NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Scottish Consortium, Translational Medicine and Therapeutics Programme: 'The proinflammatory Th17 response as a therapeutic target in cystic fibrosis lung disease'.
Funder: Wellcome Trust

Abstract: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the commonest life-threatening inherited condition in the UK. The main cause of death is chronic pulmonary sepsis, in most cases with the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Initial infections are transient if treated with antibiotics, but as patients get older they become chronically colonized with this microbe. A chronic inflammatory response is set up in the airways eventually leading to irreversible bronchiectasis. Neutrophils are a major component of the cellular influx that accumulates and whilst contributing to host defence may also produce tissue injury. Recently, a novel subset of T helper lymphocytes has been described that produces predominantly IL-17, a cytokine that orchestrates neutrophil responses. The aim of this proposal is to a) characterise the human Th17 response to Pseudomonal infection, b) establish an animal model of chronic pseudomonal pulmonary disease to test the roles of IL-17 and related cytokines in the pathogenesis of pseudomonal-induced lung damage and c) determine the microbial factors that generate a Th17 response. The results of this investigation will define the role that IL-17 and related cytokines play in the lung disease of CF and might allow targeting of this axis as a potential therapy in this condition.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: INFECTION;CONGENITAL DISORDERS
Title: Systems biology meets infection: modelling metabolism and metabolomics in the human and animal pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Funder: Wellcome Trust

Abstract: Traditional molecular and cell biology has focussed on single components of a system the classic example in infection biology is the concept of a virulence gene'. This has, of course, been very successful in helping us understand many of the bases of how a bacterium infects a host yet some problems are not best understood in these terms. Many of the factors which make P. aeruginosa such a successful pathogen, particularly in the CF lung (where it is competing with other bacteria for resources, rather than acting as an intracellular pathogen), are down to its physiology, including its metabolic versatility. In many ways, metabolism can only be understood at an integrated network level [2], yet these have been (largely) neglected ininfection biology. This project will combine metabolic modelling with information-rich profiling approaches (metabolomics and fluxomics) in order to develop our understanding of the metabolism of thiskey pathogen. It will make use of existing resources, including a whole-genome knockout library (thePA14NR library [3]), and a set of longitudinal isolates from long-term chronic CF infections that we are currently in the process of sequencing. It will build on metabolomics work already carried out in the Bundy laboratory on P. aeruginosa, that has to date largely focussed on metabolic footprinting (exometabolome analysis), and has been successfully applied to, for instance, identify a series of adaptations to chronic infection in terms of carbon source utilization; or to generate and test novel hypotheses about physiological phenotypes (e.g. sensitivity to osmotic stress)in a key mutant strain [4,5]. It will extend this work by a. using sensitive mass spectrometrytechniques to profile the endometabolome as well, ideally compatible with high-throughput growth conditions; b. using stable isotopic labelling to measure metabolic fluxes as well; and c. linking the metabolomic data to a genome-scale metabolic model.


Research activity codes: 2.2 FACTORS RELATING TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Health categories: INFECTION;CONGENITAL DISORDERS
Title: Long Covid: Amplifying the voices of people with lived experience to improve understanding, support, treatment and education. Share-to-improve: Long Covid experience (COv-VOICES) Study
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: COVID-19 is a new virus. Media stories often talk about the numbers of people who die from COVID-19, or about people who are hardly affected and recover quickly. We will conduct a study of the experiences of people who have a range of symptoms that sometime last for months after catching COVID-19. This is called ‘Long Covid’. We will use our findings to produce a reliable online resource with practical information and support for people with Long Covid and their families and carers, and information that can be used to train doctors, nurses, social care and other healthcare workers. In our detailed interviews with people with Long Covid, we will ask them about their symptoms, the services they used, the information, support and care needs they have, and how Long Covid has affected their lives. Our findings, with video, audio and written clips from the interviews, will be freely available on a website (www.healthtalk.org/), which has won many prizes for being a source of patient experiences of health and illness that people can trust. We will also be able to compare the experiences of people in our studies with people who live in other countries, and with other studies


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Defining and understanding the longer-term effects of COVID-19: A mixed methods study exploring the frequency, nature, and impact of ‘long COVID’ in the Scottish population
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: Most people with COVID-19 recover within three weeks, but some don’t. Our study will identify how many people continue to be unwell, their symptoms, and how it affects their lives. Scottish adults who had a positive COVID-19 test, and a negative test comparison group, will be sent an SMS message inviting them to take part in the study. If they agree, they will use an app to answer questions about their health before and after COVID-19, and any effect on their lives. They will answer the questions again 12, 18, and 24 months after testing. Their health records will tell us if they have been in hospital or taking medicines. This can be done without us knowing their name or speaking to them. They will be asked if they agree to be contacted directly. Some who agree will have one-to-one interviews to discuss, in more detail, the impact of COVID-19 on their health and relationships. We will also ask for their suggestions on what help they need. Anyone can refuse to take part, or withdraw from the study, at any time. Patients with lived experience of COVID-19 symptoms will be members of a steering group providing advice during the project


Research activity codes: 7.1 INDIVIDUAL CARE NEEDS
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: COVID-19: Tracking Persistent Symptoms in Scotland (TraPSS)
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: We know that people respond very differently if they become infected with COVID_x0002_19. Some people need to be admitted to hospital, while others have no symptoms at all. After treatment, some people find that their symptoms can carry on for a long_x0002_time, even if their initial symptoms were mild. Research into this effect, often called 'long-COVID' has found that it affects very different numbers of people in different studies. This means that in order to help Scottish patients recovering from COVID-19 infection, we need to study long-COVID in Scotland. Therefore, this project aims to improve our understanding of Long-COVID in the Scottish population, and particularly in people whose original symptoms were relatively mild. We will review the current evidence describing the types of symptoms other studies have reported, and we will survey people at different stages of recovery to find out what kinds of persistent symptoms they have. Finally we will follow people who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection for 9 months to see how many people have long term symptoms, what symptoms persist, and for how long


Research activity codes: 2.4 SURVEILLANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Prevention And Early Treatment Of COVID-19 Long Term Effects: A Randomised Clinical Trial Of Resistance Exercise
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: Many people have long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19, such as breathlessness, fatigue and chest pain. So far, research studies of treatments for COVID-19 have focused on the life-threatening acute illness; few studies look at treatments to improve long-term health after COVID-19. COVID-19, particularly when this requires a hospital admission, can lead to weight loss and muscle wasting, contributing to worse outcomes. Muscle strengthening (resistance-based) exercise could improve outcomes in the long-term. We are looking to do two things: 1) To undertake a research trial of pragmatic resistance-based exercise for 220 people recovering from COVID-19. 2) Create a platform for rapid trials of new treatments after COVID-19. This will cut the costs of doing future trials and allow more patients the opportunity to contribute to medical research that will improve outcomes for people recovering from COVID_x0002_19. Our team is multidisciplinary, multi-ethnic, gender-balanced and drawn from across NHS Scotland, and the University of Glasgow. We are currently leading the CISCO_x0002_19 study, funded by the CSO, in the West of Scotland, using medical imaging of the hearts, lungs, and kidneys of patients, to understand the impact of COVID-19. We have consulted with members of the public, including people with COVID-19, in designing this study


Research activity codes: 6.7 PHYSICAL
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Developing and validating a risk prediction model for long COVID-19
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: Most patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover within a few weeks. However, around 10-20% of people continue to have symptoms that last for many weeks or months. These ongoing symptoms can involve different parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, nervous system and they may also result in mental health problems. It is still unclear which patients will develop these long-term problems also sometimes known as “long-COVID”. Our team has been involved in developing a calculator for the UK and Scottish Governments to identify people at risk of serious COVID-19 that results in hospital admission or death. We now plan to build on this and develop the world’s first calculator to identify who is at greatest risk of developing long-COVID. We will do this by analysing data from a unique COVID_x0002_19 data platform that we have created, which securely holds information on 5.4 million people (~99% of the Scottish population). We will work with the Scottish Government and NHS leaders to make this calculator available for routine clinical use, which will offer opportunities for the more focused and efficient targeting of resources to reduce the long-term risk of disability and death from COVID-19


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Clinical phenotyping to enable targeted treatment of persistent cognitive symptoms after COVID-19
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: People with ‘Long Covid’ describe memory and concentration problems. Studies examining how people perform on memory and intelligence tests have found that patients who have had COVID-19 perform worse than those who have not. But to date, we don’t know why they have poorer cognitive function. Memory and concentration symptoms in ‘Long Covid’ are likely to have different causes in different people. Some may have had direct infection or inflammation of the brain, or blockages to blood vessels in the brain. In others, underlying brain disease may have been ‘unmasked’ by COVID-19. Some may have functional cognitive disorders, where memory and concentration problems are the result of changes in the brain’s ‘software’. In others, anxiety, low mood or fatigue may contribute to their symptoms. Each of these conditions has a different outcome and treatment. This study aims to closely examine 100 people with persisting cognitive symptoms after COVID-19, assessing the cognitive problems as well as markers of brain damage, inflammation, and underlying degenerative brain disease


Research activity codes: 4.1 DISCOVERY AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF MARKERS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Longer term impact of COVID 19 infection people with diabetes
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: People with diabetes have suffered greater adverse consequences of COVID-19 in the acute phase of infection during the pandemic. Whether they also have increased susceptibility to longer term sequelae is unknown. Such knowledge is critical to public health approaches to management of the pandemic in these populations. We will build on the excellent available surveillance of the population of people with diabetes in Scotland using the existing SCI-diabetes platform, used already to accurately detail short-term outcomes. Current research during the COVID crisis has highlighted that to the end of July, 2724 people with diabetes had Covid-19 (positive test, admission or death certificate) of whom 988 had unfortunately died. This means more than 1736 people with diabetes in Scotland may be living with the consequences of Covid-19. Assessment of the long term holistic impact on people with diabetes cannot be approached using routine data collated from electronic health records and so we propose to use the resources of the Scottish Diabetes Research Network (SDRN) to collect information through questionnaires and clinical examination on a range of outcomes in people with diabetes compared to the general population of people with diabetes.


Research activity codes: 2.4 SURVEILLANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Evaluating emerging models of community rehabilitation for people experiencing the effects of long-COVID to inform responsive service delivery across Scotland.
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: Studies estimate that 10–35% of people with COVID-19 experience disabling clinical symptoms following the acute phase of their illness (long-Covid). Scottish Government figures estimate that there are already 5,330-18,655 citizens with long_x0002_Covid, many of whom are likely to require support to recover. Community rehabilitation, delivered by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other health professionals, is a well-established approach to enabling people to maximise their quality of life and recovery. However, community rehabilitation for people with long_x0002_Covid is in its infancy. There are considerable differences in how community rehabilitation for people with long-Covid is currently delivered across Scotland. We want to assess which models of community rehabilitation are most appropriate, in which circumstances. We will evaluate the delivery and outcomes of four different models of community rehabilitation for people with long-Covid currently being delivered in Scotland. This will help us to identify which models are more suitable, for which patient groups and in which contexts. We will then hold online workshops with community rehabilitation mangers, service leads and others from across Scotland. During the workshops, we will present our findings and support participants to develop evidence-based action plans to improve their local long-Covid community rehabilitation services.


Research activity codes: 6.7 PHYSICAL
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Lived experience of long term COVID-19 on NHS workers in health care settings in Scotland: a longitudinal mixed methods study
Funder: Chief Scientist Office, Scotland

Abstract: Many NHS workers have greater occupational risk of exposure to COVID-19 than the general population. UK studies found the risk of healthcare workers testing positive for COVID-19 was seven times higher than for non-essential workers. In Scotland healthcare workers and their households contributed to a sixth of cases admitted to hospital. This study aims to establish the nature and extent, and lived-experiences long COVID on the health and well-being on a self-identified cohort of professional and ancillary staff in NHS Scotland. We plan to use a longitudinal mixed methods approach, collecting data over a one-year period. A rapid review of the literature on the longer-term effects of COVID-19 will guide the development of an online questionnaire survey which will be used to examine self-reported health status, working lives, and other key factors in affected individuals. Subgroups of NHS workers will then be invited to take part in qualitative interviews designed to capture their narrative accounts of living with long COVID. Stakeholder workshops, where we will share emerging findings, will engage with occupational health and human services, professional bodies and training establishments. The findings will help to inform policy, practice and research recommendations, including NHS workforce planning needs


Research activity codes: 8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Grading Gowns: Redesigning One-size PPE To Fit And Protect Female Health Workers More Effectively
Funder: Arts and Humanities Research Council

Abstract: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a shortage of suitable PPE has resulted in healthcare workers(HCWs) wearing one-size, disposable isolation gowns, compromising comfort and safety. Oversized, ill-fitting gowns impede movement and increase body temperature and risk of viral transmission. Clinical procurement and acute care leads have expressed the need for more sustainable, reusable, individually sized PPE gowns fabricated from washable textiles to enhance the HCWs experiences, while mitigating infection risk and reducing clinical waste. The project will deliver a 'reusable PPE isolation gown system' including a doffing accessory to safely remove contaminated gowns. The healthcare sector ready set of gowns will be designed and produced in EN-certificated textiles and manufacturing conditions in multiple sizes (XS-XXXL) informed by: a systematic review of current PPE design, provision and use; qualitative data from interviews, questionnaires and wearer trials. The PPE outcomes will be disseminated via UK NHS trusts, health authorities, service conferences and publications. The investigators have industry/ research expertise in user-centred fashion and workwear design. Alexandra, is an industry leader in the production and supply of PPE gowns to UK health authorities and links with the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. Other NHS partners include clinical procurement and acute care team leaders who have in-depth knowledge of the acquisition, distribution, use and affect of disposable PPE. The applicants' universities encompass the product design labs and resources required for fashion/ accessory development and prototyping. Alexandra will provide access to advanced clinical textiles, gown production and testing facilities. Interviews, questionnaires and wearer trials will facilitated via London, Northampton and Nottingham hospitals.


Research activity codes: 3.2 INTERVENTIONS TO ALTER PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Home drinking, violence, and inequalities: a quasi-experiment examining the contribution of off-trade alcohol availability to violence during covid-19
Funder: The British Academy

Abstract: Women and those in the lowest socio-economic groups are disproportionately affected by alcohol-related violence in the home – instances of alcohol-related domestic violence victimisation are up to 14 times as common in the lowest socio-economic groups. Off-trade alcohol availability (e.g., supermarkets and off-licences) is hypothesised to be a contributory factor to this violence, particularly in shaping extreme socio-economic disparities in victimisation. However, the effects of these sales have been difficult to isolate, as individuals’ off-trade purchasing patterns can be spread over wide geographic areas. COVID-19 and associated restrictions (including suspension and limitation of on-trade sales and keeping off-trade purchases close to home) however, present a quasi-natural experiment allowing investigation of how off-trade alcohol sales contribute to violence and shape gendered and socio-economic patterns in victimisation. This proposed work will inform academic and policy debates surrounding violence reduction, gendered and socio-economic inequalities, as well as commercial and structural drivers of ill-health.


Research activity codes: 8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Everyday Practices of Trans-Individuality: Viral Ecologies of Isolation and Exposure during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Funder: The British Academy

Abstract: This project examines the conditions of vulnerability through which Covid-19 elicits a new and different concept of subjectivity, working closely with a diverse group of trans participants to examine what happens to everyday practices of gender expression under the novel spatial constraints of a global pandemic. Resistance to trans recognition arises in part from fiercely contested theoretical positions regarding the 'nature' of identity: positions which go to the heart of what constitutes a political subject. Similarly, conditions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic - combining a generally unfamiliar degree of social isolation with new forms of exposure and mutual vulnerability - have profoundly destabilised the processes through which individuals customarily create and sustain a sense of self in relation to wider collectives. The project deploys a combination of conventional and creative methods to facilitate a participatory research process with trans participants, to rethink subjectivity in explicitly relational and ecological terms.


Research activity codes: 2.3 PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS
Health categories: INFECTION;DISPUTED AETIOLOGY AND OTHER
Title: Understanding risk and risk reduction for STIs and BBVs under diagnosis.
Funder: Department of Health and Social Care

Abstract: The overarching aim of this research theme is to improve understanding and the knowledge-base of the t influence the risk of STI and BBV acquisition and transmission in key population groups to inform and support the targeting and delivery of timely interventions which maximise patient and public health benefit, as well as inform the development of novel interventions. This focus is consistent with the aim of the overall HPRU to address key questions (and populations) of public health relevance that will translate into improvements for the health of the population as a whole.


Research activity codes: 2.6 RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: INFECTION;GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE