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An examination of interspecific competition using observations in behaviour and physiology: A case study of Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) in Chilean PatagoniaThe introduction of a new species to ecosystems can result in competition between native species and the introduced, with adaptations that may allow coexistence, through resource facilitation or partitioning, unable to evolve, given the short co-evolutionary time period. Consequently, in cases where livestock species have been introduced to a new system, competitive interactions between native and domestic species have been directly instigated, with interspecific competition between sympatric, free living ungulates and domestic livestock becoming an increasing concern for conservationists. Understanding the specific ways and mechanisms in which this competition manifests is critical for informing conservation management, both of wild species, and domestic livestock. Throughout this thesis, I examine the case study of wild guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries), in the Patagonian Steppe ecosystem of Southern Chile, a system in which competition has been demonstrated as highly probable. Two key elements in guanaco-sheep competition were investigated, to determine whether competitive effects manifest in (1) foraging behaviour, by examining the effects of sheep presence on the behavioural changes in guanaco, and (2) physiology, by examining the effects of sheep presence on guanaco separately for cortisol and testosterone. (1) Guanaco bite rates generally increased with vegetation biomass availability. However, when sheep were present in high densities, the pattern reversed, with guanaco bite rates decreasing with vegetation abundance. Additionally, the probability of guanaco feeding occurring at any one time was shown to be higher in areas shared with domestic sheep than in national parks, where sheep are absent. Both results suggest guanaco prioritise feeding behaviours at the expense of other behaviours, where sheep are present. (2) Sheep presence did not predict either the cortisol or testosterone profiles of guanaco. Instead, cortisol concentrations were influenced by the group number and composition (number of adults and juveniles). Conversely, testosterone content was influenced mainly by the specific Age-Sex Class (social group) of the individual.
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Essential information about nanotechnology in cardiologyCardiology, as a medical specialty, addresses cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a leading cause of global mortality. Nanomaterials offer transformative potential across key areas such as drug delivery, stem cell therapy, imaging, and gene delivery. Nanomaterials improve solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery in drug delivery, reducing systemic side effects. Examples include gas microbubbles, liposomal preparations, and paramagnetic nanoparticles, which show promise in treating atherosclerosis. Stem cell therapy benefits from nanotechnology through enhanced cell culture conditions and three-dimensional scaffolds that support cardiomyocyte growth and survival. Gold nanoparticles and PLGA-derived microparticles further improve stem cell viability. In imaging, nanomaterials enable advanced visualization techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with direct labeling and optical tracking via dye-conjugated nanoparticles. In gene delivery, polymeric nanocarriers like polyethyleneimine, dendrimers, and graphene-based materials offer efficient, non-viral alternatives, with magnetic nanoparticles showing promise in targeted applications. Ongoing research highlights the potential of nanomaterials to revolutionize CVD management by improving therapeutic outcomes and enabling precision medicine. These advancements position nanotechnology as a cornerstone of modern cardiology.
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In vitro erythropoiesis: The emerging potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)Due to global blood shortages and restricted donor blood storage, the focus has switched to the in vitro synthesis of red blood cells (RBCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a potential solution. Many processes are required to synthesize RBCs from iPSCs, including the production of iPSCs from human or animal cells, differentiation of iPSCs into hematopoietic stem cells, culturing, and maturation of the hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) to make functional erythrocytes. Previous investigations on the in vitro production of erythrocytes have shown conflicting results. Some studies have demonstrated substantial yields of functional erythrocytes, whereas others have observed low yields of enucleated cells. Before large-scale in vitro RBC production can be achieved, several challenges which have limited its application in the clinic must be overcome. These issues include optimizing differentiation techniques to manufacture vast amounts of functional RBCs, upscaling the manufacturing process, cost-effectiveness, and assuring the production of RBCs with good manufacturing practices (GMP) before they can be used for therapeutic purposes.
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A new double observer‐based census framework to improve abundance estimations in mountain ungulates and other gregarious species with a reduced effortEstimating animal abundance has a key role to play in ecology and conservation, but survey methods are always challenged by imperfect detection. Among the techniques applied to deal with this issue, Double Observer (DO) is increasing in popularity due to its cost‐effectiveness. However, the effort of using DO for surveying large territories can be significant. A DO‐based survey method that allows accurate abundance estimations with reduced effort would increase the applicability of the method. This would have positive effects on the conservation of species which are challenging to survey such as mountain ungulates. We used computer simulations based on real data and a field test to assess the reliability of the DO and of a new proposed survey procedure, the Double Observer Adjusted Survey (DOAS). DOAS is based on total block counts adjusted with some DO surveys conducted in a proportion of the total area only. Such DO surveys are then used to estimate detection probability with a mark‐recapture‐derived approach. We found that full DO is much more accurate than simple block counts for abundance estimations. DOAS is a less demanding alternative to full DO and can produce comparable abundance estimates, at the cost of a slightly lower precision. However, in the DOAS overall detectability has to be estimated within a sufficient number of sites (around a quarter of the total) to obtain a higher precision and avoid large overestimations. Practical implications. DO methods could increase the reliability of abundance estimations in mountain ungulates and other gregarious species. Full DO in particular could allow researchers to obtain unbiased estimations with high precision and its usage is therefore suggested instead of block counts in wildlife monitoring. Given the high costs of full DO, the DOAS procedure could be a viable and cost‐effective survey strategy to improve abundance estimates when resources are scarce.
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Brief observation of symptoms of autism (BOSA): an alternative or replacement to autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS)The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in many areas of healthcare, such as a shift to telehealth models. This has created challenges for families with children awaiting autistic spectrum disorder evaluations. The Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA) was developed as a novel method to ensure that service users referred to services could still take part in structured observations during autism assessments in the pandemic. A service user was offered a BOSA when a clinician could not administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–Second Edition (ADOS-2) due to COVID-19 precautions. The designers of the ADOS-2 felt that it was not designed to be used for video assessments and that its sensitivity would be significantly affected in face-to-face assessments with face covers. This paper aims to highlight some advantages and disadvantages of BOSA. Four cases were studied in a BOSA clinic, half of whom met the threshold of autism spectrum disorder based on scoring of ADOS-2 after BOSA assessment. It was found that BOSA, just like ADOS-2, allows health professionals to observe indicators of autism reliably while maintaining social distance. It is a time-efficient measure, as unlike ADOS-2, which takes about 45 minutes to be administered, it takes much less time (around 15 minutes). While the sample size is low, the issues identified may be taken forward in future studies.
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Maternal obesity and metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease in pregnancy: a comprehensive narrative reviewIntroduction: Obesity and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) during pregnancy constitute significant problems for routine antenatal care, with increasing prevalence globally. Similar to obesity, MAFLD is associated with a higher risk for maternal complications (e.g. pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes) and long-term adverse health outcomes for the offspring. However, MAFLD during pregnancy is often under-recognized, with limited management/treatment options. Areas covered: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched based on a search strategy for obesity and/or MAFLD in pregnancy to identify relevant papers up to 2024. This review summarizes the pertinent evidence on the relationship between maternal obesity and MAFLD during pregnancy. Key mechanisms implicated in the underlying pathophysiology linking obesity and MAFLD during pregnancy (e.g. insulin resistance and dysregulated adipokine secretion) are highlighted. Moreover, a diagnostic approach for MAFLD diagnosis during pregnancy and its complications are presented. Finally, promising relevant areas for future research are covered. Expert opinion: Research progress regarding maternal obesity, MAFLD, and their impact on maternal and fetal/offspring health is expected to improve the relevant diagnostic methods and lead to novel treatments. Thus, routine practice could apply more personalized management strategies, incorporating individualized algorithms with genetic and/or multi-biomarker profiling to guide prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
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The thermal physiology of Lysathia sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biocontrol agent of parrot’s feather in South Africa, supports its successThe establishment success of biocontrol agents originating from tropical regions is often limited by climate when introduced in temperate regions. However, the flea beetle, Lysathia sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biocontrol agent of Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. (Haloragaceae) in South Africa, is an effective agent in regions where other biocontrol agents of tropical aquatic weeds have failed due to winter-induced mortality. The development (degree-day model) and thermal tolerance (critical thermal minimum/maximum [CTmin/max] and lower/upper lethal limits [LLT/ULT50]) of Lysathia sp. were investigated to explain this success. The model predicted that Lysathia sp. could complete 6 to 12 generations per year in the colder regions of the country. The lower threshold for development (t0) was 13.0 °C and thermal constant (K) was 222.4 days, which is considerably lower than the K values of other biocontrol agents of aquatic weeds in South Africa. This suggests that above the temperature threshold, Lysathia sp. can develop faster than those other species and complete multiple life cycles in the cooler winter months, allowing for rapid population growth and thus improving M. aquaticum control. Furthermore, the CTmin of Lysathia sp. was 2.3 ± 0.2 °C and the CTmax was 49.0 ± 0.5 °C. The LLT50 was calculated as ∼ −7.0 °C and the ULT50 as ∼ 43.0 °C. These wide tolerance ranges and survival below freezing show why Lysathia sp. has established at cool sites and suggest that it may be a suitable agent for other cold countries invaded by M. aquaticum.
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Advances in preparation of acellular human dermis for tissue banking and transplantationNon-healing wounds cost the National Health Service over £5.6 billion annually in wound management. Skin allografts are used to treat non-healing wounds, ulcers and burns, offering the best protection against infection. In order to allow host cells to repopulate and to avoid immunogenicity, cell components are removed through decellularisation. Decellularisation of human dermis has so far been performed in NHS Blood and Transplant using a combination of two enzymes (RNase T1 and the recombinant human DNase Pulmozyme)®. This study aims at validating a new method to remove DNA from donated dermis via the use of a single enzyme, Benzonase, known for its effectiveness of DNA digestion. Skin samples were decellularised by removing the epidermis, lysing of dermal cells, removal of cellular fragments by a detergent wash and removal of nucleic acids by a nuclease incubation with either Benzonase or Pulmozyme + RNase T1. DNA quantification with PicoGreen, as well as histology on wax-embedded biopsies, stained with DAPI and haemotoxylin and eosin, were performed. In vitro toxicity test on human osteosarcoma immortalised cells and skin fibroblasts, and biomechanical (tensile) testing, were also performed. The effectiveness of DNA digestion with the new methodology was comparable to previous procedure. Mean DNA removal percentage following decellularisation with Pulmozyme + RNase was 99.9% (3.83 ng/mg). Mean DNA removal percentage with Benzonase was 99.8% (9.97 ng/mg). Histology staining showed complete decellularisation following either method. Benzonase was proven to be non-toxic to both cell lines used, and a one-way Anova test showed no significant difference in neither stress nor strain between acellular dermal matrix decellularised with either Benzonase or Pulmozyme + RNase T1. Benzonase was able to effectively decellularise dermis after prior removal of epidermis. It performed just as well as the combination of Pulmozyme + RNase T1, but represents significant advantages in terms of cost effectiveness, procurement and storage; Benzonase has been successfully used in the decellularisation of other tissues, thus would be better for Tissue Banking use. Switching to this combined DNase/RNase can have far-reaching consequences in the production of acellular human dermal matrix by NHSBT and in the treatment of patients requiring it.
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Cape vultures (Gyps coprotheres) on camera: Assessing the behaviour of a vulnerable, colonially nesting raptor with temperature and time of day at nest sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaThe Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) has the smallest range of any vulture species in Africa, Europe or Asia and is substantially impacted by anthropogenic factors because of their low productivity and long maturation times. Almost year-round presence at breeding colonies makes understanding Cape Vulture breeding behaviour essential for their conservation. Camera traps, a first for this species, were used to investigate the effect of time of day and temperature on the presence and behaviours performed at nest sites. The number of vultures at a nest site was likely to be higher during the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures were lower, with significantly fewer individuals present at higher temperatures in the days before and after laying. Attendance of at least one adult at the nest was recorded for 86.9% and 99.8% of time points in the days before and after laying, respectively. Almost constant attendance during incubation may also be necessitated by predation pressure, with this study providing observation of possible predation pressure by White-necked Ravens (Corvus albicollis) at the colony. Here, we demonstrate that camera trapping is an effective method of studying Cape Vulture breeding behaviour, which improves understanding and allows more informed conservation measures to be implemented. Cape Vulture nest attendance is affected by temperature, so this species may be vulnerable to climatic changes and subsequent changes in predation pressure.
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Gone With the Wind: The Proximate and Ultimate Causes of the Decline and Extinction of the Bahama Nuthatch Sitta insularisNewly elevated to species rank, the Bahama Nuthatch Sitta insularis is or was a bark- and twig-gleaning insectivore only known in life from the pine forests of Grand Bahama in the Bahamas archipelago. It became increasingly difficult to find in the past 50 years, seemingly in part in response to multiple hurricanes in this century. In spring (June–April) 2018, when it was still known to be extant, we divided the island into seven sections and carried out point count transects with playback and measured habitat variables at 464 locations in pine forest across Grand Bahama. We made only six observations at six locations, all in the region of Lucayan North and each involving a single nuthatch (possibly all the same individual). Fourteen count points were within 500 m of the six locations, and tree size at these sites was greater in height and girth than at sites with no observations and indeed than at other sites within Lucayan North. Count points within 500 m of nuthatch records in 2004–2018 had larger trees and more snags than survey points over 500 m away from previous detections, while count points within 500 m of our 2018 nuthatch records tallied more snags than did those within 500 m of the 2004–2007 records. Declines in habitat quality, habitat extent, nesting substrate, and food availability (driven by logging, attritional island development, and the direct and indirect effects of hurricanes), plus speculated increases in populations of invasive predators/competitors and in major mortality events (hurricanes, increasing in force and frequency with climate change), are suspected to be the ultimate causes of the decline of the nuthatch, with Hurricanes Matthew and Dorian the proximate causes of its evident extinction in 2019.
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Habitus, Capital and the Shaping of Sporting Careers: A Qualitative Study of Norwegian YouthPrevious research has established that youngsters’ sporting repertoires become particularly malleable during the early- to mid-teenage years, shifting from formal, organized sports to more informal, recreational activities. This study investigated the processes underlying these changes, using the theoretical framework of social and cultural capital and habitus. Forty-one individual qualitative interviews, with 17–18-year-old middle-class Norwegians, were conducted in order to understand the role of family, friends, and peers in shaping sporting repertoires and careers. Through three analytical themes – ‘Shifting forms, shifting orientations’; ‘Sporting capital and family cultures of sport’; and Sporting repertoires and the growing significance of friends’ – our findings lend support to notions of family cultures as important in initiating young people’s sporting careers by building their sports-related ‘cultural capital’ and establishing sporting routines. However, our findings also indicate that such primary socialization into sport may not be enough for building the sporting repertoires necessary for lifelong engagement. The development of sporting habitus tends to be facilitated by social capital in the form of friendship networks within which friends become increasingly significant in shaping sporting repertoires. Understanding the dynamism and mutability of sporting repertoires during the youth life-stage is crucial for developing sports policies that foster lifelong sports engagement.
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Navigating Food Fraud: A Survey of Nigerian Consumer Knowledge and AttitudesFood fraud presents a growing threat globally, impacting consumer health; food safety; and brand credibility. The key motivation for food fraud is usually an economic or financial advantage. Economically motivated food fraud (EMA) is the illegal deception, deliberate and intentional substitution or addition of a substance in a food product, which may pose a possible health risk to unsuspecting consumers. This study aims to assess the awareness and attitudes of Nigerian consumers towards food authenticity and the regulatory measures in place to combat food adulteration. The study comprised 2160 respondents who were asked about their knowledge of high-profile food fraud incidents, frequently adulterated products, and their opinions of the effects of food fraud and preventative measures. The findings of this study revealed that more than a third of respondents were unfamiliar with the term “food fraud”. However, they were aware of local high-profile cases, such as “plastic rice” and counterfeit dairy products. Most participants relied on point-of-sale information for assessing food authenticity, with street vendors being viewed as potential sources of food adulteration. The study also found that more than half of the respondents were concerned about food fraud regardless of whether it involved local or imported products. A wide variety of food items were identified as prone to adulteration or fraudulent activity. These included alcoholic drinks, dairy products, honey, rice, and tomato paste, amongst others. These findings highlight the need for improved consumer awareness, regulatory effectiveness, and remediation efforts to combat food fraud in Nigeria.
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The Role of Antibody Expression and Their Association With Bladder Cancer Recurrence: A Single-Centre Prospective Clinical-Pilot Study in 35 PatientsBladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common cancer in the UK, with about 10,000 new cases annually. About 75–85% of BC are non-muscle invasive (NMIBC), which is associated with high recurrence and progression rates (50–60% within 7–10 years). There are no routine biomarkers currently available for identifying BC patients at increased risk of developing recurrence. The focus of this research study was to evaluate antibody expression in BC patients and their association with cancer recurrence. Methods: 35 patients scheduled for TURBT were recruited after written informed consent. Ethical approval for the project was granted via IRAS (REC4: 14/WA/0033). Following surgical procedure, tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and processed within 24 h in FFPE blocks. 7 sections (4 µm each) were cut from each block and stained for CD31, Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), S100P, Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), VEGFR-3 thrombomodulin and CEACAM-1 using immunohistochemistry. Clinical outcome measures (obtained via cystoscopy) were monitored for up to 6 months following surgical procedure. Results: There was significantly increased expression of CD31 (p < 0.001), HER-2 (p = 0.032), S100P (p < 0.001), COX-2 (p < 0.001), VEGFR-3 (p < 0.001) and decreased expression of thrombomodulin (p = 0.010) and CEACAM-1 (p < 0.001) in bladder tumours compared to normal bladder tissues. HER-2 expression was also significantly associated with cancer grade (p = 0.003), especially between grade 1 and grade 2 (p = 0.002) and between grade 1 and grade 3 (p = 0.004). There was also a significant association between cancer stage and HER-2 expression (p < 0.001). Although recurrence was significantly associated with cancer grade, there was no association with antibody expression. Conclusion: Findings from the present study may indicate an alternative approach in the monitoring and management of patients with BC. It is proposed that by allowing urological surgeons access to laboratory markers such as HER-2, Thrombomodulin and CD31 (biomarker profile), potentially, in the future, these biomarkers may be used in addition to, or in combination with, currently used scoring systems to predict cancer recurrence. However, verification and validation of these biomarkers are needed using larger cohorts.
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Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Wolves in the Italian AlpsThe recolonization of wolves (Canis lupus) in Europe has become a notable ecological and conservation success in recent decades, though it presents various legislative and management challenges. These challenges are heightened by the wolves' wide-ranging distribution, which often crosses administrative boundaries. Effective management of wolves depends on robust data from well-designed monitoring programs, which are difficult to implement in fragmented regions. Italy has taken significant steps to address these issues, conducting the first national scale monitoring of wolf abundance and distribution in 2020-2021 using non-invasive genetic sampling (NGS) combined with Spatial Capture-Recapture (SCR) modelling. This thesis explores a variety of ways to implement and optimise the current monitoring strategies by focusing on the Italian Alpine region. This area, in particular, can rely on historical information on wolves since the first surveys in the 90’s and on a highly trained network of personnel dedicated to their monitoring that has been implemented over the years. The year of national monitoring has been a great success in coordination and results, but it opens the question of the feasibility of maintaining such high quality in the long term and with possible reductions in economic funds. In fact, with both European and national management of the species expected in the next future, constantly updated abundance estimates will be essential to ensure the conservation of the species. In this thesis I investigated how the combination of NGS and SCR to obtain population size estimates can be optimised by identifying reduction limits for the number of search transects and also for their repetitions within the sampling season. This will allow to reduce both effort and costs for the next years of population size monitoring while maintaining accuracy and precision. Additionally, I explored the feasibility of extending large-scale monitoring of wolf abundance in the Italian Alps using more cost-effective tools, such as camera traps. I demonstrated the unsuitability of a group of statistical models, Spatial Counts or unmarked SCR, which are often used when individuals in the population are not distinguishable from each other. After identifying the limitations of the current modelling framework, I proposed a solution to address some of these issues by incorporating the group-living nature of wolves into the existing model through an extension of the Spatial Counts approach. Finally, I tested whether the drivers of the latest phase of wolf expansion throughout the Italian Alpine region have changed over time. I used a Dynamic Occupancy model to analyse wolf presence-absence data from 2014 to 2021. This analysis revealed the increasing importance of prey richness in colonization and persistence dynamics together with the smoothed effect over time of human densities. Additionally, I identified key areas where new potential conflicts could arise in human-dominated landscapes. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the continued recovery and sustainable coexistence of wolves with human communities in Italy and all Europe. Finally, I discussed all the findings in light of future population management of wolves.
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Relative Age Effect in Male and Female Elite International Amateur BoxingThis study aimed to determine whether the Relative Age Effect (RAE) was present in different sexes and age categories in 12 elite-level international amateur boxing competitions. A total of 4813 athletes competing between 2013 and 2022 were analysed. Athletes were split into four quartiles according to their birth date and compared to the expected (equal) birth date distribution using chi-squared goodness of fit. The results revealed greater RAE prevalence in youth compared to the senior group. RAE was more prominent in males compared to females, with the female group showing an inverse RAE trend. Odds ratio (OR) showed an overrepresentation of male boxers born in Q1 compared to Q4 (OR > 1.19-1.33), while senior female boxers presented an inverse trend (OR < 0.95). Odds Ratios for medallists within the youth group were greater than 1.07 (except Q3 × Q4 = 0.93) highlighting an overrepresentation of boxers born earlier in the year. A shift in strategy to reduce the RAE in young boxers whereby coaches focus less on the short-term pursuit of sporting success is encouraged. Organisations and coaches should increase awareness and provide systematic education around RAE, whilst creating equal competitive opportunities for all young boxers to reduce the extent of RAE in boxing.
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Sweet Mama: Affiliative Interactions are Related to the Reproductive Success of Dominant Female Alpine Marmots (Marmota marmota)Sociality is a complex phenomenon, able to influence multiple traits of an individual life history. In group-living mammals, sociality is likely to play a major role in the reproductive success of individuals. Here we investigate how sociality traits are associated to reproductive success in female Alpine marmots (Marmota marmota), a highly social and cooperative breeding ground squirrel distributed in the European Alps. We used social network analysis to calculate sociality metrics and hurdle generalized linear mixed models (hurdle GLMMs) to model the relationship between sociality metrics and reproductive success of individually tagged female Alpine marmots. Our results showed that centrality of a reproductive female within her social group and the number of social partners are positively related to reproductive success, while agonistic behavior was not related with reproduction. Our results highlight the importance of affiliative interactions with other group members in cooperative breeders, suggesting that in such systems female fitness could be more related to social cohesion than to costs of agonistic behaviors to maintain dominance status.
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iCan, Empowering Recovery: Evaluating a Patient-Centred Cancer Rehabilitation Programme across the Cancer Care ContinuumBackground/Objectives: The adverse effects of cancer and the long-term sequelae of associated treatments result in reduced quality of life and increased mortality for patients. Supporting patients with cancer to mitigate adverse outcomes is an important aspect of oncology care and the primary purpose of cancer rehabilitation. A retrospective service evaluation was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the core iCan patient-centred cancer rehabilitation service. Methods: At the beginning and end of a five-week programme, a series of questionnaires evaluating changes in mental health and wellbeing, and physical activity performance/attitudes, and functional capacity were administered to participants. Results: Following iCan, we found that functional capacity was improved (30 s sit-to-stand: +6.3 repetition; d = −1.00, p < 0.001) and that self-reported physical activity was increased (~1173 MET-mins/wk; d = −0.76, p < 0.001); participants also perceived greater capability, opportunity, and motivation to be active. Mental wellbeing was also improved (SWEMWBS: d = −0.69, p < 0.001), whilst fatigue was reduced (FACIT: d = −0.77, p < 0.001). Conclusion: It appears that iCan has beneficial effects upon the physical/functional and psychological health of its participants. Where data are available, there appear to be clinically significant improvements across the range of measured functional, wellbeing, and activity/sedentariness outcomes, which suggest that participation in iCan is instrumental in adding value to the health and wellbeing of patients.
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“Some People Sit, Some People Stand, That’s Just What We Do ”: a Qualitative Exploration of Sit-Stand Desk Use in Naturalistic SettingsProlonged sedentary behaviour is associated with poor health. Office-based workers spend much of the working day sitting. Sit-stand desks have become a popular intervention, but real-life experiences of the value of sit-stand desks remain relatively unexplored outside of research-led interventions. A qualitative study was therefore undertaken to explore real-life experiences, including perceived barriers, and facilitators of using sit-stand desks. Six focus-group interviews were undertaken with a total of 34 desk-based employees in North-West England. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: The Sedentary Office, Motivators, and The Active Office. The Sedentary Office highlighted participants’ frustration with an increasingly sedentary office environment. Motivators to reducing sitting time were knowledge of the health consequences of prolonged sitting, previous (ill) health, and the potential benefits expected. The Active Office highlighted the importance of control, choice, enhanced interaction with colleagues, and the benefits associated with moving more and enhancing an overall sense of workplace wellbeing. Perceived benefits, facilitators, and barriers - experienced and observed – from sit-stand desk use in the real world were examined, thus contributing to important discussions of transferability. Overall, the study shed light on the perceived facilitators, benefits, and drawbacks of sit-stand desk work whilst also giving evidence of the real-world acceptability and research translation of sit-stand desk use. Future research should examine this in multiple contexts and should explore implications of an increasing prevalence in home working.
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Legal Implications for Clinicians in Cybersecurity Incidents: A ReviewCybersecurity incidents in healthcare present significant legal implications for clinicians, necessitating careful consideration of technological advancements and regulatory frameworks. This literature examines the healthcare cybersecurity landscape, emphasizing clinicians’ challenges, and legal responsibilities. It explores the impact of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, highlighting the potential benefits and risks, including biases and ethical dilemmas. The review addresses international regulatory differences, offering a comparative analysis of how various countries handle cybersecurity incidents. This analysis provides insights into best practices and identifies areas for improvement. Practical recommendations are provided, tailored to different healthcare settings, including large hospitals and small clinics, to enhance cybersecurity preparedness. Case studies illustrate real-world scenarios, offering practical guidance for clinicians in managing cybersecurity challenges. The review also identifies critical gaps in the literature, particularly concerning artificial intelligence ethics and international regulatory frameworks, suggesting specific areas for future research. These findings underscore the need for robust cybersecurity policies, comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, and a nuanced understanding of the legal landscape. This review informs policymakers, clinicians, and researchers about the evolving nature of cybersecurity challenges in healthcare, addressing key concerns raised by reviewers and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the field.
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Mediating Kinase Activity in Ras-Mutant Cancer: Potential for an Individualised Approach?It is widely acknowledged that there is a considerable number of oncogenic mutations within the Ras superfamily of small GTPases which are the driving force behind a multitude of cancers. Ras proteins mediate a plethora of kinase pathways, including the MAPK, PI3K, and Ral pathways. Since Ras was considered undruggable until recently, pharmacological targeting of pathways downstream of Ras has been attempted to varying success, though drug resistance has often proven an issue. Nuances between kinase pathway activation in the presence of various Ras mutants are thought to contribute to the resistance, however, the reasoning behind activation of different pathways in different Ras mutational contexts is yet to be fully elucidated. Indeed, such disparities often depend on cancer type and disease progression. However, we are in a revolutionary age of Ras mutant targeted therapy, with direct-targeting KRAS-G12C inhibitors revolutionising the field and achieving FDA-approval in recent years. However, these are only beneficial in a subset of patients. Approximately 90% of Ras-mutant cancers are not KRAS-G12C mutant, and therefore raises the question as to whether other distinct amino acid substitutions within Ras may one day be targetable in a similar manner, and indeed whether better understanding of the downstream pathways these various mutants activate could further improve therapy. Here, we discuss the favouring of kinase pathways across an array of Ras-mutant oncogenic contexts and assess recent advances in pharmacological targeting of various Ras mutants. Ultimately, we will examine the utility of individualised pharmacological approaches to Ras-mediated cancer.
