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Exploring Challenges and Co-developing a Nutritional Resource for Antenatal Care: A Participatory Stakeholder Engagement Study with Midwives and Public Involvement
Get PDFBackgroundIt is important that midwives discuss good nutrition and optimal weight during antenatal appointments, yet this rarely happens. Earlier research suggests that limited time, plus insufficient knowledge and skills are barriers to this.AimTo engage antenatal midwives in stakeholder discussions to explore their perspectives on the design and delivery of a nutrition resource.MethodsThis qualitative study used a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. Twenty-six midwives (19 community-based; 7 hospital-based) were purposely recruited from four NHS sites in Northwest England. Four stakeholder workshops were co-designed and facilitated by researchers. In Phase 1, midwives reflected on current practice and challenges in delivering diet and weight advice. In Phase 2, they co-developed ideas for practical, acceptable nutrition resources. Data collection included participant-generated artefacts, post-it notes, visual maps, field notes, and verbatim reflections. Data were analysed inductively using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, and reflexivity was maintained throughout, recognising researchers' influence within this participatory design.ResultsTwo master themes were developed: (1) “We Want to Help, But We're Not Trained for This”, highlighting systemic, professional, and emotional barriers to providing support and (2) “Make It Real and Make It Work”, midwives' co-produced recommendations for inclusive tools and training that are realistic, culturally sensitive, and integrated into existing workflows.Discussion and ConclusionMidwives expressed a clear need for improved education and resource support. Despite systemic constraints, they co-produced practical and implementable solutions. Supporting midwives through evidence-based, context-specific tools and training may enhance nutrition conversations in antenatal care and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.Patient or Public ContributionThree culturally diverse Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) representatives were recruited to assist with the validation of the analytical findings. One was a midwife working in antenatal care; the second was a recent service user (a postnatal woman) with an Eastern European background, and the third was a midwife (currently on maternity leave) with a South American background. Commentary from these PPI representatives was used to validate the analysis and support the interpretation of the data. Additionally, they were invited to provide commentary on the draft manuscript and have been included as co-authors
Functionally Grouping Male Runners Based upon Individual Responses to Motion Control Running Shoes: A Laboratory Based Proof-of-Concept Study
Get PDFIndividual responses to different running shoes may offer a means of functionally grouping runners. Thus, the aim of this exploratory study was to explore whether changes in rearfoot eversion between running shoes with different motion control properties could be used to functionally group male runners and to explore the characteristics of each functional group. Fifty male participants ran at the same self-selected velocity, along a 20 m runway in standardised motion control and neutral/cushioned running shoes. Rearfoot motion was recorded using a 10-camera motion capture system. Functional groups were identified based upon changes in peak rearfoot eversion between footwear conditions. Positive responders displayed a reduction of ≥ 3°, negative responders an increase of ≥ 3° and non-responders changes within ± 3° when running in the motion control shoe. Eighteen participants were classified as positive, seven negative and 25 non-responders to the motion control running shoe. Exploration of participant characteristics, running velocity and rearfoot kinematics revealed that peak eversion in the neutral/cushioned running shoe and the change in peak eversion and eversion excursion between footwear conditions were significantly (p ≤ 0.021) different between responder groups. Positive responders displayed the greatest peak eversion in the neutral/cushioned running shoe and the largest reduction in both peak eversion and eversion excursion when running in the motion control shoe. In contrast, negative responders displayed the lowest peak eversion in the neutral/cushioned running shoe and smallest changes in eversion excursion in the motion control shoe. These findings highlight the feasibility of functionally grouping runners based upon their response to motion control running shoes and suggest that the magnitude of peak eversion influences responses to motion control running shoes
The Players First: Coaching & Safeguarding Course (FIFA Training Centre) e-learning course
No full textEvidence on Carotenoid Supplementation to Improve Working Memory in Older Adults
No full textAs individuals age their levels of naturally occurring oxidative stress (OS) increase. Higher levels of OS have been identified as a key contributing factor into age-associated working memory decline. Consequently, dietary alterations and supplements which can mitigate these effects have gained significant research interest in recent years. The literature at present suggests that supplementation with carotenoids, especially those within the xanthophyll family, such as zeaxanthin, lutein and astaxanthin to be of potential benefit to working memory (WM) in older adults. This finding is suggested to stem from the established benefits of carotenoid consumption. These benefits are thought to include but are not limited to their strong antioxidant properties, benefits to neural plasticity and ability to reach brain regions which specifically contribute to markers of cognition. The present chapter explores the effects of carotenoid supplementation and consumption on working memory in older adults and discusses the underlying reasons for differences in study outcomes within the literature. Potential mechanisms for cognitive enhancement associated with the role of carotenoids in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain are also considered. Areas for future research including optimal carotenoid dose, carotenoid supplementation duration, issues with correlation versus causation, testing methodologies and subsequent critical recommendations, are also discussed.</p
The obligation to prevent genocide
No full textThis briefing sets out the international and UK law on genocide and discusses recent cases on this issue. There will be a general debate on obligation to assess the risk of genocide under international law in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the Commons chamber on Thursday 5 February 2026
Sensitivity of Flood Extent and Population Exposure to Variations in Bathymetry Across a Shallow Continental Shelf Lagoon
Get PDFBathymetry is a critical input to storm surge models on coastlines fronted by lagoon systems, yet few studies explore how variations in bathymetry influence flood impacts, flooded extent, and exposed population across these globally widespread morphologies. Here, we investigate the influence of variations in bathymetry on storm inundation impact estimates across a continental shelf lagoon system. We explore how flooded extents and exposed population estimates from a 1% storm for Belize vary with estimated depths by comparing three existing bathymetries over a northern shallow, enclosed lagoon and a central deeper, open lagoon system with a newly developed bathymetry data set, Satellite‐Derived Bathymetry Enhanced Data set‐SDBED. We compare multiple bathymetric data sets to understand the influence on the flood uncertainties and the quantity of the impact of exposed population estimates. Our results show that greater estimated lagoon depths consistently result in lower predicted flood impacts for both lagoon systems in almost all cases. Unexpectedly, for one bathymetry with a median depth of 2 m in the northern lagoon, we find that a reduction in lagoon volume by 59% reduces total inundation volume by 45%. Our findings also show how vertical uncertainties in the SDBED bathymetry propagate through the model, resulting in variations of up to 12% in flood extents and up to 2% in exposed populations
Teaching an outdated framework:navigating the Mental Health Act 1983 in nurse education
Get PDFThe Mental Health Act 1983 remains a cornerstone of mental health legislation in England and Wales; however, its outdated, paternalistic framework presents ethical challenges for nurse educators. This article explores the tensions inherent in teaching a law that is essential to practice yet widely recognised as inadequate. The authors examine the Mental Health Act’s limitations, including its failure to promote autonomy, safeguard against coercion and address racial disparities. Key omissions such as lack of statutory advocacy, absence of advance decision making, and insufficient protections for children are critically analysed. The authors argue that nurse educators must go beyond statutory instruction to foster ethical awareness, cultural sensitivity and advocacy skills in students. By embedding critical reflection and person-centred values into education, academics can prepare nurses to uphold human rights and challenge discriminatory practices, even within a flawed legal framework. Reforming the law is essential but until then, education must bridge the gap between law and ethical care
Associations Between Serum Levels of Vitamin D and Neuromuscular Parameters in Schoolchildren
Get PDFThis cross-sectional study investigated the associations between vitamin D levels, handgrip strength, and gross motor coordination in 86 healthy children (51.2% male). Blood samples were analyzed to measure serum vitamin D levels, handgrip strength was measured using handgrip dynamometry, and motor quotient was assessed using the Körper Koordinationstest für Kinder. Sociodemographic data were collected through a questionnaire. The analyses revealed no influence of vitamin D on handgrip strength. In the regression model, vitamin D was a significant predictor of the motor quotient (B = 1.35, 95% CI [0.12, 2.57]), independent of covariates. The household income variable also stood out as it was significant both as a predictor of the influence of vitamin D on motor quotient (B = −59.50, 95% CI [−96.80, −22.20]) and as a moderator of this influence (B = 59.46, 95% CI [10.04, 108.87]). Including sociodemographic factors, such as income, was crucial for understanding the relationship between vitamin D and motor quotient in children. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss and evaluate how different socioeconomic statuses, growth phases, access to balanced nutrition, and physical and metabolic health conditions influence physical performance behavior in the pediatric population
Three Sisters: A Story from the Climate Future – Creating Community Resilience through Collective Listening Events
Get PDFThis article is framed within the practice of socially engaged performance and participatory theatre. Lena Šimić and James Marriott discuss their research methodology of collective listening events, as a means of responding to the climate crisis. Working from the audio play that they co-created Three Sisters: A Story from the Climate Future (2023), these researcher-practitioners engaged various communities across the North of England and Scotland (Stove Café in Dumfries; Artistic Research Centre in Bidston; Kitty’s Laundrette in Anfield, Liverpool; Glenlivet Estate Office in Tomintoul; and Cornucopia in Hawick) in order to think together about climate futures in these specific locations. The article argues that the creative methodology of collective listening to audio drama and follow up discussions in local communities, allows for the building of and re-iteration of community resilience. Using audio drama as a springboard for facilitated conversations around climate futures supports in depth emotional engagement from the audiences. The research revealed that the communities’ main concerns were to do with physical impacts of climate crises, local and global migration, and social deprivation and decline. However, all these factors also allow for emerging models of new community formations and co-existence together in present and future worlds. The article is in contextual critical dialogue with scholarship around ecodramaturgies and environmental theatre. It also includes extracts from the audio play in order to engage the readers with the experience of listening, as well as enabling climate future imaginaries
Pd-Catalyzed C─C Bond Borylation of Biphenylenes Leading to Tri-Ortho-Substituted Biaryls
Get PDFRing-opening diborylation of carbon─carbon (C─C) single bonds is a powerful strategy for installing two versatile functional groups at nonadjacent carbon atoms, enabling skeletal editing of strained ring systems. However, such transformations remain rare for rings larger than cyclopropanes due to kinetic and thermodynamic challenges. Herein, we describe a palladium-catalyzed diborylation of 1-substituted biphenylenes enabled by a highly electron-rich and sterically demanding N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand. The reaction proceeds via selective cleavage of the least sterically hindered C─C bond and affords ortho-diborylated biphenyls in 39%–89% isolated yields across a broad range of 1-substituted biphenylenes with diverse steric and electronic properties. High regioselectivities (up to >20:1) are observed for cleavage of the least sterically hindered C─C bond. Regioselectivity is modulated by both electronic and steric effects: electron-donating aryl substituents enhance selectivity, as indicated by a Hammett correlation, whereas spherical substituents favour higher selectivity than planar aryl groups. Supporting stoichiometric experiments indicate a pathway involving initial C─C bond activation. The resulting sterically hindered tri-ortho-substituted biaryls may serve as valuable synthetic intermediates, as demonstrated by selective sequential orthogonal postfunctionalization of a representative example