81 results on '"James Redfern"'
Search Results
2. Hands On Biofilm! A multidisciplinary public engagement event using kombucha tea pellicle as an accessible example of biofilm
- Author
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Joanna Verran, Jane Wood, James Redfern, Haleh Moravej, and Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas
- Subjects
Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Public engagement with science has become increasingly important for the scientific community. There are many documented public engagement events that focus on aspects of microbiology, but relatively few utilise biofilms as a topic, despite their importance. Kombucha tea pellicles are easy to grow biofilms, facilitating their use within the public domain as examples of these complex communities.The aim of this work was to deliver a public engagement event that introduced visitors to general concepts about biofilm, and applications around sustainability, using kombucha. The event encouraged visitors to: build a biofilm using model clay; inoculate kombucha tea cultures using different incubation conditions, as part of a citizen science experiment to assess impact on pellicle biofilm yield; create garments and drapes on mini-mannequins using dried kombucha pellicle fabric, and demonstrate the range and importance of fermented foods (including kombucha tea), and ‘good bacteria’. Quantitative and qualitative indicators of engagement were built into the activities.More than 1200 visitors, mainly in family groups, visited the event over a 4-h period. Knowledge of biofilms was low at the beginning of the event. Participation in all activities was high. Indicators of quantitative engagement were impressive, but it was difficult to obtain qualitative evidence other than observations from the delivery team (nineteen members) because of the intensity of the event and volume of visitors.The event was clearly successful in terms of fulfilment of aims, audience engagement and enthusiasm: the embedded evaluations helped to evidence the impact and reach of the event, enabling confidence in dissemination of good practice in the enhancement of public understanding of the importance of biofilm in general, and kombucha in particular.
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- 2023
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3. The Position and Morphology of the Peroneus Longus Tubercle in Hallux Valgus: A Weight-Bearing CT Assessment
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Christopher James Marusza MBChB, MRCS, Howard Stringer MBChB, BSc (Hons), James Redfern MBChB, MRCS, Dhrumin Sangoi MBBS, MRCS, Matthew Welck MBChB (Hons), FRCS (Tr & Orth), Lyndon W. Mason MB BCh, FRCS (Tr&Orth), and Karan Malhotra MBChB (Hons), MRCS, FRCS (Tr & Orth)
- Subjects
Orthopedic surgery ,RD701-811 - Abstract
Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: The peroneus longus is one of the main dynamic stabilisers of the first ray acting through its primary insertion at the first metatarsal base and has the theoretical possibility to be defunctioned in hallux valgus (HV). In this study, our primary objective was to report and compare the position and morphology of the peroneus longus tubercle (PLT) in feet with and without HV, using weightbearing CT (WBCT). Methods: A retrospective analysis of WBCT scans was completed using 40 feet in 23 patients. Feet were divided into two equal groups - the normal, 'non-hallux valgus' (non-HV) group and the 'HV' group (Mean age 60.45 and 60.60 respectively). The morphology and position of the PLT was assessed between groups. The intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and metatarsal pronation angle (MPA) were assessed. We also introduce and have assessed the novel measurements of tubercle-to-floor distance (T-F distance), the bisecting angle of the PLT, tubercle-to-metatarsals angle (T-MT angle) as well as the metatarsal cross-sectional area. Results: Between the non-HV group and the HV group, significant differences were found in the T-F distance (mean 26.7mm and 23.35mm respectively, p = .001), illustrating a lower medial column in HV. There was a moderate correlation between IMA and T- F distance (r = -.475, p < .001) confirming depression of the first ray with increasing IMA. The bisecting angle was lower in the HV group as compared to non-HV (mean 61.65 degrees and 66.60 degrees respectively, p=0.017), demonstrating pronation of the PLT in relation to the floor in the HV. We found a significant difference in T-MT angle between the HV and non-HV groups (mean 31.85 degrees and 35.85 degrees respectively, p=0.041) and a strong correlation between the T-MT angle and bisecting angle (r = .817, p< .001) suggesting the pronation occurred in the first metatarsal to a larger degree than the remainder of the forefoot. Conclusion: In this study we have demonstrated a difference in the position of the PLT between HV and non-HV individuals, with a pronated PLT noted in individuals with HV.
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- 2022
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4. Biofilm associated genotypes of multiple antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
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James Redfern, Janine Wallace, Alex van Belkum, Magali Jaillard, Elliot Whittard, Roobinidevi Ragupathy, Joanna Verran, Peter Kelly, and Mark Charles Enright
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa ,Genomics ,GWAS ,Biofilm ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Abstract Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous environmental microorganism and also a common cause of infection. Its ability to survive in many different environments and persistently colonize humans is linked to its presence in biofilms formed on indwelling device surfaces. Biofilm promotes adhesion to, and survival on surfaces, protects from desiccation and the actions of antibiotics and disinfectants. Results We examined the genetic basis for biofilm production on polystyrene at room (22 °C) and body temperature (37 °C) within 280 P. aeruginosa. 193 isolates (69 %) produced more biofilm at 22 °C than at 37 °C. Using GWAS and pan-GWAS, we found a number of accessory genes significantly associated with greater biofilm production at 22 °C. Many of these are present on a 165 kb region containing genes for heavy metal resistance (arsenic, copper, mercury and cadmium), transcriptional regulators and methytransferases. We also discovered multiple core genome SNPs in the A-type flagellin gene and Type II secretion system gene xpsD. Analysis of biofilm production of isolates of the MDR ST111 and ST235 lineages on stainless-steel revealed several accessory genes associated with enhanced biofilm production. These include a putative translocase with homology to a Helicobacter pylori type IV secretion system protein, a TA system II toxin gene and the alginate biosynthesis gene algA, several transcriptional regulators and methytransferases as well as core SNPs in genes involved in quorum sensing and protein translocation. Conclusions Using genetic association approaches we discovered a number of accessory genes and core-genome SNPs that were associated with enhanced early biofilm formation at 22 °C compared to 37 °C. These included a 165 kb genomic island containing multiple heavy metal resistance genes, transcriptional regulators and methyltransferases. We hypothesize that this genomic island may be associated with overall genotypes that are environmentally adapted to survive at lower temperatures. Further work to examine their importance in, for example gene-knockout studies, are required to confirm their relevance. GWAS and pan-GWAS approaches have great potential as a first step in examining the genetic basis of novel bacterial phenotypes.
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- 2021
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5. Reproducibility of Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers Over Sub-Cultured Generations for the Development of Novel Textiles
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Jane Wood, Christopher van der Gast, Damian Rivett, Joanna Verran, and James Redfern
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bacterial cellulose ,Komagataeibacter xylinus ,pellicle ,textiles ,sustainability ,Biotechnology ,TP248.13-248.65 - Abstract
The textile industry is in crisis and under pressure to minimize the environmental impact on its practices. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a naturally occurring form of cellulose, displays properties superior to those of its cotton plant counterpart, such as enhanced purity, crystallinity, tensile strength, and water retention and is thus suitable for an array of textile applications. It is synthesized from a variety of microorganisms but is produced in most abundance by Komagataeibacter xylinus. K. xylinus is available as a type strain culture and exists in the microbial consortium commonly known as Kombucha. Whilst existing literature studies have described the effectiveness of both K. xylinus isolates and Kombucha in the production of BC, this study investigated the change in microbial communities across several generations of sub-culturing and the impact of these communities on BC yield. Using Kombucha and the single isolate strain K. xylinus as inocula in Hestrin and Schramm liquid growth media, BC pellicles were propagated. The resulting pellicles and residual liquid media were used to further inoculate fresh liquid media, and this process was repeated over three generations. For each generation, the thickness of the pellicles and their appearance under SEM were recorded. 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted on both pellicles and liquid media samples to assess changes in communities. The results indicated that the genus Komagataeibacter was the most abundant species in all samples. Cultures seeded with Kombucha yielded thicker cellulose pellicles than those seeded with K. xylinus, but all the pellicles had similar nanofibrillar structures, with a mix of liquid and pellicle inocula producing the best yield of BC after three generations of sub-culturing. Therefore, Kombucha starter cultures produce BC pellicles which are more reproducible across generations than those created from pure isolates of K. xylinus and could provide a reproducible sustainable model for generating textile materials.
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- 2022
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6. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Novel Polyvalent Bacteriophages With Potent In Vitro Activity Against an International Collection of Genetically Diverse Staphylococcus aureus
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Elliot Whittard, James Redfern, Guoqing Xia, Andrew Millard, Roobinidevi Ragupathy, Sladjana Malic, and Mark C. Enright
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Staphylococcus aureus ,bacteriophage ,biofilm ,methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ,genomics ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Phage therapy recently passed a key milestone with success of the first regulated clinical trial using systemic administration. In this single-arm non-comparative safety study, phages were administered intravenously to patients with invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections with no adverse reactions reported. Here, we examined features of 78 lytic S. aureus phages, most of which were propagated using a S. carnosus host modified to be broadly susceptible to staphylococcal phage infection. Use of this host eliminates the threat of contamination with staphylococcal prophage — the main vector of S. aureus horizontal gene transfer. We determined the host range of these phages against an international collection of 185 S. aureus isolates with 56 different multilocus sequence types that included multiple representatives of all epidemic MRSA and MSSA clonal complexes. Forty of our 78 phages were able to infect > 90% of study isolates, 15 were able to infect > 95%, and two could infect all 184 clinical isolates, but not a phage-resistant mutant generated in a previous study. We selected the 10 phages with the widest host range for in vitro characterization by planktonic culture time-kill analysis against four isolates:- modified S. carnosus strain TM300H, methicillin-sensitive isolates D329 and 15981, and MRSA isolate 252. Six of these 10 phages were able to rapidly kill, reducing cell numbers of at least three isolates. The four best-performing phages, in this assay, were further shown to be highly effective in reducing 48 h biofilms on polystyrene formed by eight ST22 and eight ST36 MRSA isolates. Genomes of 22 of the widest host-range phages showed they belonged to the Twortvirinae subfamily of the order Caudovirales in three main groups corresponding to Silviavirus, and two distinct groups of Kayvirus. These genomes assembled as single-linear dsDNAs with an average length of 140 kb and a GC content of c. 30%. Phages that could infect > 96% of S. aureus isolates were found in all three groups, and these have great potential as therapeutic candidates if, in future studies, they can be formulated to maximize their efficacy and eliminate emergence of phage resistance by using appropriate combinations.
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- 2021
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7. How Do We Determine the Efficacy of an Antibacterial Surface? A Review of Standardised Antibacterial Material Testing Methods
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Alexander J. Cunliffe, Peter D. Askew, Ina Stephan, Gillian Iredale, Patrick Cosemans, Lisa M. Simmons, Joanna Verran, and James Redfern
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antimicrobial materials ,antimicrobial testing ,22196 ,antimicrobial surfaces ,antibacterial coatings ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
Materials that confer antimicrobial activity, be that by innate property, leaching of biocides or design features (e.g., non-adhesive materials) continue to gain popularity to combat the increasing and varied threats from microorganisms, e.g., replacing inert surfaces in hospitals with copper. To understand how efficacious these materials are at controlling microorganisms, data is usually collected via a standardised test method. However, standardised test methods vary, and often the characteristics and methodological choices can make it difficult to infer that any perceived antimicrobial activity demonstrated in the laboratory can be confidently assumed to an end-use setting. This review provides a critical analysis of standardised methodology used in academia and industry, and demonstrates how many key methodological choices (e.g., temperature, humidity/moisture, airflow, surface topography) may impact efficacy assessment, highlighting the need to carefully consider intended antimicrobial end-use of any product.
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- 2021
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8. Biofilm Control Strategies: Engaging with the Public
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Joanna Verran, Sarah Jackson, Antony Scimone, Peter Kelly, and James Redfern
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Biofilm ,Public Engagement ,Outreach ,Control Strategies ,Oral Biofilm ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
There are few peer-reviewed publications about public engagement with science that are written by microbiologists; those that exist tend to be a narrative of an event rather than a hypothesis-driven investigation. However, it is relatively easy for experienced scientists to use a scientific method in their approach to public engagement. This short communication describes three public engagement activities hosted by the authors, focused on biofilm control: hand hygiene, plaque control and an externally applied antimicrobial coating. In each case, audience engagement was assessed using quantitative and/or qualitative methods. A critical evaluation of the findings enabled the construction of a public engagement ‘tick list’ for future events that would enable a hypothesis-driven approach with more effective communication activities and more robust evaluation.
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- 2020
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9. Posterior Malleolar Ankle Fractures
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Lyndon Mason FRCS(Tr&Orth), James Widnall FRCS(Tr&Orth), James Redfern MBChB, Eric Swanton MBChB, FRACS(Orth), and Andrew Molloy FRCS(Tr&Orth)
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Orthopedic surgery ,RD701-811 - Abstract
Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: There is an increasing acceptance that the clinical outcomes following posterior malleolar fractures are less than satisfactory. In creating a treatment guiding classification and algorithm, we report our results in a system change in management of posterior malleolar fractures in our unit. Methods: All fractures were classified according to Mason and Molloy classification (Foot Ankle Int. 2017 Nov;38(11):1229-1235) based on CT scans obtained pre-operatively. This dictated the treatment algorithm. Type 1 fractures underwent syndesmotic fixation. Type 2A fractures underwent ORIF through a posterolateral incision, and type 2B and 3 fractures underwent ORIF through a posteromedial incision. The patient remained NWB for 6 weeks postoperative. Data was collected prospectively from December 2014 to July 2017. Results: Patient-related outcome measures were obtained in 50 patients with at least 1 year follow up (mean 18 months). The overall OMAS score for all posterior malleolar fractures in this cohort was 74.1 (range 35-100). According to Mason and Molloy classification, the mean OMAS for type 1 was 75.9 (Range 30-100), type 2A 75.0 (range 35-100), type 2B 74.0 (range 55-100) and type 3 70.5 (Range 35-100). Using one way ANOVA test, there was no significant difference (p=.886) between groups or within groups. There was a trend, however, that the lower the Mason and Molloy classification had higher OMAS outcomes. The overall 1-year EQ-5D index for this cohort was 0.88 (SD 0.22). The average visual analogue score for this patient group was 77.5 (SD 26.2). Conclusion: We have been able to demonstrate an improvement in functional scores for all posterior malleolar fractures with the treatment algorithm applied using the Mason and Molloy classification. This is compared to our previous study where traditional posterior malleolar management was undertaken. Our OMAS scores have now improved to what would be expected from unimalleolar fractures, illustrating the importance of understanding the injury mechanism and patterns of injury. Mason and Molloy type 3 fractures have marginally poorer outcomes, which correlates with a more significant injury.
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- 2018
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10. Impact of educational interventions on adolescent attitudes and knowledge regarding vaccination: A pilot study.
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Kate Carolan, Joanna Verran, Matthew Crossley, James Redfern, Nicola Whitton, and Martyn Amos
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Current immunisation levels in England currently fall slightly below the threshold recommended by the World Health Organization, and the three-year trend for vaccination uptake is downwards. Attitudes towards vaccination can affect future decisions on whether or not to vaccinate, and this can have significant public health implications. Interventions can impact future vaccination decisions, and these interventions can take several forms. Relatively little work has been reported on the use of vaccination interventions in young people, who form the next generation of individuals likely to make vaccination decisions.We investigated the impact of two different types of educational intervention on attitudes towards vaccination in young people in England. A cohort of young people (n = 63) was recruited via a local school. This group was divided into three sub-groups; one (n = 21) received a presentation-based intervention, one (n = 26) received an interactive simulation-based intervention, and the third (n = 16) received no intervention. Participants supplied information on (1) their attitudes towards vaccination, and (2) their information needs and views on personal choice concerning vaccination, at three time points: immediately before and after the intervention, and after six months.Neither intervention had a significant effect on participants' attitudes towards vaccination. However, the group receiving the presentation-based intervention saw a sustained uplift in confidence about information needs, which was not observed in the simulation-based intervention group.Our findings with young people are consistent with previous work on vaccination interventions aimed at adults, which have shown limited effectiveness, and which can actually reduce intention to vaccinate. Our findings on the most effective mode of delivery for the intervention should inform future discussion in the growing "games for health" domain, which proposes the use of interactive digital resources in healthcare education.
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- 2018
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11. Environmental and Experimental Factors Affecting Efficacy Testing of Nonporous Plastic Antimicrobial Surfaces
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James Redfern, Jake Tucker, Lisa M. Simmons, Peter Askew, Ina Stephan, and Joanna Verran
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method development ,standardisation ,antimicrobial test ,environmental conditions ,hospital premises ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Test methods for efficacy assessment of antimicrobial coatings are not modelled on a hospital environment, and instead use high humidity (>90%) high temperature (37 °C), and no airflow. Therefore, an inoculum will not dry, resulting in an antimicrobial surface exhibiting prolonged antimicrobial activity, as moisture is critical to activity. Liquids will dry quicker in a hospital ward, resulting in a reduced antimicrobial efficacy compared to the existing test, rendering the test results artificially favourable to the antimicrobial claim of the product. This study aimed to assess how hospital room environmental conditions can affect the drying time of an inoculum, and to use this data to inform test parameters for antimicrobial efficacy testing based on the hospital ward. The drying time of different droplet sizes, in a range of environmental conditions likely found in a hospital ward, were recorded (n = 630), and used to create a model to inform users of the experimental conditions required to provide a drying time similar to what can be expected in the hospital ward. Drying time data demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variance when humidity, temperature, and airflow were assessed. A mathematical model was created to select environmental conditions for in vitro antimicrobial efficacy testing. Drying time in different environmental conditions demonstrates that experimental set-ups affect the amount of time an inoculum stays wet, which in turn may affect the efficacy of an antimicrobial surface. This should be an important consideration for hospitals and other potential users, whilst future tests predict efficacy in the intended end-use environment.
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- 2018
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12. What does the UK public want from academic science communication? [version 1; referees: 3 approved]
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James Redfern, Sam Illingworth, and Joanna Verran
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Public Engagement ,Science & Medical Education ,Web and Social Media ,Medicine ,Science - Abstract
The overall aim of public academic science communication is to engage a non-scientist with a particular field of science and/or research topic, often driven by the expertise of the academic. An e-survey was designed to provide insight into respondent’s current and future engagement with science communication activities. Respondents provided a wide range of ideas and concerns as to the ‘common practice’ of academic science communication, and whilst they support some of these popular approaches (such as open-door events and science festivals), there are alternatives that may enable wider engagement. Suggestions of internet-based approaches and digital media were strongly encouraged, and although respondents found merits in methods such as science festivals, limitations such as geography, time and topic of interest were a barrier to engagement for some. Academics and scientists need to think carefully about how they plan their science communication activities and carry out evaluations, including considering the point of view of the public, as although defaulting to hands-on open door events at their university may seem like the expected standard, it may not be the best way to reach the intended audience.
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- 2016
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13. What’s in a Name? Exploring the Nomenclature of Science Communication in the UK [version 2; referees: 1 approved, 3 approved with reservations]
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Sam Illingworth, James Redfern, Steve Millington, and Sam Gray
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Public Engagement ,Web and Social Media ,Medicine ,Science - Abstract
This study, via a consideration of the literature, and a limited survey of active science communicators, presents concise and workable definitions for science outreach, public engagement, widening participation, and knowledge exchange, in a UK context. Sixty-six per cent of participants agreed that their definitions of outreach, public engagement, and widening participation aligned with those of their colleagues, whilst 64% felt that their personal definitions matched those of their institute. However, closer inspection of the open-ended questions found the respondents often differed in the use of the nomenclature. In particular, the respondents found it difficult to define knowledge exchange in this context. It is hoped that this initial study will form the foundation of future work in this area, and that it will help to further develop the debate regarding the need for a consistent nomenclature across science communication.
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- 2015
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14. What’s in a Name? Exploring the Nomenclature of Science Communication in the UK [v1; ref status: indexed, http://f1000r.es/5p0]
- Author
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Sam Illingworth, James Redfern, Steve Millington, and Sam Gray
- Subjects
Public Engagement ,Web and Social Media ,Medicine ,Science - Abstract
This study, via a consideration of the literature, and a survey of science communicators, presents concise and workable definitions for science outreach, public engagement, widening participation, and knowledge exchange, in a UK context. Sixty-six per cent of participants agreed that their definitions of outreach, public engagement, and widening participation aligned with those of their colleagues, whilst 64% felt that their personal definitions matched those of their institute. However, closer inspection of the open-ended questions found the respondents often differed in the use of the nomenclature. In particular, the respondents found it difficult to define knowledge exchange in this context.
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- 2015
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15. Using Soxhlet Ethanol Extraction to Produce and Test Plant Material (Essential Oils) for Their Antimicrobial Properties
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James Redfern, Malcolm Kinninmonth, Dariel Burdass, and Joanna Verran
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Special aspects of education ,LC8-6691 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
As the issue of antimicrobial resistance continues to grow, there is a renewed interest in deriving antimicrobial products from natural compounds, particularly extracts from plant materials. This paper describes how essential oil can be extracted from the common herb, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) in the classroom. Subsequently, the extract can be tested for its antimicrobial activity. A number of variables are suggested.
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- 2014
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16. Co-development, co-delivery, and evaluation of a Medical Writing module at master’s level
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Joanna Verran, Sam Illingworth, James Pritchett, and James Redfern
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Medical Terminology ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Health Informatics ,Education - Published
- 2023
17. Editor response for version 2
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James Redfern
- Published
- 2023
18. A Lexical Study of Raeto-Romance and Contiguous Italian Dialect Areas
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James Redfern and James Redfern
- Published
- 2017
19. Developing textile sustainability education in the curriculum: pedagogical approaches to material innovation in fashion
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Jane Wood, James Redfern, and Joanna Verran
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Visual Arts and Performing Arts ,Textile ,ResearchInstitutes_Networks_Beacons/02/13 ,Creative Manchester ,Textiles ,education for sustainable development ,ResearchInstitutes_Networks_Beacons/03/02 ,ResearchInstitutes_Networks_Beacons/manchester_institute_of_biotechnology ,ResearchInstitutes_Networks_Beacons/03/05 ,Sustainable Futures ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Education ,Curriculum Development ,ResearchInstitutes_Networks_Beacons/creative_manchester ,Sustainability ,Manchester Institute of Biotechnology ,Curriculum ,Advanced materials ,Fashion ,Biotechnology - Abstract
The textile industry needs to adopt environmentally sustainable approaches to address ecologically damaging practices. Whilst driven by initiatives such as Textiles 2030, it is current students who will carry this agenda forward. This project investigated pedagogical approaches to develop sustainable textiles for the fashion design curriculum. Pilot studies, using bacterial cellulose (BC) as a material for millinery, revealed members of the public were prepared to experiment with this novel material, and BC was compatible with traditional hat-making techniques. A further study challenged secondary school students, based on an experiential learning model, to grow their own BC biofilm, exploring this as a sustainable apparel fabric. Initial attitudes of reluctance developed into acceptance once engaged in the practical activity. This study illustrates that with appropriate communication and education strategies, the principles of sustainability in fashion, and the acceptability of novel materials, can be engendered in different audiences.
- Published
- 2022
20. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and exercise restrictions: time to let the shackles off?
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Yuen W, Liao, James, Redfern, John D, Somauroo, and Robert M, Cooper
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cardiovascular system ,macromolecular substances ,cardiovascular diseases ,Clinical Focus - Abstract
The health benefits of physical activity are well documented. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are often discouraged from participating in physical activity due to a perceived increase in the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). As a result, only 45% of patients with HCM meet the minimum guidelines for physical activity, and many report an intentional reduction in exercise following diagnosis. Despite most SCD being unrelated to HCM, guidelines traditionally focused on the avoidance of potential risk through restriction of exercise, without clear recommendations on how to negate the negative health impact of inactivity. Retrospective reviews have demonstrated that the majority of cardiac arrests in patients with HCM occurred at rest or on mild exertion and that the overall incidence of HCM-related SCD is significantly lower than previously reported. We will discuss current international guidelines and recommendations and consider the outcomes of various studies that have investigated the effects of exercise of different intensities on patients with HCM. In light of the growing evidence suggesting that carefully guided exercise can be both beneficial and safe in patients with HCM, we ask whether it is time to let the shackles off exercise restriction in HCM.
- Published
- 2022
21. Bacterial cellulose grown from kombucha: Assessment of textile performance properties using fashion apparel tests
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Jane Wood, Joanna Verran, and James Redfern
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Bacterial cellulose ,Polymers and Plastics ,apparel ,fashion ,Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous) ,sustainability ,performance ,textiles - Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been suggested as a sustainable alternative textile for apparel. Previous studies have evaluated the production of BC sheets and the suitability of these to form garment shapes. The laboratory measured physical performance characteristics of BC from an apparel perspective remain relatively unexplored. The aim of this study was to produce reproducible sheets of BC, enabling the evaluation of the performance of the BC in an apparel textile testing context, and comparison to other textile materials. Grown in sterile black tea with glucose, the BC presented as a mesh of non-woven nanofibers, and thus comparison was made with three non-woven fabrics. It has also been suggested that BC could be used as ‘vegetable’ leather; therefore, performance comparisons were conducted with animal skins. Utilizing British, European and International standard test methods, the selected fabrics were evaluated for their performance in tensile, elongation, moisture vapor permeability and abrasion tests, relevant for an apparel end-use. Tensile strength testing revealed that BC is weaker than its animal counterparts but does display similar physical characteristics at the point of failure; however, it displayed a higher tensile strength than the non-woven fabrics chosen for comparison. BC was the least breathable and most moisture-retentive of all the fabrics tested, raising questions regarding its suitability and comfort for apparel applications in its untreated state. However, BC displayed superior performance when tested for resistance to abrasion, suggesting it could be best utilized in the form of encapsulated patches in items subjected to this type of damage.
- Published
- 2023
22. What’s in a Name? Exploring the Nomenclature of Science Communication in the UK [version 2; referees: 3 approved, 1 approved with reservations]
- Author
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Sam Illingworth, James Redfern, Steve Millington, and Sam Gray
- Subjects
Research Article ,Articles ,Public Engagement ,Web and Social Media ,Science Communication ,Outreach ,Widening Participation ,Knowledge Exchange - Abstract
This study, via a consideration of the literature, and a limited survey of active science communicators, presents concise and workable definitions for science outreach, public engagement, widening participation, and knowledge exchange, in a UK context. Sixty-six per cent of participants agreed that their definitions of outreach, public engagement, and widening participation aligned with those of their colleagues, whilst 64% felt that their personal definitions matched those of their institute. However, closer inspection of the open-ended questions found the respondents often differed in the use of the nomenclature. In particular, the respondents found it difficult to define knowledge exchange in this context. It is hoped that this initial study will form the foundation of future work in this area, and that it will help to further develop the debate regarding the need for a consistent nomenclature across science communication.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. What’s in a Name? Exploring the Nomenclature of Science Communication in the UK [version 1; referees: 1 approved, 3 approved with reservations]
- Author
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Sam Illingworth, James Redfern, Steve Millington, and Sam Gray
- Subjects
Research Article ,Articles ,Public Engagement ,Web and Social Media ,Science Communication ,Outreach ,Widening Participation ,Knowledge Exchange - Abstract
This study, via a consideration of the literature, and a survey of science communicators, presents concise and workable definitions for science outreach, public engagement, widening participation, and knowledge exchange, in a UK context. Sixty-six per cent of participants agreed that their definitions of outreach, public engagement, and widening participation aligned with those of their colleagues, whilst 64% felt that their personal definitions matched those of their institute. However, closer inspection of the open-ended questions found the respondents often differed in the use of the nomenclature. In particular, the respondents found it difficult to define knowledge exchange in this context.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as a ceiling of care treatment for hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19
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Thomas Bongers, Tarek Saba, James Wilson, Patrick H. Bradley, James Redfern, Jennifer Nixon, and Emily Nuttall
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,business.industry ,Internal medicine ,medicine.medical_treatment ,medicine ,Cardiology ,Continuous positive airway pressure ,Hypoxemic respiratory failure ,Ceiling (cloud) ,Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine ,Critical Care Nursing ,business - Published
- 2021
25. Analysis of University student responses to the pandemic in a formal microbiology assessment
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Joanna Verran, Zeynep Petek Çakar, and James Redfern
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,media_common.quotation_subject ,education ,microbiology education ,Microbiology ,coronavirus lockdown ,Literacy ,Constructivist teaching methods ,03 medical and health sciences ,Pandemic ,Research Letter ,qualitative evaluation ,Genetics ,medicine ,Humans ,Pandemics ,Molecular Biology ,analysis of text ,030304 developmental biology ,media_common ,Professional Development ,AcademicSubjects/SCI01150 ,0303 health sciences ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Social distance ,Public health ,05 social sciences ,COVID-19 ,050301 education ,Face masks ,Scientific literacy ,Communicable Disease Control ,Psychology ,0503 education ,scientific literacy - Abstract
During the coronavirus pandemic, second-year students on the B.Sc. molecular biology and genetics degree at Istanbul Technical University sat an open-ended online exam for a microbiology course in which one of the compulsory questions asked how the course had helped them during the first phase of the pandemic (April–July 2020). Fifty of 69 students gave consent for their (anonymous) responses to be analysed in order to discern any key ways in which their knowledge had been applied. The aim of the study was to investigate whether taking an advanced microbiology course increases understanding of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and has a positive impact on student behaviours with respect to public health practices. Findings were divided into four major themes: course content (information), application of course content to behavioural change (practice), professionalism and their ‘audience’ whilst at home in lockdown (family and friends). Social distancing, wearing face masks, and hand and surface hygiene were described as important behaviours, with this practice informed by their basic microbiology knowledge. This paper describes a scenario where rote assessment can be used to assess wider scientific literacy with respect to application in society, providing students with an opportunity to incorporate and apply their learning into real-life situations, whilst tutors can assess constructivist learning, conceptual understanding and impact on student behaviour., The microbiology examination assignment at Istanbul Technical University during the coronavirus pandemic is an excellent example of assessing wider scientific literacy with respect to application in society.
- Published
- 2021
26. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Novel Polyvalent Bacteriophages With Potent In Vitro Activity Against an International Collection of Genetically Diverse Staphylococcus aureus
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Andrew D. Millard, Mark C. Enright, Elliot Whittard, Guoqing Xia, James Redfern, Sladjana Malic, and Roobinidevi Ragupathy
- Subjects
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ,Microbiology (medical) ,Staphylococcus aureus ,Genotype ,Phage therapy ,Staphylococcus ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Immunology ,methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ,medicine.disease_cause ,Microbiology ,biofilm ,Bacteriophage ,03 medical and health sciences ,Cellular and Infection Microbiology ,bacteriophage ,Caudovirales ,genomics ,medicine ,Humans ,Bacteriophages ,Prophage ,Original Research ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,biology ,030306 microbiology ,Staphylococcal Infections ,biology.organism_classification ,Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ,QR1-502 ,Infectious Diseases ,Lytic cycle ,Staphylococcus Phages - Abstract
Phage therapy recently passed a key milestone with success of the first regulated clinical trial using systemic administration. In this single-arm non-comparative safety study, phages were administered intravenously to patients with invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections with no adverse reactions reported. Here, we examined features of 78 lytic S. aureus phages, most of which were propagated using a S. carnosus host modified to be broadly susceptible to staphylococcal phage infection. Use of this host eliminates the threat of contamination with staphylococcal prophage — the main vector of S. aureus horizontal gene transfer. We determined the host range of these phages against an international collection of 185 S. aureus isolates with 56 different multilocus sequence types that included multiple representatives of all epidemic MRSA and MSSA clonal complexes. Forty of our 78 phages were able to infect > 90% of study isolates, 15 were able to infect > 95%, and two could infect all 184 clinical isolates, but not a phage-resistant mutant generated in a previous study. We selected the 10 phages with the widest host range for in vitro characterization by planktonic culture time-kill analysis against four isolates:- modified S. carnosus strain TM300H, methicillin-sensitive isolates D329 and 15981, and MRSA isolate 252. Six of these 10 phages were able to rapidly kill, reducing cell numbers of at least three isolates. The four best-performing phages, in this assay, were further shown to be highly effective in reducing 48 h biofilms on polystyrene formed by eight ST22 and eight ST36 MRSA isolates. Genomes of 22 of the widest host-range phages showed they belonged to the Twortvirinae subfamily of the order Caudovirales in three main groups corresponding to Silviavirus, and two distinct groups of Kayvirus. These genomes assembled as single-linear dsDNAs with an average length of 140 kb and a GC content of c. 30%. Phages that could infect > 96% of S. aureus isolates were found in all three groups, and these have great potential as therapeutic candidates if, in future studies, they can be formulated to maximize their efficacy and eliminate emergence of phage resistance by using appropriate combinations.
- Published
- 2021
27. Giving intravenous iron to patients with symptomatic heart failure is safe and cost effective
- Author
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Rachel Goode, Clare Quarterman, Wing Yin Leung, James Redfern, and Archana Rao
- Subjects
Heart Failure ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ,business.industry ,Cost-Benefit Analysis ,Iron ,Intravenous iron ,General Medicine ,Iron deficiency ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,medicine.disease ,Cognitive health ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Quality of life (healthcare) ,Heart failure ,medicine ,Quality of Life ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Intensive care medicine ,business - Abstract
Aims/Background Heart failure affects approximately 1 million people in the UK, adversely affecting quality of life, functional capacity and cognitive health. Iron deficiency complicates heart failure in approximately 50% of patients. Giving intravenous ferric carboxymaltose has been shown to improve quality of life in patients with heart failure (New York Heart Association class and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire). Methods A quality improvement project was designed to assess the feasibility, safety and cost implications of establishing an intravenous iron service in the authors' centre. Results Between July and December 2019 61 patients who were screened met the inclusion criteria and were administered intravenous ferric carboxymaltose. There were statistically significant improvements in ferritin levels (83.3 ug/litre to 433 ug/litre; PConclusions Intravenous iron replacement with ferric carboxymaltose is safe and cost effective, and should be considered in eligible iron-deficient patients with symptomatic heart failure. Integration with another day case intravenous service represented the most logistically simple and economically viable method of service delivery.
- Published
- 2021
28. 29 Gone but not forgotten: a contemporary imaging series of patients with a systemic right ventricle and a lv-pa conduit for native obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract
- Author
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Ian Peart, James Redfern, Sarah Elgamal, Julia Jones, Damien Cullington, Reza Ashrafi, and Liam Corbett
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medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Electrical conduit ,Ventricle ,business.industry ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Cardiology ,Ventricular outflow tract ,business - Published
- 2021
29. Photocatalytic degradation of contaminants of emerging concern using a low-cost and efficient black bismuth titanate-based water treatment reactor
- Author
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Matthieu Grao, James Redfern, Peter Kelly, and Marina Ratova
- Subjects
Process Chemistry and Technology ,Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality ,Waste Management and Disposal ,Biotechnology - Published
- 2022
30. Biofilm control strategies: Engaging with the public
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Sarah Jackson, James Redfern, Peter Kelly, Joanna Verran, and Antony Scimone
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,Outreach ,Control (management) ,Biochemistry ,Microbiology ,Plaque control ,03 medical and health sciences ,Pharmacology (medical) ,Narrative ,General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics ,Public engagement ,business.industry ,Event (computing) ,Communication ,Biofilm ,lcsh:RM1-950 ,05 social sciences ,050301 education ,Oral Biofilm ,Public relations ,lcsh:Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,030104 developmental biology ,Infectious Diseases ,Scientific method ,Control Strategies ,business ,Psychology ,0503 education ,Public Engagement ,Qualitative research - Abstract
© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. There are few peer-reviewed publications about public engagement with science that are written by microbiologists; those that exist tend to be a narrative of an event rather than a hypothesis-driven investigation. However, it is relatively easy for experienced scientists to use a scientific method in their approach to public engagement. This short communication describes three public engagement activities hosted by the authors, focused on biofilm control: hand hygiene, plaque control and an externally applied antimicrobial coating. In each case, audience engagement was assessed using quantitative and/or qualitative methods. A critical evaluation of the findings enabled the construction of a public engagement ‘tick list’ for future events that would enable a hypothesis-driven approach with more effective communication activities and more robust evaluation.
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- 2020
31. 100 Intravenous iron in symptomatic heart failure is safe and cost-effective
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Valerie Wallace, James Redfern, Archana Rao, Clare Quarterman, Rachel Goode, John Hung, and Beverly MacCarthy-Ofosu
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Ejection fraction ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,biology ,business.industry ,Intravenous iron ,Iron deficiency ,medicine.disease ,Ferritin ,Quality of life ,Internal medicine ,Heart failure ,Serum iron ,biology.protein ,Medicine ,business ,Adverse effect - Abstract
Introduction Heart failure (HF) affects approximately 1 million people in the UK, adversely affecting quality of life, functional capacity and cognitive health. This results in frequent hospitalisation and significant healthcare costs1, 2. Iron deficiency complicates heart failure in approximately 50% of patients3, and is increasingly recognised as a significant contributor to morbidity in this group. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has been shown to improve quality of life (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]), performance in 6-minute walk test (6MWT), reduce hospitalisations, and is reflected in international guidelines4-7. We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety and cost implications of establishing an IV iron service for patients with HF in a large tertiary cardiology centre. Method Over a 6-month period (July-December 2019), outpatients with symptomatic heart failure (NYHA class ≥2) and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF ≤40%) were screened, and serum iron studies performed. Patients with iron deficiency (ferritin Results Fifty-two patients underwent IV iron replacement (69% male, mean age 66 years) with no significant adverse events or hospital admissions. The financial impact to the trust was a net income of £55 per patient (FCM treatment £290, remuneration £345). Ferritin increased significantly 83.3ug/L to 433ug/L (p Conclusion Utilisation of the existing iron infusion service facilitated the delivery of IV iron replacement for patients with heart failure with little need for additional training and resources. Delivery of the service did not incur additional cost to the trust and in fact there was a small net gain. In-keeping with published data we demonstrated comparable improvements in serum iron parameters and a trend towards improvement in NYHA class. IV iron replacement with FCM is safe and affordable and should be considered in all iron deficient patients with symptomatic heart failure. Conflict of Interest Yes - recieved honorarium from Vifor
- Published
- 2020
32. Further understanding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa’s ability to horizontally acquire virulence: possible intervention strategies
- Author
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Mark C. Enright and James Redfern
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0301 basic medicine ,Microbiology (medical) ,Flexibility (engineering) ,education.field_of_study ,Pseudomonas aeruginosa ,030106 microbiology ,Population ,Virulence ,Genomics ,Computational biology ,Biology ,medicine.disease_cause ,Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Infectious Diseases ,Virology ,Intervention (counseling) ,Horizontal gene transfer ,Global health ,medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,education - Abstract
© 2020, © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common, ubiquitous bacterium that is found in natural environments but is also a successful opportunistic pathogen of humans and plants. The reasons for this flexibility and evolutionary success can be attributed to its ability to readily acquire new genes to ensure its survival enabling it to survive desiccation, the action of antimicrobial compounds and invade new territories such as modern hospitals with high levels of antibiotic usage. Areas covered: Literature was searched using PubMed and Web of science (05/19 to 05/20). Identified studies paint a picture of a dynamic, highly variable population shaped by frequent intra- and inter-species horizontal gene transfer resulting in a species able to resist the action of antibiotics and deploy multiple virulence strategies controlled by complex quorum-sensing systems. We investigate possible control measures including anti-virulence and environmental control measures. Expert opinion: P.aeruginosa is a resilient, richly diverse species but also a global health threat due to the emergence and global dissemination of successful multiresistant clones that resist all antibiotics. Genomics offers the potential for rapid identification of ‘high-risk’ clones to guide chemotherapy, but novel control measures are also required to slow the species progression to pan-resistance.
- Published
- 2020
33. Visible light photocatalytic bismuth oxide coatings are effective at suppressing aquatic cyanobacteria and degrading free-floating genomic DNA
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James Pritchett, Marina Ratova, Matthieu Grao, Andrew P. Dean, Peter Kelly, Joanna Verran, and James Redfern
- Subjects
Cyanobacteria ,Environmental Engineering ,Light ,Population ,Oxide ,chemistry.chemical_element ,02 engineering and technology ,010501 environmental sciences ,01 natural sciences ,Catalysis ,Bismuth ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Environmental Chemistry ,Humans ,Microcystis aeruginosa ,education ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,General Environmental Science ,education.field_of_study ,biology ,General Medicine ,DNA ,Genomics ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,biology.organism_classification ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,Titanium dioxide ,Photocatalysis ,Water treatment ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
© 2020 Access to safe drinking water free from microbial pollution is an issue of global concern. The use of photocatalytic thin films in water treatment has focused on titanium dioxide, which requires UV-activation, proving a potential barrier to upscaling and implementation in the real world. Visible-light-activated photocatalytic thin films, such as bismuth oxide, have recently been shown to have antimicrobial properties. However, more understanding of the photocatalytic effect on the microbial population in water is required. Glass beads coated with bismuth oxide were incubated with either Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena sp. or free-floating genomic DNA. The presence of bismuth oxide-coated glass beads was able to rapidly stop a population of cyanobacteria from increasing. The coated beads were also able to degrade genomic DNA. Leachate from the beads showed no increase in toxicity against human liver cells. This data demonstrates the efficacy of bismuth oxide-coated glass beads for controlling potentially dangerous cyanobacterial populations, whilst potentially reducing the amount of free-floating genomic DNA (an essential issue in the face of antimicrobial resistance) – all of which should be essential considerations in emerging water treatment technologies.
- Published
- 2020
34. Further understanding of
- Author
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James, Redfern and Mark C, Enright
- Subjects
Gene Transfer, Horizontal ,Virulence ,Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ,Pseudomonas aeruginosa ,Animals ,Humans ,Quorum Sensing ,Pseudomonas Infections ,Anti-Bacterial Agents - Published
- 2020
35. Raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance among the general public in the UK: the role of public engagement activities
- Author
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Laura Bowater, James Redfern, Joanna Verran, and Lisa Coulthwaite
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Value (ethics) ,business.industry ,Event (computing) ,030106 microbiology ,05 social sciences ,050301 education ,Review ,Public relations ,Raising (linguistics) ,Insider ,03 medical and health sciences ,Antibiotic resistance ,Resource (project management) ,Public engagement ,business ,0503 education - Abstract
In response to the accepted risk of emerging antimicrobial resistance, many organizations and institutions have developed and delivered events and activities designed to raise awareness of the issue and to change the behaviour of the intended audience. However, few of these events for a general public audience are documented or able to be sourced by those who might wish to repeat, adapt or modify, particularly those events that are successful. ‘Insider knowledge’ appears to be the best search tool. Moreover, evaluation of the success or impact of the event is rarely published. It would be useful if there were a ‘hub’ where descriptions of such activities could be deposited, enabling the building of a significant resource with real academic value.
- Published
- 2020
36. Magnetron co-sputtered Bi12TiO20/Bi4Ti3O12 composite – An efficient photocatalytic material with photoinduced oxygen vacancies for water treatment application
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Marina Ratova, Peter Kelly, Matthieu Grao, and James Redfern
- Subjects
Materials science ,Bismuth titanate ,Composite number ,General Physics and Astronomy ,02 engineering and technology ,Surfaces and Interfaces ,General Chemistry ,Thermal treatment ,Sputter deposition ,010402 general chemistry ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,01 natural sciences ,0104 chemical sciences ,Surfaces, Coatings and Films ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy ,Titanium dioxide ,Photocatalysis ,Thin film ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
Bi TiO /Bi Ti O composite photocatalyst was investigated as an alternative to the conventionally used titanium dioxide, to tackle the well-known drawbacks of fast charge-carriers recombination and low quantum efficiency of TiO . Polycrystalline Bi TiO /Bi Ti O thin films were produced by pulsed DC reactive magnetron co-sputtering, a method of high industrial relevance, and compared to titanium dioxide coatings produced with the same technique. Following the deposition process, optimum thermal treatment temperature and length were established, to obtain crystallisation. The synthesised coatings were thoroughly analysed with a range of techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS and AFM. The photocatalytic properties of Bi TiO /Bi Ti O composite were assessed through methylene blue degradation and E. coli inactivation tests under UV-A irradiation. The results indicated considerably higher efficiency of the composite photocatalyst when compared to TiO . Moreover, the reusability assessment of Bi TiO /Bi Ti O thin films revealed an incremental performance increase after each consecutive test, leading to a 6-fold increase in photocatalytic activity between the first and 15th cycle. Time-resolved photoluminescence and XPS analysis highlighted an increased presence of oxygen vacancies, forming over repeated usage of bismuth titanate, leading to longer lifetimes of photogenerated species and enhanced photocatalytic performance. 12 20 4 3 12 2 12 20 4 3 12 12 20 4 3 12 2 12 20 4 3 12
- Published
- 2021
37. Biofilm Associated Genotypes of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Author
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James Redfern, Joanna Verran, Roobinidevi Ragupathy, Peter Kelly, Elliot Whittard, Magali Jaillard, A. van Belkum, Mark C. Enright, and J. Wallace
- Subjects
Genetics ,education.field_of_study ,Pseudomonas aeruginosa ,Population ,Biofilm ,Genome-wide association study ,Biology ,medicine.disease_cause ,Resistome ,Antibiotic resistance ,Genetic variation ,Genotype ,medicine ,education - Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous environmental microorganism that is also a common cause of nosocomial infections that vary in severity from chronic wound infections to pneumonia, bloodstream infections and sepsis. Its ability to survive in many different environments and persistently colonize human tissue is linked to its presence within biofilms that form on indwelling device surfaces such as plastics and stainless steel. Biofilm promotes bacterial adhesion and survival on surfaces, reduces susceptibility to desiccation, and the actions of antibiotics and disinfectants. Recent genome sequencing studies demonstrate that P. aeruginosa is a highly diverse species with a very large pan-genome consistent with its adaptability to differing environments. However, most MDR infections are caused by a small number of “high-risk” clones or lineages that recently emerged and spread globally.In our 2017 study of the resistome of P. aeruginosa we confirmed the power of genome-wide association (GWAS) techniques to explore the genetic basis of several antibiotic resistance phenotypes and discovered 46 novel putative resistance polymorphisms. In this study we sought to examine genetic associations within a subset of these isolates with simple biofilm phenotypes. We examined the genetic basis for biofilm production on polystyrene at room temperature (22°C) and body temperature (37°C) within a total of 280 isolates. 69% of isolates (n=193) produced more biofilm mass at 22°C, whilst those producing more biofilm at 37°C had reduced optical density 540 variation. We found statistically significant associations with IpxO and other genes associated with arsenic resistance to be significantly associated with this trait. IpxO which encodes a lipid A hydroxylase and arsenic reduction genes have previously been found to be associated with biofilm production in this species. We analyzed 260 ST111 and ST235 genomes and found considerable genetic variation between isolates in their content of genes previously found associated with biofilm production. This is indicative of a highly variable and flexible population within these clades with frequent emergence of successful sub-lineages. Analysis of 48 of these isolates’ ability to form biofilm on stainless steel surfaces showed that a ‘good’ biofilm-forming phenotype had significant intra-clone variation, independent of core genome phylogeny with pan-genome analysis, suggesting a possible association and involvement of components of the type IV secretion system. However, GWAS and pan-GWAS analyses yielded weaker statistical significance. This study confirms GWAS and pan-GWAS trait associations can be performed for biofilm phenotype and produce data in agreement with each other. This panel of 280 study isolates, matched to genomic data has potential for the investigation of other phenotypes in P. aeruginosa perhaps as part of a growing database / collection. A representative, curated, genome sequenced collection should increase in usefulness as it grows offering increasing statistical power.ImportanceP. aeruginosa is a major cause of multiply antibiotic infections worldwide but it is also found in many hospital and natural environments, especially aquatic ones. In this study we examined genetic polymorphism associated with biofilm production at room temperature and at body temperature, the biofilm associated gene repertoire of two major MDR clones and also genetic polymorphisms associated with biofilm production on stainless steel. Using these genome-wide and pan-genome wide association methods we identified / confirmed potential key genes involved in biofilm production and survival of P. aeruginosa. The study demonstrates the potential usefulness of large, genome sequenced isolate collections such as ours, to better understand the genetics underlying phenotypic diversity in this species.
- Published
- 2019
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38. Early experience of thoracoscopic vs. catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
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Derick Todd, Neeraj Mediratta, James Redfern, Simon Modi, Charles M. Pearman, Paul Modi, Johan E.P. Waktare, Emmanuel Williams, Mark C.S. Hall, Saagar Mahida, Richard Snowdon, and Dhiraj Gupta
- Subjects
Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Comparative Effectiveness Research ,Complications ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Catheter ablation ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Cohort Studies ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Clinical Research ,Physiology (medical) ,medicine ,Thoracoscopy ,Thoracoscopic ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Minimally invasive ,Intraoperative Complications ,Stroke ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ,Surgical ablation ,Atrial fibrillation ,Cardiac Ablation ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Ablation ,Conversion to Open Surgery ,United Kingdom ,Surgery ,Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation ,Cardiac Tamponade ,Phrenic Nerve ,Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care ,Catheter Ablation ,Female ,Tamponade ,Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine ,Complication ,business ,Cohort study - Abstract
Aims Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) ablation has been advocated as a treatment option for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in recent guidelines. Real-life data on its safety and efficacy during a centre’s early experience are sparse. Methods and results Thirty patients (28 persistent/longstanding persistent AF) underwent standalone VATS ablation for AF by an experienced thoracoscopic surgeon, with the first 20 cases proctored by external surgeons. Procedural and follow-up outcomes were collected prospectively, and compared with 90 propensity-matched patients undergoing contemporaneous catheter ablation (CA). Six (20.0%) patients undergoing VATS ablation experienced ≥1 major complication (death n = 1, stroke n = 2, conversion to sternotomy n = 3, and phrenic nerve injury n = 2). This was significantly higher than the 1.1% major complication rate (tamponade requiring drainage n = 1) seen with CA (P
- Published
- 2019
39. Environmental and Experimental Factors Affecting Efficacy Testing of Nonporous Plastic Antimicrobial Surfaces
- Author
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Joanna Verran, James Redfern, Peter D. Askew, Ina Stephan, Lisa M. Simmons, and Jake Tucker
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,030106 microbiology ,Airflow ,standardisation ,030501 epidemiology ,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous) ,Toxicology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Drying time ,antimicrobial test ,Structural Biology ,Technical Note ,Hospital ward ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,High humidity ,Moisture ,Humidity ,Antimicrobial ,environmental conditions ,hospital premises ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,Environmental science ,Antimicrobial surface ,method development ,0305 other medical science ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Test methods for efficacy assessment of antimicrobial coatings are not modelled on a hospital environment, and instead use high humidity (>90%) high temperature (37 °C), and no airflow. Therefore, an inoculum will not dry, resulting in an antimicrobial surface exhibiting prolonged antimicrobial activity, as moisture is critical to activity. Liquids will dry quicker in a hospital ward, resulting in a reduced antimicrobial efficacy compared to the existing test, rendering the test results artificially favourable to the antimicrobial claim of the product. This study aimed to assess how hospital room environmental conditions can affect the drying time of an inoculum, and to use this data to inform test parameters for antimicrobial efficacy testing based on the hospital ward. The drying time of different droplet sizes, in a range of environmental conditions likely found in a hospital ward, were recorded (n = 630), and used to create a model to inform users of the experimental conditions required to provide a drying time similar to what can be expected in the hospital ward. Drying time data demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variance when humidity, temperature, and airflow were assessed. A mathematical model was created to select environmental conditions for in vitro antimicrobial efficacy testing. Drying time in different environmental conditions demonstrates that experimental set-ups affect the amount of time an inoculum stays wet, which in turn may affect the efficacy of an antimicrobial surface. This should be an important consideration for hospitals and other potential users, whilst future tests predict efficacy in the intended end-use environment.
- Published
- 2018
40. Should we treat every patient with latent TB? Is there a cost to pay?
- Author
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Usman Maqsood, Mohammed Munavvar, James Redfern, and Muhammad Badar Ganaie
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Tuberculosis ,business.industry ,medicine ,Intensive care medicine ,business ,medicine.disease - Published
- 2018
41. Highly efficient photocatalytic bismuth oxide coatings and their antimicrobial properties under visible light irradiation
- Author
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Marina Ratova, Joanna Verran, James Redfern, and Peter Kelly
- Subjects
Materials science ,Process Chemistry and Technology ,Oxide ,chemistry.chemical_element ,02 engineering and technology ,Sputter deposition ,010402 general chemistry ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,equipment and supplies ,01 natural sciences ,Catalysis ,0104 chemical sciences ,Bismuth ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Tungstate ,Chemical engineering ,Titanium dioxide ,Rhodamine B ,Photocatalysis ,0210 nano-technology ,General Environmental Science ,Visible spectrum - Abstract
The aim of the present paper is to assess the antimicrobial activity of novel narrow band gap semiconductor photocatalysts under visible light irradiation, compared to titanium dioxide, which is the conventionally used photocatalytic material. Bismuth oxide, bismuth tungstate and titanium dioxide coatings were prepared using pulsed DC reactive magnetron sputter deposition onto batches of 2 mm spherical glass beads that were agitated during the deposition process to ensure uniform coverage. Additional coatings were deposited onto flat glass substrates for specific analytical techniques. Following deposition, the coatings were annealed in air at 673 K for 30 min to enable crystal structure development. Annealed coatings were analysed with SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, AFM, UV–vis spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. The photocatalytic properties of the coatings were initially assessed via a Rhodamine B dye degradation test under visible light irradiation. Antimicrobial efficiency of the coatings was tested via inactivation of E. coli; additionally, bacterial adhesion experiments were performed for all types of the studied coatings. It was found that the performance of bismuth oxide for both dye degradation and bacterial inactivation experiments under visible light was superior to that observed for either bismuth tungstate or titanium dioxide. Moreover, bismuth oxide coatings (and to a lesser extent – bismuth tungstate), due to its hydrophobic nature was able to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the surface.
- Published
- 2018
42. 28 Do the risks and benefits of thoracoscopic af ablation justify its endorsement in guidelines? a propensity matched study with catheter ablation
- Author
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Mathew Shaw, Johan E.P. Waktare, Emmanuel Williams, Simon Modi, Charles M. Pearman, James Redfern, Neeraj Mediratta, Saagar Mahida, Dhiraj Gupta, Derick Todd, Mark C.S. Hall, Richard Snowdon, and Rebecca King
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Catheter ablation ,Atrial fibrillation ,medicine.disease ,Ablation ,Phrenic Nerve Injury ,Surgery ,Catheter ,medicine ,Tamponade ,Af ablation ,business ,Stroke - Abstract
Introduction The safety and efficacy of Standalone video assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been established. In particular, comparative data with catheter ablation (CA) are scarce. Methods We prospectively collected data on 30 consecutive VATS AF ablations (mean age 58±10 years, 26 male) performed by an a single surgeon, the first 20 of which were proctored by external surgeons. We compared peri-procedural complications and medium-term arrhythmia free survival to those of 90 propensity-matched patients who underwent RF CA during the same time period. Results VATS and catheter patients were well matched with regard to all measured demographics (table 1). 6 (20.0%) patients undergoing VATS experienced 1 major complication (death n=1, stroke n=2, conversion to sternotomy n=3, phrenic nerve injury n=2). This was significantly higher than the 1 (1.1%) major complication rate (tamponade requiring drainage) seen with CA; p Conclusions Standalone VATS AF ablation is associated with similar success rates to catheter ablation, but with a significantly higher rate of major complications.
- Published
- 2018
43. SimFection: a digital resource for vaccination education
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Matthew Crossley, D. Louttit, James Redfern, Nicola Whitton, Joanna Verran, Martyn Amos, and K. Carolan
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Medical education ,Resource (biology) ,Download ,Public health ,05 social sciences ,education ,050301 education ,Target audience ,050109 social psychology ,Education ,Vaccination ,Health promotion ,medicine ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Health education ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,0503 education ,Curriculum - Abstract
© 2018 Royal Society of Biology. Vaccination coverage in the United Kingdom is below the level recommended by the World Health Organisation, and when vaccination coverage is not sufficient, outbreaks of infectious diseases can occur. In 2015, coverage of the first dose of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine declined in the United Kingdom for the first time since 2008, indicating a need to raise public awareness and understanding of the importance of vaccination to public health. Identifying 16 – 18-year olds as a target audience, being future parents who would make decisions regarding vaccination of their children, a digital educational resource (‘SimFection’) was developed to deliver key messages about the spread and control of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases (identified via school curricula). The process of development utilised an iterative approach, involving a cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analysis and refinement with a range of audiences including students, schoolchildren, and trainee teachers. The completed resource is now available online for free download.
- Published
- 2018
44. Zeolite-embedded silver extends antimicrobial activity of dental acrylics
- Author
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Sheela Rai, James Pritchett, Joanna Verran, Lubomira Tosheva, James Redfern, Christopher M. Liauw, and Sladjana Malic
- Subjects
Staphylococcus aureus ,Silver ,Acrylic Resins ,Oral Microflora ,02 engineering and technology ,01 natural sciences ,Streptococcus mutans ,Dental Materials ,Colloid and Surface Chemistry ,Anti-Infective Agents ,0103 physical sciences ,Candida albicans ,Humans ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Zeolite ,Dentures ,010304 chemical physics ,biology ,Fusobacterium nucleatum ,Chemistry ,Surfaces and Interfaces ,General Medicine ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,biology.organism_classification ,Antimicrobial ,Drug Liberation ,Kinetics ,Distilled water ,Delayed-Action Preparations ,Zeolites ,Leaching (metallurgy) ,0210 nano-technology ,Biotechnology ,Nuclear chemistry - Abstract
The insertion of prosthetic devices into the oral cavity affects the oral microflora and results in accumulation of microorganisms on the prosthetic surface. Such fouling of denture surfaces can lead to a number of oral diseases and consequently to the replacement of the denture. Here, we report the post-synthesis introduction of silver in zeolite-loaded dental acrylic (DAZ) resins that does not influence the mechanical or aesthetic properties of the DA resins, and provides them with a long-term antimicrobial activity. Na-FAU zeolite (2 wt%) was incorporated into DA resin, which was conventionally processed and cut into 10 mm × 20 mm × 3 mm coupons. The Na+ in the zeolite was then exchanged with Ag+ via immersion of the DAZ coupons in 0.01 M AgNO3 solution to obtain DAZ/Ag-treated coupons used in antimicrobial tests. Antimicrobial tests showed that the DAZ/Ag-treated coupons were active against Candida albicans (a reference and a clinically relevant strain), Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Ag leaching tests on the Ag-charged coupons at 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 30 and 45 days of incubation in distilled water at 37 °C, indicated sustained release of silver. Antimicrobial tests using a reference Candida albicans strain showed that the leached coupons retained antimicrobial activity after 45 days immersion in distilled water, but, after 60 days incubation no antimicrobial activity was observed. Cytotoxicity assay results indicated that the DAZ/Ag-treated coupons showed no additional cytotoxicity compared to neat dental acrylic coupons.
- Published
- 2018
45. Toxicity and Antimicrobial Properties of ZnO@ZIF‑8 Embedded Silicone against Planktonic and Biofilm Catheter-Associated Pathogens
- Author
-
Lubomira Tosheva, James Redfern, Jin Won Seo, Joanna Verran, Lik Hong Wee, and Lisa Geerts
- Subjects
Minimum bactericidal concentration ,biology ,Chemistry ,Biofilm ,02 engineering and technology ,010402 general chemistry ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,medicine.disease_cause ,biology.organism_classification ,Antimicrobial ,01 natural sciences ,Proteus mirabilis ,0104 chemical sciences ,Galleria mellonella ,Silver nitrate ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Distilled water ,Staphylococcus aureus ,medicine ,General Materials Science ,0210 nano-technology ,Nuclear chemistry - Abstract
A ZnO@ZIF-8 powder on a gram scale was prepared via treatment of ZIF-8 with silver nitrate to induce spontaneous formation of ZnO nanorods on the surface of the ZIF-8 crystals. The crystal structure, phase purity, and physicochemical characteristics of ZnO@ZIF-8 were determined by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption. The antimicrobial potential of ZnO@ZIF-8 for reduction of microorganisms often implicated with catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) was studied in detail using four target pathogens, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The ability of the compound to kill all four microorganisms in suspension was established, and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 0.25 mg mL−1 was determined for each microorganism. ZnO@ZIF-8 compound was found to be no more toxic to Galleria mellonella than distilled water, which was assessed by injection of Galleria with 10 μL of ZnO@ZIF-8 of concentrations of up to 2 mg mL−1. ZnO@ZIF-8 suspensions (2 mg mL−1 concentration) were able to reduce well-established biofilms of all four organisms containing between 107 and 109 CFU mL−1 to below limit of detection (BLD) over a 24 h period. Silicone-embedded ZnO@ZIF-8 (2 or 4 wt % ZnO@ZIF-8 loading) also demonstrated antimicrobial properties with all four microorganisms being eliminated from the surface within 24 h. The ZnO@ZIF-8 high potency and rapid antibiofilm activity against all four test organisms coupled with its nontoxicity offer a new avenue for control of microbial colonization of catheters, which would ultimately result in reduction of CAUTIs.
- Published
- 2018
46. Editorial: Mapping microbiology with scientometrics - help provide a clearer vision of microbiology research around the globe
- Author
-
Manuel Cobo, Enrique Herrera-Viedma, and James Redfern
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Research ,Scientometrics ,MEDLINE ,Library science ,Globe ,Bibliometrics ,Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Genetics ,medicine ,Sociology ,Molecular Biology - Published
- 2018
47. Spreading the message of antimicrobial resistance: a detailed account of a successful public engagement event
- Author
-
Joanna Verran, Matthew Crossley, James Redfern, and Laura Bowater
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,030106 microbiology ,Psychological intervention ,Health Promotion ,Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Global issue ,Drug Resistance, Bacterial ,Genetics ,Science communication ,Humans ,Public engagement ,Laboratory research ,Molecular Biology ,Soil Microbiology ,Bacteria ,business.industry ,Event (computing) ,05 social sciences ,050301 education ,Public relations ,Variety (cybernetics) ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Outreach ,Public Health ,business ,Psychology ,0503 education - Abstract
The increase in Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) microorganisms has been exacerbated by exposure to antimicrobial drugs (e.g. antibiotics). A solution to AMR may require academic researchers to not only contribute to the drug discovery pipeline through laboratory research, but also to engage and inform non-specialist audiences using a variety of interventions in order to change behaviour towards our use of antibiotics. In this paper, the authors describe a hands-on public engagement event focusing on AMR. 'A Spoonful of Soil', was created by drawing on the past experiences of the delivering team (also described), with planning focusing on clear concise messages, selection of an appropriate audience and ensuring the event would be of significant interest to the audience. The event had a significant footfall of over 300 visitors. Key messages which aimed to raise awareness of AMR and educate visitors on the actions and behaviours that can help address the global issue of AMR were delivered by appropriate experts successfully, however success in reaching audience cannot be concluded from the feedback and evaluation gathered.
- Published
- 2018
48. Refreshing the public appetite for ‘good bacteria’: menus made by microbes
- Author
-
James Redfern, Joanna Verran, Yvonne Adebola, and Haleh Moravej
- Subjects
business.industry ,05 social sciences ,050301 education ,050109 social psychology ,Space (commercial competition) ,Informal education ,Public relations ,Science education ,Education ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Food service ,Public engagement ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,business ,0503 education - Abstract
© 2018 Royal Society of Biology. A series of events was developed to engage audiences in discussion around the importance of microorganisms in the production of fermented foods, particularly through tasting. The events were designed to attract different audiences: families attending a science museum; families in their community space; and adults in different informal eating environments. Information was provided, alongside interactive activities where possible. Feedback was positive in that the audiences enjoyed the format, the food and the events themselves, although science itself was not always specifically mentioned. The dining experience format provided a versatile and informal opportunity for engagement between experts and non-experts, and is suggested as a valuable template for similar activities, assuming appropriate budgeting and advertising issues are addressed, alongside appropriate objective setting and effective evaluation.
- Published
- 2018
49. Application of Cu-FAU nanozeolites for decontamination of surfaces soiled with the ESKAPE pathogens
- Author
-
James Redfern, Kamila Goldyn, Svetlana Mintova, Lubomira Tosheva, Richard Retoux, Joanna Verran, Laboratoire catalyse et spectrochimie (LCS), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Caen (ENSICAEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC)-Université de Caen Normandie (UNICAEN), Normandie Université (NU), Laboratoire de cristallographie et sciences des matériaux (CRISMAT), École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Caen (ENSICAEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Caen Normandie (UNICAEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC), Laboratoire de Matériaux à Porosité Contrôlée (LMPC), Université de Haute-Alsace (UHA) Mulhouse - Colmar (Université de Haute-Alsace (UHA))-Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Mulhouse-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), Université de Caen Normandie (UNICAEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Caen (ENSICAEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Normandie Université (NU)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Recherche sur les Matériaux Avancés (IRMA), Normandie Université (NU)-Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Université de Rouen Normandie (UNIROUEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Institut national des sciences appliquées Rouen Normandie (INSA Rouen Normandie), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA)-Normandie Université (NU)-Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Université de Rouen Normandie (UNIROUEN), and Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA)-Normandie Université (NU)-Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
- Subjects
Klebsiella pneumoniae ,medicine.drug_class ,Microorganism ,Antibiotics ,02 engineering and technology ,010402 general chemistry ,medicine.disease_cause ,01 natural sciences ,Microbiology ,Antibiotic resistance ,Suspensions ,ESKAPE pathogens ,medicine ,[CHIM]Chemical Sciences ,General Materials Science ,ComputingMilieux_MISCELLANEOUS ,biology ,Chemistry ,Pseudomonas aeruginosa ,General Chemistry ,Human decontamination ,Acinetobacter ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,biology.organism_classification ,0104 chemical sciences ,3. Good health ,Antibacterial ,Mechanics of Materials ,Staphylococcus aureus ,Nanozeolite ,0210 nano-technology ,Copper - Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat with catastrophic forecasts in terms of human and economic losses. The so-called ESKAPE pathogens ( Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Acinetobacter baumanii , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) represent a range of species of particular concern because they cause many serious hospital infections, and can show resistance toward available commercial antibiotics. Copper-containing zeolite nanocrystals (10–30 nm) with FAU-type structure (Cu-FAU), in the form of stable colloidal suspensions, were prepared at high yield in the absence of organic templates and studied for their activity against ESKAPE microorganisms. The materials were active against all six ESKAPE species. The survival of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on stainless-steel coupons after direct treatment with the Cu-FAU zeolite suspensions was determined quantitatively. Complete decontamination (5-log reduction in bacterial counts) was achieved within 20 min for P. aeruginosa , and within 10 min for the K. pneumoniae and S. aureus . This result is significant, particularly for sanitization of surfaces in healthcare settings, with the potential to initiate a new direction of research to help address the global antimicrobial resistance threat.
- Published
- 2017
50. Effect of humidity and temperature on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on surfaces
- Author
-
Joanna Verran and James Redfern
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,030106 microbiology ,Food storage ,Colony Count, Microbial ,medicine.disease_cause ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Human disease ,Listeria monocytogenes ,medicine ,Humans ,Relative humidity ,Listeriosis ,Food science ,Microbial Viability ,biology ,Chemistry ,fungi ,technology, industry, and agriculture ,Temperature ,food and beverages ,Humidity ,biology.organism_classification ,Stainless Steel ,humanities ,Listeria ,Food Microbiology ,Food preparation - Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium, with human disease and infection linked to dairy products, seafood, ready-to-eat meat and rawundercooked meats. Stainless steel is the most common food preparation surface and therefore, it is important to understand how food storage conditions such as surface materials, temperature and relative humidity can affect survival of L. monocytogenes. In this study, survival of L. monocytogenes on stainless steel was investigated at three temperatures (4, 10 and 21°C), each approx. 11, 50 and 85% humidity. Results indicate that the lower the temperature, the more cells were recovered in all three humidity environments, while medium humidity enhances survival, irrespective of temperature. Lower humidity decreases recovery at all temperatures. These data support the guidance noted above that humidity control is important, and that lower humidity environments are less likely to support retention of viable L. monocytogenes on a stainless steel surface.Understanding survival of potential food-borne pathogens is essential for the safe production and preparation of food. While it has long been 'common knowledge' that relative humidity can affect the growth and survival of micro-organisms, this study systematically describes the survival of L. monocytogenes on stainless steel under varying humidity and temperatures for the first time. The outcomes from this paper will allow those involved with food manufacture and preparation to make informed judgement on environmental conditions relating to humidity control, which is lacking in the food standards guidelines.
- Published
- 2016
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