Publications by authors named "J Harris Broad"
Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive research was conducted on SARS-CoV-2; however, important questions about other respiratory pathogens remain unanswered. A severe influenza season in 2022-2023 with simultaneous circulation of SARS-CoV2 and respiratory syncytial virus is anticipated. This sub-study aims to determine the incidence and impact of these respiratory viruses on healthcare workers, the symptoms they experienced, the effectiveness of both COVID-19 and influenza vaccination and the burden of these infections on the National Health Service (NHS) workforce.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction Polypharmacy increases the risk of medicines-related harm, including falls, in older adults. Falls have a significant impact on quality of life and health system resources. Little is known about medicine use in retirement village (RV) residents in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ).
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- The study investigates the long-term effects of chemoradiotherapy on the human rectum, focusing on inflammation, myenteric neuron changes, neuromuscular function, and the efficacy of prokinetic drugs.
- Researchers analyzed rectal tissue from patients who received chemoradiotherapy and compared it to tissues from those who did not, using various scientific methods to assess inflammatory status, neuronal structure, and muscle response.
- Results showed no significant inflammation or changes in myenteric neuron numbers, but chemoradiotherapy appeared to increase nitrergic-mediated muscle relaxations during nerve stimulation, indicating altered neuromuscular activity.
Maternal inflammatory and microbial drivers of low birthweight in low- and middle-income countries.
Paediatr Int Child Health
August 2024
Article Synopsis
- Low birthweight (LBW) affects 1 in 7 infants in low- and middle-income countries, significantly increasing morbidity and mortality risks, as well as long-term health issues.
- The study reviewed literature on inflammatory, microbial, and infective factors linked to LBW, finding that local and systemic infections in mothers, like vaginitis and HIV, significantly contribute to the condition.
- Although antimicrobial treatments during pregnancy have shown limited overall benefits for birthweight, they may help in high-infection settings; thus, understanding the underlying mechanisms of LBW is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected have increased infectious mortality compared to HIV-unexposed children, raising the possibility of immune abnormalities following exposure to maternal viraemia, immune dysfunction, and co-infections during pregnancy. In a secondary analysis of the SHINE trial in rural Zimbabwe we explored biological pathways underlying infant mortality, and maternal factors shaping immune development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants. Maternal inflammation and cytomegalovirus viraemia were independently associated with infant deaths: mortality doubled for each log rise in maternal C-reactive protein (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.
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