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The last three census data highlighted that UK Bangladeshi communities have the worst health outcomes. This includes a higher risk of type two diabetes and heart diseases; both are risk factors for developing vascular dementia. However, little is known about Bangladeshi community members' understandings of dementia, including cultural myths. This paper focuses on the cultural myths, superstitions, and stigma surrounding dementia in an English Bangladeshi community from the direct experiences of people living with dementia, their caregivers, and the views of dementia service providers/stakeholders. This qualitative research was undertaken with three distinct participant groups using semistructured interviews (n = 25), who were recruited from community settings. The first and second participant groups explored the experiences of people with dementia (n = 10) and their family caregivers (n = 10). The third group examined stakeholders'/service providers' views (n = 5). Interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Findings were reached using an interpretive approach, emphasising the sense people make in their own lives and experiences and how they frame and understand dementia. The study revealed that participants with dementia and their caregivers have "alternative" knowledge about dementia and do not necessarily understand dementia in a Westernised scientific/biomedical context. Misconceptions about dementia and belief in various myths and superstitions can lead people to go to spiritual healers or practice traditional remedies rather than to their GPs, delaying their dementia diagnosis. This paper concludes that there is a lack of awareness among the Bangladeshi participants and a need for targeted awareness about dementia to help dispel cultural myths and combat the stigma surrounding dementia within the Bangladeshi community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the status of train delays, a complex and dynamic problem, is crucial for railway enterprises and passengers. This paper proposes a novel hybrid deep learning model composed of convolutional neural networks (CNN) and temporal convolutional networks (TCN), named the CNN + TCN model, for predicting train delays in railway systems. First, we construct 3D data containing the spatiotemporal characteristics of real-world train data. Then, the CNN + TCN model employs a 3D CNN component, which is fed into the constructed 3D data to mine the spatiotemporal characteristics, and a TCN component that captures the temporal characteristics in railway operation data. Furthermore, the characteristic variables corresponding to the two components are selected. Finally, the model is evaluated by leveraging data from two railway lines in the United Kingdom. Numerical results show that the CNN + TCN model has greater accuracy and convergence performance in train delay prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cancer diagnosis is a complex and multifaceted process that can be stressful and anxiety-provoking for patients. Evidence-based tools and information aids that can be used for guiding and supporting patients during cancer investigations and after diagnosis are limited. This paper presents a user-centred codesign project that aims to develop a cancer pathway support tool for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Method. A mixed-method codesign approach was used including prototype development (January–March 2022), three online codesign workshops (April–June 2022), one-to-one feedback, and beta testing informed by the standardised Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) questionnaire (July–October 2022). Nine individuals with lived experience of cancer contributed to the project and are referred to as codesigners. Results. The codesigners valued the potential importance of a tool that can be used by the patients and carers if they want specific information about cancer investigations, diagnosis, and treatment. The ability to select what they need as opposed to long leaflets and generating their own questions for the healthcare providers were highlighted as important aspects of improving patient care. The tool was collectively designed to provide clear definitions of the cancer care pathway and easily accessible links from trusted resources and includes practical information to minimise the burden that can be experienced from preparation for appointments and tests. Beta testing results with a small sample of potential users including patients, carers, and healthcare providers (n = 23) showed high acceptability of the guide (range = 7–35, mean = 28.52, and standard deviation = 3.88) based on the TFA questionnaire. Conclusion. A cancer pathway support tool called "Your Cancer Pathway Support Guide (YCPSG)" was developed as a result of an iterative codesign process aiming to improve patient experience and outcomes for people referred on a suspected cancer pathway or who have been diagnosed with cancer. The tool provides information and support in both digital and PDF formats. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential impact of "Your Cancer Pathway Support Guide" on patient outcomes and experience and the wider system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The air quality in classrooms significantly impacts school children's health and learning performance. It has been reported worldwide that classroom air quality does not meet the required standard and actions are pledged for improvement. However, it poses a challenge for decision-making in terms of prioritising taking-up measures. The aim of this study is to propose a method of identifying the action measures for improving classroom air quality and prioritising them. Case studies in the UK and China were conducted, and the key measures were identified through literature studies, open-ended questionnaire surveys, and workshop discussions, which are classified into three categories: B1, policy; B2, technology; and B3, information sharing. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is applied in the prioritisation of the action measures. A total of 138 teachers and parents from China and the UK participated in this case study. The genetic algorithm-optimised Hadamard product (GAOHP) method is applied to justify the consistency ratio (CR) within the required threshold value in order to ensure the consistency of the subjective perception and the accuracy of comparative weights. The results show that item B2, technology, is the most desired measure by both Chinese and British parents and teachers, despite the deviation from the optimal choice in China and the UK. Among the proposed action measures, the UK respondents strongly expected air purifiers with natural ventilation as opposed to their Chinese counterparts preferring to share the real-time status of classroom air quality. Our work will provide strong support for the subsequent selection of indoor air quality improvement strategies for schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common premalignant skin condition. Its diagnosis is based on a clinical and sometimes dermoscopic examination, but, in some situations, a skin biopsy may be necessary. Dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) can often bypass this need, by noninvasive evaluation of skin morphology. Early and effective treatment of AKs is important to prevent the progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC). Tirbanibulin 1% ointment, a new topical field therapy for AKs, has recently been introduced. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tirbanibulin 1% ointment for the field treatment of nonhyperkeratotic, nonhypertrophic AKs (Olsen grade 1) on the face and/or scalp in adults, using D-OCT technology. Methods. Patients, presenting multiple, mild to moderate AKs on the face and scalp, in treatment with tirbanibulin 1% ointment for five consecutive days of an area measuring 25 cm2, were evaluated with videodermoscopy (V-track Vidix 4.0) and D-OCT (VivoSight Dx, Michelson Diagnostics Ltd., Kent, England, United Kingdom), as normal clinical practice. The lesions were staged according to the Olsen classification, excluding the most aggressive lesions. Results. We retrospectively evaluated 50 patients (27 males and 23 females, mean age 76 ± 7.9 years). At 57 days posttreatment, the complete clearance rate was 68% (n = 34) and partial clearance rate was 76% (n = 38). D-OCT showed markedly improved morphology, including a better recognizable dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), associated with reduced inflammation. The most common adverse events reported were erythema and scaling, which were mostly mild and self-limiting. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that tirbanibulin may be considered an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for nonhyperkeratotic, nonhypertrophic AKs. It showed a favorable safety profile, with mostly mild adverse events. D-OCT can be considered a useful tool for personalizing AK treatment and monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AADCd is an ultrarare, underdiagnosed neurometabolic disorder for which a screening test (3-OMD dosing on dried blood spot (DBS)) and targeted gene therapy (authorized in the EU and the UK) are available. Therefore, it is mandatory to raise awareness of presenting symptoms and signs among practitioners. Delivering scientifically sound information to promote screening of patients with the correct cluster of symptoms and signs would be critical. Materials and Methods. In light of the lack of sound evidence on this issue, expert opinion level of evidence was elicited with the Delphi method. Fourteen steering committee members invited a panel of 29 Italian experts to express their opinions on a series of crucial but controversial topics related to using 3-OMD DBS as a screening method in AADCd. Clusters of symptoms and signs were divided into typical or atypical, depending on age groups. Inclusion in newborn screening programs and the usefulness of a clinical score were investigated. A five-point Likert scale was used to rate the level of priority attributed to each statement. Results. The following statements reached the highest priority: testing pediatric patients with hypotonia, developmental delay, movement disorders, and oculogyric crises; inclusion of 3-OMD dosing on DBS in neonatal screening programs; development of a clinical score to support patients’ selection for 3-OMD screening; among atypical phenotypes based on clinical characteristics of Italian patients: testing patients with intellectual disability and parkinsonism-dystonia. Discussion. Clusters of symptoms and signs can be used to prioritize testing with 3-OMD DBS. A clinical score was rated as highly relevant for the patient’s selection. The inclusion of 3-OMD dosing in newborn screening programs was advocated with high clinical priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There are many different haematological malignancy subtypes. Most follow chronic pathways that are uncertain and unpredictable, which may lead to feelings of anxiety and distress. The provision of information can ameliorate such difficulties, but patients are known to have unmet needs in this regard. The aim of this study is to explore experiences of information sharing among patients with chronic blood cancers and the factors impacting this process. Methods. The study is set within a UK cohort of blood cancer patients, where care is provided across 14 hospitals according to national clinical guidelines. Purposive sampling was used to identify expert participants (based on experience), and in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 35 patients, 10 with a relative present. The study was intended to inform practice and utilised qualitative description, with thematic content analysis and systematic data coding. Results. Experiences of information sharing varied. Most patients described this positively, but not all. Several barriers and facilitators were identified, which are discussed within five themes: (1) shock affects ability to process information, (2) the importance of time to facilitate information exchange, (3) personal relationships have an impact on meeting information needs, (4) HCP interpersonal skills are central to good information sharing, and (5) communication skills and terminology. Conclusions. Patients with chronic blood cancers prefer to engage in information sharing when they are not in a state of shock, and when they have adequate time to process material that is effectively and sensitively delivered, by HCPs they know and trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]