Digital Commons Network^™

Gout Flare Burden In The United States: A Multiyear Cross-Sectional Survey Study, Jasvinder A Singh, Amy Morlock, Robert Morlock

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the burden of gout flares and examine associated patient characteristics and outcomes in a sample of US adults.

METHODS: Data were collected via an online survey of US adults ≥18 years using a random stratified sampling framework. Participants with gout completed questions about treatments, serum urate (SU) levels, severity, satisfaction with control, and gout flares. All participants completed the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-Item Scale. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses examined factors predictive of …

Exploring Islamophobia Through Intersectionality., Suparna Bagchi

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

No abstract provided.

The Necessity Of Electric School Bus: A Comparative Study Of Myanmar And Vietnam, Yang Ho Lee, Saeyeon Roh, Jin Woong Yoo

Plymouth Business School

Purpose: This research aims to ascertain key factors which influence the necessity of South Korean electric school buses in Myanmar and Vietnam. The interest in business sustainability and the demand for electric or safe school buses are increasing in Myanmar and Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach: As quantitative research, this study relies on a non-probability sampling method to collect data sets from experts in both countries. As this research covers three steps, including 1) literature reviews, 2) preliminary analysis and 3) Consistent Fuzzy Preference Relations (CFPR) analysis, robust outcomes were found and established in this study. Findings: Among five driving factors, including 1) …

Rhce Genotyping Using Next Generation Sequencing:Allele Specific Reference Sequences, Wajnat A. Tounsi, Amr J. Halawani, Kelly A. Sillence, Michele Kiernan, Neil D. Avent, Tracey Madgett

School of Biomedical Sciences

BackgroundThe Rh blood group system (ISBT004) is encoded by two homologous genes, RHD and RHCE. Polymorphism in these two genes gives rise to 56 antigens, which are highly immunogenic and clinically significant. This study extended previous work on the establishment of RHD allele specific reference sequences using next generation sequencing (NGS) with the Ion Personal Genome Machine (Ion PGM) to sequence the complete RHCE gene.Study Design and MethodsGenomic DNA (gDNA) samples (n = 87) from blood donors of different serologically predicted genotypes including R1R1 (DCe/DCe), R2R2 (DcE/DcE), R1R2 (DCe/DcE), R2RZ (DcE/DCE), R1r (DCe/dce), R2r (DcE/dce), R0r (Dce/dce), rr (dce/dce), r'r …

The Effect Of Exercise Training On Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Neil A. Smart, David Downes, Tom Van Der Touw, Swastika Hada, Gudrun Dieberg, Melissa J. Pearson, Mitchell Wolden, Nicola King, Stephen P.J. Goodman

School of Biomedical Sciences

Background: Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise training (EXTr) improves some lipid markers but not others; the literature is dated and analyses may be underpowered. Objectives: To clarify which lipid markers are altered with ExTr and establish if information size had yet reached futility. Methods: We conducted a systematic review/meta-analysis, with meta-regression, to establish expected effect size in lipid profile with aerobic (AT), resistance (RT) and combined (CT = AT + RT) ExTr. We conducted trial sequence analysis (TSA) to control for type I and II error and establish if information size had reached futility. …

The Micronutrient Gap: Understanding Modern Dietary Shortfalls, Kathy Redfern

School of Biomedical Sciences

Nutrition science is a relatively young discipline, yet our understanding of how diet impactshealth, wellbeing, and performance has grown significantly over the past century. Despite thissurge in research and heightened public awareness, many modern diets in developed nationsare falling short in key micronutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid (1). Thesetrends are driven by a range of factors, including rising consumption of ultra-processed foods(UPFs), declining nutrient density in produce, reduced sunlight exposure, and chronic stress.

Micro(Nano)Plastics In The Fish Gastrointestinal Tract: A Mini Review And Relevance To One Health Perspective, Farhan R. Khan, Nathaniel Clark, Elvis Genbo Xu

School of Biomedical Sciences

Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) research in the piscine gastrointestinal tract has been a significant area of study. Understanding the environmental presence of microplastics, their potential for both localised and systemic effects, and their role as a gateway for MNPs and associated chemicals to enter the tissues and the food web, including the human food chain, is crucial. The fish gut, as a critical intersection between environmental, biotic, and human health, aligns with the One Health concept. We review the likely uptake mechanisms and toxicological damage caused by ingesting MNPs and their associated chemicals in fish, contextualised within the realms of digestive physiology …

Multiplex Lateral Flow Test Sensitivity And Specificity In Detecting Influenza A, B And Sars-Cov-2 In Adult Patients In A Uk Emergency Department, Rahul Batra, Edward Blandford, Raghavendran Kulasegaran-Shylini, Matthias E Futschik, Abbie Bown, Matthew Catton, Hermione Conti-Frith, Alexandra Alexandridou, Rebecca Gill, Clara Milroy, Sean Harper, Holly Gettings, Maryann Noronha, Hooi-Ling Harrison, Sam Douthwaite, Gaia Nebbia, Paul E Klapper, Sarah Tunkel, Richard Vipond, Susan Hopkins, Tom Fowler

School of Biomedical Sciences

BACKGROUND: Rapid identification of individuals with acute respiratory infections is crucial for preventing nosocomial infections. For rapid diagnosis, especially in EDs, lateral flow devices (LFDs) are a convenient, inexpensive option with a rapid turnaround. Several 'multiplex' LFDs (M-LFDs) now exist, testing for multiple pathogens from a single swab sample. We evaluated the real-world performance of M-LFD versus PCR testing in detecting influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2) in the ED setting.

METHODS: After preliminary evaluation of an M-LFD (SureScreen) with laboratory-grown virus and PCR-negative clinical samples, it was evaluated in a real-world setting at the ED of St Thomas' Hospital (London, …

“Flies Don't Make Honey": An Exploration Of Preschoolers’ Feelings And Actions Towards Nature, Kathrin Paal

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Theses

The burgeoning climate crisis resulting from anthropogenically enhanced global warming has made protection, restoration and affection for the environment an increasingly urgent matter. The irresponsible use of resources and pollution has caused, and will continue to cause, disastrous impacts on habitats and ecosystems globally; we urgently need to better care for the natural environment. Children’s perceptions towards nature are formed during early experiences. There is a research gap for age-appropriate methods to understand children’s perspectives whilst conceptualising them as the experts in their own lives and meaningfully enhancing their involvement in research. The aim of this thesis is to explore …

Nurturing The Event: A Trauma-Informed Psychosocial Analysis Of Conversions To Christianity And Desistance From Crime, Alex Beaumont

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Theses

The aim of this thesis is to demonstrate the role prison chaplaincy and faith-based organisations play in supporting new Christian converts across HMPPS establishments. Drawing on research data from 11 in-depth narrative interviews with formerly incarcerated individuals, many of whom were long-term desisters or still in the desistance process (18 months post-release), this thesis provides a psychoanalytic interpretation of the relationship between early childhood development, traumatic events, and spiritual transformations in prison. Data was gathered using Hollway and Jefferson’s (2001) Free Association Narrative Interview Method (FANIM), which applies psychoanalytic principles to explore subjectivity beyond surface-level descriptions of self and identity. …

Cold Water Swimming And Pregnancy: A Scoping Review And Consensus Recommendations, J. Shawe, M. Felton, J. C. Harper, C. Mark Harper, R. Stidson, M. Tipton, S. Blowers, K. Fraser, S. Hingley, E. Mcgrath, G. Bainbridge, Massey Heather

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Introduction: Cold water swimming has increased in popularity and women wish to swim throughout pregnancy. There is a lack of evidenced-based guidance to make decisions about the safety of immersion in cold water during pregnancy. Methods: Closed social media groups were asked for specific questions in relation to cold water swimming and pregnancy. This highlighted concerns including water temperature, risks to the mother and fetus, and water quality. To find evidence-based answers, a series of meetings brought together clinicians and researchers with expertise in cold water physiology, exercise physiology, fertility, obstetrics, neonatology, midwifery, water epidemiology, public health and representatives from …

Promoting An Inclusive And Humanised Environment In The Intensive Care Unit: Shift Happens, Emilio Rodriguez-Ruiz, Jos M. Latour, Margo M.C. Van Mol

School of Nursing and Midwifery

No abstract provided.

Trajectories Of Post Intensive Care Syndrome In Children During First Six Months Post-Discharge., Pei Fen Poh, Rehena Sultana, Joseph C. Manning, Matt Carey, Jos Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background and Aims: Health outcome trajectories in critically ill children remain poorly described. We aimed to examine the trajectories of post-intensive care syndrome within six-months post-pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) discharge.Methods: Data were collected upon PICU admission, discharge and at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-discharge using the Pediatric Quality-of-Life scale (PedsQL™), Young Child PTSD Screen, and Functional Status Scale. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify distinct longitudinal health outcome trajectories.Results: 135 children completed follow- up and were categorised into three trajectory groups based on their health outcomes. Theme an (SD) age was 5.6(5.5) years, with PIM III score of …

Changes In The Spatiotemporal Patterns Of Covid-19 In Japan From 2020 Through 2023, Atsuna Tokumoto, Kazuaki Jindai, Tomoki Nakaya, Mayuko Saito, Clive E Sabel, Hitoshi Oshitani

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BACKGROUND: The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) varied among countries. The spatiotemporal trends of COVID-19 in Japan remain understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a detailed investigation of the spatiotemporal evolution of infections/deaths across prefectures in Japan, to analyze the changing patterns of COVID-19 circulation in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.

METHODS: We extracted data from nationally represented open-source data from January 15, 2020, to May 9, 2023, and we calculated the incidence rate of infection and the mortality. Further the ratios were obtained by dividing those rates in prefectural level by those in national level to make them …

Metal Contamination In Sediments Of An Estuary Impacted By Discharges Of Antifouling Waste (Yealm, Southwest England), Oliver Bradley, Gillian A. Glegg, Geoffrey E. Millward, Andrew Turner

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

The Yealm is a small, protected estuary in southwest England. A paint-testing laboratory on the estuary operated from the 1920s until 2011 but sometime in 2015 or 2016, an unauthorised discharge of antifouling waste occurred. In this study, concentrations of metals and forms thereof associated with contemporary and historical antifouling formulations (As, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sn, Zn, organic Hg, organic Sn), along with other elements of geochemical or anthropogenic interest, were measured in fractionated (<180 μm) surface sediments at different distances from the discharge. Close to the discharge, concentrations of organic-Sn, representative of tributyltin, exceeded a level that requires material disposal in landfill; here and upestuary, concentrations of Cu and Hg exceeded respective predicted effect levels for estuarine sediments. Analysis of paint flakes isolated from sediments outside the laboratory revealed similar chemical signatures (high concentrations of Cu in most flakes and high levels of Hg and Sn in several cases), consistent with antifouling paint being the cause of contamination. Concentrations of Cu, Hg and organic Sn in sections of a dated core sampled close to the discharge exhibited enrichment since the opening of the laboratory nearly 100 years ago, with distinctive peaks for Hg and organic Sn coincident with periods shortly after these biocidal metals began to be phased out or restricted. These observations suggest that historical waste discharges may have been important and that any remediation measures will be challenging. The general observations might also be applicable to other facilities where contemporary and legacy antifouling waste is commonly discharged to sediments (e.g., boatyards).

Empowerment Of Parents In The Intensive Care: A Multicentre Validation Study In Japan, Yujiro Matsuishi, Joseph C. Manning, Haruhiko Hoshino, Yuki Enomoto, Ikkei Munekawa, Ryo Ikebe, Masanori Tani, Naoko Tanaka, Bryan J. Mathis, Nobutake Shimojo, Yoshiaki Inoue, Jos M. Latour

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background: The importance of assessing family satisfaction in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is becoming increasingly recognised. The survey, EMpowerment of Parents in THe Intensive Care “EMPATHIC-30”, was designed to assess family satisfaction and has been translated and implemented in several countries but not yet in Japan. Objectives: The objective of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the EMPATHIC-30 questionnaire in Japanese and to identify potential factors for family-centred care satisfaction. Methods: We translated and adapted for patient-reported outcome measures via a 10-step process outlined by the Principles of Good Practice. Four paediatric PICUs in Japan participated …

“I'M Pregnant, What Do I Do?”: Exploring How People Having Abortions In Britain Find And Use Online Sources Of Information, The Sacha Study Team, Rosa Mackay, Rachel Scott, Maria Lewandowska, Rebecca Meiksin, Natasha Salaria, Patricia A. Lohr, Sharon Cameron, Melissa Palmer, Rebecca S. French, Kaye Wellings, Annette Aronsson, Paula Baraitser, Caroline Free, Louise Keogh, Clare Murphy, Wendy Norman, Jennifer Reiter, Jill Shawe, Sally Sheldon, Geoffrey Wong

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background: Accurate, timely, and supportive information is important for high-quality abortion care. Limited research explores how people find and use online sources of information (OSI) during the abortion process, particularly in Britain. Understanding experiences of using OSI is important for the development of person-centered services and resources. Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative data from 41 semi-structured interviews carried out in 2021/2022 with people who had recent experience of abortion in Britain. Results: Using OSI was common amongst participants. Our analysis generated four distinct motivations for doing so. People used OSI to find information about accessing abortion services. …

A Retrospective Records Review Comparing The Care Of Patients Who Either Avoided Or Were Admitted To An Icu Following A Ward-Based Deterioration Event, J. Ede, H. Pickworth, B. Kent, P. Watkinson, R. Endacott

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Objectives: To identify escalation success factors documented in care records of patients who triggered an Early Warning Score ≥ 7 in the ward, avoided an Intensive Care Unit admission and survived and compare these with ward patients who triggered an Early Warning Score ≥ 7, went to intensive care and died during their admission. Methods: A multi-site, retrospective records review was conducted on 340 survivors and 50 non-survivors who were either admitted to, or who avoided intensive care. Results: Non-survivors of deterioration tended to be older, earlier into their hospital admission, and had a greater number of co-morbidities at the …

Beyond The Drill: Understanding Empathy Among Undergraduate Dental Students, Muhammad Qasim Javed, Zaina Ahmad, Muhammad Muhammad, Kamran Ali, Arham Riaz, Rebecca Glanville

Peninsula Dental School

Introduction: Compassionate care and empathy are fundamental components of health care which contribute to the social construction of physician–patient relationship to meet the expectations of the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical empathy among undergraduate dental students at a University in the Middle East. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study which used purposive sampling to recruit undergraduate dental students from five academic years. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Health Profession Students was used, a reliable 20-item tool with a total score ranging from 20 to 140. Data collection was done online using Google Forms. …

Mishra L, Francis T, Nooji D, Aggarwal H, Mccoll E, Eachempati P. Current Concepts In Restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth., Lora Mishra, Prashanti Eachempati, Tony Francis, Devi Prasad Nooji, Himanshi Aggarwal, Ewen Mccoll

Peninsula Dental School

Restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) is crucial for long-term success. This article reviews current concepts in restoringETT, which focuses on structural integrity and functional performance. Key factors, including residual tooth structure, ferrule effect and pericervical dentine preservation, are discussed alongside advances in conservative access designs, biomimetic protocols and innovative materials,such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibres. Decision-making frameworks, including the Restorative Difficulty Evaluation System(RDES), are highlighted to support clinicians in achieving predictable outcomes, ensuring tooth survival and patient satisfaction.CPD/Clinical Relevance: The long-term success of endodontically treated teeth depends on selecting appropriate restorative strategiesthat ensure structural integrity, functional performance and …

Quality Of Life Is Impaired In Shrimp Allergic Adults And Caregivers, Melissa L Hearrell, Sara Anvari, Sharon Chinthrajah, Sana Hasan, David P Huston, Evan Li, Chen-Hsing Lin, Edwin Kim, Andreas L Lopata, Sarbjit Singh Saini, Sayantani Sindher, Panida Sriaroon, Bin Su, Julie Wang, Carla M Davis

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Rationale: Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) allergies (SA) can result in allergic reactions ranging from life threatening severe anaphylaxis to oral allergy syndrome. SA may pose lifestyle restrictions on daily life and interfere with social relationships and school performance, but this has not been thoroughly investigated. We examined the QoL in SA adults and caregivers.

Methods: A QoL online questionnaire adapted from the validated Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ) was administered between September 30, 2023-July 15, 2024 to adults and caregivers of at least one SA child. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Fisher exact test were …

Incidence And Outcomes Of Hospitalized Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Subsequent St-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Arhum Mahmood, Song Peng Ang, Yusuf Kamran Qadeer, Hafeez Ul Hassan Virk, Jonathan Alan Tangsrivimol, Iqra Riaz, Zhen Wang, Mahboob Alam, Markus Strauss, Chayakrit Krittanawong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may experience accompanying acute ST-Segment myocardial infarction after AIS. The cardiovascular risks, incidence, complications, and outcomes of acute STEMI in patients hospitalized with AIS remains underexplored.

Methods: We evaluated 2,804,819 patients that presented with AIS who were listed in the National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2021. AIS and STEMI were defined according to the ICD-10 Diagnostic Codes. Patients with Non-STEMI were excluded. The risk of specific complications and outcomes were expressed as percentages. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of STEMI with a primary outcome of mortality …

Structural Heart Imaging Using 3-Dimensional Intracardiac Echocardiography: Jacc: Cardiovascular Imaging Position Statement, Gilbert H L Tang, Syed Zaid, Rebecca T Hahn, Vratika Aggarwal, Mohamad Alkhouli, Edris Aman, Sergio Berti, Y S Chandrashekhar, Scott M Chadderdon, Andreina D'Agostino, Neil P Fam, Edwin C Ho, Chad Kliger, Susheel K Kodali, Parasuram Krishnamoorthy, Azeem Latib, Stamatios Lerakis, D Scott Lim, Vaikom S Mahadevan, Devi G Nair, Jagat Narula, Patrick T O'Gara, Douglas L Packer, Fabien Praz, Jason H Rogers, Tobias F Ruf, Carlos E Sanchez, Alok Sharma, Gagan D Singh, Nicolas M Van Mieghem, Mani A Vannan, Pradeep K Yadav, Lina Ya'qoub, Firas E Zahr, Ralph Stephan Von Bardeleben

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

3-dimensional (3D) intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is emerging as a promising complement and potential alternative to transesophageal echocardiography for imaging guidance in structural heart interventions. To establish standardized practices, our multidisciplinary expert position statement serves as a comprehensive guide for the appropriate indications and utilization of 3D-ICE in various structural heart procedures. The paper covers essential aspects such as the fundamentals of 3D-ICE imaging, basic views, and workflow recommendations specifically tailored for ICE-guided structural heart procedures, such as transeptal puncture, device closure of intracardiac structures, and transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve interventions. Current challenges, future directions, and training requirements to ensure …

Mutations In Retinal Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels Identified In Familial Cases Of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies From Pakistan, Zainab Akhtar, Kiran Afshan, Yumei Li, Sumaira Altaf, Aleesha Asghar, Ume Sughra, Wajid Ali Khan, Haiba Kaul, Rui Chen, Sabika Firasat

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are ligand-gated ion channels that transduce light signals into electrical signals in the retinal photoreceptors. Pathogenic variants in CNG channel genes are reported to cause inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs). The current study used targeted panel sequencing to describe the mutational spectrum of CNG channel genes in familial cases of IRDs from eight consanguineous Pakistani families.

Methods: The current study included consanguineous Pakistani families with at least two affected members. DNA was extracted from whole blood samples by the phenol-chloroform method. Two affected members from each family were initially analyzed using targeted panel sequencing of 344 …

Clues To Transcription/Replication Collision-Induced Dna Damage: It Was Rnap, In The Chromosome, With The Fork, Matthew B Cooke, Christophe Herman, Priya Sivaramakrishnan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

DNA replication and RNA transcription processes compete for the same DNA template and, thus, frequently collide. These transcription-replication collisions are thought to lead to genomic instability, which places a selective pressure on organisms to avoid them. Here, we review the predisposing causes, molecular mechanisms, and downstream consequences of transcription-replication collisions (TRCs) with a strong emphasis on prokaryotic model systems, before contrasting prokaryotic findings with cases in eukaryotic systems. Current research points to genomic structure as the primary determinant of steady-state TRC levels and RNA polymerase regulation as the primary inducer of excess TRCs. We review the proposed mechanisms of TRC-induced …

Folate Receptor Β Performs An Immune Checkpoint Function In Activated Macrophages, Fenghua Zhang, Md Yusuf Al-Amin, Sagar Utturkar, Rina Jiang, Gregory Cresswell, Rami Alfar, Ian Ophaug-Johansen, Gabriel Bachman, Madduri Srinivasarao, Richard Finnell, Amaya Puig-Kröger, Timothy Ratliff, Philip S Low

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Monocytes and macrophages are sentinels of the immune system that distinguish themselves from other cells by expressing the beta isoform of the folate receptor (FRβ). Because FRβ does not bind folate until the monocyte/macrophage is exposed to immunosuppressive cytokines, the question naturally arose whether FRβ might also perform an immune-related function. To examine this matter, we compared the properties of wild type (WT) and FRβ knockout mice. We observe that FRβ knockout (KO) mice display autoimmune symptoms that can include alopecia, enlarged spleens, and dermatitis, despite having normal cellular folate levels. We further demonstrate that syngeneic tumors (TRAMP C2, MC38) …

Med12 Loss-Of-Function Variants As A Cause Of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia In Females With Hardikar Syndrome And Nonspecific Intellectual Disability, Eric C Kao, Elizabeth A Mizerik, Carlos A Bacino, Hongzheng Dai, Liesbeth Vossaert, Daryl A Scott

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) is required for the assembly of the kinase module of Mediator, a regulatory complex that controls the formation of the RNA polymerase II-mediated preinitiation complex. MED12-related disorders display unique gender-specific genotype-phenotype associations and include X-linked recessive Opitz-Kaveggia syndrome, Lujan-Fryns syndrome, Ohdo syndrome, and nonspecific intellectual disability in males predominantly carrying missense variants, and X-linked dominant Hardikar syndrome and nonspecific intellectual disability in females known to predominantly carry de novo nonsense/frameshift and nonsense/missense variants, respectively. MED12 was previously identified as a low-penetrance candidate gene for non-isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH+). At the time, however, there was …

Id-Gba: Subgraph Extension With Information Distance Guilt By Association In Complex Networks, Predrag Obradovic, Vladimir Kovacevic, Aleksandar Milosavljevic, Varduhi Petrosyan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Here, we introduce the ID-GBA (Information Distance Guilt By Association) method to expand highly connected sets of nodes by deploying a novel algorithm for subgraph extension based on the guilt-by-association principle and information distance. In this study, ID-GBA was utilized to expand disease clusters, and identify novel disease genes. We first validate its ability to expand related disease sets from disease/disease graphs built using Open Targets' gene association scores. We then analyze disease/control gene expression networks and show that ID-GBA recaptures known disease genes in nine disease/control graphs. Compared to existing methods such as Random Walk with Restarts and Personalized …

Bayesian Covariate-Dependent Circadian Modeling Of Rest-Activity Rhythms, Beniamino Hadj-Amar, Vaishnav Krishnan, Marina Vannucci

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

We propose a Bayesian covariate-dependent anti-logistic circadian model for analyzing activity data collected via wrist-worn wearable devices. The proposed approach integrates covariates into the modeling of the amplitude and phase parameters, facilitating cohort-level analysis with enhanced flexibility and interpretability. To promote model sparsity, we employ an l1-ball projection prior, enabling precise control over complexity while identifying significant predictors. We assess performances on simulated data and then apply the method to real-world actigraphy data from people with epilepsy. Our results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in uncovering complex relationships among demographic, psychological, and medical factors influencing rest-activity rhythms, offering insights for …

Epilepsy Clinic Analytics: Leveraging Emr Reporting Tools To Characterize Center Volume And Complexity, Vanuli Arya, Arindam Ghosh Mazumder, Muna Nnamani, Mark A Abboud, Samuel C Lee, Michael S Guzman, Vaishnav Krishnan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Epilepsy centers connect patients to multidisciplinary provider groups that can coordinate surgical interventions and/or investigational treatments. Automated techniques to cross-sectionally review patient volume and complexity may reveal objective metrics to assign appropriate personnel and resources. Here, we leveraged an electronic medical record (EMR) reporting tool to examine how patient and visit volumes, antiseizure medication (ASM) prescriptions and neuromodulation use evolved over an 11-year epoch at a single level 4 adult epilepsy center in Texas, USA.

Methods: Using Epic Workbench Reporting, we acquired the dates of (i) all clinic visits (office or telemedicine), (ii) CPT codes for neuromodulation interrogation/programming, and …