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Durability of the major determinants of endurance performance is not different after 15 kJ·kg −1 of moderate or heavy exercise
Get PDF© 2025 The Author(s). European Journal of Sport Science published by Wiley-VCH GmbH on behalf of European College of Sport Science.Durability, or resilience to deteriorations in physiological endurance characteristics during exercise, is posited to have important implications for endurance performance. However, little is known about the effects of exercise intensity on the durability of important endurance parameters. The aim of this study was to compare changes in peak ramp power (power achieved at the end of a ramp test), V ˙ O2max, lactate threshold, critical power, gross efficiency and W′ after work‐matched moderate and heavy exercise bouts. Twelve competitive cyclists ( V ˙ O2max = 62.1 ± 4.4 mL·kg−1 min−1) performed exercise testing before and after completing 15 kJ·kg−1 work bouts in the moderate (duration = 4837 ± 675 s) and heavy (4000 ± 537 s) exercise domain. Significant declines were seen in peak ramp power (baseline = 412.6 ± 64.5 W, moderate = 380.2 ± 59.7 W and heavy = 374.8 ± 59 W) and W’ (baseline = 7.8 ± 4 kJ, moderate = 4 ± 3.6 kJ and heavy = 3.6 ± 2.4 kJ)—all other parameters did not change. There were no significant differences in the magnitude of decline between the moderate and heavy work bouts for any variable. For the first time, we show that durability of important determinants of endurance performance is not different when 15 kJ·kg−1 of moderate or heavy work is performed, suggesting that exercise domain does not influence durability for exercise lasting ∼60–90 min. Further research is needed to explore exercise of longer durations and associated physiological mechanisms for deteriorations in relevant parameters.Unfunde
Book review: The humane perspective: Philosophical reflections on human nature, the search for meaning, and the role of religion. By John Cottingham. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2024. 256 pp. £70 (Hardback).
Get PDF© 2025 The Author(s). Ratio published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Book reviewUnfunde
Global prevalence of nitrofurantoin-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFBackground: The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant health concern. Nitrofurantoin is used as a first-line antibiotic against many uropathogenic bacterial pathogens, including uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), and an analysis is required to assess the current global prevalence of nitrofurantoin-resistant UPEC. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to find studies reporting nitrofurantoin-resistant UPEC in humans. Studies were included/excluded based on predefined criteria and focused only on isolates collected from the urinary tract. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI’s) Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Statistical analysis was performed using Metafor and Meta (R packages) to estimate the pooled prevalence, assess publication bias and perform heterogeneity analysis. Results: Sixty-three studies comprising 774 499 UPEC isolates collected between 1996 and 2024 were analysed and demonstrated a global pooled prevalence of nitrofurantoin-resistant UPEC isolates to be 6.9% (95% CI: 4.8%–9.7%). Continent-wise subgroup analysis showed Europe to have the lowest prevalence, while Asia has the highest prevalence. Decade-wise subgroup analysis showed the global prevalence increased from 2.8% (1996–04) to 8.2% (2005–14) and then decreased to 7.6% in the last decade (2015–24). Substantial heterogeneity was seen among the studies examined, as well as statistically significant publication bias. Conclusions: The findings show considerable global prevalence of nitrofurantoin-resistant UPEC isolates, with the prevalence being higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Sufficient education should be provided where possible, and antimicrobial stewardship should be intensified to slow the rate of AMR increase worldwide.N/
Accelerating energy transitions in developing countries: A case study of Ghana's electricity generation sector
No full textThe target of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the world governments, is to ensure the global mean temperature is kept below 2 °C relative to pre-industrial levels in the twenty-first century (UNFCCC, 2016). Climate change has been topical in recent years due to the ever-increasing effects that are being witnessed around the globe. There is the need to achieve net-zero carbon emissions to mitigate climate change.
Fossil fuels whose combustion is generally accepted as the major source of greenhouse gas emissions and supply over 87% of the energy used worldwide, is the leading energy source in Ghana’s energy generation mix. With an ever increase in population, the desire to reach 100% electricity penetration and increased industrialisation, the demand for electricity will increase. Therefore, there is the need to reduce carbon emissions in the electricity generation sector, while the country continues to add to its electricity generation capacity.
The main research question was "How can energy transition be accelerated in the electricity generation sector towards net-zero carbon emissions in Ghana?". The aim of the research is to examine the decarbonisation of Ghana's electricity generation sector through the lens of multi-level perspective. The research examined literature on socio-technical transitions, explored sustainable frameworks and the role a community plays in shaping technological systems and innovations. The research took an interpretivist approach using data gathered from key stakeholders through interviews and workshop followed by thematic analysis which was used to identify, analyse, and report patterns (themes) within the data to explore respondents’ experiences, views, and behaviours.
The key findings identified in the research were the quest for energy security and reliability; policy incoherence among Ghana’s two major political parties, inadequate funding resources, low media advocacy on climate change and environmental issues. Energy Transition is seen by some as a weapon against developing countries’ economic growth, and the projected global mean temperature of 2oC is seen by some as a myth.
In conclusion a number of mechanisms were recommended which could accelerate energy transition in the electricity generation sector such as a national transition plan which is in sync with regional or sub-regional energy transition plans; an oversite committee to coordinate, supervise the implementation of the plan; dedicated funding sources and improved economic indices; enriched political transition and local capacity development. A short-to-long-term roadmap was developed towards net zero.
Considering the challenges identified, achieving a net zero carbon emission by 2050 as projected by the European Union for member countries and the United Kingdom, will not be plausible for a developing country like Ghan
Targeting the NS2B-NS3 protease of tick-borne encephalitis virus with pan-flaviviral protease inhibitors
No full textTick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe neurological disorder caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flavivirus genus. Currently, two vaccines are available in Europe against TBEV. However, TBE cases have been rising in Sweden for the past twenty years, and thousands of cases are reported in Europe, emphasizing the need for antiviral treatments against this virus. The NS2B-NS3 protease is essential for flaviviral life cycle and has been studied as a target for the design of inhibitors against several well-known flaviviruses, but not TBEV. In the present study, Compound 86, a known tripeptidic inhibitor of dengue (DENV), West Nile (WNV) and Zika (ZIKV) proteases, was predicted to be active against TBEV protease using a combination of in silico techniques. Further, Compound 86 was found to inhibit recombinant TBEV protease with an IC50 = 0.92 μM in the in vitro enzymatic assay. Additionally, two more peptidic analogues were synthetized and they displayed inhibitory activities against both TBEV and ZIKV proteases. In particular, Compound 104 inhibited ZIKV protease with an IC50 = 0.25 μM. These compounds represent the first reported inhibitors of TBEV protease to date and provides valuable information for the further development of TBEV as well as pan-flavivirus protease inhibitors.Kjell and Märta Beijer Foundation and European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation progra
An inducible AraC that responds to blue light instead of arabinose
Get PDFIn Escherichia coli, the operon responsible for the catabolism of L-arabinose is regulated by the dimeric DNA-binding protein AraC. In the absence of L-arabinose, AraC binds to the distal I1 and O2 half-sites, leading to repression of the downstream PBAD promoter. In the presence of the sugar, the dimer changes conformation and binds to the adjacent I1 and I2 half-sites, resulting in the activation of PBAD. Here we engineer blue light-inducible AraC dimers in Escherichia coli (BLADE) by swapping the dimerization domain of AraC with blue light-inducible dimerization domains. Using BLADE to overexpress proteins important for cell shape and division site selection, we reversibly control cell morphology with light. We demonstrate the exquisite light responsiveness of BLADE by employing it to create bacteriographs with an unprecedented quality. We then employ it to perform a medium-throughput characterization of 39 E. coli genes with poorly defined or completely unknown function. Finally, we expand the initial library and create a whole family of BLADE transcription factors (TFs), which we characterize using a novel 96-well light induction setup. Since the PBAD promoter is commonly used by microbiologists, we envisage that the BLADE TFs will bring the many advantages of optogenetic gene expression to the field of microbiology.Unfunde
Loss of the RNA binding protein HuR in early murine limb mesenchyme does not affect development but leads to impaired bone homeostasis in adulthood
Get PDF© 2025 The Author(s). The FASEB Journal published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.In this study, we examined how a critical posttranscriptional regulator, the RNA‐binding protein HuR (gene name Elavl1), contributes to the development and maintenance of limb skeletal tissue. Using the Prx1‐Cre knockout model, we examined the effect of germline knockout (Elavl1KO) and limb mesenchyme‐specific knockout (MSC‐Elavl1KO) of HuR on limb development. We found that Elavl1KO disrupted the development of the limb skeleton and was associated with a loss of signaling from the apical ectodermal ridge (AER). In contrast, MSC‐Elavl1KO did not appear to affect skeletal development. Mature MSC‐Elavl1KO mice appeared healthy, but their limb skeleton exhibited abnormal bone structure in both males and females at 2.5 months of age. Osteoblasts isolated from MSC‐Elavl1KO mice exhibited lower expression of osteoblastic marker genes, and their ability to generate a mineralized matrix was markedly impaired. RNA‐Seq analysis of these osteoblasts demonstrated that loss of HuR substantially influenced their transcriptome, affecting genes associated with a wide range of cellular processes. Finally, using siRNA knockdown in the human MG63 cell line, we identified that loss of HuR leads to increased mRNA turnover of the osteoblastic transcription factor Runx2. Overall, the study has demonstrated a critical role for HuR‐mediated posttranscriptional control in skeletal development and homeostasis, but finds that its expression in mesenchyme‐derived cells only becomes critical in mature skeletal tissue.This work was supported by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) (202108230116). UKRI|Medical Research Council (MRC) (MR/N011333/1, MR/R502182/1), UKRI|Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), (BB/R01390X/1), Vivensa Foundation (DMT) (RPGF2002\217)
'Great expectations’ versus ‘reality checks’: UK Christian clergy spouses' experiences of divorce and separation and implications for pastoral care
No full text© The Author(s) 2025.Challenges associated with clergy marriage and divorce have been documented, and there has been recognition of the impact of marital breakdown on clergy spouses. However, there is a paucity of work that addresses the specific support needs of Christian clergy spouses and what constitutes effective pastoral care for this population. This article presents a mixed-methods study conducted in 2023 of UK divorced and separated clergy spouses exploring their understandings of pastoral care and support experienced before, during, and post marital breakdown. Twenty-seven participants completed an online survey, and thirteen took part in a follow-up semi-structured interview. The findings illustrate that pastoral care needs are higher during and after marital breakdown, but a considerable number of participants did not receive pastoral care. Where care was received, it was rated higher when provided by family, friends, and organizations than by the church. The study also demonstrated the impact of expectations of clergy marriage on the experience of marital breakdown. Importantly, high expectations of model marriages acted as barriers to disclosing marital breakdown. The findings demonstrate a lack of adequate pastoral support. A thematic analysis yielded a series of recommendations for effective pastoral care. These were care for the person at the center, holistic and individualized care, pre-emptive care, and persistent and consistent care. Overall, the study highlighted the profound impact of expectations on clergy marriages and the need for improvement in pastoral care for clergy spouses. This improvement of care should include training on the issues highlighted in this study.Unfunde
An exploratory service evaluation of reported incidents of racism in inpatient mental health wards and a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU)
No full textThis paper is published in Abuse: An International Impact Journal on 08/10/2025.Prompted by growing concerns about racism in healthcare, particularly towards staff, this mixed-methods service evaluation investigated the frequency, nature, and response to incidents of racism within inpatient mental health settings across an NHS Trust in North-West England. Incident reports from January 2023 to December 2024 were analysed. Quantitative data was used to examine associations between aggression-related racist incidents and factors such as ward type, perpetrator sex, and the victim–perpetrator relationship. Reflexive thematic analysis of incident narratives was conducted to explore how racism is described, understood, and managed in practice. Findings suggest that racist abuse, primarily by patients towards staff, was prevalent in high-acuity settings. Racism was frequently conceptualised as a symptom of mental illness, contributing to ambiguous or minimised documentation. Three key themes were identified: the normalisation of racist abuse, inadequate support for affected staff, and limited intervention for perpetrators. Reports often lacked anti-racist language or clear definitions of discrimination, potentially obscuring the issue. These findings underscore the need for trauma-informed, anti-racist practice and culturally sensitive staff support. Enhanced reporting mechanisms and interventions are recommended to promote psychological safety and equity in mental health care. This evaluation contributes to evidence that responses to racism must extend beyond procedural de-escalation.N/AAcceptance date originally listed as 1st June 2025, but it is listed as 25th September 2025 on LJMU's repository
Person-centred care in the management of imaging-related anxiety in diagnostic radiography: a scoping review exploring cancer and non-cancer populations
No full textCopyright: © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The College of Radiographers.Introduction: The potential anxiety invoked by diagnostic imaging procedures intensifies in cancer diagnoses, with the term ‘scanxiety’ originating from the additional fear associated with cancer imaging. This emphasises the importance of a person-centred approach to care. This scoping review mapped the literature regarding imaging-related anxiety, ‘scanxiety’, and person-centred care.
Methods: Databases used were Cinahl Plus; Proquest; PubMed; Scopus; Web of Science; PsycINFO, and Cochrane. Broad search terms were utilised to maximise results, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Limiters were English language articles within the previous 10 years. Further to systematic filtering and critical appraisal, 60 studies were included.
Results: Findings were organised in four themes: ‘Quantification and causes of anxiety’; ‘The nature of imaging procedures’; ‘Perceptions of Person-centredness’; and ‘Service and staffing factors’. MRI and PET/CT cause the highest procedural stress. Fear of results causes greater, and more sustained, anxiety in cancer patients than other groups, creating complex emotional needs. The physiological effects of anxiety can adversely affect image quality and ability to complete scans. Human interaction is central to managing anxiety, but service pressures and staff emotional labour influence care delivery. Most existing person-centred care research in imaging relates to generic populations, with limited focus on how diagnostic radiography staff can support people with cancer.
Conclusion: Although the psychosocial needs of those undergoing cancer imaging are greater than in other diagnoses, more research is needed into the benefits of a person-centred approach and the support and education needs of staff working in this field.
Implications for practice: Understanding experiences of cancer imaging, from both patient and staff perspectives, including any facilitators and barriers to care, would support development of a model for person-centred care in this specialist area.UnfundedAAM removed & archived & VoR uploaded to CR 13/11/202
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