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Analytical data of Acacia nilotica var. Nilotica gumThis study aimed to characterize the exudate gum from Acacia nilotica var. nilotica in Sudan and compare its physicochemical properties to Acacia seyal var. seyal and Acacia senegal var. senegal (gum Arabic). Samples were collected from six different states in Sudan over three seasons. The gum had a moisture content of 10.50%, ash content of 1.86%, pH value of 5.19, specific optical rotation of +94.70, intrinsic viscosity of 10.44 cm3 g-1, nitrogen content of 0.024%, protein content of 0.16%, acid equivalent weight of 1907.82, and total uronic acid content of 10.18%. Sugar content analysis revealed arabinose (41.20%), galactose (17.43%), and rhamnose (10.68%). Potassium was the predominant cation, followed by calcium, magnesium, sodium, lead, and iron. Acacia nilotica was classified as part of the Gummeferae series and exhibited a positive specific optical rotation. The Number average molecular weight (Mn) was estimated using osmometric measurements and gel permeation chromatography. The gum had a higher molecular weight and lower intrinsic viscosity compared to gum Arabic, suggesting a spheroidal shape of molecule. Amino acid analysis showed similarities with gum Arabic, with hydroxyproline and serine as principal amino acids. Variations in cationic composition were attributed to differences in soil type among collection locations.
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Physical exercise impacts the performance of explosives detection dogsDogs (Canis familiaris) are widely used as scent detectors due to their sensitive olfactory capabilities, endurance, and ability to cover large areas quickly. They are in high demand due to a global rise in terrorist threats using specialized explosive contraptions. Detection dogs are often faced with high temperatures and physical exertion, which can increase panting rate as a function of evaporative cooling, inhibiting olfactory ability. This study examined the impact of exercise on the search performance of 11 explosive detection dogs (eight labradors and three springer spaniels). They completed two trial sets: one after exercise with a ball thrower and one without exercise. They were timed while searching for three types of explosives: trinitrotoluene, composition-4, and ammonium nitrate. Data were analyzed in R using mixed effects models, revealing that exercise significantly affected search duration and success for all types of explosives. Searches averaged 29.58 seconds without exercise, while post-exercise searches took 44.91 seconds. Dogs were 1.14 times more likely to locate explosives without prior exercise. Dogs took the longest to find trinitrotoluene and were fastest with ammonium nitrate and composition-4. These findings highlight the importance of allowing detection dogs adequate rest, as even brief exercise can impact their search performance.
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Antibiotic use among university students in malaria therapy and its implications for antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria: a quantitative cross-sectional studyBackground: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, driven partly by inappropriate antibiotic use. In Nigeria, malaria remains highly prevalent and often mismanaged with antibiotics, particularly in presumed malaria-typhoid co-infections. This study examined patterns of antibiotic use in malaria treatment among university students, highlighting implications for AMR. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduates purposively selected from 12 universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Data were collected via validated online questionnaires (February–March 2025) and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Spearman correlation (SPSS v26). Results: Of 646 respondents, > 97% demonstrated general antibiotic knowledge, yet 27.6% misidentified chloroquine as an antibiotic. While 94.6% correctly recognised antibiotics for bacterial infections, about one-fifth believed they were effective against fungal, parasitic, or viral diseases. Despite 84.7% AMR awareness, 49.1% reported using antibiotics for malaria treatment. Misuse was highest in the Northeast (62.3%), Northwest (63.7%), and South-South (32.9%). In the Northeast, key drivers included prior experience (35.4%), pharmacist advice (29.9%), and peer influence (28.0%), while only 6.7% followed physician prescriptions. Misuse correlated with the belief that antibiotics treat all illnesses (rs = 0.329, p < 0.001). Nearly half (49.5%) accessed antibiotics without prescriptions. Conclusions: High AMR awareness contrasts with persistent misuse of antibiotics for malaria, reflecting misconceptions, regional disparities, and weak regulation. Targeted education, stricter antibiotic controls, and improved diagnostics are urgently needed to curb AMR in Nigeria.
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Intermittent prophylactic antibiotics for bronchiectasisBACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is a common but under-diagnosed chronic disorder characterised by permanent dilation of the airways arising from a cycle of recurrent infection and inflammation. Symptoms including chronic, persistent cough and productive phlegm are a significant burden for people with bronchiectasis, and the main aim of treatment is to reduce exacerbation frequency and improve quality of life. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy aims to break this infection cycle and is recommended by clinical guidelines for adults with three or more exacerbations a year, based on limited evidence. It is important to weigh the evidence for bacterial suppression against the prevention of antibiotic resistance and further evidence is required on the safety and efficacy of different regimens of intermittently administered antibiotic treatments for people with bronchiectasis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intermittent prophylactic antibiotics in the treatment of adults and children with bronchiectasis. SEARCH METHODS: We identified trials from the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, which contains studies identified through multiple electronic searches and handsearches of other sources. We also searched trial registries and reference lists of primary studies. We conducted searches on 6 September 2021, with no restriction on language of publication. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of at least three months' duration comparing an intermittent regime of prophylactic antibiotics with placebo, usual care or an alternate intermittent regimen. Intermittent prophylactic administration was defined as repeated courses of antibiotics with on-treatment and off-treatment intervals of at least 14 days' duration. We included adults and children with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiectasis confirmed by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), plain film chest radiograph, or bronchography and a documented history of recurrent chest infections. We excluded studies where participants received high dose antibiotics immediately prior to enrolment or those with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), primary ciliary dyskinesia, hypogammaglobulinaemia, sarcoidosis, or a primary diagnosis of COPD. Our primary outcomes were exacerbation frequency and serious adverse events. We did not exclude studies on the basis of review outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We analysed dichotomous data as odds ratios (ORs) or relative risk (RRs) and continuous data as mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs). We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We conducted GRADE assessments for the following primary outcomes: exacerbation frequency; serious adverse events and secondary outcomes: antibiotic resistance; hospital admissions; health-related quality of life. MAIN RESULTS: We included eight RCTs, with interventions ranging from 16 to 48 weeks, involving 2180 adults. All evaluated one of three types of antibiotics over two to six cycles of 28 days on/off treatment: aminoglycosides, ß-lactams or fluoroquinolones. Two studies also included 12 cycles of 14 days on/off treatment with fluoroquinolones. Participants had a mean age of 63.6 years, 65% were women and approximately 85% Caucasian. Baseline FEV<sub>1</sub> ranged from 55.5% to 62.6% predicted. None of the studies included children. Generally, there was a low risk of bias in the included studies. Antibiotic versus placebo: cycle of 14 days on/off. Ciprofloxacin reduced the frequency of exacerbations compared to placebo (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.93; I<sup>2</sup> = 65%; 2 studies, 469 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), with eight people (95% CI 6 to 28) needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome. The intervention increased the risk of antibiotic resistance more than twofold (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.35; I<sup>2</sup> = 0%; 2 studies, 624 participants; high-certainty evidence). Serious adverse events, lung function (FEV<sub>1</sub>), health-related quality of life, and adverse effects did not differ between groups. Antibiotic versus placebo: cycle of 28 days on/off. Antibiotics did not reduce overall exacerbation frequency (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.02; I<sup>2</sup> = 0%; 8 studies, 1695 participants; high-certainty evidence) but there were fewer severe exacerbations (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.93; I<sup>2</sup> = 54%; 3 studies, 624 participants), though this should be interpreted with caution due to low event rates. The risk of antibiotic resistance was more than twofold higher based on a pooled analysis (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.42 to 3.42; I<sup>2</sup> = 0%; 3 studies, 685 participants; high-certainty evidence) and consistent with unpooled data from four further studies. Serious adverse events, time to first exacerbation, duration of exacerbation, respiratory-related hospital admissions, lung function, health-related quality of life and adverse effects did not differ between study groups. Antibiotic versus usual care. We did not find any studies that compared intermittent antibiotic regimens with usual care. Cycle of 14 days on/off versus cycle of 28 days on/off. Exacerbation frequency did not differ between the two treatment regimens (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.24; I<sup>2</sup> = 71%; 2 studies, 625 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) However, inconsistencies in the results from the two trials in this comparison indicate that the apparent aggregated similarities may not be reliable. There was no evidence of a difference in antibiotic resistance between groups (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.48; I<sup>2</sup> = 60%; 2 studies, 624 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Serious adverse events, adverse effects, lung function and health-related quality of life did not differ between the two antibiotic regimens. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Overall, in adults who have frequent chest infections, long-term antibiotics given at 14-day on/off intervals slightly reduces the frequency of those infections and increases antibiotic resistance. Intermittent antibiotic regimens result in little to no difference in serious adverse events. The impact of intermittent antibiotic therapy on children with bronchiectasis is unknown due to an absence of evidence, and further research is needed to establish the potential risks and benefits.
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The relationship between facilitating emotional cues and medical students’ clinical communication performance in qualifying examsA cross-sectional study design explored the relationship between medical students' Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) clinical communication ratings and their responsiveness to simulated patient (SP) verbal emotional cues in their qualifying OSCE. Data were collected from two cohorts of fourth-year medical students (n = 37), and responses to patient cues that facilitated further disclosure or related discussion - known as provide space responses - from two OSCE communication stations were measured by coding video footage with the Verona Coding Definition of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES). The 37 medical students were representative of the larger cohort (n = 508) in terms of age. A significant positive correlation with a medium effect was found between OSCE clinical communication ratings and provide space responses. OSCE clinical communication ratings could differentiate between students who adopted patient-centred facilitative behaviours and those who did not.
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“The perception of visiting Holocaust sites on undergraduate students learning process”This paper presents the main findings of a qualitative research project. The aim of the research was to explore undergraduate students’ perceived knowledge acquisition and awareness of the Holocaust, after visiting Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. The qualitative study (focus groups & semi-structured questionnaires) involved three cohorts of students and lecturers from a university in the North West of England. The participants visited the Holocaust-related sites in Poland from 2016 to 2019. Findings indicate that students’ who actively engaged in visits to Holocaust related sites developed knowledge and awareness of the Holocaust. For many participants, this knowledge and awareness was facilitated via a reflective process that enabled empathic connection between these historical events and the students. The study also highlighted practical strategies that could be implemented to enhance the experience for future cohorts of undergraduate students visiting holocaust related sites. By adding to the limited literature on Holocaust education with undergraduate students, the study highlighted the importance and directions for future research in this area to inform future pedagogic practice.
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Using Photovoice to explore adults' perceptions towards obesity and factors influencing food choice and physical activity in North LebanonOBJECTIVE: To explore adults' perceptions towards obesity and factors influencing eating behaviour and physical activity in North Lebanon, using a variation of the Photovoice method. DESIGN: This research is part of a broader qualitative study exploring factors influencing the rising levels of obesity and understanding the barriers and enablers for effective policy for obesity prevention using a socio-ecological model as a guiding framework. For this study, a variation of "Photovoice" was used to collect photographs to explore participants' perspectives of obesity and its causes in Lebanon, using these photographs to generate discussion in one-to-one face-to-face interviews. Inductive and deductive thematic analyses were used to analyse the transcribed interviews. SETTING: Tripoli, North Governorate, Lebanon. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty Lebanese adults aged 20-64 years were recruited. RESULTS: The participants (n=20) generated 257 photographs representing various factors perceived to be associated with rising obesity in Lebanon: changes in the food and eating landscape, sedentary behaviours, food environments, eating out, and food marketing on social media platforms. Several themes specific to Lebanon were also identified, including the perceptions towards obesity, the central role of women in Lebanese food preparation and the family, and the sociocultural importance of food and social gatherings. CONCLUSION: This study highlights how influences across the five levels of the socio-ecological model shaped the participants' food choices and physical activity levels. Collaborative initiatives and public policies are necessary to address the identified barriers and curb the increasing prevalence of obesity in Lebanon.
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Efficacy and safety of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in curing Sickle Cell Disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of single-arm studiesSickle cell disease (SCD) is a life-threatening hemolytic genetic disorder affecting approximately 20 to 25 million people globally. Conventional treatment, like hydroxyurea, is supportive but not a cure. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) has gained popularity recently as it offers a potential cure for SCD. Although several independent studies exist supporting this, there is a lack of consolidated evidence for a more comprehensive analysis of clinical outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the safety and efficacy of allo-HSCT in SCD, offering information on results for various age groups, donor types, conditioning procedures/regimens, and stem cell sources. A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed and Scopus for articles published between January 2010 and March 2025. Articles that satisfied the inclusion requirements were subjected to quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines were followed throughout. Statistical analyses were performed using meta, an R package. The meta-analysis of 58 studies (n = 7931) revealed allo-HSCT to have 94%, 86%, 20%, 14%, 9%, 6% for overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), graft-failure (GF), and mortality, respectively, in SCD. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that clinical outcomes varied based on the type of donors, conditioning procedures/regimens and stem cell sources. The findings of this study show that allo-HSCT is safe and efficacious in curing SCD with an OS of 94%. GF and GVHD issues could be reduced by following personalized conditioning regimens/post-transplantation prophylaxis.
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From stadium to training ground: Advancing monitoring metrics in GNSS technology, peak locomotive demands, and deceleration loads in professional soccerDespite the widespread adoption of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in professional soccer, significant challenges persist in ensuring measurement accuracy across different playing contexts. These limitations are particularly evident in stadium environments where structural interference can compromise signal quality, and in the methodological disconnect between training and match monitoring approaches. Furthermore, while deceleration actions represent significant physiological loading, current monitoring practices do not prioritise deceleration loads to the same extent as other locomotor metrics, limiting their integration into applied load management strategies. This thesis aimed to enhance both theoretical understanding and practical application of load monitoring in professional soccer through four progressive studies. The first study established a novel methodology for assessing GNSS signal quality in stadium environments, revealing position-specific disparities. The second study validated contemporary GNSS technology, demonstrating improved accuracy in challenging conditions. The third study examined position-specific peak locomotor demands, while the fourth investigated deceleration load and fatigue responses in training. Data were collected across multiple competitive seasons in the English Premier League and English Second Division (Championship), incorporating multiple stadium environments and training contexts. The first study revealed that wide-positioned players experienced nearly double the signal disruptions compared to central players during matches in stadia (16.5% ± 13.9% vs. 8.4% ± 11.1%, p<0.01). This study also established a novel method for practitioners to identify and account for periods of compromised signal quality in applied settings. The second study validated contemporary GNSS technology, demonstrating improved validity in challenging stadium environments (1.2% underestimation compared to 2.9% with previous technology). Building upon these methodological advances, the third study analysed position-specific peak locomotor demands using rigorous quality control measures, challenging existing assumptions by revealing no positional differences in peak high-speed running demands in match play. The final study examined the relationship between deceleration loads and fatigue responses specifically in the training environment, revealing that traditional fatigue monitoring measures validated in match play, such as flight time and contraction time ratio, may not effectively capture training-induced responses. This study systematically established the importance of context-specific monitoring approaches while identifying optimal methods for quantifying deceleration load to capture the dose-response relationship in training. The findings from this thesis have significant implications for load monitoring in professional soccer, establishing new methodological standards while providing evidence-based frameworks for practitioners. The outcomes of this research demonstrate the critical importance of signal quality assessment in stadium environments, where wide-positioned players experienced nearly double the signal disruptions compared to central players during matches. This research challenges existing assumptions about position-specific demands by revealing no positional differences in peak high-speed running demands in match play when applying rigorous signal quality controls, contrary to previous studies reporting higher demands for wide positions. Furthermore, this work provides novel insights into training-specific fatigue monitoring by identifying that low-intensity deceleration thresholds (<-1 m·s⁻² and >20% of maximum) showed stronger associations with post-training fatigue than traditional high-intensity thresholds, and that eccentric duration and peak power during countermovement jumps were the most sensitive indicators of deceleration-induced fatigue. These advances have the potential to enhance practitioners' ability to effectively monitor and manage player loads while establishing new standards for measurement validity in applied sports science research.
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The acceptability of the Fire and Rescue Service working with primary care to improve identification of mental health problems in older adults. A mixed-method qualitative studyBackground: Mental ill-health in older adults (aged 60 years and over) is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Older adults are less likely to access mental health services owing to perceived stigma and fear of being a burden. Non-traditional providers of health care, such as the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS), provide a possible solution to facilitate early detection of problems and help-seeking among older adults, especially in the context of pressured statutory services. Aim: To examine whether and how FRS Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) could be optimised to include detection and signposting for mental health problems — particularly anxiety and depression — in older adults. Design & setting: This mixed-method qualitative study took place in the West Midlands, UK in 2022. Method: This study involved focus groups (n = 24) and interviews with FRS staff (n = 4) to develop an in-depth contextual understanding of he acceptability and feasibility of expanding HFSV to include identification of anxiety and depression. Results: FRS staff were open to expanding their HFSVs to include mental health, provided they had sufficient training and support from partner agencies in primary and social care settings to accept referrals for service users presenting with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Conclusion: The positive reputation of FRS staff and engagement with older adults suggests that HFSV could support the detection of anxiety and depression in older adults, and appropriate signposting to other services including primary care.
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Gestational low-protein diet impairs mitochondrial function and skeletal muscle development by inducing immune responses in male offspringMaternal nutrition is essential for proper fetal and postnatal organ maturation and is linked to the future risk of developing metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and muscle loss. There is still limited understanding how a low-protein intake during gestation influences skeletal muscle development, inflammation, and the related pathways. This study aimed to investigate the impact of gestational low-protein diet in mice on skeletal muscle development and inflammatory responses in male offspring. Pups born from mothers fed a low-protein diet (LPD) were lactated by normal protein diet (NPD)-fed mothers and maintained on NPD post-weaning (LNN group). Offspring born from mothers fed an NPD and maintained on an NPD during lactation and beyond were used as controls (NNN group). In 21-day-old offspring from protein-restricted mothers, RNA-Seq analysis showed upregulation of immune response–related genes, enriching adaptive immunity pathways. Additionally, LNN group exhibited elevated markers of inflammation, along with disruptions in antioxidant defence balance and macrophages infiltration in gastrocnemius muscle at 3 months of age. Energy metabolism was impaired, as indicated by changes in related proteins and enzymes involved in mitochondrial function. We conclude that gestational LPD adversely affects skeletal muscle development in male offspring.
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Processing optimisation, molecular characterisation, and anti-cancer activities of arabinoxylans extracted from corn bran in vitroBackground: Arabinoxylans (AXs) are the main non-starch polysaccharides that widely exist in by-products of cereal processing. The anti-cancer activities, such as inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis, of AXs which are extracted from various cereal materials have been reported recently. However, the possible relationship between the structures and anti-cancer activities of AXs have not yet been established and proposed. The anti-cancer mechanisms of AXs are unknown. The aims of this study were to develop and optimise the AXs combined extraction treatment from selected cereals, characterise the molecular structure and measure the anti-cancer activities of AXs extracts in vitro to explore the possible relationship between their structures and anti-cancer activity, and propose the potential mechanisms. Methods: The alkaline (A) extraction method, hydrothermal (H) extraction method, and a low concentration alkaline-assisted hydrothermal (LAH) extraction method were used to extract AXs from cereal materials. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were used to characterise the molecular structure and monocular composi6on of extracted AXs. The anti-cancer effects of extracted AXs on the viability, proliferation cycle and apoptosis of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS) cells were assessed in vitro using flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of selected genes related to cell growth and apoptosis control were measured by RT-qPCR analysis and the protein expressions were tested by Western blot assay. Results: Under the optimum extraction condi6ons of LAH, the extraction rate of AXs reached 33.31%, which is about 7 6mes of H extraction (4.65%) and no significant difference when compared with that of A-AXs (32.34%) (p ≥ 0.05). Compared to molecular characteristics of AAXs., LAH-AXs extracts have a lower percentage (23.68%) of low molecular weight range (0.01KDa to 10.00KDa), which is 29.71%, and a higher ferulic acid (FA) content (0.64 mg/g), which is 7 6mes compared to A-AXs (0.09mg/g). In vitro studies showed that both LAH-AXs and A-AXs at optimised concentra6on of 50 μg /ml were able to significantly inhibit the proliferation of AGS and significantly promote apoptosis in AGS cells in 24 hrs treatment (p ≤0.05). Furthermore, in the examination of the mechanism of AXs anti-cancer activities, the cell cycle analysis results demonstrated that both LAH-AXs and A-AXs treatment significantly increased the accumula6on of AGS cells in the S phase, which is 1.4-fold compared with negative control (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, both LAH-AXs and A-AXs significantly up-regulated the mRNA expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21 and pro-apoptosis genes Bad and Bid. Differently, LAH-AXs significantly up-regulated caspase-8 mRNA expression (2.33-fold) and pERK protein expression levels (1.4-fold) compared with negative control (p ≤ 0.05), whereas A-AXs did not show a significant impact in this regard. Conclusions: At optimal conditions for LAH-AXs-C extraction, the extraction rate can reach levels comparable to those achieved with high alkaline concentrations (8%). Molecular characterisations indicate variations in molecular distribution, molecular composition and FA content between LAH-AXs-C and A-AXs-C. The distinct effects of LAH-AXs-C and A-AXs-C on the cell cycle arrest occurring at different stages. A decrease in cell viability and induction of apoptosis in AGS cells, may be attributed to the differences in their structures. The underlying mechanisms of their anti-cancer activities possibly involve regulation through the Bcl-2 family signalling pathway and the ERK signalling pathway, which are suggested by the up-regulation of mRNA expressions level of p21 and the pro-apoptosis genes Bad, Bid and protein pERK. Moreover, the upregulation in caspase-8 (2.33-fold) expression indicates the activation of extrinsic pathway. This study optimised the extraction method for AXs, which significantly increased the extraction rate (р≤0.05). It also characterised the structure of AXs and explored their potential anti-cancer effects, providing an initial understanding of the relationship between the structure and bioactivities of AXs at the molecular level.
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Impact of vaccination on pertussis-related hospital admissions in children in Scotland from January 2013 to July 2024: a cohort studyBACKGROUND: In Scotland, the number of pertussis infections recorded in children in 2024 was the highest of any year in the last decade. The protective role of vaccination against severe infection and associated hospitalisations has not been assessed. AIM: To investigate the effect of vaccination and sociodemographic factors on pertussis-related hospitalisations in Scottish children aged under 18 years. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, laboratory-confirmed pertussis cases from January 2013 to July 2024 were extracted from the national electronic surveillance system and linked to hospitalisation data from Scottish Morbidity Records and vaccination data from the national immunisations database. The outcome was a pertussis-associated hospitalisation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for the association between vaccination status and hospitalisation, adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity and deprivation status. RESULTS: There were 3,982 laboratory-confirmed cases of pertussis during the study period. Children fully vaccinated for age had significantly lower odds of hospitalisations than unvaccinated children (adjusted OR (aOR): 0.31; 95% CI: 0.21–0.46). Being partially vaccinated for age did not significantly reduce hospitalisations relative to unvaccinated children (aOR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.47–1.33). In the univariable analysis, children living in the most deprived areas had significantly more hospitalisations than those in the least deprived areas (OR: 3.90; 95% CI: 2.41–6.56). This association was not significant when adjusted for the effect of vaccination (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 0.84–2.66). CONCLUSIONS: Fully vaccinated children had significantly lower odds of hospitalisation, indicative of less severe disease. This emphasises the importance of fully vaccinating children according to the childhood immunisation schedule.
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‘Listen to students because they know more’: Physical education teachers’ views and experiences of teaching gender diverse students in EnglandPhysical education (PE) is heteronormatively structured, which creates barriers for gender diverse students. An increasing body of literature focuses on LGBTQ+ issues in PE, but there has been less focus on gender diversity specifically. Adopting a Bourdieusian perspective, this paper explores PE teachers’ views and experiences of teaching gender diverse students in England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 PE teachers, and reflexive thematic analysis led to the construction of two themes: ‘the PE field: strongly entrenched “rules of the game”’ and ‘questioning the doxa: understanding and awareness of gender diversity in PE’. The first theme demonstrates that, similar to previous research, sex/gender-segregated changing rooms and lessons, and gendered kit were highlighted as particularly problematic features of the PE field. The second theme illustrates that participants had different levels of knowledge and understanding of gender diversity, and the extent to which they reported adapting their practice to meet gender diverse students’ needs varied. The results indicate that the PE field continues to marginalise gender diverse students, but teachers recognised a need to provide an inclusive environment. To do this, they emphasised building relationships with and listening to gender diverse students.
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‘We’re not daft, we’re not stupid, we can still learn’ – the impact of informal science learning on wellbeing in acquired brain injuryScience engagement centres offer interactive, hands-on experiences that foster curiosity and public engagement with science. This pilot study explores the integration of a UK science engagement centre, Oriel Science, into social prescribing for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). A ten-week structured intervention was delivered through science-based workshops. Quantitative wellbeing outcome measures were combined with qualitative reflections from participants, caregivers and academic presenters. Findings showed consistent improvements in wellbeing, with participants reporting enhanced cognitive engagement, motivation and social connection. The sessions provided a stimulating environment that helped participants reconnect with cognitive skills they felt had been lost after injury. Academic presenters also found the experience unexpectedly rewarding themselves, noting strong participant engagement and a renewed sense of purpose. This is the first study to link a science engagement centre with healthcare delivery, offering science-based social prescribing as part of ABI rehabilitation. Results highlight the potential of curiosity driven learning to support recovery, promote wellbeing and strengthen scientific literacy. The study underscores the role of universities in public engagement, particularly in an age where science communication and critical thinking are vital for societal resilience.
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Parents’ perceptions of and engagement with their daughters’ martial arts and combat sports: a Foucauldian discourse analysisthesis investigated parents’ and coaches’ perspectives of parenting girls in martial arts and combat sports (MACS). It explored discourses of parenting in and around MACS clubs and examined how participants engaged with these discourses to reflect on behaviours and construct their subjectivities. Sport parenting had been explored in previous research, but limited attention had been given to gender dynamics and perspectives of risk and violence. There had also been limited comparison of coach and parent accounts. Foucauldian theory underpinned the thesis providing an interpretation of how knowledge and power informed parenting philosophies and practices. Specifically, the concept of discourse was used to interpret data from interviews with 17 coaches and 28 parents of girls aged 8-18 who participated in MACS in the UK. Discourse analysis was used to explore the different ways in which sport parenting was performed and the philosophies that contributed to it. Foucauldian concepts of technologies and techniques of power, governmentality, technologies of the self and ‘limit’ experience were used to investigate parenting discourses. The concepts outlined contributed to original interpretations of sport parenting practice. Coaches and parents had distinctive views about what parenting was or ought to be. These views were derived from multiple discourses. Dominant discourses of ‘good’ MACS parenting informed parenting philosophies and practices. Participants described how they sought to regulate girls’ behaviour to develop them in the ‘right way’. Children were prioritised and given opportunities to be physically active and embrace contact play. Parents utilised different techniques of power to socialise girls into practices through which they could construct their own subjectivities in the sports. They discussed how they had to encourage children and manage their own engagement with the sport space. Gender discourses informed participants’ perspectives of spaces, behaviours, and subjectivities. Accounts emphasised sameness, but participants' constructions of gender difference often undermined this. Participants felt this had implications for girls’ and women’s inclusion, retention, treatment, and identity expression. According to participants this meant girls and mothers often had different or ‘harder’ experiences. Parents drew on discourses about risk and violence differently based on their proximity to the ‘sportsnet’. They had to reframe ‘outsider’ discourses. However, ‘insider’ discourses could be challenged when watching girls fight as parents were pushed to the limits of their own emotional boundaries. This thesis highlights that sport parenting is a phenomenon engaged in through complex practices that are informed by multifaceted contextual discourses.
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Long-term efficacy and safety of a low-carbohydrate diet in Type 2 Diabetes remission: A systematic reviewType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern with increasing prevalence and healthcare costs. Despite the availability of pharmacological interventions, sustained glycemic control and disease remission remain challenging. Dietary strategies such as low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and ketogenic diets (KDs) are gaining attention for their potential to improve metabolic parameters and induce T2DM remission. The objective of this review is to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets in the management and remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched using predefined keywords and filters. Studies included randomized and non-randomized clinical trials published in English within the last 24 years. Eligible studies involved adult T2DM patients on LCDs/KDs with a follow-up period of at least 12 months. The primary outcomes were T2DM remission, changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, body mass index (BMI), and secondary outcomes included blood pressure, lipid profiles, and adverse effects. Out of 124 initially identified studies, six studies met the inclusion criteria, with follow-up durations ranging from one to eight years. Low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets led to significant reductions in HbA1c, body weight, BMI, and systolic blood pressure. In terms of long-term studies, remission rates were highest at one year (up to 62%) and declined to 13% by year five. Participants in the intervention groups also experienced reduced dependency on glucose-lowering and antihypertensive medications. Despite some weight regain and glycemic relapse over time, the overall metabolic improvements suggest a beneficial role of dietary intervention in T2DM management. Low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets appear to be effective in improving metabolic outcomes and inducing remission in T2DM. These dietary interventions may serve as viable alternatives to pharmacological treatments or bariatric surgery, provided that long-term adherence and support mechanisms are in place. Further research is needed to address long-term safety, sustainability, and individualized dietary approaches.
