Importance: Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) has broad clinical and research utility. The utility of quantitative data derived from AS-OCT is, however, dependent on the quality and consistency of the cumulative evidence base.
Objective: To develop consensus-based nomenclature that supports standardized reporting of AS-OCT image acquisition and analyses as a foundation to improve research reproducibility.
Background: Ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies targeting postsynaptic proteins at the neuromuscular junction, leading to weakness and fatigability of the levator palpebrae superioris, orbicularis oculi and extraocular muscles. Although OMG is primarily a clinical diagnosis, serological antibody testing, predominantly acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies, is usually performed. The clinical utility of muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies is less well established in OMG.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPNAS Nexus
July 2025
Antarctic sea ice plays many crucial roles in the physical environments and ecosystems of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. In this study, we synthesize the physical, biogeochemical, ecosystem, and societal impacts of summers with extreme low Antarctic sea-ice coverage. These extreme events result in the loss of multiyear landfast ice and changes in sea-ice seasonality.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLancet Neurol
June 2025
Background: Cardioembolic sources often remain undetected after standard diagnostic stroke workup, contributing to high rates of recurrence. We aimed to assess whether a head-to-neck CT angiography extended at least 6 cm below the carina (extended CT angiography) can increase the detection of cardioaortic thrombi compared with standard-of-care CT angiography (standard CT angiography) in patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.
Methods: This single-centre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded end-point trial was done at London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, Canada.
Dispersal is a ubiquitous phenomenon that affects the dynamics of the population and the evolution of natural populations; however, it is challenging to measure in most species. Furthermore, the influence of informed dispersal behaviors, referring to the nonrandom selection of breeding habitats by individuals, on species' responses to rapid global change is substantial but difficult to comprehend. Here, we present a modeling framework to assess the dispersal characteristics and behaviors of a metapopulation when observations provide information on its neutral genetic structure for a restricted sampling of locations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe gut microbiota of mammals possess distinctive metabolic pathways with untapped therapeutic potential. Using molecular insights into dietary fiber metabolism by the human gut microbiota, we designed a targeted drug delivery system, called GlycoCaging, that is based on bespoke glycoconjugates of a complex plant oligosaccharide. GlycoCaging of exemplar anti-inflammatory drugs enabled release of active molecules triggered by specific glycosidases of autochthonous gut bacteria.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVision loss affects more than 7 million Americans and impacts quality of life, independence, social functioning, and overall health. Common and dangerous conditions causing sudden vision loss include acute angle-closure glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinal artery occlusion, giant cell arteritis, and optic neuritis. Acute angle-closure glaucoma features ocular pain, headache, and nausea; treatment includes pilocarpine eye drops, oral or intravenous acetazolamide, and intravenous mannitol.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExtraocular muscle (EOM) enlargement occurs in both acromegaly and Graves' disease, but the degree and pattern of enlargement have not been directly compared in these patient groups. This study investigated whether acromegaly and Graves' orbitopathy (GO) are associated with different patterns of EOM enlargement at the time of diagnosis. Retrospective cohort.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: There is growing interest in members of the genus (family ) as members of a well-balanced human gut microbiota (HGM). are particularly associated with the consumption of a diet rich in plant polysaccharides comprising dietary fiber. However, understanding of the molecular basis of complex carbohydrate utilization in species is currently incomplete.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMost proximal humerus fractures can be treated non-surgically with an acceptable result. Approximately one in five patients are assessed for surgery. Clinical examination and diagnostic imaging with radiographs in two planes are needed for the initial assessment, while shoulder CT provides important additional information.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Bone Joint Surg Am
November 2024
Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMixed-linkage β(1,3)/β(1,4)-glucan (MLG) is abundant in the human diet through the ingestion of cereal grains and is widely associated with healthful effects on metabolism and cholesterol levels. MLG is also a major source of fermentable glucose for the human gut microbiota (HGM). Bacteria from the family Prevotellaceae are highly represented in the HGM of individuals who eat plant-rich diets, including certain indigenous people and vegetarians in postindustrial societies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To compare the effects a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) versus the Irish Healthy Eating Guidelines (HEG) on physical function and quality of life in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Ireland.
Methods: Forty-four adults with RA were randomised (1:1) to the MedDiet or HEG for 12 weeks. The intervention included three video teleconsultations and two follow-up telephone calls facilitated by a Registered Dietitian (RD).
Carbohydrates are chemically and structurally diverse, composed of a wide array of monosaccharides, stereochemical linkages, substituent groups, and intermolecular associations with other biological molecules. A large repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and enzymatic activities are required to form, dismantle, and metabolize these complex molecules. The software SACCHARIS (Sequence Analysis and Clustering of CarboHydrate Active enzymes for Rapid Informed prediction of Specificity) provides a rapid, easy-to-use pipeline for the prediction of potential CAZyme function in new datasets.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhysical activity (PA) is recommended as a key component in the management of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a physiotherapist led, behaviour change (BC) theory-informed, intervention to promote PA in people with RA who have low levels of current PA. A feasibility randomised trial (ClinicalTrials.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRheumatol Adv Pract
January 2024
Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of people with RA of participating in an exercise intervention to improve their sleep.
Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 people with RA who had completed an 8-week walking-based exercise intervention to improve their total sleep time, sleep quality and sleep disturbance. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
HRB Open Res
November 2023
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on clinical research. This paper aims to provide an insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic, associated public health restrictions and international guidance on the conduct of clinical research impacted two clinical rheumatology research trials - the Physiotherapist-led Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis (PIPPRA) and the MEDiterranean diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis (MEDRA) projects.
Methods: The March 2019 public health restrictions imposed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 occurred at a time when PIPPRA was in the process of delivering assessment and intervention on a face-to-face basis (n=48) and MEDRA had commenced recruitment.
Lang Resour Eval
February 2023
The goal of hate speech detection is to filter negative online content aiming at certain groups of people. Due to the easy accessibility and multilinguality of social media platforms, it is crucial to protect everyone which requires building hate speech detection systems for a wide range of languages. However, the available labeled hate speech datasets are limited, making it difficult to build systems for many languages.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPredicting species survival in the face of climate change requires understanding the drivers that influence their distribution. Emperor penguins () incubate and rear chicks on landfast sea ice, whose extent, dynamics, and quality are expected to vary substantially due to climate change. Until recently, this species' continent-wide observations were scarce, and knowledge on their distribution and habitat limited.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe effects of dietary modifications have been assessed in people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with consistent benefits reported from clinical trials. However, the lived experience of making and sustaining positive dietary changes for people with RA remains unknown. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of adults with RA and their perceptions of a 12-week telehealth-delivered dietary intervention and to assess the acceptability of the programme.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPatient engagement with clinicians results in shared decision making and increased adherence to medication. However, in order for strong patient: clinician partnerships to be achieved, communication barriers need to be identified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the level of understanding of inflammatory arthritis patients and the need for strong patient-partnership in research.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Physical activity (PA) interventions incorporating behaviour change (BC) theory are needed to improve PA levels in people with rheumatoid arthritis. A pilot feasibility study of a Physiotherapist-led Intervention to Promote PA in Rheumatoid Arthritis (PIPPRA) was undertaken to obtain estimates for recruitment rate, participant retention and protocol adherence.
Methods: Participants were recruited at University Hospital (UH) rheumatology clinics and randomly assigned to control group (physical activity information leaflet) or intervention group (four BC physiotherapy sessions in 8 weeks).