NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: The role of water chemistry in zebrafish welfare and reproducibility of research studies
Funder: National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research

Abstract: Water chemistry varies greatly across zebrafish culture facilities, with no guidelines or even basic advice available on many parameters important for healthy populations. This is very surprising as we have known for decades that the many aspects of freshwater chemistry have profound and varied influences on the physiology and health of fish. Hardness ions (especially calcium) control gill and skin permeability and epithelial integrity. Sodium and chloride are the major ions that freshwater fish must actively take up from the water for survival and are also vital counter-exchange ions required for regulating internal acid-base balance in response to the challenges of daily life (feeding, muscular activity, handling stress, high CO2 etc.). We are also ignorant concerning the health impacts of elevated CO2 on zebrafish. Climate change research has recently demonstrated a wide range of detrimental impacts of relatively small elevations in CO2 in aquatic animals. Many of these have clear welfare implications (e.g. reduced ability or even inability to respond to positive or negative odours, sounds, and visual stimuli, impaired learning, increased anxiety, and also reduced immune response and resistance to disease). At the same time recirculating aquarium systems (as used for zebrafish culture) have notoriously high CO2 levels, but this can be improved quite cheaply with effort and appropriate technical knowledge. There are large differences in the approaches used to building new or refurbishing old zebrafish facilities, as well as in the resources available, husbandry experience of facility managers and the 'drivers' of research within each facility. This likely contributes to the lack of standardisation/guidelines for water chemistry in zebrafish culture. However, it is vital to determine ideal ranges of the major water parameters for zebrafish culture. This will directly aid in minimising mortalities, wastage, and improving production of higher quality embryos.


Research activity codes: 1.5 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (UNDERPINNING)
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Refinement of tickling protocols to improve positive animal welfare in laboratory rats.
Funder: National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research

Abstract: Tickling rats with the human hand was developed to mimic the interactions of rat play, and is proposed as an effective and practical approach to positively improve laboratory rat welfare. The standard rat tickling protocol involves finger contact with the nape of the neck before flipping the rat and gently pinning it in a supine position whilst making rapid finger movements on the rats' ventral surface as in human tickling. Research, including our own, has shown that tickled rats often produce 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalisations (USVs) believed to indicate positive affect in rats. However, there is also considerable individual variation in response to the standard tickling protocol. This suggests there is a risk that some rats may perceive tickling as a negative experience depending on how tickling is performed. Based on our research experiences of the standard tickling protocol we have developed a 'playful tickling' protocol intended to mimic more closely the dynamic nature of play. The project aim is to investigate whether playful tickling protocols give rise to more uniform increases in positive affective indicators across individuals relative to the standard tickling protocol. On this basis, we will refine a rat tickling protocol for both males and females validated against indicators of positive affect. We will also test whether this refined tickling protocol reduces variation in the biological consequences of tickling (e.g. behavioural and physiological responses to standard anxiety tests such as the plus maze), which will increase the repeatability of research where tickling is applied either as a standard enrichment or as an experimental treatment. Lastly, we will engage with researchers locally, nationally and internationally through our web-site and stakeholder group to disseminate understanding of the benefits of tickling and to encourage its wider uptake in practice and to gather data on the wider use of tickling in research and as a form of enrichment.


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Domestic Violence Disclosure Schemes (Clare's Law): Victim/ Survivor perspectives
Funder: The British Academy

Abstract: Domestic Violence Disclosure Schemes (DVDS) were rolled out across England and Wales in 2014 following a high-profile public campaign for their introduction after the murder of Clare Wood in 2009 (hence Clare’s Law) by her partner who was found to have a history of violence unknown to her. The Domestic Abuse Bill 2019 plans to put these schemes on a statutory footing. Yet the efficacy of such schemes is highly contested and whilst some work has examined the principles underpinning them (Fitz-Gibbon and Walklate, 2016) and other work has explored practitioner’s views of them (Duggan, 2018) with the exception of work in NSW, Australia there is no research to date exploring the victim/survivors perceptions and/or experiences of accessing DVDS. This project, conceived with the support of Women’s Aid, will fill this knowledge gap and inform the further development of such schemes in England and Wales and internationally.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Starving for dignity: Reframing the ethics of hunger strikes
Funder: The British Academy

Abstract: This project uses grounded political theory to assess the growing global phenomenon of self-harming protest by detained migrants and refugees, guiding policy responses and counteracting state discourses that demonise it. Recent protests have included hunger strikes, eye and lip-sewing and self-immolation (Doherty and Davidson 2016). Frequently dismissed by authorities as blackmail or mental illness warranting coercive intervention (Travis 2018; Associated Press 2019), these actions can be viewed as a response to serious injustice. Existing philosophical literature approaches hunger strikes from the perspective of medical ethics and neglects their political significance (Annas 2009). This project uses interviews with hunger strikers to inform an original conceptualisation of the nature and role of self-destructive resistance. It draws on human rights and democratic norms to identify when such action is morally justified and the obligations of relevant agents, including the ethics of force-feeding. The grant will generate two working papers and a multidisciplinary workshop.


Research activity codes: 2.3 PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Victimization within friendships in early adolescence: a potential risk marker for romantic relationships characterised by inter-partner violence
Funder: The British Academy

Abstract: Inter-partner violence (IPV) represents a serious and complex social issue. IPV begins in adolescent relationships, therefore identifying those at risk for IPV prior to the establishment of romantic relationships in adolescence is important. The paradox of IPV, compared to other violent behaviours, is that is occurs within a relationship and so a full understanding of the risk for IPV must include a focus on relationship processes. In the proposed research I will examine victimisation within close adolescent friendships as an early risk marker for future IPV. Given substantial evidence for the inter-generational transmission of IPV, I will test the association between childhood exposure to parental IPV and adolescent friendship victimisation, after accounting for broader peer victimization. I will test whether the association is moderated by secure parent-child attachment behaviours in early adolescence. The study will provide important information on the early risk and protective factors for future relationship violence.


Research activity codes: 8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Voice to the voiceless: understanding disclosure and help-seeking in Black and Asian male survivors of sexual violence
Funder: The British Academy

Abstract: Recent research has highlighted the deleterious impact of sexual violence on men, limiting and hindering their access to support and criminal justice services. However, research has failed to examine the cultural barriers (and enablers) to disclosure and help-seeking likely experienced by men from minoritised ethnic groups, who encounter added pressures to conceal sexual trauma and adhere to masculinity norms and scripts. Given the unequal access to care for marginalised communities, it is essential to understand how culture and ethnicity shape male survivors’ vulnerabilities and decisions around disclosing, seeking help, and reporting to the police. We will qualitatively examine the experiences of sexual victimisation of Black and Asian men in the UK. This research will provide novel insight into this hidden phenomenon, by exploring how disclosure and help-seeking may be affected by cultural pressures, towards informing practice and policy across vital entry points, including third and criminal justice sectors.


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS;8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: INCENTIVE: Improving the organisation and delivery of dental health care to patients - innovation in commissioning and delivery of primary dental care service delivery and organisation
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: The study uses mixed methods: (WP1) Qualitative studies of the meaning of key aspects of the new service delivery model for three discrete stakeholder groups: lay people (that is both patients and non-patients) commissioners and the primary care dental teams with framework analysis of focus group and semi-structured interview data. Purposive sampling via a sampling matrix will recruit participants with different experiences of the model. Lay people will include representatives of community groups with whom the practices should have engaged. Within each stakeholder group we anticipate conducting approximately 5 interviews and 3 focus groups with 4 or more participants. If necessary additional participants will be identified using theoretical sampling. There will therefore be approximately 15 interviews and 36 participants in 12 focus groups. (WP2/3) A non-randomised study will compare three incentive driven dental practices with three matched traditional practices. The primary outcome will be gingivitis measured as the proportion of sites that bleed on probing (BOP). To detect a clinically meaningful reduction in BOP of 10% 250 patients are required in each arm. All patients aged 16 years or over attending the practice for the first time will be invited to participate. Data will be collected at the dental appointment (baseline and 24 months) and from patient records. Secondary/exploratory outcomes: OHIP14 ICDAS EQ-5D. Multiple linear regression will be used to model differences in BOP from baseline to 24 months. Changes in OHIP14 will be explored using structural equation modelling. The economic evaluation will identify within-study incremental cost effectiveness ratios for incentive driven model of dental service provision as compared to standard (traditional) practice to enable comparison of additional financial costs imposed by the new model over standard care practice with any additional benefits it delivers.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES;7.3 MANAGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: A randomised control trial to measure the effects and costs of a dental caries prevention regime for young children attending primary care dental services (Northern Ireland Caries Prevention In Practice Trial - NIC-PIP trial)
Funder: Department of Health (England)

Abstract: AbstractTrial Phase:Phase IV (pragmatic trial) Trial Objective: To compare over a 3 year period the costs and effects of 22600 ppm fluoride varnish 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush and standardised health education provided twice a year as a preventive package with standardised health education provided twice a year alone.Patient Population: Healthy female and male caries-free children aged 2-4-years- old at recruitment who are regular attenders at primary care dental services in Northern Ireland.Trial Setting: The General Dental Service and the Community Dental Service in Northern IrelandTrial Intervention:Prevention PackageFluoride varnish applied two times per year for three yearsActive Ingredients:Sodium FluorideStudy Dosage:22600 ppm F Route of Administration: Intraoral/To - Varnish Fluoride toothpaste(plus toothbrush) supplied twice per yearActive Ingredients:Sodium FluorideStudy Dosage:1450 ppm F Route of Administration: To- dentifrice Standardised health education delivered by the dentist or hygienist.Concurrent Control: Standardised health education delivered by the dentist or hygienist.Total Sample Size: A minimum of 2356 children attending a minimum of 40 dental practices and CDS sites will be invited for eligibility assessment for this trial. We aim to recruit 1200 participants in total.Method of Participant Assignment: Participants will be individually randomised after their parent / legal guardian has provided informed consent and their eligibility checked.Blinding: A placebo will not be used so the allocated interventions will not be blind to parents children or their dentists. Strenuous efforts will be used to conceal the allocated intervention from the dentists undertaking outcome examinations. Examination Points: Baseline and 3 yearsPrimary Outcome: The proportion of children converting from caries free to caries active (cavitation into dentine) over three yearsSecondary Outcomes: The number of carious surfaces (caries into dentine) in the primary dentition in children who convert from caries free to caries active states; episodes of pain and extraction of primary teeth; other adverse events; costs


Research activity codes: 6.7 PHYSICAL
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults: A 3 arm individually randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a 12-month multi-component intervention and less intensive version compared to a control on weight loss maintenance in obese adults
Funder: Chief Scientist Office (Scotland)

Abstract: BackgroundStudies of weight loss maintenance have had limited effectiveness with weight regain common. Reviews have identified issues important for maintenance including: physical activity; low calorie/low fat diet; self regulation; tailoring social support internal motivation and self efficacy. These are central to the intervention being evaluated in this trial. AimTo evaluate the impact of a 12 month multi-component intervention or a less intensive version on participants: Body Mass Index (primary outcome); waist circumference; waist to hip ratio; body composition; physical activity levels and diet three years from randomisation. DesignA 3 arm (intensive less intensive control) individually randomised controlled trial. During the trial those allocated to the intensive or less intensive groups will receive a 12 month individually tailored intervention based on three key features; MI peer support and self regulation. The focus will be on maintaining the gains participants have already made. The control group will receive an information pack detailing lifestyle changes for weight maintenance.PopulationWe will recruit 950 obese adults aged 18-70 (current or previous BMI 30+) who have lost at least 5% body weight (independently verified) from community based groups gyms commercial weight loss groups and exercise on prescription schemes. Exclusion criteria include; pregnancy or inability to comply with study protocol. Outcome measuresThe primary outcome is BMI at 3 years post randomisation. Secondary outcomes include waist circumference; waist to hip ratio; body fat distribution; self report physical activity; proportion maintaining weight loss; self report dietary intake; health related quality of life; health service and weight control resource usage; binge eating psychological well being and duration of participation and drop out from intervention. Duration and follow-upThe trial will start after participants are recruited and consented. Participants will be assessed at 6 months during the intervention and followed up at the end of the intervention (one year from randomisation) and at 12 and 24 months after the intervention is complete.


Research activity codes: 3.1 PRIMARY PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS TO MODIFY BEHAVIOURS OR PROMOTE WELL-BEING
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Both sides of the fence: using action research to improve end of life care for prisoners
Funder: Marie Curie

Abstract: Background The End of Life Care Strategy recommends that high quality end of life care should be available to anyone who needs it, including those in prison. The provision of high quality care for the ageing population of prisoners with end of life care needs requires staff from inside and outside the prison to find ways of working across this interface. Aim The aim of this research is to improve end of life care for prisoners, by devising a transferable model of integrated end of life care that involves prison staff and specialist palliative care staff, to enhance the delivery of high quality care for prisoners with palliative care needs. Methods The study will use participatory action research, which describes, interprets and explains social situations whilst implementing and evaluating changes aimed at improving practice. Staff from specialist palliative care and a high security prison, with guidance and facilitation from a researcher, will be active participants in this three-phased study. Phase 1 will consist of a situational analysis of current end of life care in prison. Focus groups and interviews will be conducted with staff from prison healthcare, prison security, family liaison, primary care and specialist palliative care to gain multiple perspectives. In Phase 2, action cycles will take place with prison staff and specialist palliative care staff. Staff will identify problems, and plan and undertake actions, which will ultimately lead to the development of a model of integrated end of life care. In Phase 3 deliberative panels will be used to further refine and share the model with staff from other prisons and specialist palliative care services, and policy makers. How the results of this research will be used The findings of this study will be widely disseminated via workshops, conferences, publications, networks and websites to reach staff and policy makers in both prison and health services. This research will improve palliative care for prisoners by: • Increasing knowledge transfer about palliative care across prisons; • Enabling prison staff to recognise and address prisoners’ palliative care needs; • Improving communication between different groups of staff about dying prisoners; • Increasing prison and specialist palliative care staff confidence in caring for dying prisoners; • Providing tools to help staff work across the interface between specialist palliative care and prisons; and • Developing a contextually appropriate model for improving palliative care across prisons.


Research activity codes: 7.2 END OF LIFE CARE
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Modulation of aberrant mitochondrial function and cytokine production in skeletal muscle of patients with CFS by supplementary polyphenols
Funder: Medical Research Council

Abstract: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a severely debilitating illness of uncertain cause, characterised by prolonged, debilitating fatigue. Reversal of the severely debilitating fatigue which ensues remains the most promising treatment. The presence of abnormal mitochondria in muscle of patients with CFS remains the subject of considerable debate. The reasons for such different findings are likely due to the previous lack of availability of appropriate and sensitive techniques to determine mitochondrial function directly in muscle fibres. However, to study mitochondrial function in muscle fibres in situ from humans, a method of isolating bundles of muscle fibres and permeablisation with saponin has been developed. This technique is established in our laboratories and will lead to a definitive answer regarding a mitochondrial defect in muscles of patients with CFS. Chronic ROS generation by muscle mitochondria is proposed to result in chronic activation of NFkB and subsequent lowgrade inflammation. We further hypothesise that activation of NFkB results in muscle becoming a major source of systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in further mitochondrial abnormalities and the establishment of a vicious circle of events. Nutritional interventions that modify mitochondrial ROS generation or NFkB activation in muscles will reduce systemic inflammation, break this vicious circle and improve muscle function.This application is a new collaboration between basic scientists at the University of Liverpool, experts on diet and cognitive function at the University of Leeds and a consultant in Infectious disease and Tropical medicine with a special interest in CFS/ME. We will apply a novel technique to to examine mitochondrial function in muscle cells in situ, determine the role of muscle in the production of inflammatory mediators and undertake a polyphenol intervention to modify ROS generation and inflammation and improve fatigue and wellbeing in CFS patients.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS;6.1 PHARMACEUTICALS
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Wnt signalling and stem cell mobilisation in tissue injury repair
Funder: Medical Research Council

Abstract: Canonical Wnt signalling is involved in multiple developmental and postnatal biological processes and when disregulated is a direct cause of cancers such as colorectal cancer. Recently a new role has been identified in tissue damage repair where Wnt activity is upregulated immediately following damage in all tissues and species (both vertebrate and invertebrate) examined. Experimental abrogation of this increase in signalling activity severely impairs natural repair of tissue damage. A key response to tissue damage is the mobilisation of mesenchymal stem cells and a generic source of these cells are perivascular cells (pericytes).This proposal aims to investigate the mechanisms by which canonical Wnt activity initiates a cascade of cellular processes required for tissue damage repair. These include stem cell proliferation, cell homing (chemotaxis) and differentiation. We will use a novel, extremely tractable model system of experimemtally creating tissue damage to mouse incisor teeth. The damage responses observed in teeth are the same as those described in other tissues but incisors have a number of signficant advatages as a model system. Mouse incisors have three separate and clearly recognisable mesenchymal stem cell niches and can be easily manipulated in vivo and in vitro. We will use this system to identify the molecular pathways downstream of damage-induced Wnt activiation and by manipulating the Wnt activity follwoing damage, determine the effects on stem cell mobilisation from the different niches.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER