HIV positive patient with GBS-like syndrome

Introduction. Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute demyelinating polyneuropathy which can occur post-infection. Criteria of diagnosis of GBS include areflexia with progressive bilateral weakness in arms and legs. GBS can lead to severe respiratory and cardiac complications. The fatality rate can be up to 5 % in patients, depending on the severity of the symptoms. HIV can cause a range of neurological disorders including, on rare occasions, GBS. GBS can occur at any stage of HIV infection, highlighting the complexity of diagnosis of GBS within HIV patients. Case presentation. A 57 year old female with lumbar back pain radiating to the legs, poor mobility and tiredness, with reports of a viral-like illness four days previously, was initially diagnosed with a lower respiratory tract infection and discharged. Seventeen days later the patient was readmitted to hospital with progressive lower and upper limb weakness, areflexia and sensory loss. She was diagnosed with GBS and was unexpectedly discovered to be HIV-positive. HIV avidity was low indicating a recently acquired HIV infection. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin for five days for the GBS and commenced antriretrovirals for HIV. The patient was discharge from hospital 53 days after admission with walking aids and regular physiotherapy follow-up. Conclusion. This case highlighted the need for all clinicians to be aware that patients with symptoms of GBS, regardless of clinical history should be offered an HIV test. GBS can be the first sign a patient is HIV-positive

Prevalence of HCV NS3 pre-treatment resistance associated amino acid variants within a Scottish cohort

Background: Protease inhibitors (PI) including boceprevir, telaprevir and simeprevir have revolutionised HCV genotype 1 treatment since their introduction. A number of pre-treatment resistance associated amino acid variants (RAVs) and polymorphisms have been associated with reduced response to treatment. Objectives: We measured the prevalence of RAVs/polymorphisms in a PI treatment-naïve HCV genotype 1 Scottish cohort using Sanger sequencing. Study design: Chronically infected, treatment-naïve, HCV genotype 1 patients (n = 146) attending NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde clinics were investigated for RAVs/polymorphisms to the PIs boceprevir, telaprevir and simeprevir. The NS3/4A region was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction. The 1.4 kb amplified product was sequenced using an ABI 3710XL DNA sequencer. Sequence analysis was performed using web-based ReCall (beta 2.10). Amino acid positions 36, 41, 43, 54, 55, 80, 109, 122, 155, 156, 168 and 170 were analysed for RAVs/polymorphisms. Results: Overall, 23.29% (34/146) of patients had an RAV or polymorphism detected. Overall, 13.69% (20/146) of patients had HCV virus that contained the Q8 K polymorphism. Other RAVs detected were: V36 M 0.70% (1/146), V36L 0.70% (1/146), T54S 6.85% (10/146), V55A 3.42% (5/146) and V/I170A 0.68% (1/146). Four patients had dual combinations of mutations (T54S + V36L; T54S + V55A and 2 patients with T54S + Q80K). Conclusions: Q80K was the most prevalent baseline polymorphism detected in the Scottish cohort. Simeprevir treatment is not recommended in patients infected with the Q80K genotype 1a variant. This highlights the need for baseline sequencing prior to administration of this drug in this population

Introducing elements of inquiry in to undergraduate laboratories

Inquiry-based laboratories are an emerging and popular way of teaching practical chemistry. They lead students towards independent research by inspiring critical thinking, curiosity, and a conceptual understanding of experimental processes. Inquiry laboratories need a base of knowledge, usually built upon a foundation of expository experiments that teach fundamental skills. As such, the first year of a teaching laboratory may well keep an expository structure, even when later years embrace inquiry learning. In this work, we have shown that elements of inquiry can be introduced lightly and early in the curriculum, using the approach of Szalay and Tóth. In this work, a robust suite of existing experiments has had elements of inquiry introduced with a series of small, standalone modifications. Adaptation of existing experiments allows a tight control on the extent to which a student pushes into unfamiliar territory — particularly important for introductory laboratories, where unexpected results are likely to overwhelm or discourage. The modified experiments confer many of the same benefits as an inquiry laboratory, such as students’ sense of independence and control. The approach works best when supported by prelaboratory exercises, for calculations or procedure-writing steps. The approach builds on prior work introducing inquiry into a school curriculum, and we have shown that it can be used on a large scale in two different undergraduate teaching laboratory environments. In our implementation, we placed a heavy focus on structured support for students, and conducted numerical and written surveys of students and postgraduate demonstrators to measure perceptions of the work

Combined effects of chemotherapy and Nrf2 activation in colorectal cancer cells in vitro

Colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer diagnosis in the United States (Siegel et al, 2017). Common treatments include chemotherapy, which can be toxic to the patient and produce multiple adverse side effects(Sarkar, 2008). Combination therapies with chemotherapy drugs and other compounds have been reported to decrease tumor growth in breast and colon cancer by increasing efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents at lower doses, thus reducing off-target adverse effects(Borcherding et al, 2015; Chen et al 2017). Both activation of Nrf2, a transcription factor that induces expression of anti-oxidant genes, and dopamine receptor agonists, have been shown to reduce tumor growth in multiple cancer types (Borcherding et al, 2015; Melba et al, 2013). Thus, we examined whether combining a common chemotherapy drug, Doxorubicin, with a Nrf2 activator, CDDO-ME, or a dopamine-type-1 receptor agonist, Fenoldopam, improved efficacy of chemotherapy. Treatment of HT29 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cells in vitro with or CDDO-ME in conjunction with Doxorubicin augmented the effects of Doxorubicin alone, as determined by MTT assay. The results support that Doxorubicin had an effect on both cell lines above concentrations of 100 nM. However, Fenoldopam, a dopamine-type-1 receptor agonist, did not significantly affect cell viability. Therefore, the effects of Doxorubicin may be achieved at a lower dose when administered with CDDO-ME

What are the long-term benefits of investing in art, craft & design in education for learning, culture, wellbeing and society? Preliminary report

The inquiry began on 17 November 2020 with two preliminary evidence sessions, chaired by Sharon Hodgson MP and Nicholas Trench, The Earl of Clancarty. Nineteen reports and case studies were also gathered for the report. This report is a collation of findings from two sessions. The sessions took place during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings therefore acknowledge the impact of lockdowns on creative education in schools, in further and higher education. The Research Group were also concerned about the impact of the pandemic on the creative sector, and how the pipeline of talent into those industries was in danger of becoming more fragmented and homogenised. Their specific enquiry focuses on: the benefits a creative education can have for learning, culture, wellbeing and society, while recognising the barriers that threaten access for some pupils and students to studying the arts. MEMBERS OF THE STEERING GROUP include Helen Burns; Prof. Susan Coles; Hilary Cresty; Samantha Broadhead; Patricia Thomson; Dr. Kate Noble; Lucy Kennedy; Paula Briggs; NIicholas Trench ; Georgina Spry; Vicky Prior; Dr. Penny Hay; Liz Macfarlane; Ruth Sapsed; Richard Davies; Elizabeth Bainbridge; Sheila Ceccarelli; Michele Gregson; Baroness Sue Nye. MEMBERS OF REPORT WRITING WORKING PARTY: Prof. Susan Coles, Prof Patricia Thomson Thomson, Dr. Helen Burns, Prof. Samantha Broadhead PEER REVIEWERS: Dr. Kate Noble, The Fitz William Museum and The Earl of Clancart

Western and Eastern building conservation philosophies: perspectives on permanence and impermanence

In this conceptual paper, we illuminate Western building conservation philosophy practice with insights into Eastern conservation philosophy and associated aesthetic understanding. We frame dialogue recognising individual and societal perspectives on treatments to buildings that attempt to attain ‘permanence’ or ‘impermanence’ in form, fabric, and artefact. Although not expressly sharing origins, Eastern and Western conservation philosophies practically yield commensurate or quasi approaches in intervention. These similarities have not been notably articulated before, and reveal meaningful insights for decision heuristics and guidance fundamental for repair scheme design and intervention. Western, pattern-based views relating to philosophical reasons around the impossibility of perfection, or ‘correctness’ in physical building form resonate with Eastern views supported by Kiku Kiwari. Moreover, universality in acceptance of Western Patina and Eastern Wabi-Sabi, and Eastern Kintsugi and Western legible fabric repair convey overt signals of philosophies beyond technical performance. Moreover, we find Western bias towards ‘tangibility’, and greater appreciation of ‘intangibility’ in Eastern approaches that are culturally enriching and go beyond mere retention of fabric and architectural form, linking building memory with territory. We suggest potential cross-fertilisation of thinking to create an environment of greater cultural understanding of the motives, thoughts and practices in East and West

Workplace support for mental health workers who are parents: a feasibility study

Background: Mental health workers are subject to high levels of occupational stress which is associated with poorer health and wellbeing and impaired patient outcomes. For individuals operating in high stress environments, reducing challenge at home, in particular around parenting, has been found to generalize into improvements in the professional domain. The present study sought to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of brief targeted workplace intervention to support workers in terms of their parental role. Design/Methodology: An uncontrolled evaluation of a series of three-session parenting-focused courses delivered to employees of a large Mental Health Trust. A pre-post-follow-up design was used to investigate effects on outcomes including parenting practice and experience, wellbeing, stress, and occupational self-efficacy. Intervention feasibility and acceptably was also evaluated. Findings: Data from 15 participants who completed measures pre-post indicates the courses were associated with improved parenting practice and experience at a p < 0.005 level. Improvements were reported at 6-month follow up. Participant satisfaction and course acceptability was highly rated by 100% of participants

Art Now: An inquiry into the state of art and design teaching in early years foundation stage, primary and secondary education

The Art Now Inquiry explores the current state of art and design education across the four nations; however, the focus is primarily on England where there was more survey data to draw on. It was commissioned by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Art, Craft and Design in Education in response to concerns about the reduction in opportunities for children and young people to access high-quality art and design education. The Inquiry spans early years, primary and secondary phases of schooling. The Inquiry ran between Spring 2020 and Spring 2023 and this report includes a rapid evidence review of the benefits of art and design education, a literature review of art teaching and teacher education, a national survey of 1,860 art and design teachers and testimonies from two APPG evidence sessions. Drawing on each of these sources, the Art Now Inquiry report makes the case for art and design education, and the critical importance of investing in a diverse subject-specialist workforce. It starts with an examination of teacher education in art and design which is essential for equipping teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver the curriculum. The Inquiry goes behind the numbers to explore the working conditions, wellbeing and career intentions of art and design teachers. The findings provide a health check on the training and retention of art and design teachers, and highlight the time and resources needed to support access to high-quality provision of art, craft and design education. Ofsted defines a high-quality curriculum in art and design as one that provides the conditions for pupils to develop a love of the subject that is both intellectually challenging and creatively demanding

A Toolkit for bulk PCR-based marker design from next-generation sequence data: application for development of a framework linkage map in bulb onion (Allium cepa L.)

BACKGROUND: Although modern sequencing technologies permit the ready detection of numerous DNA sequence variants in any organisms, converting such information to PCR-based genetic markers is hampered by a lack of simple, scalable tools. Onion is an example of an under-researched crop with a complex, heterozygous genome where genome-based research has previously been hindered by limited sequence resources and genetic markers. RESULTS: We report the development of generic tools for large-scale web-based PCR-based marker design in the Galaxy bioinformatics framework, and their application for development of next-generation genetics resources in a wide cross of bulb onion (Allium cepa L.). Transcriptome sequence resources were developed for the homozygous doubled-haploid bulb onion line ‘CUDH2150’ and the genetically distant Indian landrace ‘Nasik Red’, using 454™ sequencing of normalised cDNA libraries of leaf and shoot. Read mapping of ‘Nasik Red’ reads onto ‘CUDH2150’ assemblies revealed 16836 indel and SNP polymorphisms that were mined for portable PCR-based marker development. Tools for detection of restriction polymorphisms and primer set design were developed in BioPython and adapted for use in the Galaxy workflow environment, enabling large-scale and targeted assay design. Using PCR-based markers designed with these tools, a framework genetic linkage map of over 800cM spanning all chromosomes was developed in a subset of 93 F(2) progeny from a very large F(2) family developed from the ‘Nasik Red’ x ‘CUDH2150’ inter-cross. The utility of tools and genetic resources developed was tested by designing markers to transcription factor-like polymorphic sequences. Bin mapping these markers using a subset of 10 progeny confirmed the ability to place markers within 10 cM bins, enabling increased efficiency in marker assignment and targeted map refinement. The major genetic loci conditioning red bulb colour (R) and fructan content (Frc) were located on this map by QTL analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The generic tools developed for the Galaxy environment enable rapid development of sets of PCR assays targeting sequence variants identified from Illumina and 454 sequence data. They enable non-specialist users to validate and exploit large volumes of next-generation sequence data using basic equipment