investigated whether vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) are influenced by body positions. Sixty-six healthy subjects (41♀; 25♂) participated in this study. Five measurements of VPTs were performed at each of the three analyzed anatomical locations (heel, first metatarsal head, hallux) of the right plantar foot under two randomized conditions: during sitting and standing. The contact force applied to the probe was measured and controlled within the five trials. Contact forces between the probe and the foot were higher during standing. However, no differences in VPTs were found between conditions. This indicates that VPTs are not different during standing compared to sitting, contrary to our expectations. We conclude that higher forces did not induce increased receptor activity. Since no differences were found between thresholds, future clinical studies can implement plantar VPT tests during sitting in association with balance tests during standing.

Monitoring skin sensitivity is studied to clarify its relationship on balance. Measuring skin sensitivity is performed when subjects are sitting or lying, whereas balance tests are measured during standing. However, afferent signal processing and subsequent efferent responses can be altered by different body positions. Therefore, this study investigated whether vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) are influenced by body positions. Sixty-six healthy subjects (41♀; 25♂) participated in this study. Five measurements of VPTs were performed at each of the three analyzed anatomical locations (heel, first metatarsal head, hallux) of the right plantar foot under two randomized conditions: during sitting and standing. The contact force applied to the probe was measured and controlled within the five trials. Contact forces between the probe and the foot were higher during standing. However, no differences in VPTs were found between conditions. This indicates that VPTs are not different during standing compared to sitting, contrary to our expectations. We conclude that higher forces did not induce increased receptor activity. Since no differences were found between thresholds, future clinical studies can implement plantar VPT tests during sitting in association with balance tests during standing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal vasoproliferative tumors (VPT) are uncommon benign vascular tumors. They mostly occur in healthy patients, but may be associated with other chorioretinal diseases. Here we report four patients with VPT at a referral center from 2006 to 2015. Three patients denied any past history and one had a history of retinal detachment surgery. VPT-related complications included epiretinal membrane (ERM) ( n = 2), cystoids macular edema ( n = 1), and lamellar hole combined with dense cataract, rigid anterior capsule and vitreous opacity ( n = 1). Treatments for VPT and comorbidities included vitrectomy (VT) and membrane peeling with tumor resection ( n = 2), a combined treatment of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) ( n = 2). Tumor shrinkage was achieved in both patients treated with PDT and IVI of anti-VEGF injection. The other two patients with ERM were successfully treated with VT and tumor resection. Visual acuity improved at least two lines in three patients, and one patient had decreased vision due to cataract formation after VT. Pathology of the resected tumor in one case revealed massive gliosis with positive stain of vascular endothelial cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein stain. Yet the peeled membrane was acellular. Possible beneficial treatments for VPT and comorbidities include PDT combined with IVI of anti-VEGF, or VT and membrane peeling with tumor resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystalline and pure SAPO-18 was synthesized by dry-gel conversion (DGC) methods (including steam-assisted conversion (SAC) and vapor phase transport (VPT)) and by conventional hydrothermal (CHT) method. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were analyzed by XRD, FESEM, EDXS, and TPD techniques. It was found that the DGC methods have no significant effect on the crystallization time of SAPO-18. The catalysts with smaller crystallite size and in a higher solid yield were achieved by DGC methods. The results also revealed that DGC method changes significantly the acidic properties of SAPO-18 by affecting the amount and mechanism of silicon incorporation into the framework. The catalytic behavior of the samples was investigated in methanol-to-olefins (MTO) reaction. Although no considerable change was observed in light olefin selectivity over the samples, SAC method showed an increase of about 20% in useful lifetime of SAPO-18. It can be due to the smaller crystallite size and desirable acidic characteristic. Finally, the results were compared with those of DGC-synthesized SAPO-34 reported in the literature. It suggests that SAPO-18 synthesized by SAC method can be an acceptable alternative to SAPO-34 by exhibiting a comparable activity and longer lifetime in MTO process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vapor phase treatment (VPT) was under investigation by the International Organization for Standardization/Technical Committee 201/Working Group 2 (ISO/TC201/WG2) to improve the detection limit of total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF) for trace metal analysis of silicon wafers. Round robin test results have confirmed that TXRF intensity increased by VPT for intentional contamination with 5×109 and 5×1010 atoms/cm2 Fe and Ni. The magnification of intensity enhancement varied greatly (1.2–4.7 in VPT factor) among the participating laboratories, though reproducible results could be obtained for average of mapping measurement. SEM observation results showed that various features, sizes, and surface densities of particles formed on the wafer after VPT. The particle morphology seems to have some impact on the VPT efficiency. High resolution SEM observation revealed that a certain number of dots with SiO2, silicate and/or carbon gathered to form a particle and heavy metals, Ni and Fe in this study were segregated on it. The amount and shape of the residue should be important to control VPT factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Three-phase equilibrium data, (VLWH), were measured for HCFC22 and HFC134a hydrates. [•] The pressures were evaluated by simple EoSs (modified mixing rule) and CPA EOS. [•] The Kihara potential parameters were obtained by optimizing scheme for refrigerants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: SAPO-11 molecular sieves were synthesized by two types of dry gel conversion (DGC) methods, namely, steam-assisted conversion (SAC) and vapor phase transport (VPT), and by conventional hydrothermal (CHT) method. The properties of these samples were characterized by XRD, XRF, SEM, N2-adsorption, Pyridine-IR and 29Si MAS NMR methods. The results show that di-n-propylamine (DPA) is a suitable structure-directing agent (SDA) for the preparation of impurity-free SAPO-11. SAPO-11 molecular sieves synthesized by SAC and VPT exhibit higher crystallinity, higher Si content and more strongly acidic sites than that synthesized by CHT. 29Si MAS NMR results demonstrated that the two samples obtained by the DGC methods contain more Si(nAl)(0< n <4) species than that obtained by CHT. These facts suggest that the SAC and VPT methods contribute either to better Si incorporation into the AlPO4 framework or to better Si dispersal, thus decreasing the size of Si islands and increasing the number and strength of acidic sites. The results from the hydroisomerization of n-dodecane indicate that the Pt/SAPO-11 synthesized by SAC possesses the highest hydroconversion activity and isomer yield among those three catalysts, due to the high acidity of the molecular sieve supporter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & objectives: Vibration perception threshold (VPT) is considered as a gold standard for diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, the data are sparse comparing the VPT with commonly used bedside modalities. This study was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of simple bed side screening modalities for peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 1044 patients with diabetes mellitus attending the Diabetes clinic from January 2007 to May 2008, were included in this study. All subjects had a detailed clinical assessment including Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) score, Diabetic Neuropathy Examination (DNE) score, ankle reflex, vibration sensation with a 128 Hz tuning fork, 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and vibration perception threshold (VPT). Results: The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 34.9 per cent with VPT. Foot care practices were followed by only 214 (20.5%) of the study population. When compared with VPT, ankle reflex was the most sensitive (90.7%) but least specific (37.3%). The tuning fork and monofilament tests respectively had lower sensitivity (62.5 and 62.8%) but better specificity (95.3 and 92.9%) and accuracy (78.9 and 77.9%). Significant correlations were observed between the VPT score and the DNE (r = 0.532, P<0.001) and DNS (r = 0.546, P<0.001) scores and absent tuning fork sensation (r = 0.590; P<0.001), monofilament sensation (r = 0.573; P<0.001) and ankle reflex (r = 0.377, P=- 0.01). Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings show that simple bed side tests are useful for assessing peripheral diabetic neuropathy, even in those subjects in whom foot care practices are not followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vapor phase treatment (VPT) is a pretreatment with hydrofluoric acid vapor to raise the sensitivity of total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF) for trace metal analysis on silicon wafers. The International Organization for Standardization/Technical Committee 201/Working Group 2 (ISO/TC201/WG2) has been investigating the method to analyze 109 atoms/cm2 level of metallic contamination on the silicon wafer surface. Though VPT can enhance the TXRF signal intensity from the metallic contamination, it has turned out that the magnitude of the enhancement varies with the type of methods and the process conditions. In this study, approaches to increase TXRF intensity by VPT are investigated using a fuming chamber in an automated VPD instrument. Higher signal intensity can be obtained when condensation is formed on the sample surface in a humidifying atmosphere and with a decreasing stage temperature. Surface observations with SEM and AFM show that particles with ~4μm in diameter are formed and unexpectedly they are dented from the top surface level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report a three-step deposition process for uniform arrays of ZnO nanorods, involving chemical bath deposition of aligned seed layers followed by nanorod nucleation sites and subsequent vapour phase transport growth of nanorods. This combines chemical bath deposition techniques, which enable substrate independent seeding and nucleation site generation with vapour phase transport growth of high crystalline and optical quality ZnO nanorod arrays. Our data indicate that the three-step process produces uniform nanorod arrays with narrow and rather monodisperse rod diameters (∼70nm) across substrates of centimetre dimensions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to study the growth mechanism and characterise the nanostructures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Di(meth)acrylate (D(M)A) systems with pendant oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) chains are promising biomedical candidates. Homopolymeric P(OEG)D(M)A hydrogels have significant thermoresponsiveness demonstrated mainly at elevated temperatures which makes this class of materials unsuitable for bio-applications. Copolymerisation with less hydrophilic 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was performed in an effort to shift volume phase transition (VPT) closer to physiological temperatures and to widen their application as thermoresponsive materials. Various monomer-solvent mixtures, consisting of different mole ratios of OEGDMA and HEMA monomers (100/0, 50/50, 27.5/72.5, and 12.5/87.5) and water/ethanol as solvent, were exposed to gamma radiation up to 6, 12, 25, and 50 kGy. Furthermore, in an attempt to obtain multi- (thermo- and pH-) responsive hydrogels for biomedical applications new P(OEGDMA/HEMA/IA) terpolymers containing a small share (2.5, and 5 wt%) of itaconic acid (IA) were synthesised. The successful fabrication of the hydrogels was confirmed by gel measurements and FTIR spectroscopy. Swelling measurements indicated that obtained networks possessed tuneable thermal behaviour and swelling properties which could be significantly altered by hydrogel composition. The porous architecture was investigated using SEM, confirming swelling results. Cytotoxicity revealed relatively high cell viability for all hydrogels, indicating satisfactory in vitro biocompatibility. Therefore, new OEGDMA based hydrogels showed potential for biomedical applications. [Display omitted] • Radiation induced synthesis of a new OEGDMA based hydrogels was reported. • POEGDMA hydrogel shows a VPTT beyond human body temperatures (around 60 °C). • Copolymerisation with HEMA is used to adjust the VPTT to lower temperatures. • Copolymerisation with IA is used to introduce pH sensitivity. • VPTT of P(OEGDMA/HEMA/IA) copolymers was shifted above room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new approach for calculating anharmonic corrections to vibrational frequency calculations. The vibrational wavefunction is modelled using translated Hermite functions thus allowing anharmonic effects to be incorporated directly into the wavefunction whilst still retaining the simplicity of the Hermite basis. We combine this new method with an optimised finite-difference grid for computing the necessary third and fourth nuclear derivatives of the energy. We compare our combined approach to existing anharmonic models—vibrational self-consistent field theory (VSCF), vibrational perturbation theory (VPT), and vibrational configuration interaction theory (VCI)—and find that it is more cost effective than these alternatives. This makes our method well-suited to computing anharmonic corrections for frequencies in medium-sized molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to define normal ranges for vibration sense as measured by vibratory perception thresholds (VPTs) using biothesiometry. We performed biothesiometry in a community-dwelling sample of 901 people aged 55 to 85 years who did not have diabetes. We quantitated the variation between repeat measures using analysis of variance and Bland–Altman plots. We also plotted the age- and sex-specific reference ranges. We found small but statistically significant differences between repeat measures using the ascending and descending method of limits. Statistically higher vibration thresholds were noted on the right arm and leg compared with the left. Significantly higher vibration thresholds were also seen in men vs women for both lower limbs. We also defined sex-specific reference intervals (normal ranges) for biothesiometry for older persons and quantitated the increase in vibration threshold with increasing age. For reliability, it may be sufficient to obtain the average of two ascending measures separated by at least 1 min in just the right hand or right foot, since this is usually the one with the higher threshold. Although identical reference ranges can be used for men and women for the upper limb, there are significant differences in the lower limbs. The major determinant of VPT is age: we have established age-specific norms for VPT testing for adults between 55 and 85 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Very preterm children often have difficulties in behavioral functioning, but there is large heterogeneity in the severity of these difficulties and in the combination of the difficulties observed. Few studies so far addressed this heterogeneity by examining whether more homogeneous subtypes of behavioral functioning can be identified.Aims: To identify behavioral subtypes in a group of very preterm children, examine whether such subtypes are related to neonatal medical complications and/or parental education level (to better understand origins) and to examine whether such subtypes are associated with IQ and neurocognitive deficits in attention and executive function (to study underlying mechanisms of dysfunction).Study Design: Cross-sectional cohort study.Subjects: 135 very preterm (gestational age < 30 weeks and/or birthweight < 1000 g) children aged 8-12 years.Measures: Parent and teacher questionnaires covering a broad range of behavioral domains, parental education level, neonatal medical complications, short-form Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III and performance-based attention and executive function measures.Results: Cluster analysis indicated two behavioral subtypes: a subtype characterized by low behavioral problems (76% of children) and a subtype characterized by high behavioral problems across behavioral domains (24% of children). Lower parental education level, lower IQ and poorer verbal working memory, visuospatial working memory and inhibition were associated with the high problems subtype, but neonatal medical complications were not.Conclusions: The majority of very preterm children was assigned to the low behavioral problems subtype. However, if problems do occur, they are wide-spread across behavioral domains and accompanied by problems in neurocognitive domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cohort studies represent a strong methodology for increasing one's understanding of human life-course development and etiological mechanisms. Retention of participants, especially during long follow-up periods, is, however, a major challenge. A better understanding of the motives for participation and attrition in cohort studies in diverse sociogeographic and cultural settings is needed, as this information is most useful in developing effective retention strategies., Objective: This study aims to improve our understanding of participation and attrition phenomena in a European cohort study of very preterm/very-low-birth-weight (VPT/VLBW) infants from various sociogeographic and cultural settings to better understand variability and ultimately contribute to developing novel and more "in-context" strategies to improve retention., Methods: This study uses a triangulation of multisituated methods to collect data on various cohorts in the Research on European Children and Adults Born Preterm (RECAP) network, which include focus group discussions, individual semidriven interviews, and a collaborative, reflexive visual methodology (participant-generated VideoStories) with relevant key actors involved with these cohort studies such as adult participants, parents (caregivers), cohort staff, health care professionals, and academic researchers. The methodological strategy aims to provide a shared flexible framework of various qualitatively driven methods to collect data on VPT/VLBW adult and child cohorts, from which research partners may choose and combine those most pertinent to apply in their own specific contexts. Data from all sources and sites will be submitted to a triangulation of phenomenological thematic analysis with discourse analysis., Results: As of January 2020, in this study, we enrolled 92 participants variously involved with child and adult RECAP partnering cohorts from six countries. Multisite enrollment and data collection are expected to be completed in all seven study settings by June 2020. Findings will be reported in future publications., Conclusions: Qualitative research methods are a useful complement for enriching and illuminating quantitative results. We expect that opting for a multisituated study approach addressing the interplay of the lived experience of individuals in both researcher and researched stances of particular cohort study settings will contribute to filling some gaps in the understanding of participation variability and effectiveness of different implemented strategies in context. Moreover, health research subjects have traditionally been positioned as passive objects of study rather than active participants, even though they have the greatest stake in improving health care policies and practices. Including collaborative methods allows us to counteract the "top-down" model by handing over some research control to the very people who are providing the data on which research findings will be based while also acknowledging the value of their involvement., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/14997., (©Sandra C S Marques, Julia Doetsch, Anne Brødsgaard, Marina Cuttini, Elizabeth S Draper, Eero Kajantie, Jo Lebeer, Sylvia van der Pal, Pernille Pedersen, RECAP - WP6 QS Work Group, Henrique Barros. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 15.07.2020.)

Background: High levels of uric acid (UA) are associated with various peripheral neuropathies. Furthermore, uric acid levels have been found to correlate with both the clinical and electrophysiological severity of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy, mainly with sensory functions., Objectives: To determine whether higher UA levels are associated negatively with nerve function in healthy subjects., Methods: A total of 126 healthy subjects recruited prospectively for another study were included. We extracted demographic data, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCNS), electrophysiological findings, vibration perception thresholds (VPT), and laboratory test results including UA, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and lipid levels., Results: The mean age of the cohort was 56 ± 17 years with 56% females. Males had higher UA values compared with females. Univariate beta regression coefficient analysis between UA levels and demographic, clinical, electrophysiological, and laboratory findings showed significant positive correlations with male gender, components of the metabolic syndrome, and with VPT, while an inverse correlation was found with electrophysiological sensory parameters. A multivariate regression model showed positive correlations only with BMI, finger VPT, and triglycerides., Conclusion: Higher UA levels correlate with lower sensory nerve function in healthy subjects, expanding the evidence of possible negative influence of UA on peripheral nerves, although a causative role has not yet established.