Publications by authors named "Nicola Wyatt"

Article Synopsis
  • Large-scale studies are essential to investigate the gut microbiota's complex relationships with health and disease, and tissue preservation methods need evaluation for feasibility in such research.
  • Biopsies from 20 adults with inflammatory bowel disease were preserved using three methods: flash freezing, nucleic acid preservative reagents, and formalin fixation with paraffin embedding (FFPE), with microbiota analyzed using sequencing.
  • Results showed that while preservative reagents can serve as viable alternatives to flash freezing, FFPE samples exhibited distinct community structures, highlighting the potential utility of historical samples despite differences in microbial profiles.
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Introduction: Characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue can significantly impact patient's quality of life. Therapeutic developments in the last 20 years have revolutionised treatment. However, clinical trials and real-world data show primary non-response rates up to 40%.

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In the last two decades, understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) immunopathogenesis has expanded considerably. Histopathological examination of the intestinal mucosa in IBD demonstrates the presence of a chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate. Research has focused on identifying mechanisms of immune cell trafficking to the gastrointestinal tract that may represent effective gut-selective targets for IBD therapy whilst avoiding systemic immunosuppression that may be associated with off-target adverse effects such as infection and malignancy.

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Background: Under-representation of some socio-economic groups in medicine is rooted in under-representation of those groups in applications to medical school. This study aimed to explore what may deter school-age children from applying to study medicine.

Methods: Workshops were undertaken with school students aged 16-17 years ('Year 12', n = 122 across three workshops) and 13-14 years ('Year 9', n = 295 across three workshops).

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