Living Geography: 8 ways fieldwork - evolution & evalutation

Within the context of the Geographical Association's "Living Geography" initiative, this presentation sets out the approach, experiences and lessons drawn for a national pliot on an "8 Way Thinking" approach to studying a changin locality within Newcastle upon Tyne - the (Lower) Ouseburn (Valley) area. This project was undertaken with secondary and primary PGCE students / trainee teachers from Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, as well as ITE students in primary geography from Northumbria and first year undergraduate students in Human Geography and Geography & Sport at Northumbria University, and explores both the potential, limitations, and future direction of this approach

Jahn-Teller effects in molecules on surfaces with specific application to C_60

Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) is capable of imaging molecules adsorbed onto surfaces with su±cient resolution as to permit intramolecular features to be discerned. Therefore, imaging molecules subject to the Jahn-Teller (JT) effect could, in principle, yield valuable information about the vibronic coupling responsible for the JT effect. However, such an application is not without its complications. For example, the JT effect causes subtle, dynamic distortions of the molecule; but how will this dynamic picture be affected by the host surface? And what will actually be imaged by the rather slow STM technique? Our aim here is to present a systematic investigation of the complications inherent in JT-related STM studies, to seek out possible JT signatures in such images and to guide further imaging towards identifcation and quantifcation of JT effects in molecules on surfaces. In particular, we consider the case of surface-adsorbed C60 ions because of their propensity to exhibit JT effects, their STM-friendly size and because a better understanding of the vibronic effects within these ions may be important for realisation of their potential application as superconductors

Hierarchical clustering of MS/MS spectra from the firefly metabolome identifies new lucibufagin compounds

Metabolite identification is the greatest challenge when analysing metabolomics data, as only a small proportion of metabolite reference standards exist. Clustering MS/MS spectra is a common method to identify similar compounds, however interrogation of underlying signature fragmentation patterns within clusters can be problematic. Previously published high-resolution LC-MS/MS data from the bioluminescent beetle (Photinus pyralis) provided an opportunity to mine new specialized metabolites in the lucibufagin class, compounds important for defense against predation. We aimed to 1) provide a workflow for hierarchically clustering MS/MS spectra for metabolomics data enabling users to cluster, visualise and easily interrogate the identification of underlying cluster ion profiles, and 2) use the workflow to identify key fragmentation patterns for lucibufagins in the hemolymph of P. pyralis. Features were aligned to their respective MS/MS spectra, then product ions were dynamically binned and resulting spectra were hierarchically clustered and grouped based on a cutoff distance threshold. Using the simplified visualization and the interrogation of cluster ion tables the number of lucibufagins was expanded from 17 to a total of 29

Family-focused campus-based university event increases perceived knowledge, science capital and aspirations across a wide demographic

Creative ways of delivering informal science events in community settings are viewed as key to engaging new audiences and participants whom scientists find hard to reach, however, the impact of ‘formal’ setting events is often overlooked. Here, through a mixed-methods approach, we analyse a large-scale family-focused public engagement event hosted within a university campus setting. We aimed to explore the profile of visitors attending together with the impact and perceived knowledge gained. Analysis from two consecutive years of data collection found that the university-based event attracted new visitors annually, with almost half having not attended other science events/attractions within the last year. An increase in perceived knowledge was shown amongst all study participants, being significantly amplified in those from low progression to higher education postcode areas. Both immediate and longer-term positive impact was reported by participants with increases in components of science capital observed as well as enhanced positive perception of the university and its students. This data exemplifies the benefit of university-hosted events in widening participation and public understanding of science

University student-led public engagement event: increasing audience diversity and impact in a non-science space

There is a wealth of innovation in microbiology outreach events globally, including in the setting where the public engagement is hosted. Previous data indicate an underrepresentation of marginalized ethnic groups attending UK science-based public engagement events. This project engaged our student cohort, encompassing a diverse range of ethnic groups, to create an integrated art and science event within an existing series of adult education evenings. The study’s objectives were to increase the proportion of visitors from marginalized ethnic groups and to gain a greater understanding of the impact of the event on the visitors’ reported science capital. The participants’ demographics, links to our students and University, and detailed impact on participants’ science capital of the event were determined through analysis of exit questionnaires. There was an increase in the proportion of marginalized ethnic group visitors compared to similar previous events. A higher proportion of visitors from marginalized ethnic groups had links with our students and University compared to white/white British visitors. Elements of the exit questionnaire were mapped to the science capital framework and participants’ science capital was determined. Both ethnically marginalized participants and white/white British visitors showed an increase in science capital, specifically dimensions of science-related social capital and science-related cultural capital, after the event. In conclusion, our study suggests that a student-led blended art and science public engagement can increase the ethnic diversity of those attending and can contribute towards creating more inclusive public engagement events.</jats:p

Student-led public engagement event: increasing audience diversity and impact in a non-science space

There is a wealth of innovation in microbiology outreach events globally, including in the setting where the public engagement is hosted. Previous data indicates underrepresentation of marginalised ethnic groups attending UK science-based public engagement events. This project engaged our student cohort, encompassing a diverse range of ethnic groups, to create an integrated art and science event within an existing series of adult education evenings. The study’s objectives were to increase the proportion of visitors from marginalised ethnic groups and to gain a greater understanding of the impact of the event on the visitors’ reported science capital. The participants' demographics, links to our students and University, and detailed impact on participants' science capital of the event were determined through analysis of exit questionnaires. There was an increase in the proportion of marginalised ethnic group visitors compared to similar previous events. A higher proportion of visitors from marginalised ethnic groups had links with our students and University compared to white/white British visitors. Elements of the exit-questionnaire were mapped to the science capital framework and participants' science capital determined. Both ethnically marginalised participants and white/white British visitors showed an increase in science capital, specifically dimensions of science-related social capital and science-related cultural capital, after the event. In conclusion, our study suggests that a student-led blended art and science public engagement can increase the ethnic diversity of those attending and can contribute towards creating more inclusive public engagement events.</jats:p

The identification and deletion of the polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthase gene responsible for the production of the phytotoxic triticone A/B in the wheat fungal pathogen Pyrenophora tritici-repentis

The economically important necrotrophic fungal pathogen, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr), causes tan spot of wheat, a disease typified by foliar necrosis and chlorosis. The culture filtrate of an Australian Ptr isolate, M4, possesses phytotoxic activity and plant bioassay guided discovery led to the purification of necrosis inducing toxins called triticone A and B. High-resolution LC–MS/MS analysis of the culture filtrate identified an additional 37 triticone-like compounds. The biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for triticone production (the Ttc cluster) was identified and deletion of TtcA, a hybrid polyketide synthase (PKS)-nonribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS), abolished production of all triticones. The pathogenicity of mutant (ttcA) strains was not visibly affected in our assays. We hypothesize that triticones possess general antimicrobial activity important for competition in multi-microbial environments

Expansion and conservation of biosynthetic gene clusters in pathogenic Pyrenophora spp.

Pyrenophora is a fungal genus responsible for a number of major cereal diseases. Although fungi produce many specialised or secondary metabolites for defence and interacting with the surrounding environment, the repertoire of specialised metabolites (SM) within Pyrenophora pathogenic species remains mostly uncharted. In this study, an in-depth comparative analysis of the P. teres f. teres, P teres f. maculata and P. tritici-repentis potential to produce SMs, based on in silico predicted biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), was conducted using genome assemblies from PacBio DNA reads. Conservation of BGCs between the Pyrenophora species included type I polyketide synthases, terpene synthases and the first reporting of a type III polyketide synthase in P teres f. maculata. P. teres isolates exhibited substantial expansion of non-ribosomal peptide synthases relative to P. tritici-repentis, hallmarked by the presence of tailoring cis-acting nitrogen methyltransferase domains. P. teres isolates also possessed unique non-ribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS)-indole and indole BGCs, while a P. tritici-repentis phytotoxin BGC for triticone production was absent in P. teres. These differences highlight diversification between the pathogens that reflects their different evolutionary histories, host adaption and lifestyles

A systematic review of the barriers and facilitators impacting patient enrolment in clinical trials for lung cancer

Purpose. Clinical research trials are needed to enhance the medical care and treatment for lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While clinical trials allow for the development of novel therapies to treat cancer, the recruitment of lung cancer patients to trials is low. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the available literature concerning barriers and facilitators affecting lung cancer patients’ decisions to enrol in clinical trials to guide future cancer research efforts. Methods. Four databases were systematically searched: Academic Search Complete, CINHAL, PubMed, and PsycINFO in August 2023. A supplemental grey literature search was also conducted alongside this. Articles were quality appraised using CASP and JMI checklists, and results were narratively synthesised. Results. Eighteen articles of varied design met the inclusion criteria, and results were mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) Model to help structure and conceptualise review findings. Evidence suggests that the decision to enrol in a trial is multifaceted and informed by: when and how study information is presented, travel and trial eligibility, and altruistic hopes and fears. Conclusions. There is need to address the many different concerns that lung cancer patients have about participating in a clinical trial through the supply of accessible and timely trial information, and via the reduction of travel, expansion of study eligibility criteria, and recognition of a person's altruistic wishes, hopes, fears, and family-oriented concerns. Future research should aim to work alongside lung cancer patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders to increase research accessibility

Safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222) against SARS-CoV-2: an interim analysis of four randomised controlled trials in Brazil, South Africa, and the UK.

BACKGROUND: A safe and efficacious vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), if deployed with high coverage, could contribute to the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in a pooled interim analysis of four trials. METHODS: This analysis includes data from four ongoing blinded, randomised, controlled trials done across the UK, Brazil, and South Africa. Participants aged 18 years and older were randomly assigned (1:1) to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine or control (meningococcal group A, C, W, and Y conjugate vaccine or saline). Participants in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group received two doses containing 5 × 1010 viral particles (standard dose; SD/SD cohort); a subset in the UK trial received a half dose as their first dose (low dose) and a standard dose as their second dose (LD/SD cohort). The primary efficacy analysis included symptomatic COVID-19 in seronegative participants with a nucleic acid amplification test-positive swab more than 14 days after a second dose of vaccine. Participants were analysed according to treatment received, with data cutoff on Nov 4, 2020. Vaccine efficacy was calculated as 1 - relative risk derived from a robust Poisson regression model adjusted for age. Studies are registered at ISRCTN89951424 and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04324606, NCT04400838, and NCT04444674. FINDINGS: Between April 23 and Nov 4, 2020, 23 848 participants were enrolled and 11 636 participants (7548 in the UK, 4088 in Brazil) were included in the interim primary efficacy analysis. In participants who received two standard doses, vaccine efficacy was 62·1% (95% CI 41·0-75·7; 27 [0·6%] of 4440 in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group vs71 [1·6%] of 4455 in the control group) and in participants who received a low dose followed by a standard dose, efficacy was 90·0% (67·4-97·0; three [0·2%] of 1367 vs 30 [2·2%] of 1374; pinteraction=0·010). Overall vaccine efficacy across both groups was 70·4% (95·8% CI 54·8-80·6; 30 [0·5%] of 5807 vs 101 [1·7%] of 5829). From 21 days after the first dose, there were ten cases hospitalised for COVID-19, all in the control arm; two were classified as severe COVID-19, including one death. There were 74 341 person-months of safety follow-up (median 3·4 months, IQR 1·3-4·8): 175 severe adverse events occurred in 168 participants, 84 events in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group and 91 in the control group. Three events were classified as possibly related to a vaccine: one in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group, one in the control group, and one in a participant who remains masked to group allocation. INTERPRETATION: ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 has an acceptable safety profile and has been found to be efficacious against symptomatic COVID-19 in this interim analysis of ongoing clinical trials. FUNDING: UK Research and Innovation, National Institutes for Health Research (NIHR), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lemann Foundation, Rede D'Or, Brava and Telles Foundation, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Thames Valley and South Midland's NIHR Clinical Research Network, and AstraZeneca