Hopf measuring comonoids and enrichment

We study the existence of universal measuring comonoids $P(A,B)$ for a pair of monoids $A$, $B$ in a braided monoidal closed category, and the associated enrichment of a category of monoids over the monoidal category of comonoids. In symmetric categories, we show that if $A$ is a bimonoid and $B$ is a commutative monoid, then $P(A,B)$ is a bimonoid; in addition, if $A$ is a cocommutative Hopf monoid then $P(A,B)$ always is Hopf. If $A$ is a Hopf monoid, not necessarily cocommutative, then $P(A,B)$ is Hopf if the fundamental theorem of comodules holds; to prove this we give an alternative description of the dualizable $P(A,B)$-comodules and use the theory of Hopf (co)monads. We explore the examples of universal measuring comonoids in vector spaces and graded spaces.Comment: 30 pages. Version 2: re-arrangement of material; expansion of previous section 6, splitting into current sections 6,7,8; fix of graded algebras example, section 11; appendix removed; other minor fixes and edit

Nurturing the independent-thinking practitioner: using threshold concepts to transform undergraduate learning

This article explores the experience of employing the theory of threshold concepts to curricular re-design to transform students' learning experiences. As part of our annual review in 2011, programme team members raised the concern that some graduates from our vocational-type degree programme – BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families – did not appear to develop the links between 'theory' and 'practice' as effectively as other graduates. Reflection on the three-year old degree programme, designed to provide a foundation for those wishing to move into, or study further, in areas such as family support and social work, revealed two areas for further consideration. First, the programme's modular format appeared to encourage students to view aspects of their studies as unconnected. Secondly, its original design had been premised on a series of 'need to know' areas of policy, theory and practice which had been added to over time, with little taken out. In short, the curriculum appeared to have become both 'stuffed' and fragmented and did not appear to provide the ideal platform from which to engage students in the development of the knowledge, skills and understanding for future professional practice. Using the theory of threshold concepts as our starting point, we were able to identify key themes, ideas and activities that we perceived to be central to nurturing and developing independent and employable practitioners. The following article recounts our journey towards curriculum change, detailing how programme threshold concepts were identified and how these were subsequently applied in curriculum re-design

Systemic epidermal nevus with involvement of the oral mucosa due to FGFR3 mutation

Our results show that activating FGFR3 mutations can also affect the oral mucosa and that extracutaneous manifestations of EN syndrome can be subtle. We highlight the theoretical risk of the patient having an offspring with thanatophoric dysplasia as gonadal mosaicism for the R248C mutation cannot be excluded

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

The Lived Experience of Street-involved and Homeless Youth who have Eating Struggles while Living in Situations of Food Insecurity

Eating struggles continue to be predominantly conceptualized as a white, middle-to-upper class, cis-gender, female youth disorder, evident by physical emaciation. This is despite the rise of literature evidencing the existence of eating struggles among individuals of diverse backgrounds including those living in situations of poverty, food insecurity and homelessness. Street-involved and homeless youth (SIHY) often endure extreme forms of food insecurity that significantly impact their relationship with food and their body. Yet, SIHY are significantly underrepresented within the existing eating disorder and food insecurity literature. This thesis aimed to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences of SIHY who have eating struggles while living in situations of food insecurity; and to explore how SIHY perceive social services in relation to their eating struggles. A Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to investigate how SIHY with eating struggles interpret and negotiate with their experiences of food insecurity and other oppressive living conditions. This study was conducted at a local SIHY resource centre in Ontario and included 11 participants. The participants were asked to partake in three interview sessions and one body map arts-based activity. The findings of this thesis (1) dismantles misconceptions surrounding SIHY who have eating struggles; (2) expands our understanding of trauma, revealing the multifaceted and interlocking forms of systemic (e.g., food insecurity) and relational traumas (e.g., intimate partner violence) that underlie SIHY’s eating struggles; (3) reveals the deeper purpose of eating struggles as an embodied negotiation and response; and (4) builds knowledge from SIHY’s recommendations for social service provision including conceptualizing healing as not only an inner process but one of which requires change and healing of our world.Ph.D

Young People’s Services in an Age of Neoliberalism

Abstract This article brings together four different perspectives which explore the way in which various policy initiatives in recent years have sought to construct young people resident in the United Kingdom within particular policy discourses shaped by neoliberalism. In order to do this it firstly considers the way in which the assumptions of neoliberalism have increasingly been applied by the new Coalition Government to young people and the services provided for them; it then considers the particular role of New Labour in the UK in applying these ideas in practice. Specific examples from the areas of young people’s participation in youth services and higher education policy are then considered.</jats:p

An audit to look at the prescribing of psychotropic medication in the general adult inpatient setting in patients with emotionally unstable personality disorder

AimsTo assess the frequency of prescription of psychotropic medication in patients with a primary diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) following admission to Clock View Hospital, an inpatient unit in Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.MethodA retrospective analysis of the electronic (RiO) record of 50 patients discharged from Clock View Hospital between 1 January 2020 and 1 November 2020 was performed to assess prescribing practice.Twenty-five patients with a diagnosis of EUPD and no associated psychiatric comorbidities were included in the sample, as well as 25 patients with a diagnosis of EUPD and associated psychiatric comorbidities.Result80% of the 25 patients with EUPD and associated psychiatric comorbidities were prescribed psychotropic medication prior to admission to hospital (56% an antidepressant, 24% a mood stabiliser, 60% an antipsychotic and 8% a benzodiazepine). 64% of patients were prescribed two or more psychotropic medications. 28% were initiated on new psychotropic medications following admission. For four of the seven prescriptions commenced on psychotropic medication, prescribing practice was as advised in Mersey Care's EUPD guidelines.Of the 25 patients with EUPD and no associated psychiatric comorbidities, 96% of the patients were prescribed psychotropic medication prior to admission to hospital (56% an antidepressant, 20% a mood stabiliser, 72% an antipsychotic and 12% a benzodiazepine). 68% of patients were prescribed two or more psychotropic medications. Following admission, 28% of patients were initiated on new regular psychotropic medications. For five of the eight prescriptions for new psychotropic medication, prescribing practice was as advised in Mersey Care's EUPD guidelines.78% of the 50 patients were prescribed as required (PRN) psychotropic medication. In 21 patients, PRN medication was prescribed for longer than one week.ConclusionThere is a higher rate of prescribing of antipsychotic prescription in those EUPD patients with no psychiatric comorbidities compared to associated psychiatric comorbidities (72% vs 60%). Surprisingly, there was a lower rate of psychotropic polypharmacy in those with psychiatric comorbidities.Use of PRN psychotropic medication for longer than a week was higher in those patients with psychiatric comorbidities compared to those without psychiatric comorbidities (58% vs 50%). Benzodiazepines were overwhelmingly the most consistently prescribed PRN medication for patients with EUPD.One action to consider would be highlighting the importance of trialling psychologically-minded interventions and supportive psychotherapy prior to initiation of psychotropic medication. There also needs to be consideration to use of the sedative antihistamine promethazine as a first-line PRN medication for acute agitation.</jats:sec