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Association between redox dysregulation and vulnerability to cognitive deficits induced by maternal immune activation
Get PDFExposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) in utero is a major risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia. However, a proportion of individuals are resilient to developing schizophrenia following exposure to MIA, which has also been reported in animal models of MIA. The molecular mechanisms leading to resilient and vulnerable behavioural phenotypes remain poorly understood, and we currently lack reliable blood biomarkers that predict resilience or vulnerability. Redox dysregulation, caused by an imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defence mechanisms, has recently been predicted to be central to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Here, we use a poly(I:C)-induced MIA model of schizophrenia to investigate mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction and redox dysregulation in resilient and vulnerable individuals. We show that activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) was reduced in the plasma of poly(I:C) offspring with a cognitive deficit, in contrast to individuals with typical cognition during both adolescence and adulthood. However, SOD activity in the hippocampus was not significantly different between vulnerable and resilient offspring. In addition, the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 were not differentially expressed within the hippocampus or plasma of vulnerable poly(I:C) offspring. Our results suggest that reduced plasma SOD activity may be a potential blood biomarker to identify resilience or vulnerability to MIA-induced cognitive deficits. Further research is necessary to determine if reduced antioxidant capacity is present in plasma prior to symptom presentation and to understand if this predicts redox dysregulation in the brain
Assessing Training Needs in the Global Bibliometrics Community
Get PDFBibliometrics professionals are crucial in universities and research institutions, supporting research analytics, evaluation, and strategic decisions. Despite their importance, many lack formal training or access to professional networks, often relying on self-taught methods that can lead to the misuse of metrics and indicators. This limits the usefulness of bibliometric data and raises concerns about research integrity, particularly in citation practices. A global survey within the Library and Information Science (LIS) community explored training experiences, gaps, and interests, especially around research integrity. The results revealed critical knowledge gaps, including the need for a deeper understanding of bibliometric principles, responsible metrics use, advanced analysis techniques, and awareness of indicators' limitations and biases. Highlighting these deficiencies aims to engage the STI indicators community, prompting collective action to better equip bibliometrics practitioners. Proper training is essential to prevent the misuse of indicators, which can undermine research quality and academic evaluation
Accessible Waters Research Website:Inclusive Research, Methods, and Public Engagement in Blue Space Accessibility
No full textAccessible Waters is a public-facing research platform curated by Sadie Rockliffe. The site shares updates, blogs, research methods, and media features related to inclusive access to blue spaces for blind and partially sighted communities. It supports knowledge exchange and public engagement through reflective writing, documentation of co-produced events, and accessible summaries of research processes. The platform contributes to ongoing conversations in critical disability studies, therapeutic geographies, and sensory methodologies, positioning accessibility as a dynamic, relational, and justice-oriented practice
Machine learning techniques for predictive maintenance of building services: a comprehensive review and research outlook
Get PDFPurpose: Predictive maintenance in buildings is crucial for minimising unplanned downtime and extending lifespan of building components, yet its implementation remains complex. Machine learning (ML) offers a transformative approach by enabling systematic predictions and automation. The purpose of this study is to analyse the interrelationship between ML techniques and predictive maintenance of building services, identifying key research trends and future directions. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic analysis was conducted on 118 journal articles using VOSviewer to examine co-authorship and co-occurrence patterns. The key themes generated were then explored semi-systematically, focusing on the most frequently used ML techniques and predictive maintenance applications. Findings: The results reveal a strong relationship between ML and predictive maintenance, with increasing research interest post-2021. Co-occurrence analysis highlights the evolution of research themes, shifting from conventional ML models to advanced techniques such as digital twins and lifelong learning with deep generative replay modelling. Among the most frequently applied ML techniques, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Neural Networks have demonstrated the best predictive performance in fault diagnostics and system optimisation. Practical implications: The findings advocate for stronger interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers, institutions and industries to bridge the gap between research advancements and real-world implementation in facilities management and building life cycle. Originality/value: This study provides a comprehensive examination of research trends, highlighting underexplored ML applications in building services predictive maintenance.</p
Co-operative work and developmental freedom:A study of four British worker co-operatives
Get PDFThis article presents an empirical study of four worker co-operatives in the UK to assess their potential in delivering freedom in working life. It discusses developmental freedom in terms of control in static, dynamic and constant timeframes, considers the compatibility of co-operative institutions in capitalism and presents findings from previous studies. This article draws on these cases to argue that even under capitalism, the co-operative structure can provide sources of control over working life for individuals through collective, democratic management and effective autonomy over working time. It is suggested that worker control in co-operatives does not come at the cost of financial viability. Weaknesses of the model, especially low pay and long hours, are also raised. In conclusion, co-operatives are suggested to be an effective vehicle for developmental freedom but must do so alongside other institutions supportive of control over working life
Does backpack load carriage weight affect susceptibility to acute mountain sickness during intermittent walking in hypoxia?
Get PDFIntroduction: The growth of global adventure tourism has led to millions of travellers visiting areas of high-altitude for recreational trekking, charity fundraising challenges and/or cultural immersion over several days to weeks annually. These activities necessitate carrying backpacks that contain hiking provisions of additional weight without understanding how increased load carriage may affect physiological responses at altitude, nor whether they may increase the risk of experiencing symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) - a common altitude illness typically observed above 2500m. There is limited understanding whether existing backpack load recommendations used at sea-level (maximum load equating to 1/3 of body weight) apply at altitude, or whether increasing loads exacerbate symptoms of AMS. The purpose of the study was to therefore assess backpack weight of 10%, 20% and 30% of body weight on physiological and perceptual strain and symptoms of AMS, during a simulated hillwalking test in hypoxia.Methods: Thirteen physically active males and females (23±1 years) completed three intermittent walking tests (including: 35-mins rest, 60-min walk [3x20-min intervals with 5-min rest] at 4km.hr-1 at 10% gradient, followed by 15-mins recovery) within normobaric hypoxia (FIO2: 0.13). These were conducted within a randomised order whilst carrying a backpack loaded with additional weight that was either 10%, 20% or 30% relative to the participants’ body mass. Physiological, perceptual and Lake Louise Questionnaire (LLQ) scores were assessed throughout.Results: Heart rate and ventilation were higher (both p<0.05) during the 30% backpack test compared to 10% (+13±11 b.min-1 and +9.4±7.6 L.min-1), but no differences were found between 10% and 20%. LLQ scores were higher (p<0.05) during the 30% backpack test compared to the 10% (+2±1 A.U.) and 20% (+1±1 A.U.), but no differences (p>0.05) were found between 10% and 20%. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE: 6-20 Borg [1982]) were higher (all p<0.05) during the 20% and 30% trials compared to 10% (+2±2 and +4±2 A.U.), and also during the 30% compared to 20% trial (+2±2 A.U.). No differences in pulse oxygen (O2) saturation, nor volume of O2 uptake (all p>0.05) were found between tests. Conclusion: Carrying additional backpack weight increases markers of physiological and perceptual strain and may augment AMS symptoms. Altitude travellers without prior experience of hiking and who are carrying a backpack for an extended period of time should understand these responses and potential risks to health, as well as educate themselves on safe altitude knowledge/travel and contributing risk factors. <br/
Associations between podoconiosis and pedogenic factors globally – a systematic review.
Get PDFBackgroundPodoconiosis is a non-infectious neglected tropical disease that causes progressive swelling of the lower limbs in an estimated 4 million people globally. Podoconiosis has been associated with prolonged exposure to certain soils, however no specific causative component has been identified. We conducted a systematic review of articles to investigate links between podoconiosis and mineral, geochemical and climate factors affecting soil genesis (pedogenesis).Methodology/principal findingsA systematic search was conducted across five electronic databases: Embase, Global Health, Medline, GeoRef and Web of Science. Searches were from database inception to January 2024. Primary quantitative research from any region was included, qualitative studies and those not in English were excluded. The AXIS tool was used to assess study quality and risk of bias. Twenty-seven studies were included and narrative synthesis was used to interpret data from tissue samples, soil samples, and remote sensed bedrock and pedogenic factors. Nine studies found a correlation between podoconiosis occurrence and regions with underlying alkalic volcanic bedrock, and six linked pedogenic factors (altitude and rainfall) with disease occurrence. Several studies linked specific soil mineralogy and geochemistry with endemic regions, including an abundance of phyllosilicate clay minerals, quartz, and trace elements, notably iron, beryllium and zirconium.ConclusionsThis systematic review is the first to be conducted on the literature linking pedogenic factors with podoconiosis globally. Study quality was low for some of the earlier (1970s) studies. Several soil mineralogical and geological variables were linked with podoconiosis prevalence, particularly kaolinite, smectite, micas, quartz, iron oxides and trace elements. However, it remains unclear whether these are covariates or direct contributors to the pathogenesis of the disease and what the role of other peculiarities of soils (complex mineral-organic or material-climate combined factors) might be. Studies on the enrichment of minerals and elements during pedogenesis should be prioritised in future research
Perioperative Risk Prediction in Major Gynaecological Oncology Surgery:A National Diagnostic Survey of UK Clinical Practice
Get PDFBackground: Gynaecological oncology (GO) surgery involves a wide range of procedures, from minor diagnostic interventions to highly complex cytoreductive operations. Accurate perioperative diagnostics—particularly in major surgery—are critical to optimise patient care, predict morbidity, and facilitate shared decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate current practices in perioperative risk assessment amongst UK GO specialists, focusing on the use, perception, and applicability of diagnostic risk prediction tools. Methods: A national multicentre survey was distributed via the British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) to consultants, trainees, and nurse specialists. The questionnaire examined clinician familiarity with and use of existing tools such as POSSUM, P-POSSUM, and ACS NSQIP, as well as perceived reliability and areas for improvement. Results: Fifty-four clinicians responded, two-thirds of whom were consultant gynaecological oncologists. While 51.9% used morbidity prediction tools selectively, only 7.4% used them routinely for all major surgeries. The most common models were P-POSSUM (39.6%) and ACS NSQIP (25%), though over 20% did not use any formal tool. Despite this, 80% of respondents expressed a desire for more accurate, GO-specific models. Conclusions: This study reveals a gap between available perioperative diagnostics and real-world clinical use in GO surgical planning. There is an urgent need for validated, user-friendly, and GO-specific risk predictiontools—particularly for high-risk, complex surgical cases. Further research should focus on prospective validation of tools such as ACS NSQIP and their integration into routine practice to improve outcomes in gynaecological oncology
Biomimetic Hydrogels for In Vitro Modelling of Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration:Effects of Extracellular Matrix Compositional Change on Physicochemical Properties and Cell Phenotype
Get PDFThe intervertebral disc, an anatomical compartment interposed between vertebral bodies, plays a key role in spine flexibility and compression loading. It comprises three tissues: the nucleus pulposus, the annulus fibrosus, and the end plates. Degeneration-related changes in the extracellular matrix of the nucleus pulposus upon ageing or pathological conditions prompted the present investigation into the impact of proteoglycan reduction, the main constituent of the healthy nucleus pulposus, on its physicochemical properties and cellular phenotypical changes. To mimic the native extracellular matrix, three-dimensional NP-mimicking constructs were developed using a biomimetic hy-drogel composed of collagen type I, collagen type II, and proteoglycans. This system was fabricated using a bottom-up approach, employing highly pure monomeric collagen types I and II, which were induced to form a reconstituted fibrillar structure closely re-sembling the natural NP microenvironment. A comprehensive physicochemical char-acterization was conducted at varying proteoglycan percentages using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, rheological tests, and water retention property analysis. The effect of microenvironment changes on the phenotype of nucleus pulposus cells was studied by their encapsulation within the various collagen–proteoglycan hydrogels. The morphological and immunochemistry analysis of the cells was performed to study the cell–matrix adhesion pathways and the expression of the cellular regulator hypox-ia-inducible factor 1 alpha. These were linked to the analysis of the synthesis of healthy or pathological extracellular matrix components. The findings reveal that the reduction in proteoglycan content in the nucleus pulposus tissue triggers a pathological pathway, impairing the rheological and water retention properties. Consequently, the cell phe-notypes are altered, inducing the synthesis of collagen type I rather than securing the natural physiological remodelling process by the synthesis of collagen type II and pro-teoglycans. Identifying the proteoglycan content threshold that triggers these pathological phenotypical changes could provide new diagnostic markers and early therapeutic strategies for intervertebral disc degeneration