Social identification, widening participation and Higher Education: Experiencing similarity and difference in an English red brick university

In 2012, the UK government introduced the National Scholarship Programme - a scheme that aimed to ensure that young people from families with low household incomes would not be discouraged from entry into higher education by increases in tuition fees. Drawing on longitudinal evidence in the form of eighty semi-structured interviews conducted in an English Red Brick University over a three-year period, this paper uses Jenkins’ work on social identification to examine the process es by which these post-2012 undergraduates used and experienced the financial support made available to them as part of the Programme. The paper explores how the initially categorical label associated with being a student in receipt of financial assistance was variously understood and experienced as they moved through their degree. Not only did the additional finance allow students to avoid excessive part-time work, recipients also felt increasingly valued by the institution when they began to recognise how their financial circumstances differed from their peers, and that the university had made this provision for them. It remains to be seen whether these, more intangible, benefits of non- repayable financial support will transfer to the system of ‘enhanced’ loans that have subsequently replaced maintenance grants and the National Scholarship Programme

Topical rapamycin versus betamethasone dipropionate ointment for treating oral erosive lichen planus: a randomized, double‐blind, controlled study

Background Although superpotent topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for oral erosive lichen planus (OELP), topical rapamycin was found efficient in a previous case series.Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of topical rapamycin and betamethasone dipropionate ointment for OELP in a randomized, double-blind trial.Methods Patients were randomized to receive treatment with betamethasone dipropionate ointment 0.05% in Orabase(R) or topical rapamycin solution (1 mg/mL) on lesions twice daily for 3 months, followed by 3 months of observation. The primary outcome was clinical remission after 3 months of treatment. Secondary outcomes were clinical remission after 1 and 2 months, reduced oral pain and reduced impact on food intake after 3 months, clinical recurrence after treatment withdrawal, and adverse events.Results During a 4-year period, 76 patients were randomized and 75 received treatment (rapamycin, n = 39; betamethasone, n = 36). At 3 months, 39.4% of patients with betamethasone and 27.3% with rapamycin showed clinical remission (odds ratio 0.68, 95% CI [0.24; 1.89]; P = 0.46). Rates of remission after 1 and 2 months, reduction in pain and impact on food intake after 3 months, were higher with betamethasone than rapamycin. Recurrence of oral erosions was similar between groups. Adverse events occurred in 43.6% of patients with rapamycin (mostly burning sensation, impaired taste) and 27.8% with betamethasone (mostly oral candidiasis).Conclusion Although the study was limited by insufficient recruitment, we did not find any superiority of topical rapamycin over betamethasone dipropionate ointment for OELP. Given the rapid remission and pain improvement in the betamethasone group, it appears that superpotent topical corticosteroids should remain the first-line treatment for OELP

Sunscreen photoprotection and vitamin D status

BACKGROUND: Global concern about vitamin D deficiency has fuelled debates on photoprotection and the importance of solar exposure to meet vitamin D requirements. OBJECTIVES: To review the published evidence to reach a consensus on the influence of photoprotection by sunscreens on vitamin D status, considering other relevant factors. METHODS: An international panel of 13 experts in endocrinology, dermatology, photobiology, epidemiology and biological anthropology reviewed the literature prior to a 1-day meeting in June 2017, during which the evidence was discussed. Methods of assessment and determining factors of vitamin D status, and public health perspectives were examined and consequences of sun exposure and the effects of photoprotection were assessed. RESULTS: A serum level of ≥ 50 nmol L-1 25(OH)D is a target for all individuals. Broad-spectrum sunscreens that prevent erythema are unlikely to compromise vitamin D status in healthy populations. Vitamin D screening should be restricted to those at risk of hypovitaminosis, such as patients with photosensitivity disorders, who require rigorous photoprotection. Screening and supplementation are advised for this group. CONCLUSIONS: Sunscreen use for daily and recreational photoprotection does not compromise vitamin D synthesis, even when applied under optimal conditions. What's already known about this topic? Knowledge of the relationship between solar exposure behaviour, sunscreen use and vitamin D is important for public health but there is confusion about optimal vitamin D status and the safest way to achieve this. Practical recommendations on the potential impact of daily and/or recreational sunscreens on vitamin D status are lacking for healthy people. What does this study add? Judicious use of daily broad-spectrum sunscreens with high ultraviolet (UV) A protection will not compromise vitamin D status in healthy people. However, photoprotection strategies for patients with photosensitivity disorders that include high sun-protection factor sunscreens with high UVA protection, along with protective clothing and shade-seeking behaviour are likely to compromise vitamin D status. Screening for vitamin D status and supplementation are recommended in patients with photosensitivity disorders.status: publishe

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