Digital Commons Network^™

Do Anatomy, Physiology And Biochemistry Subject Scores Predict Future Academic Performance? A Longitudinal Analysis Of Undergraduate Dental Students Across All Professional Years., Shahid Akhtar Akhund, Hassan Shaibah

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Basic sciences subjects including anatomy, physiology and biochemistry form the foundation of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme. However, empirical evidence linking the basic science academic performance to sustained academic achievement across subsequent clinical years remains limited. This is true for low and medium sized economies like Pakistan.

Materials and methods: A retrospective, quantitative, and longitudinal cohort study was conducted.  The deidentified data from a representative dental college was used. Basic science examination scores from the 1^st professional year examination served as predictor variables. The examination scores across 14 subjects served as outcome variables. Pearson product-moment correlations …

Deer Antler Tip Cell Culture Supernatant Restores Endothelial Barrier Function And Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2/Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Nitric Oxide Signaling Impaired By Porphyromonas Gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide, Ming-Shou Hsieh, Ya-Ting Yang, Chin-Sheng Huang, Ting-Yi Renn, Chuen-Kai Wang, Chia-Chen Hsu, Wei Jen Chang, Yu-Sheng Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose:

Periodontal inflammation contributes to endothelial dysfunction, but effective biologically active strategies for vascular protection remain limited. This study investigated whether deer antler tip cell culture supernatant could rescue Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) induced endothelial injury and restore endothelial homeostasis.

Materials and methods:

Velvet antler tissues from the tip, shaft, and burr regions were examined histologically and used for primary cell isolation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to Pg-LPS or indirectly co-cultured with LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Deer antler tip cell culture supernatant was subsequently applied to these endothelial inflammatory models, and its protective effects were …

Heat Shock Factor 1 Promotes Cell Migration And Predicts Poor Prognosis In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Fang-Yu Wu, Hui-Hsin Ko, Wen-Ren Lin, Shih-Jung Cheng

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) regulates heat shock proteins and stress-responsive genes and has been implicated in tumor progression and poor prognosis in several malignancies. However, the clinicopathological significance and biological role of HSF1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. This study investigated HSF1 expression in OSCC tissues, its association with clinicopathological parameters and survival, and its functional role in OSCC cell migration.

Materials and methods

HSF1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in 80 OSCC specimens and 20 normal oral mucosa samples. HSF1 immunoreactivity was quantified using the labeling index (LI). Associations between HSF1 LI and …

Evaluation Of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (Rag) With Gpt-4o For Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Clinical Questions, Vinsensia Launardo, Merve Koseoglu, Lucky Susanto, Michael Kase, Amanda Colebeck, Heidi Huber, Maribeth Krzesinski, Derry Wijaya, Muhammad Ruslin, Alvin Gerard Wee, Heng-Li Huang, Lih-Jyh Fuh, Cortino Sukotjo

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Large language models (LLMs) offer promising education and clinical decision support to help address the global shortage of maxillofacial prosthodontists. To overcome the lack of source traceability in base LLMs, this study evaluated a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture for answering complex clinical questions.

Materials and methods: An expert panel consisting of five maxillofacial prosthodontists selected 15 high-complexity clinical questions. Responses were generated using base GPT-4o and a naive RAG-GPT-4o model built with domain-specific literatures. Outputs were evaluated across five parameters using a 5-point Likert scale and analyzed via Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: No statistically significant differences …

Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2 Transcriptionally Represses Sirtuin 1 To Regulate Osteoclastogenesis And Tooth Eruption, Jie Li, Changqing Yan, Xinyi Sun, Chenying Zhang, Xiaozhe Wang, Yang Liu, Shuguo Zheng

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), caused by Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) haploinsufficiency, features delayed tooth eruption. Although impaired osteoclastogenesis contributes to eruption failure, the direct molecular mechanisms linking RUNX2 deficiency to osteoclast dysfunction remain elusive. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a critical regulator of osteoclastogenesis; however, whether it serves as a downstream effector of RUNX2 remains unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanistic link between RUNX2 and SIRT1 in regulating osteoclast differentiation and tooth eruption.

Materials and methods: Tooth eruption and osteoclast differentiation were assessed by micro-computed tomography and histological analysis in Runx2^+/- mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain …

Prediction Of Adequate Alveolar Ridge Contours For Dental Implant Placement Using An Artificial Intelligence-Based Algorithm, Hao-Chieh Chang, Shan-Pin Pan, Cheng-Liang Wu, Wei-Chan Hsu, Yi-Chun Weng, Po-Chun Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Accurate prediction of ridge contour following ridge augmentation is an integral part of planning dental implant therapy. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm to predict adequate alveolar ridge contours for accommodating implants based on preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using a deep learning (DL) approach.

Materials and methods: A total of 96 mandibular CBCT images with minor and major defects were used, virtual implants with adequate ridge contours were added, and a U-Net 2.5D model was used for DL training.

Results: The results revealed that the predicted ridge contours achieved Dice Similarity Coefficients of …

Biological Performance Enhancement Of Ni-Free Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass For Dental Implants Via Nitrogen Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation, Hsun-Miao Huang, Ying-Sui Sun, Ya-Lin Huang, Kai-Yi Lin, Thantrira Porntaveetus, Thanaphum Osathanon, Wei-Cheng Chen, Her-Hsiung Huang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Improving the biocompatibility of bulk metallic glass (BMG) alloys is critical for expanding their applications in biomedical fields, particularly in dental implants. This study systematically investigated the suitability of nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (NPIII)-treated Zr-based BMG alloy for next-generation dental implant applications, focusing on protein adsorption, platelet responses, and cell behavior.

Materials and methods: NPIII was employed as a surface modification approach to enhance the biological performance of a Ni-free Zr₆₂.₅Cu₂₂.₅Fe₅Al₁₀ BMG alloy. The effects of NPIII treatment on surface characteristics, including crystallinity, chemical composition, layer thickness, roughness, and hydrophilicity, were comprehensively analyzed. Protein adsorption …

Correlation Between Preoperative Mandibular Restriction And Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Discopexy For Temporomandibular Joint Internal Derangement, Yen-Hung Lin Arthur, Chih-Hua Yeh, Ying-An Chen, Hui-Hsin Ko

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Arthroscopic discopexy is an established treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement, yet its functional benefit in patients with restricted mouth opening remains unclear. This study evaluate whether arthroscopic discopexy improves mouth opening and pain in patients with restricted mandibular mobility (maximum mouth opening [MMO] < 35 mm).

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 46 patients (58 joints) with preoperative MMO < 35 mm who underwent TMJ arthroscopic discopexy between January 2023 and December 2024. MMO, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, and MRI-confirmed disc repositioning success were compared preo- and postoperatively using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. MMO improvement was analyzed by severity band with multiple linear regression to assess confounders and sensitivity analysis excluding bilateral cases.

Results: MMO increased from 28.7 ± 4.1 mm to 34.2 ± 3.9 mm (P < 0.001), with a mean improvement of +5.5 mm (95% CI: +4.2 to +6.8). VAS decreased from 3.81 ± 2.93 to 0.18 ± 0.89 (P < 0.001). A dose–response relationship was observed: patients with MMO 20–24 mm gained +11.0 mm, those with 25–29 mm gained +7.5 mm, and those with 30–34 mm gained +2.7 mm. Preoperative MMO remained the only significant predictor after adjusting for confounders (B = −0.812, P < 0.001). Disc repositioning was achieved in 75.9% of joints; 55.2% achieved postoperative MMO ≥ 35 mm.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic discopexy produces significant clinically improvements in mouth opening and pain in patients with restricted mandibular mobility, with the greatest benefit in …

Effects Of 850-Nm Light-Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation On Pain Intensity And Dentin Sialoprotein Levels During Canine Distalization: A Randomized Controlled Trial., Thanh Thuy-Nhat Cao, Anh Ho-Quynh Nguyen, Hung Trong Hoang, Tham Dong Khac, Phuc Hoai Le, Tu Trinh Hk, Kieu-Minh Le, Diem Truong

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose

Light-emitting diode-based photobiomodulation (LED PBM) potentially reduces pain and root resorption risk in orthodontics. This study evaluated 850-nm LED PBM effects on pain and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) levels during canine distalization.

Materials and methods

This single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 16 orthodontic patients (8 per group). Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an active LED group or a sham control group. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 0, 24, and 48 hours following canine distalization at four consecutive monthly visits (T₁-T₄) and expressed as the …

Significantly Higher Frequencies Of Anemia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, And Hyperhomocysteinemia In Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients With Macrocytosis, Yu-Hsueh Wu, Yi-Ping Wang, Yi-Pang Lee, Julia Yu-Fong Chang, Andy Sun, Chun-Pin Chiang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Macrocytosis is defined as having the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) ≥ 100 fL. This study evaluated whether 14 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients with macrocytosis (macrocytosis/RAS patients) had significantly higher frequencies of anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity than 430 healthy control subjects or 430 RAS patients.

Materials and methods: Complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and GPCA levels in 14 macrocytosis/RAS patients, 430 RAS patients, and 430 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.

Results: We found that 92.9%, 14.3%, 85.7%, 0.0%, 85.7%, and 35.7% of 14 macrocytosis/RAS …

The Association Between Dental Prophylaxis And Diabetes Outcomes: A 15-Year Cohort Study, Hsueh-Fen Chen, Shih-Feng Weng, Ju-Hui Wu, Mei-Yueh Lee, Hui-Min Hsieh, Yu-Ting Huang, Yi-Cai Liu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Periodontal disease and diabetes share inflammatory pathways. Dental prophylaxis (DP) is effective in preventing periodontal inflammation; however, its association with diabetes outcomes remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between DP intensity and mortality and diabetes-related complications among adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (2005–2022). Adults aged 18–70 years with incident type 2 diabetes in 2007 were identified, with 2005-2006 as the washout period. Participants were followed from 2008 until death or December 31, 2022. Annual DP intensity …

Formulation Modification Of Silver Diamine Fluoride To Improve Clinical Handling And Dentin Tubule Occlusion, Liangyu Chang, Yutzu Wu, Powen Lu, Iwen Chen, Weifang Lee, Chunche Lin, Renjei Chung, Poonam Negi, Naichia Teng, Jenchang Yang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is clinically effective for treating dentinal hypersensitivity and arresting caries, but its poor clinical handling due to low viscosity remain concerns. This study aimed to enhance the rheological properties of SDF by incorporating sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to improve its clinical manageability. Materials and methods: A 39.34 wt% SDF solution (TMU-SDF) was prepared via wet processing. Its matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition was evaluated using a fluorogenic MMP-1 assay, and antibacterial activity was tested via an inhibition zone assay. Biocompatibility was assessed using a modified cytotoxicity-agar diffusion test and a skin sensitization test. Rheological properties, including flow …

An Artificial Intelligence Assisted Framework For Automated Quantified Root Canal Curvature Measurement On Periapical Radiographs, Ming-Yi Chen, Shih-Lun Chen, Yu-Jen Chang, Yuan-Jin Lin, Chiung-An Chen, Tsung-Yi Chen, Kuo-Chen Li, Wei-Chen Tu, Patricia Angela R. Abu

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Root canal curvature is a complex anatomical variation that complicates endodontic treatments. Traditionally, dentists rely on two-dimensional periapical radiographs (PA) and manual methods to estimate curvature angles. However, this conventional approach is highly time-consuming and subjective, often leading to inconsistent measurements.

Materials and methods: This study aims to develop a fully automated, objective framework for precise angular measurement and severity grading of root canal curvature. The YOLO26n-seg model was employed to segment roots and classify single- or multi-rooted teeth from PA. Furthermore, we proposed an image processing algorithm that standardized orientation, extracted centerlines, and applied three-point circle fitting …

Teaching Digital Evangelism And Web Design As Redemptive Work For The Women Of The Northeastern Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Brenda Michele Rhyne

Doctor of Ministry Projects

Problem.

The COVID-19 pandemic eliminated thousands of jobs, including positions held by women within the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Unemployment and underemployment may contribute to diminished self-esteem and adverse mental-health outcomes. The problem of unemployment and underemployment is not simply economic—it is theological. For women in the Northeastern Conference, the lack of an ordered pathway to explore technology-related fields as a career option represents both an economic and a spiritual loss. A course combining technical and evangelistic training may promote members' involvement in evangelistic initiatives (i.e., TMI) while simultaneously providing technological skills. Also, women who do not regularly use …

From Predictions To Explanations: Explainable Ai For Autism Diagnosis And Identification Of Critical Brain Regions: 18th International Joint Conference, Biostec 2025, Kush Gupta, Amir Aly, Emmanuel Ifeachor, Rohit Shankar

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmentalcondition characterized by atypical brain maturation. However, the adaptationof transfer learning paradigms in machine learning for ASD researchremains notably limited. In this study, we propose a computeraideddiagnostic framework with two modules. This chapter presents atwo-module framework combining deep learning and explainable AI forASD diagnosis. The first module leverages a deep learning model finetunedthrough cross-domain transfer learning for ASD classification. Thesecond module focuses on interpreting the model’s decisions and identifyingcritical brain regions. To achieve this, we employed three explainableAI (XAI) techniques: saliency mapping, Gradient-weighted Class ActivationMapping, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis.This framework demonstrates that …

Who Seeks Help? Characteristics Of Doctors Accessing Mental Health Support In England: 4-Year National Review, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundMental health difficulties affect the well-being of doctors and compromise the delivery of healthcare. However, large-scale data on doctors’ mental health needs are limited.AimsDescribe patterns of self-referrals for mental health support among doctors in England and explore associations with demographic factors, speciality, neurodevelopmental and mental health indicators.MethodObservational study using data from doctors who self-referred for mental health difficulties to a national service in England over a 4-year period. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between speciality and mental health indicators.ResultsOf the 16 815 doctors who self-referred during the study period, 80% were under the age of 49 and 70.6% …

Does In-Bed Cycling Delivered Within 48 Hours Of Mechanical Ventilation, Reduce The Occurrence Of Delirium In Critically Ill Patients: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol, Jacqueline Bennion, Mark Hudson, Mary Hickson, Victoria Allgar, Bridie Kent, David Mcwilliams, Daniel Martin

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric clinical state presenting as an acute onset of cognitive deficits. Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), have the highest incidence (50%–80%) of delirium amongst patients admitted to intensive care units. Preliminary data indicates that early mobilisation is associated with reduced delirium in critically ill patients. However, definitive evidence is lacking. Current practice varies due to many barriers to patients, who require IMV, receiving early mobilisation interventions. In-bed cycling may address some of these barriers. This research aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of early in-bed cycling to reduce delirium in critically ill patients. …

Microbial Collagenase Activity Is Linked To Oral–Gut Translocation In Advanced Chronic Liver Disease, Shen Jin, Aurelie Cenier, Daniela Wetzel, Bethlehem Arefaine, Mar Moreno-Gonzalez, Marilena Stamouli, Merianne Mohamad, Mariia Lupatsii, Emilio Ríos, Sunjae Lee, Ane Zamalloa, Shilpa Chokshi, Adil Mardinoglu, Saeed Shoaie, Naiara Beraza, Vishal C. Patel, Melanie Schirmer

Peninsula Medical School

Microbiome perturbations are associated with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), but how microorganisms contribute to disease mechanisms is unclear. Here we analysed metagenomes of paired saliva and faecal samples from an ACLD cohort of 86 individuals, plus 2 control groups of 52 healthy individuals and 14 patients with sepsis. We identified highly similar oral and gut bacterial strains, including Veillonella and Streptococcus spp., which increased in absolute abundance in the gut of patients with ACLD compared with controls. These microbial translocators uniquely share a prtC gene encoding a collagenase-like proteinase, and its faecal abundance was a robust ACLD biomarker (area …

Patient And Practitioner Workshops For An Intellectual Disabilities And Epilepsy Neuropsychiatric Genetic Research Database Register: Ethical Dilemmas For Study Design, Rohit Shankar, Jon Allard, Dannielle Bilkey, Brendan Mclean, Pamela Bowman, Chloe Staples, Lance Watkins, Anna Simpson, Elizabeth Boardman, Sarah Mitchell, Sarah Lennard

Peninsula Medical School

BackgroundThere is a need for more research studies focussed on People with ID (PwID) and Epilepsy and for the design of these studies to be shaped by this complex and vulnerable population and those who care for and support them.AimsTo develop understanding as to how a future NHS genetic research database register for PwID and Epilepsy should be conducted in a way which is inclusive, suitable and appropriate for them, their carers and the NHS settings where the research would be undertaken.MethodsThree workshops were completed with 17 formal participants: (1) PwID and Epilepsy (n2); (2) carers of PwID and Epilepsy …

Next-Generation Virtual Environment Training For Cybersecurity In The Maritime Logistics Industry: A Position Paper, Tyler Cheng, Rory Hopcraft, Kimberly Tam, Ji-Jian Chin

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The maritime logistics industry is the most dependent on it in the modern world, yet it is not well protected against cyber risks. Recently, the maritime industry has been transitioning into industry-specific tech, and threats of cyberattacks are increasing as the adoption of technology and automation continues. One of the most effective methods to protect industries and ships from such security incidents, is to train seafarers to mitigate and handle such incidents. However, to the best of our knowledge, we did not find anything that addresses this gap. This article will present the idea and benefits of using virtual environments …

Rapid Electrochemical Biosensor With Enhanced Accuracy And Repeatability Using Pyrene Nhs Ester Modified 3d Graphene Electrodes, S. Nazir, D. Jenkins, G. Pan

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

A consistent and reproducible chemical modification of the transducer interface is essential to ensure effectiveimmobilization of bioreceptors, thereby improving the sensitivity and reproducibility of biosensors. Althoughnotable progress has been made in fabricating graphene-based biosensors, the effects of surface biofunctionalization on sensing performance remain not fully understood. This study shows that combining threedimensional (3D) graphene foam electrodes with a straightforward, single-step surface biofunctionalizationmethod is key to enhancing the performance of graphene-based biosensors. Specifically, it presents a single-stepapproach to functionalize the 3D graphene foam (Gii-Sens) with 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimideester (Pyrene-NHS ester). Electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulsevoltammetry (DPV), confirmed …

Biocompatibility Of Silver And Hydroxyapatite Antimicrobial Nanocoatings On Titanium Alloy Dental Implants With Human Gingival Fibroblasts, S Morgan, R D Handy, V M Salih, R N Salaie, C J Tredwin, A Besinis

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

OBJECTIVES: Peri-implantitis compromises soft and hard tissues around dental implants, often leading to implant failure. Antibacterial nanocoatings offer a promising infection control strategy, but maintaining biocompatibility is essential. This study investigated, through a range of assays and analytical techniques, the biocompatibility of antimicrobial silver and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocoatings applied to titanium implants with human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).

METHODS: Silver and hydroxyapatite nanocoatings were applied to the surface of titanium alloy specimens using electroplating, deposition and sintering techniques. The biocompatibility of the nanocoatings with HGFs was assessed by measuring cell metabolic activity (alamarBlue), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, collagen production (Sircol assay), …

Investigating The Impact Of Carboxylated Polystyrene Nanoplastics In The Liver Using Cell Lines And Precision-Cut Liver Slices, Namrata Pandey, Paula Boeira, Nathaniel J. Clark, Eleanor T. Walker, Somaiah Aroori, Jemimah Denson, Richard C. Thompson, Matthew E. Cramp, Shilpa Chokshi, Ashwin Dhanda

Peninsula Medical School

Background and Aims: Increasing reports of plastic accumulation in human tissue have raised concerns about potential adverse health outcomes. Evidence of negative effects of nanoplastics is heterogeneous and provides limited insights into the underlying pathogenic toxicity mechanisms in humans. Methods: In the present study, carboxylate-modified fluorescently labelled polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) were used to investigate uptake and cytotoxicity in three different hepatic models of varying complexity, including HepG2 cells, IHH cells, and human precision-cut liver slices (hPCLS). Results: The results show model- and dose-dependent effects on hepatocytes. 74.2% ± 13.4% of the IHH cells showed PS NPs uptake at 0.1 …

Psychotropic Medication Prescribing To Children And Young People Mental Health Inpatient Services: An English National Study, David Branford, Anne Webster, Marinos Kyriakopoulos, Shermin Imran, Prathiba Chitsabesan, Tina Irani, Teresa Randon, Kirsten Peebles, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

Background:Mental disorders frequently begin in childhood or adolescence. Worldwide, psychotropics are commonly prescribed for under-18s to stabilise behaviour, mood or thoughts. Psychotropics could cause long-term effects on children and young people (CYP) health, growth and development. There is a knowledge gap about psychotropic prescribing in CYP mental health inpatient units.Aims:To understand and compare psychotropic prescribing patterns in England mental health inpatient units for CYPs and to solicit CYP and their parents’ and carers’ views of it.Method:A national Quality Improvement programme authorised by National Health Service (NHS) England invited all English CYP mental health inpatient units to participate. The programme included …

Measuring Outcomes In Evaluations Of Interventions To Prevent Youth Crime And Violence: Challenges And Potential Solutions, Sajid Humayun, Finlay Green, Helen Downham, Nick Axford

Peninsula Medical School

There is a clear imperative to prevent youth crime and violence owing to the significant social and economic costs for individuals involved and wider society. A considerable evidence base for ‘what works’ in this space exists but gaps remain. To address these, it is necessary to evaluate intervention effectiveness. The aim of this article is to explore challenges and potential solutions regarding outcome measurement in such evaluations. To do this we draw on the literature and our experience as evaluators. We argue that outcome selection should be informed by a robust theory of change, and that normally this will mean …

Microplastics, Nanoplastics And Liver Disease: An Emerging Health Concern?, Shilpa Chokshi, Ashwin Dhanda, Matthew E. Cramp, Richard Thompson

Peninsula Medical School

Human liver tissue has been found to contain microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), with evidence that hepatic MNP accumulation has markedly increased over the past 10 years, prompting critical questions regarding their potential causal role in liver disease. In cell-based and murine models, MNP exposure can trigger oxidative stress, fibrogenesis and inflammation, pathological features that resemble those of advanced liver disease, suggesting shared mechanistic pathways. Furthermore, the capacity for MNPs to act as vectors for microbial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and carcinogenic additives might have important implications for liver pathology. This Perspective examines emerging evidence on the consequences of MNPs …

Designing A Mobile App For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Insights From Lived Experience And Clinical Practice, Rohit Shankar, Richard Laugharne, Michael Loizou, Marius Varga, Sivia Lin, Bojana Daw Srdanovic, Roger Farrell

Peninsula Medical School

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling anxiety disorder precipitated by severe trauma. Many people with this condition have little access to clinical interventions, especially in low-middle-income countries. For the development of any digital health intervention, it is vital to know the opinions of PLE and clinicians to guide the developers. We conducted two focus groups, one with clinicians (n = 5) and one with people with lived experience (PLE) (n = 11), to gain knowledge of their views on the development of a PTSD App. Transcripts of both focus groups were coded and thematically analysed. The key themes that …

Royal College Of Psychiatrists College Report 244: Optimising Psychotropic Medication Prescribing For People With Intellectual Disability, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Best Practice Guidelines For Professional Carers In Emergency Seizure Medication, Rohit Shankar

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Three Christmas Island Land Crabs Do Not Alter Extracellular Magnesium In Response To Acute Reduced Temperature, Katie N.G. Thiessen, Helena C. Reinardy, John I. Spicer, Lucy M. Turner

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Magnesium is essential to numerous biological processes in many species. Including protecting intracellular pH and ATP concentrations during temperature and anoxia stress. Extracellular [Mg²⁺] is tightly regulated in many, but not all crustaceans. There is evidence that extracellular [Mg²⁺] content may be open to environmental influence such as temperature. The alteration of extracellular [Mg²⁺] in decapod crustaceans in response to temperature has been proposed, with individuals exposed to low temperature often displaying an increase in extracellular [Mg²⁺]. However, data, supporting or refuting this hypothesis, are sparse and drawn mainly from temperate and …