University of Salford

About: University of Salford is a education organization based out in Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 13049 authors who have published 22957 publications receiving 537330 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Salford Manchester & The University of Salford Manchester.

Efficacy of sirolimus (rapamycin) administered concomitantly with a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporin in the treatment of severe psoriasis: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: Background The identification of a highly potent immunosuppressive/antiproliferative agent with an acceptable toxicity profile has long been a goal for the management of severe plaque psoriasis. Objectives To investigate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus (Rapamune) for severe psoriasis when given alone or in association with cyclosporin. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, eight parallel group, pilot study in 24 out-patient centres in seven European countries, 150 patients, 18 years and older, with severe chronic plaque psoriasis were given sirolimus 0.5, 1.5 and 3.0 mg m(-2) daily for 8 weeks, either alone or in association with a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporin (1.25 mg kg(-1) daily). Cyclosporin 5 mg kg(-1) daily was the positive control and cyclosporin 1.25 mg kg(-1) daily the negative control. The primary efficacy variable was the mean percentage reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Safety assessments included monitoring of adverse events, clinical laboratory parameters and sirolimus/cyclosporin blood concentrations. Results The greatest mean percentage decreases in PASI were seen with cyclosporin 5.0 mg kg(-1) daily (70.5%) and with sirolimus 3.0 mg m(-2) daily + cyclosporin 1.25 mg kg(-1) daily (63.7%). Both groups demonstrated significantly better results than cyclosporin 1.25 mg kg(-1) daily (mean decrease 33.4%). Serum creatinine levels were significantly lower for groups with sirolimus alone and sirolimus plus reduced-dose cyclosporin when compared with cyclosporin 5.0 mg kg(-1) daily. Adverse events associated with sirolimus included thrombocytopenia (5%), hyperlipidaemia (9%), aphthous stomatitis (9%) and acne (13%), whereas adverse events associated with cyclosporin included hot flushes (12%), hyperlipidaemia (9%) and increased serum creatinine (9%). Conclusions The concomitant administration of sirolimus with a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporin in severe psoriasis may permit a reduction in their respective toxicities, notably cyclosporin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Understanding student satisfaction and dissatisfaction : an interpretive study in the UK higher education context

Abstract: This article represents a cross-sectional study of undergraduate students across two north-west university business schools in the UK. A purposefully designed questionnaire was collected from 350 students. The student experience was described in the form of hand-written narratives by first and final year students and had been identified by the respondents themselves as being satisfying or dissatisfying with the areas of teaching and learning and the supporting service environment. The study also assessed whether their experiences were likely to influence their loyalty behaviours with respect to remaining on their chosen course of study; recommending the university; and continuing at a higher level of study. The data were captured and analysed using the qualitative critical incident technique to capture the voice of the student and identified the critical determinants of quality within higher education, i.e. those areas that would influence loyalty behaviour, as being Access; Attentiveness; Availability; a...