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High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a means of assessing the presence of uric acid in archeological human remains: Challenges and future directions
No full textYesObjectives: This research initially aimed to replicate the Swinson et al. (2010) method for detecting uric acid in archeological human remains to investigate the Metabolic Syndrome in past populations; we previously obtained positive test results from bone samples in 4/5 individuals with gout lesions. We sought to improve the original HPLC-UV method by using HPLC-MS, a more sensitive, compound-specific detection method.
Materials and Methods: We used reference samples of uric acid to create dilution series to assess the limits of quantification and detection. Samples from individuals with and without gout lesions were taken from foot bones and ribs from the English cemeteries of Tanyard, Hickleton, Gloucester and Lincoln.
Results: Tests using dilution series of uric acid showed HPLC-MS was approximately 100x more sensitive than HPLC-UV, and compound-specific. A newly developed HILIC method improved retention characteristics. Fourteen samples from 8 individuals, 5 with skeletal lesions consistent with gout, were analyzed with the final method. None showed evidence of uric acid despite this method’s improved sensitivity and specificity.
Discussion: The lack of detectable uric acid in these samples suggests that either 1) uric acid is not incorporated into bone tissue during normal bone turnover in people with gout, 2) uric acid is not surviving these specific archeological conditions or, 3) the concentration of uric acid in bone is low, and thus larger samples would be required for analysis. Finally, other compounds are clearly present in bone extracts. Further work may identify what these are and if they have potential significance for paleopathology.McMaster University. Grant Number: Arts Research Board (ARB) Major Collaborative Project Seed Grant. Canada Research Chairs program. Grant Number: 223156
An indolium inspired portable colorimetric sensor for cyanide recognition in environmental samples with smartphone integration
No full textYesCyanide is a highly hazardous and fast-acting blood agent widely used in various industries, making its monitoring crucial due to its severe impact on living organisms. Considering this, we had developed a novel indolium based low-cost and portable sensor for the colorimetric and fluorogenic detection of cyanide ions. The probe displayed a distinct visual color change and selectively exhibits a fluorogenic “turn-off” response to cyanide ions in pure aqueous medium. The chemodosimetric-approach-based detection of cyanide ions has been confirmed using 1 H NMR titration and DFT calculations. The presence of competing anions has minimal or no impact on the cyanide recognition process. The probe displayed an excellent detection limit as low as 3.78 nM with a response time of 5 s. The aqueous phase and optimum pH workability are some of the promising features of the developed probe. Additionally, a visual colorimetric strip based test was also developed using probe impregnated filter paper strips, which displayed a visual color change from red to colourless upon cyanide exposure. In addition to this, these test strips also showed excellent selectivity for cyanide ions, with no interference from fluoride or acetate ions. Furthermore, a smartphone-based protocol was developed to record the color change, demonstrating significant potential for cyanide detection without using sophisticated instrumentation. The formulation of the probe into an INHIBIT logic gate for facilitating cyanide recognition using electronic devices is one of the important applications
Interactions that support older inpatients with cognitive impairments to engage with falls prevention in hospitals: An ethnographic study
No full textYesAims: To explore the nature of interactions that enable older inpatients with cognitive impairments to engage with hospital staff on falls prevention.
Design: Ethnographic study.
Methods: Ethnographic observations on orthopaedic and older person wards in English hospitals (251.25 h) and semi-structured qualitative interviews with 50 staff, 28 patients and three carers. Findings were analysed using a framework approach. Results: Interactions were often informal and personalised. Staff qualities that sup-ported engagement in falls prevention included the ability to empathise and negotiate, taking patient perspectives into account. Although registered nurses had limited time for this, families/carers and other staff, including engagement workers, did so and passed information to nurses.
Conclusions: Some older inpatients with cognitive impairments engaged with staff on falls prevention. Engagement enabled them to express their needs and collaborate, to an extent, on falls prevention activities. To support this, we recommend wider adoption in hospitals of engagement workers and developing the relational skills that underpin engagement in training programmes for patient-facing staff
An in-depth analysis of pier group-induced turbulence structures and Fe2O3 product transport
Get PDFThis study investigates the influence of corrosion on turbulent flow around bridge piers and its implications for structural integrity and environmental safety. By examining the interaction between flow turbulence and corrosion-induced particles, the research highlights their effects on vortex formation, sediment transport, and long-term structural performance. A three-phase experimental approach was adopted: (1) Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) measurements quantified average velocities and turbulence parameters around three-square piers, revealing accelerated flow and reduced turbulent structures near critical
regions. Numerical simulations using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model and the k-ɛ turbulence method in Ansys Fluent validated these findings and further explored flow velocities and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE); (2) electrochemical analyses quantified solution resistance and the diffusion of corrosion by-products around uncoated metallic piers; and (3) a novel dynamic experiment integrated the hydrodynamic and electrochemical analyses to evaluate the combined effects
of corrosion-induced particles and turbulent flow. Key findings demonstrate that uncoated piers significantly disrupt flow dynamics, with increased streamwise and vertical velocities intensifying turbulence near the bed and downstream regions. Surface roughness due to corrosion amplified drag, delayed wake recovery, and disrupted boundary layers, resulting in steeper velocity gradients and chaotic flow conditions. Also, Reynolds shear stress increased significantly near uncoated piers, increasing turbulence and flow disturbances.
This study provides a new perspective on the interaction between corrosion and turbulent flow behaviour, establishing a critical link between surface conditions, turbulence intensification, and structural durability. These findings inform predictive models and strategies to mitigate corrosion effects in hydraulic infrastructure
Development and Scale-Up of ‘The Bradford Process’ for the Production of Titanium and Titanium Alloys
No full textResearch was carried out on the “Bradford Process”; a method of metal production via calciothermic reduction of metal oxides, with unique pre-treatment step, to observe: scalability, alloy/part production potential, reaction mechanism and general process improvement. The research was primarily undertaken using laboratory grade Anatase Phase TiO2, Acetone, Distilled Water and HCl and evaluated via controlled partial/full reduction reactions. With analysis performed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-rays (SEM-EDX), inert gas fusion (IGF), powdered X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) with Rietveld refinement, and particle size analysis (PSA).
The research identified that the foundational works results (>99% purity titanium), could not be reproduced (highest obtained ~98.5%), and is unsuited for scaling due to calcium vaporisation, signification exothermic reaction (>1400°C), and purity issues. But that the observed issues are partially addressable via argon pressurised reduction, and controlled reactor feed design, but insufficient reduction still observed. It was further observed that while the process is ill-suited for alloy production from metal oxides (due to intermediates formation and poor reduction), the sponge like product is suitable for use in FAST (Field Assisted Sintering Technology) to produce parts.
The reaction pathway appears the same for both untreated and treated TiO2. However, the reaction occurs sooner and is potentially benefitted (higher final reduction potential) via solvent treatment with acetone, evaluated to be due to induced lattice strain improving reaction kinetics. It is concluded that further foundational work needed to confirm original results and adoption of new methodology (pressurised, controlled-feed reactor) for scaling is required.Innovate UK and Dstl as key funders of the project.
University of Bradford for helping fund this project
Deformation Temperature Dependency of Microstructure Evolution in Die-Drawn iPP/UHMWPE Blends
No full textYesUltrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is one of the most promising polyolefins, but its processability and consequently applications are limited by its high melt viscosity. An effective method to improve the processability is to introduce another polymer component. Yet it is challenging to deform the sample if the components are not compatible with each other. In this work, we blended the UHMWPE with isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and successfully processed the iPP/UHMWPE samples via die-drawing at temperatures below, near, and above the melting temperature of UHMWPE. It was found that the melting behavior of the die-drawn samples was determined by the deformation temperature. The molecular chain orientation slightly decreased, while the long periods first increased and then decreased with increasing deformation temperature. Three melting peaks observed in the samples deformed at 130 and 140 °C originated from the melting of cooling-induced UHMWPE crystallites, deformation-induced fibrillar UHMWPE crystallites, and deformation-induced fibrillar iPP crystallites, respectively. The melting peak of deformation-induced fibrillar UHMWPE crystallites could not be observed in the sample deformed at 150 °C because it is unlikely for UHMWPE chains to crystallize at such a high temperature. This sample also has the lowest melting point since the UHMWPE lamellae formed during deformation could serve as nucleation sites in the other two samples
Development of a Dignity Experience Scale in Mental Healthcare. Co-creating Empirical Measures with Service Users and Healthcare Professionals
No full textDignity is enshrined in statute, healthcare professional (HCP) ethics and policy, yet worldwide, mental healthcare violates service user dignity. Dignity lacks empirical definition as an operational concept. The aim of this study is to operationalize dignity in mental healthcare service user experience, to inform service design and delivery.
This thesis addresses concepts of dignity within a theoretical framework of service experience and proposes a new paradigm for understanding dignity which emphasizes the dynamic co-production of dignity experiences. It proposes a consensus model for the mechanisms of dignity co-production and the first Dignity Experience Scale found in mental healthcare, co-created with service users (SUs) and HCPs.
The study uses a sequential mixed methods approach to knowledge co-creation which privileges SU perspectives, comprising: 1. a literature meta-synthesis to specify an initial scale; 2. 17 experiential narratives to develop the scale and a Delphi panel of 11 HCPs to refine it; 3. quantitative research with 160 SUs and HCPs to test the scale; 4. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify latent factors.
Study findings show the importance of dignity co-production in rights-based, person-centred, recovery-oriented mental healthcare across 3 domains: Relationships, Environment and Confidentiality. EFA proposes an internally consistent 25-item, 5-factor scale. The primary factor, Empowering Empathy, emphasizes collaborative therapeutic relationships in which SUs are met with understanding and empowered with information and choice for recovery beyond symptom reduction. Other factors emphasize Respect for Equal Humanity, No Informal Coercion and creating Safe Space for Difference within relationships; and developing Comfortable, Confidential Environments
Intrapreneurial ecosystems in academia and their overlooked outputs: Graduate employability and wellbeing
No full textYesThe aim of this paper is dual: a) to elaborate a systemic concept of intrapreneurship in academia which will be reflective of complexities and idiosyncrasies of the University as a multi-mission multi-function organisation; and b) to empirically test this concept in the context of relatively neglected outputs of academic intrapreneurship such as graduate employability and graduate wellbeing. Guided by an intrapreneurial ecosystem framework, our analysis is based on a combination of administrative and survey panel data for 141 UK higher education institutions. We arrive at several contributing findings. These suggest that the intrapreneurial ecosystem within academia is increasingly predisposed towards enhancing the quality of graduate outcomes rather than simply promoting raw measures such as graduate jobs or the number of graduate start-ups. Furthermore, we reveal the critical role of University national stakeholder networks for graduate career satisfaction, start-up generation, and undergraduate employment. Finally, our empirical exercise and its results demonstrate the practical value of the proposed concept of the intrapreneurial ecosystem for University management and practitioners, not least because it systematically identifies areas for an immediate, medium- and long-term action
Design and modelling of an induction heating coil to investigate the thermal response of magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia applications
Get PDFYesMagnetic Field Hyperthermia is a technique where tumours are treated through an increase in local temperature upon exposure to alternating magnetic fields (AMFs) that are mediated by magnetic nano-particles (MNPs). In an AMF, these particles heat-up and kill the cells. The relationship between an AMF and the heating-rate is complex, leading to confusion when comparing data for different MNP and AMF conditions. This work allows for the thermal-response to be monitored at multiple AMF amplitudes while keeping other parameters constant. An induction-heating coil was designed based on a Zero-Voltage-Zero-Current (ZVZC) resonant circuit. The coil operates at 93 kHz with a variable DC drive-voltage (12–30 V). NEC4 software was used to model the magnetic field distribution, and MNPs were synthesised by the coprecipitation method. The magnetic field was found to be uniform at the centre of the coil and ranged from 1 kAm−1 to 12 kAm−1, depending on the DC drive-voltage. The MNPs were found to have a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.37 Wg−1[Fe] and 6.13 Wg−1[Fe] at 93 kHz and 2.1 kAm−1 and 12.6 kAm−1, respectively. The measured SAR value was found to be directly proportional to the product of the frequency and field-strength (SARα f Ho). This leads to the recommendation that, when comparing data from various groups, the SAR value should be normalized following this relationship and not using the more common relationship based on the square of the field intensity (SARα f Ho2).This work is partially supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grant EP/X039366/1, and HORIZON-MSCA-RISE ID: 101086492, Marie Skłodow-ska-Curie, Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE), titled: FractuRe Orthopaedic Rehabilita-tion: Ubiquitous eHealth Solution (Robust)
An analysis of pharmacogenomic-guided pathways and their effect on medication changes and hospital admissions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFYesNinety-five percent of the population are estimated to carry at least one genetic variant that is discordant with at least one medication. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing has the potential to identify patients with genetic variants that puts them at risk of adverse drug reactions and sub-optimal therapy. Predicting a patient's response to medications could support the safe management of medications and reduce hospitalization. These benefits can only be realized if prescribing clinicians make the medication changes prompted by PGx test results. This review examines the current evidence on the impact PGx testing has on hospital admissions and whether it prompts medication changes. A systematic search was performed in three databases (Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE) to search all the relevant studies published up to the year 2020, comparing hospitalization rates and medication changes amongst PGx tested patients with patients receiving treatment-as-usual (TAU). Data extracted from full texts were narratively synthesized using a process model developed from the included studies, to derive themes associated to a suggested workflow for PGx-guided care and its expected benefit for medications optimization and hospitalization. A meta-analysis was undertaken on all the studies that report the number of PGx tested patients that had medication change(s) and the number of PGx tested patients that were hospitalized, compared to participants that received TAU. The search strategy identified 5 hospitalization themed studies and 5 medication change themed studies for analysis. The meta-analysis showed that medication changes occurred significantly more frequently in the PGx tested arm across 4 of 5 studies. Meta-analysis showed that all-cause hospitalization occurred significantly less frequently in the PGx tested arm than the TAU. The results show proof of concept for the use of PGx in prescribing that produces patient benefit. However, the review also highlights the opportunities and evidence gaps that are important when considering the introduction of PGx into health systems; namely patient involvement in PGx prescribing decisions, thus a better understanding of the perspective of patients and prescribers. We highlight the opportunities and evidence gaps that are important when considering the introduction of PGx into health systems.This research was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (NIHR Yorkshire and Humber PSTRC). GS was supported by the National Institute for Health Research Leeds In vitro Diagnostics Co-operative. This manuscript presents independent research funded by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Bradford