School of Allied Health Sciences
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Item Open Access A 10-year history of perinatal care at the Brockington Mother and Baby Unit Stafford(Springer Nature, 2015-10-06) Green, Debra J; Hofberg, K.; Carr, C.; Fanneran, Tina; Sumathipala, A.Perinatal mother and baby units are an essential service for women suffering from perinatal mental illness by allowing the baby to stay with the mother whilst receiving inpatient mental health care. Such units enable the mother to develop a relationship with her baby in a safe and supportive environment whilst caring for her mental health needs and allow her to gain confidence in her role as a mother. This article presents the development of the Brockington Mother and Baby unit and its progressive advancement towards an exemplary service for women suffering from perinatal mental illness. The Brockington Mother and Baby unit (MBU) at South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (SSSFT) is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is one of six MBUs accredited as excellent by the Royal College of Psychiatry (RCPsych). The unit is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Quality Care Network and thereby adheres to their national standard of care. This article describes the journey from a single lone worker in perinatal mental health to an exemplary service caring for women with perinatal mental illness during the first 12 months following the birth of their child.Item Metadata only 15th European Conference on the Spectroscopy of Biological Molecules (ECSBM)–where spectroscopy and biology met(IOS Press, 2014) Parker, A.W.; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.)Item Metadata only 17-beta oestradiol attenuates nucleotide excision repair.(Wiley, 2003-01-10) Evans, M. D.; Butler, J.; Nicoll, K.; Cooke, M. S.; Lunec, J.Item Metadata only 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine: Redox regulation of repair in vivo.(2002-10-01) Lunec, J.; Holloway, K. A.; Cooke, M. S.; Faux, S.; Griffiths, H. R.; Evans, M. D.Item Metadata only 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’deoxyguanosine: re-use, reduce, recycle.(2007-08-16) Cooke, M. S.; Evans, M. D.Item Metadata only A CBT-based training module for UK health visitors who support parents with excessively crying babies: development and initial evaluation(Cambridge University Press, 2024-04-19) St James-Roberts, Ian; Griffiths, Sarah; Watson, Maggie; White, Charlotte; Brown, JayneBackground: Parents report that around 20% of infants cry a lot without apparent reason during the first four postnatal months. This crying can trigger parental depression, breastfeeding cessation, overfeeding, impaired parent–child relationships and child development, and infant abuse. The Surviving Crying (SC) cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)-based materials were developed in earlier research to improve the coping, wellbeing and mental health of parents who judge their infant to be crying excessively. Aim: This study set out to: develop a health visitor (HV) training module based on the SC materials, tailored to fit health visiting; assess whether HVs could deliver a SC-based service successfully; confirm whether parents gained similar benefits to those in the earlier study; prepare for a controlled trial of the SC-based service. Methods: A training module was developed to enable HVs to deliver the SC materials, much of it provided online. Ten HVs took the training module (‘SC HVs’). They and the Institute of Health Visiting provided feedback to refine it. SC HV delivery of the CBT sessions to parents with excessively crying babies was assessed using a standardised test. Parental wellbeing was measured using validated questionnaires. Parents and SC HVs evaluated the effectiveness of the SC service using questionnaires or interviews. Findings: The study produced the intended training module. Most SC HVs completed the training, and 50% delivered the SC-based service successfully. Both training and delivery were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, illness and work pressures. Replicating earlier findings: most parents’ anxiety and depression scores declined substantially after receiving the SC service; improvements in parents’ confidence, frustration and sleep were found; and all parents and the SC HVs interviewed found the SC service useful and agreed it should be included in the National Health Service. A controlled trial of the resulting SC service is underway.Item Metadata only A Confounding Discourse Analysis of Vietnamese Sex Workers’ Talk in the City of Kaiyuan, China(Springer, 2023-01-06) Wilson, Amanda; Jin, Yu; Xiao, Chenchang; Yan, Hong; Yu, Bin; Zhai, Mengxi; Li, Jiayu; Wang, YuanyuanVietnamese female sex workers (VFSWs) cross the border into Kaiyuan City, Yunnan Province yearly. However, very little is known about both the health and psychological issues VFSWs experience. The objectives of this study were to explore the dominant discourses that emerged from the VFSWs’ talk. The interviews occurred between May 2018 and June 2018 with 20 VFSWs who worked in Kaiyuan City, China. The English translated transcripts were analyzed using an eclectic feminist method of discourse analysis. Two discourses emerged. First, “Agency when working in Karaoke Bars and other Indoor Venues”, and second, “Negative Impacts on Psychological Well-being and Other Problems from Migration.” As for Discourse 1, the VFSWs positioned themselves as having agency over choosing their clientele as well as agency over what they were willing to negotiate with their clients to establish boundaries of their bodies. As for the Discourse 2, while there was a discourse of agency in their work there was also a contrasting, confounding discourse around the negative impact on psychological well-being and reports of stress as a migrant worker. Discourse 1 and Discourse 2 are confounding. When analyzed together, the discourses suggest that the impacts on psychological well-being may be more related to the migrant status of the women, supporting the notion of systemically influenced agency.Item Metadata only A review of salivary composition changes induced by fasting and its impact on health(Elsevier, 2023-07-14) Aripin, N. F. K.; Zahid, N. I.; Rahim, M. A. A.; Yaacob, H.; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Rahim, Z. H. A.; Hashim, R.Human saliva is an indispensable fluid that maintains a healthy oral cavity which otherwise can lead to oral diseases (dental caries and periodontitis). In addition, salivary metabolites and microbiome profile provide early detection of systemic diseases such as cancer and obesity. Salivary diagnostic has gained popularity due to its non-invasive sampling technique. Fasting (abstinence from food or drink or both) research for weight loss and improve health is common, but studies using fasting saliva are scarce. Some metabolites in fasting saliva have been reported with interesting results, which can be enhanced by considering different confounding factors. For example, fasting saliva contains higher salivary nitrite, which is related to nitric oxide (NO). NO is a vasodilator supporting the healthy function of endothelial cells and its deficiency is connected to many diseases. The timely supply of NO through exogenous and endogenous means is highlighted and the potential advantage of fasting salivary composition changes in relation to COVID-19 infection is speculated. This review aims to provide a general discussion on the salivary composition, properties, and functions of the whole saliva, including the health benefits of fasting.Item Metadata only A structure-based virtual high-throughput screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM/PBSA study identified novel putative drug-like dual inhibitors of trypanosomal cruzain and rhodesain cysteine proteases(Springer, 2023-01-08) Bhambra, Avninder S.; Eurtivong, Chatchakorn; Zimmer, Collin; Schirmeister, Tanja; Butkinaree, Chutikarn; Saruengkhanphasit, Rungroj; Niwetmarin, Worawat; Ruchirawat, SomsakVirtual screening a collection of ~ 25,000 ChemBridge molecule collection identified two nitrogenous heterocyclic molecules, 12 and 15, with potential dual inhibitory properties against trypanosomal cruzain and rhodesain cysteine proteases. Similarity search in DrugBank found the two virtual hits with novel chemical structures with unreported anti-trypanosomal activities. Investigations into the binding mechanism by molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns revealed the molecules were able to occupy the binding sites and stabilise the protease complexes. Binding affinities calculated using the MM/PBSA method for the last 20 ns showed that the virtual hits have comparable binding affinities to other known inhibitors from literature suggesting both molecules as promising scaffolds with dual cruzain and rhodesain inhibition properties, i.e. 12 has predicted ΔGbind values of − 38.1 and − 38.2 kcal/mol to cruzain and rhodesain, respectively, and 15 has predicted ΔGbind values of − 34.4 and − 25.8 kcal/mol to rhodesain. Per residue binding free energy decomposition studies and visual inspection at 100 ns snapshots revealed hydrogen bonding and non-polar attractions with important amino acid residues that contributed to the ΔGbind values. The interactions are similar to those previously reported in the literature. The overall ADMET predictions for the two molecules were favourable for drug development with acceptable pharmacokinetic profiles and adequate oral bioavailability.Item Metadata only A systematic review of the barriers and facilitators impacting patient enrolment in clinical trials for lung cancer(Elsevier, 2024-03-19) Lond, Benjamin; Dodd, Christopher; Davey, Zoe; Darlison, Liz; McPhelim, John; Rawlinson, Janette; Williamson, I. R.; Merriman, Clair; Waddington, Francesca; Bagnallainslie, Dominic; Rajendran, Balaji; Usman, Jesse; Henshall, CatherinePurpose Clinical research trials are needed to enhance the medical care and treatment for lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While clinical trials allow for the development of novel therapies to treat cancer, the recruitment of lung cancer patients to trials is low. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the available literature concerning barriers and facilitators affecting lung cancer patients’ decisions to enrol in clinical trials to guide future cancer research efforts. Methods Four databases were systematically searched: Academic Search Complete, CINHAL, PubMed, and PsycINFO in August 2023. A supplemental grey literature search was also conducted alongside this. Articles were quality appraised using CASP and JMI checklists, and results were narratively synthesised. Results Eighteen articles of varied design met the inclusion criteria, and results were mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) Model to help structure and conceptualise review findings. Evidence suggests that the decision to enrol in a trial is multifaceted and informed by: when and how study information is presented, travel and trial eligibility, and altruistic hopes and fears. Conclusions There is need to address the many different concerns that lung cancer patients have about participating in a clinical trial through the supply of accessible and timely trial information, and via the reduction of travel, expansion of study eligibility criteria, and recognition of a person's altruistic wishes, hopes, fears, and family-oriented concerns. Future research should aim to work alongside lung cancer patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders to increase research accessibility.Item Metadata only Aberrant processing of oxidative DNA damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.(2000) Evans, M. D.; Cooke, M. S.; Akil, M.; Samanta, Ash; Lunec, J.Item Open Access Academic Outreach and Widening Participation: Problems, Planning and Quick Wins(2020-05) Furmonaviciene, R.Dr Ruta Furmonaviciene reflects positively on the transition to online delivery and identifies some tools which have helped her to continue working. Ruta explains how the pandemic has increased the opportunity for innovation and creativity and she highlights the benefits this could have for WP and outreach https://youtu.be/7LxHW8AetC0Item Metadata only Academic staff attitudes towards electronic learning in arts and sciences(2008) Rolfe, Vivien E.; Alcocer, M.; Bentley, E.; Milne, D.; Meyer-Sahling, J.Item Metadata only Accumulation of tropane alkaloids in hairy-root cultures of Datura stramonium(1991) Burbridge, A.; Gartland, K. M. A.; Jenkins, R. O.; Wolley, J. G.; Elliott, Malcolm C.Item Metadata only Accumulation or production of arsenobetaine in humans?(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2010) Newcombe, C.; Raab, Andrea; Williams, P. N.; Deacon, C.; Haris, P. I. (Parvez I.); Meharg, A. A.; Feldmann, JoergItem Open Access Achieve equity in access to sickle cell services(EMAP Publishing Limited, 2013-11-26) Dyson, Simon; Atkin, KarlGreater priority, and appropriate resources, need to be accorded to the provision of sickle cell and thalassaemia services. Sickle cell and thalassaemia disorders are among the most common genetic conditions in the world. In the UK, the condition affects about 15,000 people of all ethnic backgrounds but is more common in people of black African or African-Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asian origin. There are encouraging moves towards networks of clinical care based around centres with medical and nursing staff with specialist knowledge. Yet legitimate questions remain about the lack of priority accorded to sickle cell and thalassaemia services.Item Open Access Actor network theory, agency and racism: The case of sickle cell trait and US athletics(Palgrave Macmillan, 2015-03-02) Carter, Bob; Dyson, SimonItem Metadata only Acute intradialytic exercise does not affect the phenotype or pro-thrombotic nature of microparticles but alters their function(Wiley, 2018-10-07) Martin, Naomi; Dungey, Maurice R.; Burton, James O.; Young, Hannah M. L.; Smith, Alice C.; Bishop, Nicolette C.Haemodialysis patients have a dysfunctional and activated immune system, with comorbidity-associated risks of thrombosis, cardiovascular disease and infection. Microparticles are biologically active nanovesicles shed from activated cells and are a novel biomarker of inflammation. Exercise is anti-inflammatory and advocated in haemodialaysis, yet the effect on microparticles is unknown. We assessed the acute effect of intradialytic exercise on microparticle number, phenotype, ability to induce endothelial cell reactive oxygen species and activate leukocytes in vitro. 11 patients were studied during a routine haemodialysis session and one where they exercised. Irrespective of exercise microparticle number increased during haemodialysis (2064 to 7071 MP/µl, P<0.001) as did phosphatidylserine+ (P<0.05), platelet-derived (P<0.01) and percentage pro-coagulant neutrophil-derived microparticles (P<0.05) and leukocyte-activating ability (P<0.01). Microparticles collected 0 and 60 min post-exercise induced greater reactive oxygen species generation from cultured endothelial cells than when resting (P<0.05). In summary moderate intensity intradialytic exercise had no effect on the circulating MP response or their leukocyte-activating ability. However, those collected after exercise induced greater reactive oxygen species from endothelial cells, suggesting an acute, transient pro-inflammatory response. This may stimulate a longer lasting anti-inflammatory adaptation which needs to be confirmedItem Metadata only Adaptability to various growth conditions and Anti-Biofilm efficacy of Garlic and Manuka honey on Carbapenem resistant bacteria associated with Urinary Tract Infection(2019-03-21) Al-Bayati, Majid; Samarasinghe, S.Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common form of bacterial infections and can be caused by several types of Gram-negative bacteria including Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli. In recent years, the emergence of carbapenem (the last-resort of antibiotic currently available) resistance among UTIs has challenged healthcare units worldwide and initiated the demand for alternative antimicrobials. It has been reported the hyper resistance activity of these pathogens are closely associated with their adaptability to different growth conditions and their efficacy of Biofilm formation. Bacteria form biofilms that allow their survival in hostile environments. The amount of formed biofilm is affected by external environmental factors. This study investigates the effect of specific parameters such as different growth media, incubation condition, and different growth stage on the amount of biofilm production in Carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli IMP-type) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (OXA-48, NDM-1, and KPC-3). The amount of biofilm formed was measured at different time points, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours of incubations, different growth conditions, static and shaking and also, investigated the Biofilm formation efficacy of different growth media, nutrient broth, LB broth, and AB broth). Results indicated that there there was a significant difference in biofilm level (p<0.01) when grown under different types of media. Growing under different incubation conditions. Stage of growth of the same species also showed the statistical difference, 30 out of 30 tests (100%) for E. coli and 30 out of 30 tests (100%) for K. pneumoniae. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of known anti-microbials, Garlic and Manuka honey on biofilm formation of these carbapenem resistant strains on different growth media. Our preliminary results showed that both Garlic extract and Manuka honey were effective against Carbapenem sresistant E. coli and K. pneumonia and demonstrated 20-30mg/ml of MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) for all the test stains. Collectively these findings suggested that biofilm formation is highly affected by incubation conditions, strains’ stage of growth, and media type demonstrating that these conditions may play a role in adaptability of these UTI pathogens on different environmental conditions and their increased prevalence in biofilm associated infections. Additionaly, natural antimicrobials, Garlic and Manuka honey has anti-biofilm efficacy and pave path to identifying alternative anti-microbial therapy on these Carbapenem resistant UTI pathogens.Item Metadata only Adaptability to Various Growth Conditions of Biofilm Associated Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamases Producing Bacteria(OMICS International, 2018-05-22) Baho, S.; Reid, R.; Samarasinghe, S.Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are becoming increasingly prevalent in biofilmassociated infections. Bacteria form biofilms that allow their survival in hostile environments. The amount of formed biofilm is affected by external environmental factors. This study investigates the effect of specific parameters (media type, incubation condition, and growth stage) on the amount of produced biofilm on antibiotic resistant bacterial strains, Escherichia coli (CTX-M-15, TEM-3, and IMP-type) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (OXA-48, SHV-18, NDM-1, and KPC-3). The amount of biofilm formed was measured at different time points (6, 12, 24 and 48 h) of incubations under static and shaking conditions, using three different types of media (nutrient broth, LB broth, and AB broth). Statistical tests showed that there was a significant difference in biofilm level (p<0.01) for 64 out of 80 tests (80%) when grown under different types of media. Growing under different incubation conditions also showed a statistical difference in biofilm level (p<0.05) for 76 out of 120 tests (63%). Stage of growth of the same species also showed statistical difference, 20 out of 24 tests (83%) for E. coli and 24 out of 24 tests (100%) for K. pneumoniae. These findings suggested that biofilm formation is highly affected by incubation conditions, strains’ stage of growth, and media type demonstrating that these conditions may play a role in adaptability of the ESBLs on different environmental conditions and their increased prevalence in biofilm associated infections.