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Bridging the gap: enhancing healthcare support worker confidence and skills through a nursing associate led study day
No full text#400WORDS: NATIONAL NURSING ASSOCIATE SPECIAL EDITIO
A practical guide to transcranial ultrasonic stimulation from the IFCN-endorsed ITRUSST consortium
Get PDFLow-intensity Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation (TUS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique enabling cortical and deep brain targeting with unprecedented spatial accuracy. Given the high rate of adoption by new users with varying levels of expertise and interdisciplinary backgrounds, practical guidelines are needed to ensure state-of-the-art TUS application and reproducible outcomes. Therefore, the International Transcranial Ultrasonic Stimulation Safety and Standards (ITRUSST) consortium has formed a subcommittee, endorsed by the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN), to develop recommendations for best practices in human TUS applications. The practical guide presented here provides a brief introduction into ultrasound physics and sonication parameters. It explains the requirements of TUS lab equipment and transducer selection and discusses experimental design and procedures alongside potential confounds and control conditions. Finally, the guide elaborates on essential steps of application planning for stimulation safety and efficacy, as well as considerations when combining TUS with neuroimaging, electrophysiology, or other brain stimulation techniques. We hope that this practical guide to TUS will assist both novice and experienced users in planning and conducting high-quality studies and provide a solid foundation for further advancements in this promising field
Hydrogen, single-carbon compounds, and thermal regime in the oceanic ultramafic-dominated lithosphere: Insights from a deep borehole on the Atlantis Massif
Get PDFWater that flows through permeable ultramafic rocks produces high abundances of molecular hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), and other small organic molecules. Such products can fuel life in the rocky subseafloor, be extracted for energy, and may have played a role in pre-biological chemical synthesis on early Earth or other planetary bodies. The International Ocean Discovery Program drilled a new 1268-m-deep borehole (U1601C) into serpentinized mantle with minor gabbroic rocks on the Atlantis Massif, ∼800-m north of the Lost City hydrothermal field (30°N, Mid-Atlantic Ridge). Measured temperatures of the disturbed borehole reached 91.3 °C, and equilibrated temperatures of the deepest section are estimated to be between 110 – 140 °C. Water collected every ∼ 5-m during drilling operations had H2concentrations that were regularly \u3e 200 nM and spiked to \u3e 10 µM at multiple depths. In these waters, carbon monoxide was only present in deeper, hotter sections, and potentially associated with gabbroic intrusions into the peridotite host. Open borehole fluids were sampled after drilling and samples recovered from the deepest portion contained elevated short-lived 222-Radon and strontium isotope ratios similar to Lost City fluids, pointing to the presence of in situ subseafloor formation waters that have equilibrated with the host rock. The deepest samples were actively degassing upon recovery and contained 740 ± 360 µM H2, 340 ± 36 µM CH4, and 25.5 µM ∑formate (= formate and formic acid). The shallowest fluids from the open borehole also contain micromolar H2and ∑formate concentrations, the presence of which cannot be attributed to the upward migration of the deeper, higher concentration fluids.We interpret these data as reflecting two distinct and interconnected regimes of fluid flow and composition. Deep waters that are channelized along faults, lithologic contacts, and other high permeability pathways host high H2and CH4concentrations plus micromolar ∑formate that closely mirror the chemistry and isotopic signatures of LCHF vent fluids. Pervasive fluid flow permeates the mesh texture and microfracture network of the serpentinized peridotite and sustains H2and ∑formate even in the shallowest subseafloor intervals at mild temperatures. These findings demonstrate that both focused and pervasive fluid flow contribute to the transport, and potentially the generation, of reduced volatiles and C1 compounds within the Atlantis Massif
Exploring the immune landscape of the tumour microenvironment in meningiomas and the role of immune infiltration in meningioma models
Get PDFBackground: Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumours, ranging from benign to highly aggressive forms. While surgery is effective for low-grade meningiomas, certain grade 1 tumours, as well as grade 2, 3, and recurrent cases are more aggressive and require new therapeutic approaches. Immunotherapy shows promise, however, the role of tumour microenvironment (TME), particularly tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), in meningiomas remains poorly understood, especially concerning genomic alterations. Aims: To investigate the immune landscape of meningiomas classified by grades, genotypes and methylation classes (MCs), and to elucidate the role of the TAMs in meningioma progression utilising a patient-derived 3D co-culture model.Methods: Multiplex immunohistochemistry and bulk RNA sequencing were used to characterise the TME in genetically stratified meningioma tissues and their matched 3D spheroid models. Comparative analyses of immune cell infiltration were conducted across parental tissues, 2D monolayer cultures, and 3D models. In co-culture experiments, M2-polarised macrophages or microglia derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were introduced to patient-matched 3D models to investigate tumour cell behaviour in the presence of immune cells. Quantitative PCR was performed to examine macrophage-related cytokine expression and explore the molecular mechanism of tumour-immune interactions.Results: Distinct differences in the TME were observed across various genotypes and MCs. Notably, benign NF2-mutant and MC ben-1 tumours exhibited higher proportions of microglia and M2-like microglia, whereas aggressive MC mal tumours showed an increased presence of macrophages and M2-like macrophages. The 3D models closely resembled the TME of parental tissues, providing a more accurate platform than 2D. In co-cultures, M2-polarised immune cells infiltrated tumour spheroids, promoting proliferation while inhibiting invasion, with tumour cells displaying elevated IL-6 in their presence. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the TME in meningiomas varies with genotype and molecular subtype. The patient-derived 3D model effectively reflects the immune landscape of parental tissues, providing valuable insights for developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Autochthonous Probiotics and Their Effects on the Mucosal Health of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
No full textThe host microbiome is a promising source of probiotics for aquaculture species including Nile tilapia. In this study, the probiotic potential of autochthonous bacterial isolates from Nile tilapia and carp mid-intestines were screened in vitro. Two isolates (C61 and T70), closely related to Bacillus subtilis, exhibited antagonistic activity against multiple pathogen species and demonstrated multiple digestive enzyme activities. Their antagonistic activity in Aeromonas hydrophila assays remained even under simulated intestinal juice (SIJ) exposure. Subsequently, C61 (PT1) and T70 (PT2) were added to experimental diets at log 7 CFU/g of diet, and fed to Nile tilapia (5.32 ± 0.12 g) for 40 days. There were no significant differences observed in the growth performance across treatments. Despite limited Bacillus intestinal recovery levels, 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding revealed subtle shifts in the intestinal microbial community composition of the probiotic-fed groups. In addition, the PT1 group showed significantly longer mucosal fold length, elevated intestinal and skin goblet cell levels, and higher skin goblet cell coverage compared to the control. These results indicate the potential benefits of the isolates as functional feed additives for enhancing the mucosal health of Nile tilapia, but their benefits were likely achieved through transient activity given the low level of Bacillus recovery in the intestine
Investigating the Link between the Oral Microbiome and Cardiovascular Health in Regards to Nitrate/Nitrite Metabolism.
No full textThis thesis evaluated nitrate metabolism and the link between cardiovascular health and periodontal disease. The first study compared effects of high-nitrate vegetables and pharmacological salt supplementation on the oral microbiome composition in hypertensive individuals. Seventy participants (50-70-y-old, clinical systolic BP (SBP) 130-159 mmHg, diastolic BP (DBP) \u3c110 mmHg) were randomly allocated to group 1 (n = 24) consuming 300 mg/d nitrate in green leafy vegetables form, group 2 (n = 23) consuming 300 mg/d potassium nitrate in form of pills and low-nitrate vegetables, and group 3 (n = 23) consuming potassium chloride pills (placebo) and low-nitrate vegetables. Groups 1 and 2 showed similar microbial salivary changes, increased Neisseria species, and decreased Veillonella species post treatment, suggesting nitrate-dependent changes.The second study investigated oral health and microbiome composition of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (n = 10, SBP = 150 ± 8 mmHg, DBP = 98 ± 9 mmHg) compared to normotensive pregnancies (n = 11, SBP = 111 ± 5 mmHg, DBP = 80 ± 9 mmHg). Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia showed higher plaque levels compared to normotensive pregnant women (P = 0.038), although activity of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria (P = 0.088) was not statistically significant. Plasma nitrate levels were significantly were lower in women with pre-eclampsia (P = 0.024). The third study evaluated the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX-M n= 21) and propolis (PROP-M n= 24) mouthwashes on abundance and activity of nitrate-reducing bacteria in healthy individuals. CHX-M increased relative abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria (P \u3c 0.001), but significantly impaired nitrate-reducing activity (P \u3c 0.001) compared to baseline and PROP-M. PROP-M significantly increased plasma nitrate levels (P = 0.047) and reduced systolic BP (P = 0.022).The fourth study compared the effect of CHX-M, PROP-M, amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MTZ) on salivary nitrate-reducing activity within a 24-hour period using an in-vitro protocol. Results showed that MTZ significantly increased nitrate-reducing activity after 24-hours (P = 0.001) compared to all the other treatments (AMX, P = 0.025; CHX-M, P = 0.01; PROP-M, P = 0.023). Overall, this thesis suggests that poor oral health may impair the oral nitrate–nitrite pathway, thereby reducing nitrate bioavailability in women with pre-eclampsia. Diets rich in high-nitrate vegetables showed beneficial changes in the oral microbiome; however, these were not associated with blood pressure reduction. In contrast, use of propolis mouthwash increased plasma nitrate bioavailability, contributing to blood pressure reductions. Finally, it was observed metronidazole significantly enhanced nitrate-reducing activity
Reassembling anti-oppressive teaching practices in professionally qualifying youth and community work education
No full textNew and continuing formations of oppression remains a contemporary 21st Century challenge compounded by a fracturing of democratic structures that give rise to intolerance of difference and threaten social bonds. The big questions about the type of society we want to live in, what it means to be human, and the role of education are questions that are increasingly alienated from everyday lived experiences and a collective commitment to shape a fairer and more socially just world. Thus, the scale of challenges underscores a need to think differently about how Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP) in professionally qualifying youth and community education is taught and its role in enacting a commitment to social justice. The inquiry worked with Collective Biography (CB) (Davies and Gannon, 2006) to ask how posthuman and new materialist concepts might facilitate such processes and how practices generated through CB might themselves re-orientate and extend approaches to teaching.The CB was created by nine UK academics experienced in teaching professionally qualified Youth and Community Work (YCW) programmes and was conducted online during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was conceptualised as a rhizomatic research assemblage (Deleuze and Guattari, 2014), orientated by phEmaterialism (Niccolini, Zarabadi and Ringrose, 2018), and drew on Manning’s (2016) account of ‘staging a minor disruption’ in taken-for-granted teaching practices. Through cartographic mapping (Braidotti, 2018), the CB produced a multi-layered account of 21st century challenges. These mappings were constituted as thresholds that opened conceptual space for reimagining and enacting how AOP might be taught. The inquiry addressed a gap in the YCW literature by proposing posthumanism as a navigational tool, enabling the emergence of an Anti-Oppressive Praxis as part of a critical becoming pedagogy (Bowler et al., 2021). This praxis functioned as an affirmative ethical strategy with generative capacity to engage with new formations of oppression and carried implications for professional identities in YCW as fluid and in-formation (Gale, 2023). Panversality, conceptualised through the process of inquiry was proposed as an affective micropolitical strategy for generating new subjectivities in YCW. Collaborative writing, anarchiving, and memorly worldling emerged in relation to panversality as three experimental pedagogical exemplifications. The thesis advances and ongoing commitment to working creatively, relationally and experimentally with concepts, extending the terrain and tuning into the potential for teaching AOP in contemporary YCW education in more than human ways
An Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal Smart Energy Station
No full textSince their invention, photovoltaic (PV) cells haveundergone significant technological advancements, emerging asone of the most accessible sources of clean energy with aneffectively infinite fuel supply. However, PV technologycontinues to face a critical challenge; a decline in efficiency asoperating temperatures rise above 25 °C. This research aims tomitigate the impact of elevated temperatures on PV panels byinvestigating the phase change materials (PCMs) fortemperature control of the PV panels and release theirgenerated heat to PCMs as heat collection and temporarystorage units. Consequently, the heat can be then transferredfrom the temporary storage point to a long-term heat storage inZeolite materials through supply-air duct to enable forcedconvection heat transfer via moving air. Furthermore, thisresearch also explores the maximum power point tracking(MPPT) algorithms to harvest the maximum electrical powerfrom the PV panels and then regulate this power to integratewith a DC microgrid of 48V by controlling power electronicconverters at various environmental and operational conditions.The proposed demonstration offers a cheap and effectivesolution to regulate the PV’s temperature to achieve optimalperformance and storing the excess heat for other domesticapplications. It is also modular to accommodate different energyaspects as battery storage or fuel cells and allows for peer-topeerselling of energies
Fostering multicultural education and building community resilience in post-pandemic schools in southwest England
No full textThis article explores the complexities of practicing meaningful multicultural education in varied sociocultural landscapes, including areas with limited ethnic diversity. Highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed deep-rooted structural inequalities, the article emphasises the need for education systems to address the specific realities of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. This is because the study findings reveal a lack of curricular representation of BAME communities, time constraints that prevent teachers from incorporating multicultural education into their daily routines, limited understanding around multicultural education among teachers, and a need for recruiting and retaining teachers from diverse communities. This article revisits existing school multiculturalist discourses by drawing on empirical findings from a doctoral study and using dimensions of multicultural education to provide contextual recommendations in fostering resilience and inclusion in schools. The proposed framework supports a multiculturally responsive approach that involves students, teachers, parents, policymakers, and the wider community
Reimagining A Nexus Between Seaport And National Development: Sociotechnical Imaginaries Of Ghana’s Port Of Tema
No full textThis article explores the evolving sociotechnical imaginaries (STIs) shaping Ghana’s Port of Tema, revealing how national development goals and global trade imperatives intersect in African port governance. Through analysis of policy documents, media discourse, and interviews, it identifies four overlapping phases in the evolution of these imaginaries: the industrial gateway era, neoliberal globalization, the rise of a transshipment hub, and the most recent phase of indigenous contestation and institutional resilience. Rather than replacing earlier visions, newer imaginaries build upon and hybridize older ones, creating both synergies and tensions. The study demonstrates that STIs at Tema have evolved through processes of layering and translation rather than substitution, challenging simplistic binaries of national versus global governance. While Tema’s transformation into a global logistics hub has deepened integration into global trade networks, it has also exposed power imbalances and sparked local resistance over equity and control, particularly regarding Terminal 3 development. Institutional responses from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, union activism, and alternative development efforts demonstrate resilience not as rejection of globalization, but as negotiated engagement aimed at shaping globalization’s trajectory towards more equitable outcomes