University of Bedfordshire

About: University of Bedfordshire is a education organization based out in Luton, Bedford, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Social work. The organization has 3860 authors who have published 6079 publications receiving 143448 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Luton.

Preservatives and skin sensitization quantitative risk assessment.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Preservatives are an unfortunately common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Often, this is in association with exposure to cosmetics or medicaments. Recently, a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) approach to the quantitation of safe exposure levels for sensitizers has been promulgated as a more effective tool for the identification of acceptable levels of potential sensitizers in consumer products. OBJECTIVE To assess this QRA approach, which facilitates the prediction of acceptable exposure levels to skin sensitizers in consumer products, levels that are normally below the threshold for the induction of skin sensitization. METHODS Retrospective QRA analysis on four preservatives in five consumer product types. RESULTS The analysis shows that functional levels of preservatives may be somewhat above an ideal exposure level for some product types, an outcome that is consistent with the clinical picture. CONCLUSION QRA represents a new tool that in the future should be used in combination with the assessment of microbiologic protection needs of specific product types to limit the problem of preservative ACD.

The evacuation of British children during World War II: A preliminary investigation into the long-term psychological effects

Abstract: The authors used attachment theory to hypothesize about the possible long-term psychological effects of evacuation during World War II, focusing on children who were evacuated unaccompanied by their parents. The study aimed to establish whether this experience had long-term effects on psychological well-being, and to investigate mediating and moderating factors. The study utilized a retrospective non-randomized design, comparing 169 former evacuees with 43 people who were children during the war but not evacuated. No differences between the groups were found in terms of demographic variables or exposure to war-related events. All participants completed a range of standardized self-report questionnaires. Findings indicated that former evacuees were more likely to have insecure attachment styles and lower levels of present psychological well-being. Satisfaction with, but not quantity of, current social support was found to mediate the relationship between attachment style and present psychological well-bein...

Exploring the relationship between sensory data and acceptability of meat

Abstract: A multi-parameter scoring system for the sensory characteristics of the texture and flavour of meat or meaty products was developed. A trained panel used the system to give sensory data on 13 products. Principal Components Analysis of this data showed that the parameters of the system could be reduced to three independent components toughness, succulence and flavour, with little loss of information. The acceptability of the products (as measured by an independent panel of consumers) was shown to be predictable from the three derived components. Optimal acceptability regions in the three-dimensional sensory space were then identified.

Evaluation of a multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service for adults with morbid obesity, or obesity and comorbidities, based in primary care

Abstract: A multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service in primary care recruited patients with a body mass index ≥40 kg·m−2, or 30 kg·m−2 with obesity-related co-morbidity to a 1-year programme. A cohort of 230 participants was recruited and evaluated using the National Obesity Observatory Standard Evaluation Framework. The primary outcome was weight loss of at least 5% of baseline weight at 12 months. Diet was assessed using the two-item food frequency questionnaire, activity using the General Practice Physical Activity questionnaire and quality of life using the EuroQol-5D-5L questionnaire. A focus group explored the participants' experiences. Baseline mean weight was 124.4 kg and mean body mass index was 44.1 kg·m−2. A total of 102 participants achieved 5% weight loss at 12 months. The mean weight loss was 10.2 kg among the 117 participants who completed the 12-month programme. Baseline observation carried forward analysis gave a mean weight loss of 5.9 kg at 12 months. Fruit and vegetable intake, activity level and quality of life all improved. The dropout rate was 14.3% at 6 months and 45.1% at 1 year. Focus group participants described high levels of satisfaction. It was possible to deliver a Tier 3 weight management service for obese patients with complex co-morbidity in a primary care setting with a full multidisciplinary team, which obtained good health outcomes compared with existing services.

Plasma preparation from whole blood using ultrasound

Abstract: A technique to efficiently separate plasma from human whole blood is described. Essentially, 3-mL samples are held on the axis of a tubular transducer and exposed for 5.7 min to an ultrasonic standing wave. The cells concentrate into clumps at radial separations of half wavelength. The clumps grow in size and sediment under gravity. A distinct plasma/cell interface forms as the cells sediment. The volume of clarified plasma increases with time. The separation efficiencies of transducers of 29-mm and 23-mm internal diameters driven, by test equipment, at radial resonances of 3.4 and 1.5 MHz, respectively, were compared. The average efficiency of separation was 99.6% at 1.5 MHz and 99.4% with the 3.4-MHz system. The cleared plasma constituted 30% of the sample volume at 1.5 MHz and 25% at 3.4 MHz. There was no measurable release of haemoglobin or potassium into the suspending phase, indicating that there was no mechanical damage to cells at either frequency. A total of 114 samples from volunteers and patients were subsequently clarified in a 1.5-MHz system driven by an integrated generator. The average efficiency of clarification of blood was 99.76% for the latter samples. The clarification achieved is a significant improvement on that previously reported (98.5%) for whole blood exposed to a planar ultrasonic standing wave field (Peterson et al. 1986). We have, therefore, now achieved a six-fold reduction of cells in plasma compared to previous results.