School of Allied Health Sciences

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Open Access
Global Public Health: Sustainability Development Challenges for Mental Health
(Wiley, 2025-02-28) Illingworth, Paul
This paper is based on a Keynote address the author gave at the 9 th International Global Public Health Conference, in Manila, Philippines July 2024. The paper explores how mental health care has been, and continues to be viewed through dominant models. And suggests that by taking an intersectional view of mental health, it demonstrates that mental health has not been given the same degree of importance and has not had fair and equitable attention in policy, strategies and resources. The author offers solutions which emphasises a seismic shift is needed by the UN, WHO and Governments to move from a dominant western medical model.
Open Access
Research ethics training, challenges, and suggested improvements across Europe: Radiography research ethics standards for Europe (RRESFE).
(Elsevier, 2022-08-05) Bockhold, S.; McNulty, J.; Abdurakman, E.; Bezzina, P.; Drey, N.; England, A.; Flinton, D.; Khine, R.; McEntee, M.; Mekiš, N.; Precht, H.; Rainford, L.; Sá Dos Reis, C.; Santos, A.; Syrgiamiotis, V.; Willis, S.; Woodley, J.; Beardmore, C.; Harris, R.; O'Regan, T.; Malamateniou, C.
The Radiography Research Ethics Standards for Europe (RRESFE) project aimed to provide a cross-sectional view of the current state of radiography research ethics across Europe. This included investigating education and training in research ethics, and identifying the key challenges and potential improvements associated with using existing research ethics frameworks.
Open Access
Research ethics systems, processes, and awareness across Europe: Radiography research ethics standards for Europe (RRESFE).
(Elsevier, 2022-08-11) Bockhold, S.; McNulty, J.; Abdurakman, E.; Bezzina, P.; Drey, N.; England, A.; Flinton, D.; Khine, R.; McEntee, M.; Mekiš, N.; Precht, H.; Rainford, L.; Sá Dos Reis, C.; Santos, A.; Syrgiamiotis, V.; Willis, S.; Woodley, J.; Beardmore, C.; Harris, R.; O'Regan, T.; Malamateniou, C.
The Radiography Research Ethics Standards for Europe (RRESFE) project aims to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of current research ethics systems, processes, and awareness of such, across Europe together with identifying the associated challenges, education, and training needs.
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Leadership and resilience in adversity: The impact of COVID-19 on radiography researchers and ways forward
(Elsevier, 2022-09-18) Abdurakman, Edwin; Stogiannos, Nikolaos; Skelton, Emily; Rogers, Charlie; Sharma, Meera; Papathanasiou, Stamatia; Riaan, van de Venter; Nugent, Barbara; Francis, Jane; Walton, Lucy; O Sullivan, Chris; Mannion, Liam; Thorne, Richard; Malamateniou, Christina
The recent coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted research and academia in various ways. While it introduced new challenges and adversity, it has also presented some opportunities. Long-term physical and mental health issues, the need for research design/methodology adaptation and the isolation from the research community, have all been important barriers to radiography researchers worldwide. This work summarizes the main challenges associated with conducting research during the pandemic, as well as opportunities through adaptations of research workflows and routines. We also suggest ways forward to sustain research capacity, while ensuring integrity and quality. The personal reflections and lived experiences of our diverse group of radiography researchers were captured in a summative table. Our comments aligned with similar experiences expressed within the wider literature. Effective leadership and the ability to demonstrate resilience in such challenging situations are highlighted as ways to overcome such crises. Some practical solutions are also provided, which can be adopted not only by radiography researchers, but also by the wider research community in healthcare and beyond.
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Analysis of internal audit non-conformances at non-accredited public health laboratories in Gauteng province, South Africa
(Sabinet, 2024-12-01) Tsheola, Esther; Pienaar, Jennifer; Kruger, Winnie
Background: The International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO) 15189:2012 standard specifies requirements for the competence and quality of medical laboratories and outlines criteria for the quality management system (QMS) within these laboratories. Among the 24 public health laboratories in Gauteng, only eight (33%) achieved ISO 15189:2012 accreditation by the end of 2018, leaving a notable 16 (67%) without this status. This study aimed to identify trends in non-conformances among the non-accredited laboratories in Gauteng, as well as strategies to improve compliance with the standard. Methods: Non-conformances were collected in three disciplines (haematology, chemical pathology, and microbiology) over five years. They were categorised as pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing phases, and quality system essentials (QSE) for those non-conformances outside the testing phases. The distribution of non-conformances across the five years was compared. Non-conformances were categorised according to severity and compared. Pearson’s chi-square test evaluated differences (p < 0.05) between categories. Results: The findings showed a statistically significant difference between the years for the testing phases and QSE non-conformances (p < 0.001). Additionally, the severity of the non-conformances between these laboratories (p < 0.001) showed that medium severity non-conformances were less common than minor- or major-severity non-conformances. The majority (364, 57.6%) of non conformances were recorded for the QSEs (i.e. requirements outside the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases). Gaps in the QMS were identified. Conclusion: Extensive knowledge and analysis of laboratory non-conformances are crucial for future improvement. This study showed that fulfilling the administrative requirements of the ISO standard is an area of concern. Strategies to overcome the challenges of the ISO 15189:2012 administrative requirements need to be explored, such as appointing quality assurance officers.
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Authentic learning and assessment
(2024-04-04) Saunders, Roger; Nthakomwa-Cassidy, Kathleen
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Cultural competence: experience and perceptions of occupational therapy students
(2010-06-24) Nthakomwa-Cassidy, Kathleen
Globalisation and enlargement of the European Union, and an increase in ethnic minority communities, refugees, economic migrants and asylum seekers, have changed the context of mental health delivery. Black and minority ethnic groups have increased vulnerability towards experiencing mental health problems due to traumatic life events, the asylum process and social exclusion (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister 2004). These changing contexts mean that it is crucial for staff to be culturally competent; however, research shows that cultural needs are not always fully addressed (Kirsh et al 2006, College of Occupational Therapists 2006).Qualitative research was carried out with a sample of 12 occupational therapy students from one UK university using in-depth interviews to explore their understanding of culture and cultural competence from mental health placements and university. Ethical issues such as gaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality and provision of follow-up support were addressed. Culture was commonly viewed as static and concerning visible differences. Gaps were highlighted between recognition of practice which did not meet cultural needs and knowing how to respond to this. Findings highlight the need for approaches which enable students to explore culture broadly, bridge the theory practice gap and explicitly identify cultural competence as part of lifelong learning rather than an end point. As occupational therapists will work with service users from diverse cultural backgrounds, it is essential to develop cultural awareness, sensitivity and competence to enable clients and communities to engage with services and participate in meaningful occupations which promote their wellbeing
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Transforming OT student learning beyond a university: reflections from prison
(Sage, 2016-06-20) Nthakomwa-Cassidy, Kathleen
Twelve students visited Thorn Cross prison and Timpson Foundation as part of a work rehabilitation module. Timpson works with Thorn Cross prison to provide real job opportunities for people within and beyond prison. Vocational support in prison is critical and prisoners attending vocational training in prison are more likely to secure work (Brunton-Smith and Hopkins, 2014). Such interventions are of paramount importance in overcoming barriers as a recent report suggests that only 12% of employers were willing to employ people with a criminal record (CIPD, 2010). OTs deliver work rehabilitation in many areas but a recent report identified that offenders are a priority client group (Coole et al, 2015). The visit provided an opportunity to consider the role of OT within this area. Contact was made with Timpson Foundation to arrange to see the work projects, meet the prisoners and talk to the staff at Timpson. A field trip and risk assessment protocol was completed. Students visited the prison and met people working in different areas such as shoe repair and key cutting. Student reflections indicated that the visit had challenged their preconceptions about prisoners and prompted them to consider the links between crime and social determinants. The theme of work instilling hope and offering meaningful occupation was highlighted by an inmate they met during their visit. Establishing new roles and partnerships to address vocational needs was highlighted as critical by all students. Staff at Timpson highlighted that they understood the potential value of OT in addressing vocational needs. OT can develop collaborative partnerships with organisations like Timpson by offering their expertise in addressing the vocational needs of people within and beyond prison. Field trips can potentially offer an insight into areas of practice and can transform learning beyond the classroom
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International myeloma foundation.
(Sage, 2015-02-07) Nthakomwa-Cassidy, Kathleen
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, stems from the plasma cells, which are formed within the bone marrow. There are many individual variations in terms of symptoms, prognosis, and treatment options associated with myeloma; however, a diagnosis of multiple myeloma can potentially lead to a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the disease process, which can include fatigue, pain, bone fractures, weight loss, and kidney problems. The term multiple myeloma is used as there are many areas of the body that can potentially be impacted by the disease process due to the fact that it stems from the bone marrow sites. It is also a disease that potentially can have a significant psychological impact on the person affected as well as his or her surrounding family and friends. There are a number of treatment regimens available at different stages of the disease, all with varying side effects, and the treatment options available for myeloma have increased over the years and have extended the lives of many people living with myeloma. Such treatments can offer hope and a level of optimism in the face of a disease that may trigger uncertainty about the future.
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Perception of the Importance of Inherited Genetics and Lifestyle on the Development of Chronic Diseases: A UK Cross‐Sectional Survey
(Wiley, 2025-01-05) Hussain, Aamir; Santos-Merx, Lourdes; Da Boit, Mariasole
Background and Aims There is emerging evidence that genes, lifestyles and environment play a prominent role in the development of non-communicable diseases. Currently, there is not information on people's perception of inherited genetics vs. lifestyle on disease development. Knowing people's belief on disease etiology will better inform public health strategies for the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Methods Individuals aged 18 years and over were recruited in 2019 among the UK population and 363 participants completed an anonymous questionnaire. The main outcomes assessed were perception of importance of inherited genes and lifestyle on the development of diseases. T-tests and χ2 were used. Results The score for the importance of inherited genes in disease development was significantly lower than the lifestyle score (7.5 ± 1.7 vs. 8.5 ± 1, p <0.001). Moreover, the majority of the respondents chose lifestyle over inherited genes as most important factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes development (50.8% vs. 29.6%, 79% vs. 11.9%, 85.7% vs. 9.6%; respectively), while 60.6% of respondents selected inherited genes for rheumatoid arthritis (p < 0.05). Knowledge about genes or a healthy lifestyle did not influence the selection of lifestyle as the most important factor (p > 0.05). Conclusion Overall, participants were well aware of the importance of lifestyle as a determinant risk factor for chronic disease development. This is an important step toward adopting a healthy lifestyle.
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Unprofessional vision? Politics, (video)evidence and accountability after the work of Michael Lynch
(Hosted by ZHB Luzern/University Library Lucerne, 2025-01-14) Elsey, Christopher; Holder, Alexander; Kolanoski, Martina; Mair, Michael; Allen, Olive
As part of an ongoing critical dialogue with Charles Goodwin’s work on “professional vision” (1994), Michael Lynch has observed on a number of occasions that ‘viral’ videos—often those depicting instances of police and military misconduct—are publicly circulated artifacts that “vulgarise” and thus render perspicuous issues of ‘evidence’, ‘expertise’, ‘accountability’, and ‘visibility’ as matters of practical rather than philosophical concern (Lynch 1993, 146; see Lynch 1999, 2014, 2018, 2002; Lindwall and Lynch 2021). Alongside the video of Rodney King’s beating and, more recently, the murder of George Floyd, one such video to have gained particular global notoriety is WikiLeaks’ 2010 “Collateral Murder”, which presented leaked gun camera footage from a 2007 US Army Apache helicopter combat patrol in a Baghdad suburb in the course of which, among others, two journalists were killed, two children shot and seriously wounded, and a building in a residential area destroyed with missiles. As with the King and Floyd cases, Collateral Murder, in the form of WikiLeaks’ edited version of the video, was watched in revulsion by millions as a transparent example of egregious wrongdoing—the killing, wounding, and harming of innocents. In this contribution we revisit the unedited footage, extending consideration to its less examined second half in which the Apache team attacks and destroys a building, where we are among the first to do so in any detailed manner. We do that to explore Lynch’s ethnomethodological insights into politics, evidence and accountability as they are rendered—or fail to be rendered—perspicuous by this case. Rather than seeking to establish our own form of ‘professional vision’ as a competitor to the Apache crews’, we suggest that Lynch’s work, if taken seriously, asks us to embrace its ‘vulgar’ counterpart by working through whatwe can make of the video by drawing on our vernacular competencies as ordinary members and the problems we encounter in doing so. We will tease out what might be at stake ethnomethodologically—not an ‘unprofessional’ but practical understanding—with reference to the ‘raw’ Collateral Murder footage and what, as video, it does and does not make available to the viewer. We end by reflecting on “ethnomethodology’s program” (Garfinkel 2002) in light of the issues this strand in Lynch’s work raises, more specifically the care we need to exhibit when we seek to gain instruction in worldly practices and their equally worldly evaluation.
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In vitro detection of cancer cells using a novel fluorescent choline derivative
(Springer Nature, 2024-11-20) Caprifico, Anna; Vaghi, Luca; Spearman, Peter; Calabrese, Gianpiero; Papagni, Antonio
Introduction The treatment of preinvasive lesions is more effective than treating invasive disease, hence detecting cancer at its early stages is crucial. However, currently, available screening methods show various limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and practicality, thus novel markers complementing traditional cyto/histopathological assessments are needed. Alteration in choline metabolism is a hallmark of many malignancies, including cervical and breast cancers. Choline radiotracers are widely used for imaging purposes, even though many risks are associated with their radioactivity. Therefore, this work aimed to synthesise and characterise a non-radioactive choline tracer based on a fluorinated acridine scaffold (CFA) for the in vitro detection of cervical and breast cancer cells by fluorescence imaging. Methods CFA was fully characterised and tested for its cytotoxicity on breast (MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), glioblastoma (U-87 MG) and hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cancer cell lines and in normal cell lines (epithelial, HEK-293 and human dermal fibroblasts, HDFs). The cellular uptake of CFA was investigated by a confocal microscope and its accumulation was quantified over time. The specificity of CFA over mesenchymal origin cells (HDFs), as a model of cancer-associated fibroblasts was investigated by fluorescence microscopy. Results CFA was toxic at much higher concentrations (HeLa IC50 = 200 ± 18 µM and MCF-7 IC50 = 105 ± 3 µM) than needed for its detection in cancer cells (5 µM). CFA was not toxic in the other cell lines tested. The intensity of CFA in breast and cervical cancer cells was not significantly different at any time point, yet it was greater than HepG2 and U-87 MG (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.0001, respectively) after 24 h incubation. A very weak signal intensity was recorded in HEK-293 and HDFs (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.0001, respectively). A selective ability of CFA to accumulate in HeLa and MCF-7 was recorded upon co-culture with fibroblasts. Conclusions The results showed that CFA preferentially accumulated in cancer cells rather than in normal cells. These findings suggest that CFA may be a potential diagnostic probe for discriminating healthy tissues from malignant tissues due to its specific and highly sensitive features; CFA may also represent a useful tool for in vitro/ex vivo investigations of choline metabolism in patients with cervical and breast cancers.
Open Access
Long-term study on the applicability of virtual resources for teaching and learning molecular techniques.
(Editorial Aula Magna. McGraw-Hill Interamericana de España S.L., 2024-04-09) Peña-Fernández, A.; Sgamma, Tiziana; Evans, M. D.; Peña, M. A.
Since 2018, we have been updating and testing the effectiveness of two open-access virtual laboratories to teach molecular techniques using a blended approach to our second-year Clinical Science students enrolled in the shared module of Molecular Gene- tics and Genomics at De Montfort University (DMU, England). Briefly, students were asked to complete all the different exercises and calculations to prepare a master mix for PCR analysis and to produce gels for electrophoresis. In the physical laboratory practicals (two 3-hour long sessions), students were asked to directly perform the tasks in small groups, with little instructions/demonstration. Specific feedback was collected in 2020/21 and 22/23, following high levels of learning (93,6 %) reported in the introduction of our blended activity in 2018/19. Thus, 78,9 %, 100 % and 79 %, 100 % indicated that they learnt how to perform PCR and gel electrophoresis, respectively for each question/cohort. Moreover, responders highlighted that they learnt strategies to trouble-shooting a PCR assay, suggesting that the specific virtual laboratory units would be successful to train students how to run this molecular technique in a laboratory (as this aspect was only taught through the website resources). However, a high pro- portion of students indicated that these resources could not substitute the physical practicals in the laboratory (36,9 %, 66,6 %). The virtual laboratory resources on molecular biology available could enhance the teaching/learning of these highly specific laboratory techniques.
Open Access
Evaluation of the plastid and nuclear DNA barcodes in genus Ocimum towards quality assurance in herbal industry
(Elsevier, 2024-12-27) Amit Kumar; Vereena Rodrigues; Akanksha Saxena; Priyanka Mishra; Ashutosh K. Shukla; Ajit Kumar Shasany; Nazar, Nazia; Sgamma, Tiziana; Slater, A.; Velusamy Sundaresan
Rationale Species of the genus Ocimum are of immense value and are in high demand in trade which leads to unscrupulous adulteration of both crude drugs as well as formulations. Traditional method-based authentication is difficult in case of incomplete or damaged samples and in dried herbal bulk material. High degree of morphological similarity, issues of polyploidy, and the possibility of inter- and intraspecific hybridization have plagued the Ocimum market. Hence, there is an immediate need for developing DNA barcodes for fast and accurate identification of the species. Objective In this study, three plastid regions (matK, rbcL, and trnH-psbA) and two nuclear regions (ITS and ITS2) have been evaluated for their performance as DNA barcodes to check the delineation of Ocimum species. Materials and Methods Five widely accepted markers were assessed for their efficiency using methods like Nearest genetic distance, Wilcoxon test, Best Match (BM), and Neighbor-Joining (NJ) tree methods. Conclusion Our study suggests that discrimination rate amongst single barcodes is the highest for trnH-psbA with the NJ analysis (92 %). By combining two or more barcodes, no significant changes were observed. A reliable and commercially viable DNA barcoding system has been developed for accurate species identification of various Ocimum species. The varied approaches used in the investigation had different species identification potential. The identification success rates of plastid DNA and nuclear DNA barcodes were comparable using pairwise genetic distance (PWG-distance), BM, and NJ methods. Despite having high inter-specific and the lowest intra-specific genetic distance, trnH-psbA failed to discriminate Ocimum species having hybrid origin, indicating the need to develop more suitable barcode loci in future.
Open Access
Testing Green Tea Extract and Ammonium Salts as Stimulants of Physical Performance in a Forced Swimming Rat Experimental Model
(MPDI, 2024-09-24) Korf, E. A.; Novozhilov, A. V.; Mindukshev, I. V.; Glotov, A. S.; Kudryavtsev, I. V.; Baidyuk, E. V.; Dobrylko, I. A.; Voitenko, N. G.; Voronina, P. A.; Habeeb, S.; Ghanem, A.; Osinovskaya, N. S.; SEREBRYAKOVA, M. K.; Krivorotov, D. V.; Jenkins, R. O.; Goncharov, N. V.
The study of drugs of natural origin that increase endurance and/or accelerate recovery is an integral part of sports medicine and physiology. In this paper, decaffeinated green tea extract (GTE) and two ammonium salts—chloride (ACL) and carbonate (ACR)—were tested individually and in combination with GTE as stimulants of physical performance in a forced swimming rat experimental model. The determined parameters can be divided into seven blocks: functional (swimming duration); biochemistry of blood plasma; biochemistry of erythrocytes; hematology; immunology; gene expression of slow- and fast-twitch muscles (m. soleus, SOL, and m. extensor digitorum longus, EDL, respectively); and morphometric indicators of slow- and fast-twitch muscles. Regarding the negative control (intact animals), the maximum number of changes in all blocks of indicators was recorded in the GTE + ACR group, whose animals showed the maximum functional result and minimum lactate values on the last day of the experiment. Next, in terms of the number of changes, were the groups ACR, ACL, GTE + ACL, GTE and NaCl (positive control). In general, the number of identified adaptive changes was proportional to the functional state of the animals of the corresponding groups, in terms of the duration of the swimming load in the last four days of the experiment. However, not only the total number but also the qualitative composition of the identified changes is of interest. The results of a comparative analysis suggest that, in the model of forced swimming we developed, GTE promotes restoration of the body and moderate mobilization of the immune system, while small doses of ammonium salts, especially ammonium carbonate, contribute to an increase in physical performance, which is associated with satisfactory restoration of skeletal muscles and the entire body. The combined use of GTE with ammonium salts does not give a clearly positive effect.
Open Access
Modulation of albumin esterase activity by warfarin and diazepam.
(MPDI, 2024-10-27) Belinskaia, D. A.; Batalova, A. A.; Voronina, P. A.; Shmurak, V. I.; Vovk, M. A.; Polyanichko, A. M.; Sych, T. S.; Samodurova, K. V.; Antonova, V. K.; Volkova, A. A.; Gerda, B. A.; Jenkins, R. O.; Goncharov, N. V.
Data are accumulating on the hydrolytic activity of serum albumin towards esters and organophosphates. Previously, with the help of the technology of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, we observed the yield of acetate in the solution of bovine serum albumin and p-nitrophenyl acetate (NPA). Thus, we showed that albumin possesses true esterase activity towards NPA. Then, using the methods of molecular docking and molecular dynamics, we established site Sudlow I as the catalytic center of true esterase activity of albumin. In the present work, to expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of albumin pseudoesterase and true esterase activity, we investigated—in experiments in vitro and in silico—the interaction of anticoagulant warfarin (WRF, specific ligand of site Sudlow I) and benzodiazepine diazepam (DIA, specific ligand of site Sudlow II) with albumins of different species, and determined how the binding of WRF and DIA affects the hydrolysis of NPA by albumin. It was found that the characteristics of the binding modes of WRF in site Sudlow I and DIA in site Sudlow II of human (HSA), bovine (BSA), and rat (RSA) albumins have species differences, which are more pronounced for site Sudlow I compared to site Sudlow II, and less pronounced between HSA and RSA compared to BSA. WRF competitively inhibits true esterase activity of site Sudlow I towards NPA and does not affect the functioning of site Sudlow II. Diazepam can slow down true esterase activity of site Sudlow I in noncompetitive manner. It was concluded that site Sudlow I is more receptive to allosteric modulation compared to site Sudlow II.
Open Access
Albumin is an integrative protein of blood plasma and beyond.
(MPDI, 2024-11-25) Belinskaia, D. A.; Jenkins, R. O.; Goncharov, N. V.
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Bridging the Gap
(Routledge, 2024-09-01) Berghs, Maria
When we think of Sickle Cell Disorders (SCD), they become entwined with the history of the African continent in the legacy of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade, colonialism and present-day health inequalities between low, middle and high-income countries. However, the history of SCD is also one of entanglements between humans, animals, climatic and physical, socio-economic, political and cultural environments, biology and human psychology. The healthcare professionals and healers in African settings, dealing with patients presenting with SCD understood this complexity, and that such a broader perspective was necessary to care for SCD especially when treatments and access to health were not always assured (Konotey-Ahulu, 1974). This is also correlated to why many medical professionals in the field of SCD have been receptive to the contributions of public health, social sciences, humanities, geography, economics, politics, technology and arts, to improve our past, present and future understanding of the condition and quality of life of people with SCD and their families.
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Phenolic Metabolites Protocatechuic Acid and Vanillic Acid Improve Nitric Oxide Bioavailability via the Akt-eNOS Pathway in Response to TNF-α Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Endothelial Cells
(MDPI, 2024-11-11) Festa, Joseph; Hussain, Aamir; Al-Hareth, Zakia; Bailey, Stephen J.; Singh, Harprit; Da Boit, Mariasole
Background/Objectives: Reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability secondary to excess-superoxide-driven oxidative stress is central to endothelial dysfunction. Previous studies suggest that phenolic metabolites may improve NO bioavailability, yet limited research is available in response to an inflammatory mediator. Therefore, we assessed the effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and its phenolic metabolites protocatechuic acid (PCA) and vanillic acid (VA) on NO bioavailability in a TNF-α induced inflammatory environment. Methods: Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were supplemented with either C3G, PCA, or VA at 1 μM for 24 h before being stimulated with TNF-α 20 ng/mL for an additional 24 h. Measurements included cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite concentrations, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and Akt at the mRNA and protein level. Results: Phenolic metabolites did not increase the eNOS expression or nitrite levels in the unstimulated environment; rather, the metabolites mediated NO bioavailability in response to TNF-α induced oxidative stress, with increased viability, eNOS mRNA, phosphorylation, and nitrite levels. Conclusions: Phenolic metabolites, in the presence of TNF-α, can improve NO bioavailability at physiologically relevant concentrations via the Akt-eNOS pathway. This demonstrates that the induction of inflammation is a prerequisite for phenolic metabolites to promote protective properties in endothelial cells by activating the Akt-eNOS pathway.
Open Access
Reproductive timing and social egg freezing within British South Asian communities: a qualitative study
(Taylor and Francis, 2024-11-23) Loyal, Sasha
Background Social egg freezing (SEF) is a technology that enables women to preserve and store healthy, unfertilised eggs for non-medical reasons, for use later on in life. Despite the growing number of women using this technology, very little research has explored the perceptions of SEF among women from ethnically minoritised backgrounds. Method The main aim of this study was to advance understandings of perceptions of reproductive timing within British South Asian communities, and in part, focus on women’s perceptions of assisted reproductive technologies in shaping the timing of motherhood. Data collection took place over two qualitative phases: four focus groups (n = 31) and individual interviews (n = 28) and data were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis. Results The findings in this study demonstrate existence of varied and contrasting perceptions concerning reproductive timing and SEF amongst participants. The analysis developed two overarching themes: (1) Perceptions of SEF as a means of ‘achieving’ motherhood and (2) SEF as challenging normative expectations of reproduction. Conclusion These findings provide novel insights into how perceptions of SEF are mediated by women’s familial, religious and cultural contexts, shaped by perceptions about the ‘right time’ to have children and normative expectations of how women pursue motherhood.

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