938 research outputs found
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A case study exploring the management of dyspnoea in motor neurone disease
No full textMotor neurone disease affects around 5000 people in the UK at any given time. It is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis and carries a high symptom burden. Dyspnoea (breathlessness) is one of its most challenging yet common symptoms and occurs because of a weakening of the muscles that control breathing. This case study explores the management of a man diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the community. His advance decision to refuse treatment directive to avoid non-invasive ventilation during the day was managed through a combination of opioid medication, breath stacking, positioning and other strategies recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Individualised care planning and maintaining quality of life was key in his management
Jellyfish collagen: A promising and sustainable marine biomaterial with emerging applications in food, cosmetics, and biomedical - A review
No full textIn recent years, consumer awareness of the benefits of collagen has driven a steady increase in demand for collagen-based products. However, mammalian collagen poses health risks and may not be suitable for individuals due to religious reasons. As a result, marine collagen has emerged as a safer and more promising alternative, gaining significant attention. Jellyfish collagen, in particular, has shown potential as a transformative marine biomaterial with applications in food, supplements, cosmetics, medicine, and biomedical materials. It offers several advantages, including antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and immunomodulatory activities. Despite its potential, jellyfish collagen products are still scarce in the market. This review examines the extraction and characterization of jellyfish collagen, its physicochemical properties, and the opportunities and challenges in utilizing this marine collagen. Finally, it explores the potential commercial value and future product development to enhance human health
Concerning the debate about homocysteine, B vitamins, and dementia
No full textIt is important to identify modifiable risk factors for dementia and to introduce policies to implement their modification. The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care failed to identify raised plasma homocysteine as a risk factor, despite considerable evidence; hence there is a need for a debate on this matter
The Auction of Human Remains: Challenges, Case Studies, and Reflections
No full textAlthough ethically dubious, the sale of archaeological human remains by UK auction houses is legally permitted. However, there is little oversight to determine if artefacts are real human bone and of appropriate antiquity to sell. A lack of checks by auction houses could result in sales that contravene the Human Tissues Act or impact forensic investigations. The move to online auctions has widened markets and risks remains being repeatedly commodified or traded illegally through other online platforms and social media pages. This chapter investigates legal and regulatory frameworks, explores connections between legal and illegal markets, and uses case studies to highlight wider ethical issues in the trade of human remains
Artificial Intelligence-Driven Sensitivity Analysis: Present-Day Approaches in Software-Defined Networking
No full textThis paper presents an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are being explored for sensitivity analysis in the context of software-defined networking (SDN). Sensitivity analysis (SA) is pivotal in determining the influence of variable inputs on system outputs, a process essential for the enhancement of SDN's performance and dependability. The incorporation of AI techniques, especially machine learning algorithms, has led to substantial progress in executing both local and global sensitivity analyses within SDN frameworks. Such progress is instrumental in improving the network's adaptability, operational efficiency, and security measures. This paper highlights some of the present-day methodologies and practical applications in this area, focusing on the role of AI in refining sensitivity analysis in SDN. The objective is to provide a brief overview of the latest research developments for scholars engaged in this rapidly growing field
Involving people living with brain injuries and communication difficulties in service improvement: an appreciative inquiry approach
No full textBackground
Person-centred health communication balances the contributions of service providers and users. However, people living with brain injuries typically find their voices excluded from service developments. Person-centred communication in service development promotes collaboration, self-identity and empowers services to be designed by and for their population.
Methods
Seven people living with acquired brain injury and eight healthcare staff members from two specialist brain injury rehabilitation centres engaged in Appreciative Inquiries to develop their vision for the service and plans to move the service closer to that vision.
Results
The narrative approach of Appreciative Inquiry supported people living with brain injuries to share a professional and personal vision for the service. Developments included vocational training and more varied therapies for patients alongside educational opportunities for staff and access to research trials. Raising public awareness was also considered an important role for the service as well as working with younger people regarding prevention.
Conclusions
Appreciative Inquiry may be successfully used to support people living with brain injuries and communication difficulties to democratically contribute to research and service developments. Researchers and service providers should consider how it might be applied with this population and other seldom heard members of society
Using compression in patients with heart failure
No full textThis case report explores the community management of a patient with a medical history of heart failure (HF) and oedema. Gold standard guidelines recommend targeting clinical congestion and oedema with increased loop diuretics alongside multilayer compression bandages for effective limb decongestion, reduction of swelling and limb shape restoration. Without early identification and intervention, oedema can worsen, leading to skin changes such as lymphorrhoea (wet or leaky legs), and having a detrimental physical, functional, and psycho-emotional impact on patients. Yet, HF and oedema continue to be mismanaged because healthcare workers have reservations about the use of compression therapy and concerns about overloading the circulatory system in patients with HF. This case report demonstrates appropriate treatment and management of oedema in patients with HF within a community district team setting, highlighting best guidance on diuretics, compression therapy, exercise, and skin care
Selected Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals
No full textThis paper presents an exploratory study to provide a broad outline of how AI-facilitated strategies are advancing or aiding in the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serving as an introduction to such a prospective analysis. In particular, this paper highlights the advancements in areas such as (1) AI-powered medical diagnostics and disease forecasting for enhanced health and well-being, (2) AI-mediated educational interactions for enriched learning experiences in tertiary institutions, (3) AI-supported prompt detection of oil spills to mitigate pollution, and (4) AI-informed predictions of urban land use and cover changes, along with other modern AI applications. These examples are briefly examined and demonstrate that AI-driven methods surpass conventional approaches in accuracy, efficiency, optimization, decision-making, and predictive capabilities. Concentrating on the SDGs, the insights provided in this paper support the data-backed claim that AI-centric paradigms are closely linked with intelligent decision-making, which can, in turn, contribute to the effective and resilient design, implementation, and strategizing of our planet's future sustainability
Phosphorylated Salmon bone polypeptides: enhancing stability and antimicrobial activity through zinc chelation
No full textSalmon bones, a marine waste, have bioactive potential. Salmon bone peptides (SBPs) were phosphorylated at different pH to form P-SBPs, whose structure and that of their zinc chelates (P-SBPs-Zn) were analyzed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and CD spectrum. Among the pH-modified variants, phosphopeptide‑zinc chelates at pH 4 (P-SBPs4-Zn) exhibited the best solubility and highest zinc chelating property, with a zinc content of 86.15 ± 0.47 mg/g. The stability and digestibility were tested under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (adults/elderly, dietary components). P-SBPs4-Zn demonstrated optimal stability and digestibility. After evaluation the antibacterial activity, P-SBPs4-Zn exhibited significant antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through mechanisms involving membrane disruption. The safety assessment using Caco-2 and RAW 264.7 cells confirmed its biocompatibility, supporting its suitability for oral application. This supports its use as an efficient, stable, antibacterial zinc supplement for food processing
Patient-reported characteristics of pernicious anaemia: a first step to initiate James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership driven research
No full textBackground: Pernicious anaemia (PA) is characterised by vitamin B12 deficiency due to autoimmune-mediated loss of gastric parietal cells and intrinsic factor - a specific transporter for B12's intestinal uptake. The Pernicious Anaemia Society (PAS) is a patient-driven charity that recently identified 10 research priorities for improved diagnosis and management of PA through a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. To facilitate research addressing these priorities, the aim of this study was to survey PAS members to identify and characterise a cohort of patients to form a PA research repository