Publications by authors named "Kerr H"

Background: The concept of children's rights emerged during the 1980s and emphasised the role of children as active participants in matters which concern them.

Aim: This review aims to identify and synthesise the empirical evidence base on healthcare professionals' (HCPs) understanding of children's rights.

Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Web of Science) were systematically searched in May 2023.

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We present a novel technique to approach far lateral lumbar pathologies using a bitubular, biportal endoscopic system and a paramedian approach. Background: Conventional approaches for lumbar far lateral discectomy range from open approaches to newer minimally invasive approaches such as tubular discectomy and single portal endoscopic discectomy. We present a case of a patient suffering with a left L3-4 and left L4-5 extraforaminal disc herniation who was treated successfully with a left sided bitubular, biportal endoscopic 2 level far lateral discectomy.

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Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan spp., exhibits a broad range of clinical manifestations. Host resistance or susceptibility to infections is often influenced by the genetic make-up associated with natural immunity.

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  • The hormone ghrelin plays a protective role in cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS), with its levels rising to help combat weight loss and anorexia in cancer patients.
  • A study found that deleting ghrelin worsened body weight and fat loss in mice with cancer, while deleting LEAP2, a ghrelin antagonist, seemed to lessen the severity of CACS.
  • In human patients with CACS, a lower ratio of plasma LEAP2 to total ghrelin was associated with better weight stability, indicating a possible protective mechanism against worsening CACS.
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Background: Epilepsy prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa is high with a significant treatment gap. In this context, epilepsy presents substantial challenges to effective and safe reproductive and maternal healthcare. To improve this, it is important to understand the views and perceptions of healthcare professionals delivering epilepsy care to this population.

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Our study was to characterize sarcopenia in C57BL/6J mice using a clinically relevant definition to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Aged male (23-32 months old) and female (27-28 months old) C57BL/6J mice were classified as non-, probable-, or sarcopenic based on assessments of grip strength, muscle mass, and treadmill running time, using 2 SDs below the mean of their young counterparts as cutoff points. A 9%-22% prevalence of sarcopenia was identified in 23-26 month-old male mice, with more severe age-related declines in muscle function than mass.

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H solid-state NMR and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to understand the disorder of guest solvent molecules in two cocrystal solvates of the pharmaceutical furosemide. Traditional approaches to interpreting the NMR data fail to provide a coherent model of molecular behavior and indeed give misleading kinetic data. In contrast, the direct prediction of the NMR properties from MD simulation trajectories allows the NMR data to be correctly interpreted in terms of combined jump-type and libration-type motions.

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Background: Pancreatic cancer, ranking seventh in global cancer-related deaths, poses a significant public health challenge with increasing incidence and mortality. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in low survival rates. Early diagnosis significantly impacts prognosis, making symptom awareness crucial.

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Background: Few studies have explored the potential educational value of immersive 360° video in continuing education. This study explored the potential value of immersive 360° video as an acceptable educational method in a continuing education module in nursing.

Method: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was adopted.

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  • The use of sports ultrasound in sports medicine is expanding, highlighting its importance in both clinical practice and medical education.
  • This article outlines methods and challenges in creating a sports ultrasound curriculum for medical students, which has not been done before.
  • It offers a suggested framework for content and educational goals, providing a guide for institutions interested in developing such a program.
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investigations of host-virus interactions are reliant on suitable cell and tissue culture models. Results are only as good as the model they are generated in. However, choosing cell models for work often depends on availability and previous use alone.

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  • NLR proteins are key players in the immune response, triggering inflammatory cytokines and cell death in response to danger signals from pathogens.
  • The study investigated genetic variants in the CARD8 gene to see if they explain why some individuals develop cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) while others don’t, particularly in an endemic area.
  • The findings indicate that a specific CARD8 variant (rs2288876 A>G) is linked to increased susceptibility to CL, with individuals having the CCAA haplotype showing significantly higher odds of developing the disease.
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Background: Ustekinumab (UST), a human monoclonal antibody that binds the p40 subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12) and IL-23, is licensed for induction and maintenance therapy of moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To date, there is limited data published on any potential association between ustekinumab serum trough levels and mucosal healing in order to guide treatment strategies and appropriate dosing.

Aim: This study aims to identify a relationship between maintenance ustekinumab serum trough levels and mucosal healing and/or response in patients with Crohn's disease in an observational cohort study.

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  • Sports medicine is a broad field that not only focuses on musculoskeletal health but also addresses the overall care of individuals who are physically active or wish to increase their activity levels.
  • The article offers recommendations for integrating sports medicine education into undergraduate medical training, using a framework of competence and endorsed activities to ensure effective learning.
  • It emphasizes the need for tailored assessment and implementation strategies based on the specific resources and needs of each medical institution to enhance sports medicine education.
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Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic placed severe strain on cancer carers resulting in an urgent need for information and support.

Methods: The Santin 2019 6-step co-design model was used to rapidly modify an existing online cancer carers resource. Draft content of a COVID-19 module was created via two workshops and six meetings with an expert advisory team (Step 1).

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  • Ghrelin has potential therapeutic benefits for cachexia (wasting syndrome) due to its ability to stimulate appetite and promote muscle and fat growth; however, its short active duration limits its use in clinical settings.
  • EXT418 is a new long-acting version of ghrelin created by linking it to a vitamin D component, and this study tested its effects on mice suffering from cancer-induced cachexia.
  • Results showed that EXT418 significantly reduced weight loss and improved grip strength in mice with tumors, and positively affected muscle fiber sizes, highlighting its potential as a treatment for cachexia.
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BowelScreen paused activity in March 2020 to prioritise the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of this delay. Cases affected by the pause and subsequently completed were compared to the same period in 2019.

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Purpose: To determine whether the rate of progression of scoliosis is higher following thoracotomies and sternotomies in children.

Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of 1744 patients from a tertiary paediatric referral unit who had sternotomies or thoracotomies from 2005 to 2010 to identify those with scoliosis and to determine where possible, the pre- and post-operative rate of scoliosis progression. A secondary objective was to assess the risk factors for progression after surgery through Chi-square analysis.

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The immunopathology associated with Leishmaniasis is a consequence of inflammation. Upon infection with , the type of host-immune response is determinant for the clinical manifestations that can lead to either self-healing or chronic disease. Multiple pathways may determine disease severity.

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Student evaluation of teaching is routinely completed as modules and programmes of study at higher education institutions conclude. The evaluations are often focused on the educational value and experience. For programmes with healthcare professionals as students, the impact of the learning on patient care and clinical practice is not routinely captured in these student evaluations.

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