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Unlocking the biological potential of emulsion-templated matrices through surface engineering for biomedical applications
No full textEmulsion templating is a highly advantageous route for the fabrication of porous materials, enabling the development of matrices with high porosity, high interconnectivity, and precise morphological control. Synthetic polymers are most widely used in the fabrication of emulsion-templated tissue engineering scaffolds due to their superior mechanical strength, ease of fabrication, control over polymer properties, and batch-to-batch stability. The biological response is strongly associated with the surface properties of the biomaterials; however, scaffolds constructed from synthetic polymers often lack cell recognition sites and exhibit limited bioactivity. Thus, synthetic polymer-based porous matrices commonly require surface post-modification to improve cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, gene expression, and differentiation processes. To date, extensive work has been carried out investigating surface modification of scaffolds fabricated via traditional scaffold fabrication techniques. Still, studies addressing the post-modification of emulsion-templated matrices are comparatively limited despite an exponential increase in the number of publications on emulsion templating for tissue engineering in recent years. This review will first examine the fundamentals of emulsion templating, then describe cell adhesion and the characteristics of scaffolds that influence cell-material interactions. It will then provide a comprehensive analysis of surface modification techniques and recent advancements in surface-modified emulsion-templated matrices for tissue engineering applications. Finally, we address the challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field. We anticipate that this comprehensive literature review will present the current state-of-the-art and serve as a valuable roadmap for researchers seeking to enhance the biological performance of their emulsion-templated scaffolds through surface modifications. Such scaffold optimisation strategies not only improve cell-material interactions but also hold translational potential for advancing human healthcare through more effective regenerative therapies
Gallate-based metal–organic frameworks for the selective removal of trace ammonia via hydrogen bond engineering
No full textAmmonia (NH3) is a prevalent indoor pollutant, particularly in semiconductor cleanrooms, where it is essential to adhere to stringent regulations that maintain concentration levels below parts per million (ppm). The development of sustainable adsorbents exhibiting high selectivity and adsorption capacity for NH3 at low partial pressures constitutes a critical yet challenging endeavor within this field. Herein, we introduce a class of isostructural gallate-based metal–organic frameworks (M−GA MOFs, M = Co, Mg, and Mn) endowed with abundant hydrogen bond donors within the pore channels. Notably, the Co-GA MOF exhibits an exceptionally high NH3 uptake of 3mmol g−1 at an ultralow pressure of 0.001 mbar, surpassing all previously reported MOFs. Density-functional theory (DFT), independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH), and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses reveal the presence of strong O-H···N and N-H···O hydrogen bonds between NH3 and the MOF framework. These interactions, combined with van der Waals forces, contributed to exceptional NH3 selectivity over CO2 and N2, with selectivity exceeding 104 for NH3/CO2 = 0.1 %:99.9 %. Breakthrough experiments validate the exceptional removal performance of Co-GA MOFs for trace amounts of NH3, with a breakthrough point observed at 14 d·g−1 for a concentration of 10 ppm NH3. This work not only advances our understanding of ultralow-pressure gas separation mechanisms but also offers a scalable solution for efficient separation and purification of trace contaminants in environmentally relevant settings
Experiences and knowledge of nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists about certifying fit notes: a UK-wide survey
Get PDFObjective To identify facilitators and barriers to fit note certification among nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists (NOPPs), and identify ongoing training needs.Design An online survey informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used to gather data from NOPPs to identify implementation barriers and personal, social and environmental influences on fit note certification.Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Mean TDF domain scores were calculated (mean scores ≤3.5 indicated barriers, ≥5 indicated facilitators). Free-text data were thematically analysed using the TDF.Setting United Kingdom.Participants The survey was completed by 198 respondents: physiotherapists (n=66, 33%), occupational therapists (n=49, 25%), nurses (n=44, 22%), pharmacists (n=39, 20%).Results Only 47 (24%) of survey respondents had certified fit notes; 66 (37%) had completed training, most pharmacists had done neither. TDF analysis indicated three barriers: 1) ‘skills’ (being able to certify, review and practice completing fit notes) (mean=3.32, SD=0.75, 95% CI 1.84, 4.80); 2) ‘goals’ (the level of priority given to fit note completion) (mean=3.22, SD=0.51, 95% CI 2.21, 4.22); 3) ‘memory, attention and decision processes’ (disagreeing with the statement: ‘certifying fit notes is something I do automatically’) (mean=2.73, SD=0). Free-text comments suggested that low ‘skills’ rates may be due to lack of opportunity to do training. The low priority afforded to completing fit notes, which was not done automatically as part of their role, may reflect the lack of organisational policies/guidelines or priorities.The only facilitator identified was ‘belief about consequences’ (mean=5.74, SD=0.12, 95% CI: 5.50, 5.98). Participants believed that certifying fit notes was useful and worthwhile.Conclusions Legislation allowing NOPPs to undertake fit note certification does not appear to have been successfully implemented. Further resources are required to provide NOPPs with the necessary skills/confidence (e.g., via training) to certify fit notes, supporting more patients to return to and remain in work
Making a Difference, Impacting, and Inspiring: Learning from Three Decades of Poetic Self-Study at the Castle Conference
No full textBuilding on our experiences with collaborative poetic self-study, we explored the use of poetry in self-study research, focusing on its application at the Self-Study of Teacher Education Practices (S-STEP) Castle Conference from 1996 to 2023. Our central question was, ‘How can poetic self-study make a difference, impact, and inspire the future of education?’ Drawing on 14 peer-reviewed Castle Conference proceedings, we identified 25 poetic self-studies in which researchers used self-created poetry to analyze, develop, represent, and generate new knowledge. Through close reading, we examined recurring ideas and connections, emphasizing the motivations and impacts of poetic self-study. Using a multilayered analysis approach, including creating and interpreting two pantoum poems, we distilled vital insights into poetry’s distinctive contributions to self-study. Our discoveries highlight several central understandings. Poetry has been part of the self-study movement since its inception, with its diverse treatment and influence increasing in recent years. Poetic self-studies promote collaborative creativity and learning and significantly advance educational aims in various contexts. These studies bridge personal reflection with broader educational impact by enhancing learning opportunities for researchers and those affected by their professional practices. Poetry enables self-study researchers to express and reimagine deeply felt emotions and insights, providing a powerful medium for self-exploration, critical conversations, and imaginative expression. Additionally, poetic self-study cultivates diverse understandings of educational experiences and knowledge that may evade conventional academic methods and texts. Finally, through poetry, self-study researchers envision ethical and optimistic possibilities for professional practice, contributing to a more equitable and just future
Regional Productivity Differences in the UK and France: From the Micro to the Macro
Get PDFWe propose a new data resource that attempts to overcome limitations of standard firm-level datasets for the United Kingdom (like the ARD/ABS) by building on administrative data covering the population of UK firms with at least one employee. We also construct a similar dataset for France and use both datasets to (1) provide some highlights of the data and an overall picture of the evolution of aggregate UK and French productivity and markups; (2) analyse the spatial distribution of productivity in both countries at a fine level of detail—228 Travel to Work Areas (TTWAs) for the United Kingdom and 297 Zones d'emploi (ZEs) for France—while focusing on the role of economic density. Our findings suggest that differences in firm productivity across regions are magnified in the aggregate by an increasing productivity return of density along the productivity distribution
Impact of the pore structure on non-wetting phase distribution and gas phase mass transport within cathode-side catalyst layers of PEM fuel cells
Get PDFMuch of the efficiency of PEMFCs is determined by the water handling properties of the cathode-side catalyst layer (CCL), which depend upon its particular pore structure and distribution of the various phases therein. A new (to this application) gas adsorption-based method has been used to assess the global spatial variation in coverage of the catalyst support with ionomer for differing ionomer contents. The rarely-used nitrogen over-condensation method was proven essential for the comprehensive characterisation of CCLs with pores that span a much wider size range than can be seen with conventional adsorption, and is also more statistically-representative than imaging methods. Percolation theory-based models have been used to predict the impact of different saturation levels of the invasion percolating phase (using mercury, as a model for condensed water) on gas phase mass transport rates. A novel scaling analysis has shown that the saturation level and disposition of the invading phase impacts void space accessibility via modifying the apparent diffusional penetration depth for mass transfer. This showed the key importance of surface clusters of larger pores to both water handling and gas phase mass transport
Spatial Proximity Determines Overshadowing Between Landmarks in Human Spatial Navigation
Get PDFPrevious studies involving birds and humans have identified spatial proximity as a source of overshadowing between landmarks in navigation. In Herrera et al. (2024), subjects were trained in an open environment to find a hidden goal with reference to a cross-shaped array of four landmarks placed at various distances from it. Critically, two of the four landmarks (i.e., target landmarks) were placed at distances that were common among groups whereas the remaining two were either proximal to, or distal from, them. Landmarks near to the goal overshadowed (i.e., competed with) learning about the further ones, and this effect disappeared in the groups trained with distal landmarks. However, neither of these studies included a control group providing a base line performance to assess the extent of competition; were the data indicative of overshadowing or facilitation of learning? Thus, we assessed whether spatial proximity determines overshadowing or facilitation between landmarks, including a control group trained with the target landmarks only. We conducted three experiments with varied training length: 6 training trials in Experiment 1 and 16 in Experiments 2 and 3. We also extended the distance of the landmarks to the goal in Experiment 3. In all experiments, we observed overshadowing in the groups trained with closer nontarget landmarks (relative to the target) but no overshadowing when the nontarget landmarks were distal from the target landmarks. Overall, these experiments reveal spatial distance is a critical determinant of overshadowing between landmarks, a finding that is consistent with domain-general theories of learning, such as a modification of Pearce’s configural model
Quantifying diagnostic intervals and routes to diagnosis for children and young people with cancer in the UK (Childhood Cancer Diagnosis study, CCD): a population-based observational study
Get PDFBackground: Childhood cancer is a global disease burden, with early diagnosis a priority. We quantified diagnostic intervals and referral routes for children and young people (CYP 0–18 years) diagnosed with cancer in the UK. Methods: All CYP diagnosed between September 2020–March 2023 were eligible. Demographic, referral, and symptom data were collected prospectively. Patient interval (PI), diagnostic interval (DI), and total diagnostic interval (TDI) were calculated. Findings: 1957 CYP (mean age 7.4 years, 55% male, 78% white) participated. Median PI, DI, and TDI were 1.1 (IQR 0.1–4.0; range 0–164), 1.7 (IQR 0.4–5.9; range 0–310), and 4.6 weeks (IQR 2.0–11.4; range 0–310), respectively. Intervals were unaffected by sex, ethnicity or deprivation index (IMD). Median TDI was longest in 15–18 years (8.7 weeks, IQR 3.0–17.4) and bone tumours (12.6 weeks, IQR 6.6–23.4) and shortest in under ones (3.7 weeks, IQR 1.0–8.1) and renal tumours (2.3 weeks, IQR 0.9–5.0). 74% (n = 1438) had 1–3 pre-diagnostic healthcare contacts; 67% (n = 1312) presented emergently, with a median of 4.0 (range 0–26) symptoms. CYP with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis were most likely to have ≥4 visits when compared with leukaemia (adjusted OR 7.48, 95% CI 3.54–15.82), followed by central nervous system, bone, and soft tissue tumours. Interpretation: This study highlights equal access to diagnosis for sex, ethnicity and IMD, but disparities for age and diagnostic groups. These data will inform professional and public health strategies and health policy to accelerate diagnosis for all. Funding: National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR) DRF-2018-11-ST2-055
Long‐term survival after adult epilepsy surgery: Mortality and predictors in a large cohort
Get PDFObjectiveLong-term survival data in adults undergoing surgery for drug-resistant focal epilepsy remain limited. We examined mortality patterns and predictors in a large cohort followed for over 30 years.MethodsAdults who underwent epilepsy surgery (1990–2022) were analyzed. Prospectively collected clinical, surgical, and outcome data were included. We estimated the cumulative incidence of mortality and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for the cohort. Predictors of epilepsy-related and non-epilepsy-related deaths were identified using Fine–Gray and cause-specific hazard models.ResultsA total of 1062 individuals contributed 14 279 person-years of follow-up (median, 13 years). The overall mortality rate was 6.16 per 1000 person-years, with 2.52 per 1000 person-years due to epilepsy-related deaths, including 0.84 per 1000 person-years from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Epilepsy-related deaths were more frequent within the first 15 years post-surgery (p = 0.006). The overall SMR was 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90–1.38), and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.46–0.89) among individuals followed for more than 15 years. Independent predictors of epilepsy-related mortality were older age at surgery, cortical malformations, and poor post-operative seizure control (International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE] outcome class ≥4). Non–epilepsy-related mortality was driven primarily by older age at surgery.SignificanceEpilepsy surgery is associated with reduced premature mortality and increasingly normalized long-term survival. Age at surgery, post-operative seizure control, and pathological findings are key determinants of survival, highlighting opportunities to improve surgical outcomes further
Strengthening care in collaboration with people with lived experience of psychosis in Uganda (SCAPE-U): A protocol for a cluster randomized controlled feasibility trial
Get PDFBackgroundMental health services are most effective and equitable when designed, delivered, and evaluated in collaboration with People With Lived Experience of mental health conditions (PWLE). However, PWLE are rarely involved in health systems strengthening, and when they are, it is limited to specific components (e.g., peer helpers) rather than multi-tiered collaboration in the full continuum of home to community to facility based services. Moreover, programs that do involve PWLE typically involve people with a history of substance use conditions or common mental disorders. The collaboration of People With Lived Experience of Psychosis (PWLP) is especially rare. Therefore, we aim to explore the feasibility of collaborating with PWLP for health systems strengthening in this feasibility trial.MethodsThis pilot cluster randomized controlled feasibility trial will randomize 36 health facilities to a standard implementation arm where primary care workers (PCW) will be trained by mental health specialists (control), or a collaborative care model with added co-facilitation of PCW trainings by PWLP as well as home visits by PWLP to service users (intervention). The intervention condition is referred to as “Strengthening CAre in collaboration with People with lived Experience of psychosis in Uganda” (SCAPE-U). The 36 health facilities will be distributed across six clusters with three clusters in each arm. PhotoVoice will be used to train PWLP to be co-facilitators of PCW training and provide home-based support to service users in the intervention arm. The primary outcomes of the feasibility trial will be the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of collaborating with PWLP. Data will also be collected on individual-level outcomes for PCWs, and service users to inform the feasibility of data collection and obtain effect size estimates.DiscussionFindings from this feasibility trial will inform a fully powered trial to evaluate the benefits of an implementation strategy characterized by collaboration with PWLP across the continuum of healthcare services
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