Accentuate the Positive: a personal profile of a parent with learning difficulties

ABSTRAC

Mental health stigma: a conundrum for healthcare practitioners in conservative communities

This paper presents perspectives on the stigma and shame around mental health in conservative communities, and some of the issues faced by health systems in those communities. The various causes of stigma are explored, and how these are often more pronounced in culturally reserved, conservative communities. While health systems are supposed to provide support for mental health sufferers, this stigma sometimes even extends to healthcare workers, which can discourage patients from asking for assistance. Solutions and reforms are needed, for example education programmes; addressing gender norms, and the consideration of culture and religion, to form effective solutions. It is also suggested that alternative therapies and support mechanisms, including digital solutions such as artificial intelligence chatbots, may be useful to provide much needed support to individuals with poor mental health. Along with integrating options such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), it may be useful to draw on indigenous psychologies, such as Islamic psychology, as a way of decolonising approaches. Therefore, when considering solutions, cultural and religious norms must be considered to ensure their efficacy and acceptance

A qualitative exploration of the relevance of training provision in planning for implementation of managed alcohol programs within a third sector setting

Background: Managed Alcohol Programs (MAPs) are a harm reduction strategy for people experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependence. Despite a growing evidence base, resistance to MAPs is apparent due to limited knowledge of alcohol harm reduction and the cultural preference for abstinence-based approaches. To address this, service managers working in a not-for-profit organization in Scotland designed and delivered a program of alcohol-specific staff training as part of a larger study exploring the potential implementation of MAPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 service managers and staff regarding their experiences of the training provided. Data were analyzed using Framework Analysis, and Lewin’s model of organizational change was applied to the findings to gain deeper theoretical insight into data relating to staff knowledge, training, and organizational change. Findings: Participants described increased knowledge about alcohol harm reduction and MAPs, as well as increased opportunities for conversations around cultural change. Findings highlight individual- and organizational-level change is required when implementing novel harm reduction interventions like MAPs. Conclusion: The findings have implications for the future implementation of MAPs in homelessness settings. Training can promote staff buy-in, facilitate the involvement of staff within the planning process, and change organizational culture.</p

Pore Mutations of the Escherichia coli MscS Channel Affect Desensitization but Not Ionic Preference

Mechanosensitive channels rescue bacterial cells from a fate of lysis when they transfer from a high- to low-osmolarity environment. Of three Escherichia coli mechanosensitive proteins studied to date, only MscS-Ec demonstrates a small anionic preference and a desensitized, nonconducting state under sustained pressure. Little is known about the mechanisms generating these distinctive properties. Eliminating the sole positive charge in the MscS-Ec pore region (Arg88) did not alter anionic preference. Adding positive charges at either end of the pore did not augment anionic preference, and placing negative charges within the pore did not diminish it. Thus, pore charges do not control this characteristic. However, from this analysis we identified mutations in the hinge region of the MscS-Ec pore helix (at Gly113) that profoundly affected ability of the channel to desensitize. Substitution with nonpolar (Ala, Pro) or polar (Asp, Arg, Ser) residues inhibited transition to the desensitized state. Interestingly, Gly113 replaced with Met did not impede desensitization. Thus, although Gly is not specifically required at position 113, MscS desensitization is strongly influenced by the residue situated here. Mutations at residues further into the pore also regulated desensitization. Transition to this unique mechanosensitive channel state is discussed in terms of existing data

Managed alcohol programmes: Scoping the potential of a novel intervention to help prevent infection (COVID-19) for people experiencing alcohol dependency and homelessness - Clients

Homelessness affects a significant number of people in Scotland, and access to healthcare can be challenging for this group. During COVID-19, people who are homeless are more vulnerable due to their increased risk of respiratory disease and difficulty in self-isolating. Lockdown restrictions can be challenging for those dependent on alcohol

COVID-19 MAPs Study Briefing - Clients

Homelessness affects a significant number of people in Scotland, and access to healthcare can be challenging for this group. During COVID-19, people who are homeless are more vulnerable due to their increased risk of respiratory disease and difficulty in self-isolating. Lockdown restrictions can be challenging for those dependent on alcohol

COVID-19 MAPs Study Briefing - Staff

Homelessness affects a significant number of people in Scotland, and access to healthcare can be challenging for this group. During COVID-19, people who are homeless are more vulnerable due to their increased risk of respiratory disease and difficulty in self-isolating. Lockdown restrictions can be challenging for those dependent on alcohol

Managed alcohol programmes: Scoping the potential of a novel intervention to help prevent infection (COVID-19) for people experiencing alcohol dependency and homelessness - Staff

Homelessness affects a significant number of people in Scotland, and access to healthcare can be challenging for this group. During COVID-19, people who are homeless are more vulnerable due to their increased risk of respiratory disease and difficulty in self-isolating. Lockdown restrictions can be challenging for those dependent on alcohol