Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen unprecedented use of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing for epidemiological tracking and identification of emerging variants. Understanding the potential impact of ...these variants on the infectivity of the virus and the efficacy of emerging therapeutics and vaccines has become a cornerstone of the fight against the disease. To support the maximal use of genomic information for SARS-CoV-2 research, we launched the Ensembl COVID-19 browser; the first virus to be encompassed within the Ensembl platform. This resource incorporates a new Ensembl gene set, multiple variant sets, and annotation from several relevant resources aligned to the reference SARS-CoV-2 assembly. Since the first release in May 2020, the content has been regularly updated using our new rapid release workflow, and tools such as the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor have been integrated. The Ensembl COVID-19 browser is freely available at https://covid-19.ensembl.org.
To explore how the concept of randomization is described by clinicians and understood by patients in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and how it contributes to patient understanding and ...recruitment.
Qualitative analysis of 73 audio recordings of recruitment consultations from five, multicenter, UK-based RCTs with identified or anticipated recruitment difficulties.
One in 10 appointments did not include any mention of randomization. Most included a description of the method or process of allocation. Descriptions often made reference to gambling-related metaphors or similes, or referred to allocation by a computer. Where reference was made to a computer, some patients assumed that they would receive the treatment that was “best for them”. Descriptions of the rationale for randomization were rarely present and often only came about as a consequence of patients questioning the reason for a random allocation.
The methods and processes of randomization were usually described by recruiters, but often without clarity, which could lead to patient misunderstanding. The rationale for randomization was rarely mentioned. Recruiters should avoid problematic gambling metaphors and illusions of agency in their explanations and instead focus on clearer descriptions of the rationale and method of randomization to ensure patients are better informed about randomization and RCT participation.
•Practices commonly used to describe randomisation in RCT recruitment could confuse patients.•Patients found it difficult to comprehend gambling-related metaphors of randomisation.•Computer-agency descriptions led to patients believing they would receive the best treatment.
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•The most common initial bladder cancer symptom was visible blood in the urine.•Bladder cancer was not the first diagnosed condition in ¾ patients.•Half of the respondents had a ...parent or sibling diagnosed with cancer.•Awareness of bladder cancer differed between countries.•Support systems included friends/family, and online and patient advocacy groups.
Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer globally, but, to date, few studies have examined the personal experience of bladder cancer patients. This study examines three key areas in bladder cancer patient experience: diagnosis, treatment, and support.
An online, multiple-choice questionnaire was designed to collect data regarding bladder cancer patient experience. The study was created, translated, and disseminated electronically via email and social media by the European Cancer Patient Coalition and national bladder cancer organisations and groups. The web-based online survey was conducted between September 2017 and April 2018.
The survey yielded responses from 1615 participants originating from 39 countries. The most common initially reported symptom of bladder cancer was visible blood in the urine (72.8 % of respondents). Three-quarters (74.7 %) of respondents reported that their initial diagnosis was a condition other than bladder cancer. The most popular form of support reported for coping with bladder cancer, for both patients and carers, was friends and family (69.7 %), followed by online support groups (58.3 %). Country comparison showed that awareness of bladder cancer differed widely between countries.
There is a need for greater awareness and understanding of bladder cancer. Further research is warranted to promote early diagnosis and the timely treatment of bladder cancer.
Over the past 20 years, cancer patient advocacy groups have demonstrated that patient engagement in cancer care is essential to improving patient quality of life and outcomes. Bladder cancer patient ...advocacy only began 10 years ago in the United States, but is now expanding around the globe with non-profit organizations established in Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy, and efforts underway in Australia. These organizations, at different levels of maturity, are raising awareness of bladder cancer and providing essential information and resources to bladder cancer patients and their families. The patient advocacy organizations are also helping to advance research efforts by funding research proposals and facilitating research collaborations. Strong partnerships between these patient advocates and the bladder cancer medical community are essential to ensuringsustainability for these advocacy organizations, increasing funding to support advances in bladder cancer treatment, and improving patient outcomes.
Book Reviews Winterbottom, Mark; Hoskins, Stephen; Carter, Ian ...
Journal of Biological Education,
20/6/1/, Volume:
44, Issue:
3
Book Review
Peer reviewed
A Guide to Stuff You Find on the Beach Amy Winterbottom and (editor, illustrator) Sally Francis Sally Francis, 2010 ISBN 9780955046681 £5 Reviewed by Andrea Fleming
Studying Science: A Guide to ...Undergraduate Success - Tips, skills and techniques to get you through your science course. Office 2003 Edition ISBN 978904842699 £15.99 Office 2007 Edition ISBN 978904842743 £15.99 Reviewed by Lyn Haynes
Janeway's Immunobiology (7th edition) Kenneth Murphy, Paul Travers, Mark Walport Garland Science, 2008 ISBN 9780815341239 £45 887pp Reviewed by Peter Anderson
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