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 & Context (language use). The organization has 3860 authors who have published 6079 publications receiving 143448 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Luton.

Defining molecular initiating events in the adverse outcome pathway framework for risk assessment.

Abstract: Consumer and environmental safety decisions are based on exposure and hazard data, interpreted using risk assessment approaches. The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) conceptual framework has been presented as a logical sequence of events or processes within biological systems which can be used to understand adverse effects and refine current risk assessment practices in ecotoxicology. This framework can also be applied to human toxicology and is explored on the basis of investigating the molecular initiating events (MIEs) of compounds. The precise definition of the MIE has yet to reach general acceptance. In this work we present a unified MIE definition: an MIE is the initial interaction between a molecule and a biomolecule or biosystem that can be causally linked to an outcome via a pathway. Case studies are presented, and issues with current definitions are addressed. With the development of a unified MIE definition, the field can look toward defining, classifying, and characterizing more MIEs and using kn...

Irritant dermatitis, irritancy and its role in allergic contact dermatitis.

Abstract: Irritant contact dermatitis is the clinical result of sufficient inflammation arising from release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from skin cells (principally keratinocytes) in response to (usually) chemical stimuli. Different clinical forms may arise. The three main pathophysiological changes seen are skin barrier disruption, epidermal cellular changes and cytokine release. An important role of irritancy in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) comes from earlier animal and human studies. Evidence is outlined which is consistent with a "danger model" of ACD rather than one based on a traditional "self-nonself" immune model. In such a model an antigenic signal will produce sensitization only in the presence of a danger signal; in the absence of a danger signal tolerance will occur. We propose that the danger signal in ACD is cytokine release from nonimmune skin cells (principally keratinocytes) and that both the antigenic and "danger" signals arises from the hapten.

Effort-reward imbalance, over-commitment and work-life conflict: Testing an expanded model.

Abstract: Purpose – Although the effort‐reward imbalance (ERI) model of job stress has gained support in predicting employee health, it has rarely been examined in the context of the work‐home interface. This study aims to test an expanded ERI model in predicting work‐life conflict (WLC) in university employees. Three hypotheses relating to the ERI are tested. It is also predicted that lower organisational support for work‐life balance, less schedule flexibility and lower levels of separation between work and home life will lead to increased work‐life conflict.Design/methodology/approach – In this cross‐sectional study, 1,108 employees working in UK universities completed questionnaires assessing ERI, WLC, schedule flexibility, employer support and work‐life separation/integration.Findings – Strong main effects of job‐related efforts, rewards and over‐commitment on WLC are found. A significant two‐way interaction (effort×reward) and some evidence for a three‐way interaction effort×reward×over‐commitment) are observ...