research – Page 3 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Eden Project: Less than half of UK adults are pulling together in their communities

New research out today reports that less than half of all UK adults (46%) believe that people are pulling together to improve their neighbourhoods.

Only a similar number of us are exchanging favours (45%) with neighbours, despite the current cost of living crisis putting strain on household budgets including rises in rent or mortgages, fuel and food costs.

Eden Project Communities, who are one of the partners behind the Month of Community in June to encourage people to make local connections and support good causes, conducted the research to explore attitudes towards neighbourliness.

It is part of a year-round programme of work focusing on building social capital on a mass scale delivered by Eden Project Communities and made possible by The National Lottery.

Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project Communities Programme Director said: “This research tells us that people participating in their communities is out of step with the benefits people feel when they have strong local connections.

“The data hints that activities like good old fashioned neighbourliness practiced during the pandemic may be starting to re-emerge, but there is a big opportunity for many people who are not nurturing local support networks which could help them cope better during in the cost of living crisis.”

The nationally representative independent research conducted in the second two weeks in May 2023 also found that 65% agree where they live is friendly, and our sense of belonging to our immediate neighbourhood has actually increased by five percentage points since 2019 to 67% in 2023. An even higher number (74%) also say that they trust their neighbours and feel safe (71%) in their neighbourhoods.

Furthermore, of those who had a Big Lunch to bring people together where they live in 2023, 81% said that their event had a positive impact on their community, and 75% said they are now more likely to give their time to help neighbours or good causes.

After reaching out to their neighbours, people in all parts of the UK have felt the benefits of forging stronger connections with others where they live.

In Edinburgh, local people joined many others across the country to take part in the Month of Community. On 4 June, over 300 people turned out for the Friends of Campbell Park Big Lunch in honour of Volunteers Week.

With ambitious plans for their community, the group run regular events to connect people and encourage them to bring their creativity to their local green space, and have recently launched a scheme where local people can adopt fruit trees in their orchard, free of charge.

Their Big Lunch was a huge success and featured activities to bring people of all ages together, from football fun games and an Asian themed barbeque table to a jazz band, yoga yurt, tree planting and baking competition.

Shona Harrower, who organised the event, said: “Last year we hosted our first Big Lunch and we were blown away by the response from the local community.

“This year we have four times the number of volunteers than we had last year – we wouldn’t be able to do what we do if it wasn’t for the army of people helping us out so it feels only right to be celebrating Volunteers Week.”

Reaching out, making local connections and new neighbourhood friendships is something that Eden Project Communities, and other organisations behind the Month of Community support. Approximately 27.6 million adults in the UK say they feel lonely often, always or some of the time, up by five percentage points to 40% in 2023 compared to 35% in 2019.

Earlier in June, Month of Community ambassador Comedian John Bishop paid a visit to space2grow in Farnham, Surrey – a project that held a Big Lunch to celebrate their neighbourhood connections and invited John to unveil a new Say Hello friendly bench during Loneliness Awareness Week and The Great Big Green Week. The bench now creates a place where people can stop in a green space to chat and make new friends.

Reflecting on his visit to space2grow and the Month of Community John Bishop said: “I’m really proud that Say Hello is part of the Month of Community, when I hope people up and down the country will maybe have a Big Lunch or just take the time to get chatting to people in their community.

“Let’s all put some welly into making connections, supporting each other and the causes we care about during the Month of Community. Appreciating the power of community and the warmth of human connections impresses upon me just how important this really is!”

The Month of Community is an annual partnership of good causes in June, when people are encouraged to come together to celebrate everyone and everything that make our communities great.

With events and initiatives running throughout June for causes such as Volunteers Week, Carers Week, The Great Big Green Week, Refugee Week and Small Charity Week, it’s a chance to connect with neighbours, say cheers to volunteers, raise awareness of loneliness or simply say thank you. As part of the Month of Community, The Big Lunch is a chance for people to bring their community together, fundraise or celebrate a good cause they care about.

Lindsey Brummitt continued: “While almost half of the UK is showing signs of being community-minded in this research, we know getting to know neighbours helps to create support networks which makes life better and helps when things are tough – so it’s definitely worth taking a step in that direction if you are not.

“We need to be vigilant about strengthening and investing time in our neighbourhood relationships and during the Month of Community, there are so many opportunities and good causes you could look out for and support to help build your connections.

“We want to help people build their communities, so as well as The Big Lunch and Month of Community each year in June, we’re going to keep working on ideas to boost community spirit all year round – look out for updates at edenprojectcommunities.com!”

To find out more go to www.monthofcommunity.com or www.TheBigLunch.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @edencommunities

Hello Scotland! Six-strong rowing team is over halfway around Great Britain

Team Ithaca, the all-female crew rowing around Great Britain is now over halfway around. They’re currently making strong progress past the Isle of Mull and have less than 1,000 miles to go.

Team Ithaca includes six extraordinary women taking part in the GB Row Challenge, a 2,000 mile row around Britain’s coastline. They’ve been rowing for the last 21 days and if they finish within 50, they’ll break a Guinness World record for the first female team of six to have ever completed the feat.

Skipper Emma Wolstenholme (above) said: “We’re now in Scotland and the famous Corryvreckan marked the halfway point. We have been in constant rain and side winds creating side-on waves day and night, so although it’s awesome to be halfway, we are all very wet and hoping for some Scottish sunshine.”

The team have said that highs have included beautiful sunsets and sunrises, seeing dolphins, minke whales, puffins and shooting stars. Lows have included sleep deprivation, seasickness and rowing in torrential rain.

One of the rowers, Sandra Gates, said: “It feels great to be over halfway round. The highs for me are rowing with dolphins, being under the milky way and seeing shooting stars and sea sickness finally going!

“The whole experience is huge for me. I can’t wait to see Scotland from a different angle and appreciate our beautiful coastline while ticking the miles off and heading home. I’m not sure I will ever get used to the graveyard shift and I’m pretty sure I will never want to hear a mobile alarm for some time. I miss my family and dogs so much but I’m loving the experience.”

While rowing, they’re making an enormous contribution to an ocean pollution map of UK waters as they collect data on microplastics, temperature, noise pollution, and biodiversity.

So far they have collected 25 samples of Environmental DNA (eDNA) using an automatic pumping system, which will provide data on biodiversity.

Dr Kat Bruce, Founder Director of biodiversity company Naturemetrics, who completed the GB Row Challenge last year, said: “Animals are constantly shedding tiny traces into the environment – including dead skin cells, mucous, saliva, urine and faeces.

“These tiny traces contain the DNA of the animal, which means we can record hundreds of species without necessarily ever seeing them.

“The rowers are making this incredible journey around the coast and they’ll be awed by the beauty and diversity of this island we live on. When I rowed last year, we had many encounters with wildlife, including dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabird colonies.

“But most of the biodiversity is under the water and the rowers will have no idea what different species their data will capture! The eDNA from a single litre of water can reveal hundreds of species, from invertebrates to blue whales. It’s this vital data that is helping to build a picture of our nation’s precious biodiversity so that we can better protect it.”

The rowers are also collecting data on microplastics, thanks to an innovative collaboration between University of Portsmouth scientists and engineers from Harwin and Porvair Filtration Group.

Experts have worked together to design and build a microplastics sampling system, developed to both survive the harsh environment at sea and work around the limited physical space and power available on the boats.

The rowers have collected 14 samples of microplastics so far, building on the data collected during last year’s race, which will allow scientists to see any changes happening year on year.

Dr Fay Couceiro, expert in biogeochemistry and environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth, said: “We’re so grateful to this amazing team of women who are rowing continuously, two hours on and two hours off in sun, strong winds and heavy rain.

“Their efforts are helping to produce an annual map of ocean pollution and biodiversity, which will give a clearer picture of the environmental damage and long term impact of these pollutants on our seas.”

Their boat Challenger is also taking continuous recordings of underwater sound using an RS Aqua noise recorder integrated into the rudder as well as collecting data on salinity and temperature.

Empowering the future of medical research

MEDICAL RESEARCH SCOTLAND INSPIRES OVER 1,400 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH LIVE-STREAMED EVENTS

Medical Research Scotland, Scotland’s largest independent medical research charity, has helped over 1,400 young people across Scotland connect with the country’s leading scientists and academics to learn about further education and careers in medical science.

The Medical Research Scotland virtual academy has had a significant impact on the education and career prospects of pupils across Scotland. With participation from over 1,400 students from 36 schools spanning from Aberdeen to the Scottish Borders, the academy has successfully engaged students with an interest in STEM subjects. The primary goal for the academy is to address the shortage of STEM skills in Scotland by providing students with interactive experience and exposure to medical research.

S4, S5 & S6 pupils from schools across Scotland joined each Friday morning for a month of live streamed weekly interactive lessons, which were broadcasted straight to their science classrooms, allowing pupils to watch from the comfort of their own learning environments. Throughout the course, students were treated to a range of inspiring and insightful presentations from scientists, lecturers, and PhD students whose studies were funded by Medical Research Scotland.

The academy is a free tool that was delivered virtually and is also available to be streamed on demand making it a versatile resource that can be utilised throughout teaching schedules.

One school that benefitted from the Medical Research Scotland Academy virtual webinar series was James Gillespie’s High School in Edinburgh.

Pupils here gained the opportunity to learn about medical research into viruses, pharmaceuticals, how medical research was an integral part of combatting the global pandemic and much more from previous and present PhD students from the University of St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Dundee.

Iain Coltart, Head of Science at James Gillespie’s High School, said: “I am thrilled to see the incredible impact of the Medical Research Scotland Academy on our pupils.

“Through this programme, our students have gained invaluable insights into cutting-edge medical research, engaging with leading experts in the field and deepening their understanding of scientific concepts.

“The learning experience and exposure to real-world medical research has ignited their passion for science. We are grateful for this unique opportunity that has empowered our students and inspired them to pursue careers in the field of medical research.”

Professor Heather Wallace, Chair of Medical Research Scotland, said: “As Chair of Medical Research Scotland, I take pride in Scotland’s rich heritage of producing world-class research scientists who have made ground-breaking discoveries and contributed to global health advancements.

“The goal of the Medical Research Scotland Academy is to inspire and foster connections between the next generation of aspiring medical professionals and valued academics in Scotland. We have witnessed the immense enthusiasm for medical science among school leavers from various schools across the country, and it is truly gratifying to see.”

Medical Research Scotland is dedicated to advancing health in Scotland and beyond through the support of cutting-edge research aimed at enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

To join us in our mission, please visit our website at:

medicalresearchscotland.org.uk

and explore ways to contribute.

If you would like to view this year’s Medical Research Scotland academy webinars, please visit: medicalresearchscotland.org.uk.

Research highlights the challenges for unpaid carers aged 65 and above across Scotland

Carers Trust Scotland today is releasing research about the lived experiences of older adult unpaid carers in Scotland. Over 450 participants shared their experiences and the unique challenges they face as an unpaid carer.

The impact of caring unpaid on one’s health and wellbeing was highlighted in the report, with 80% of participants stating that their physical health, and 87% of respondents stating their mental health and wellbeing, had been affected by their caring role.

65% of respondents said that they experience feelings of loneliness some of the time, and a further 19% said they often felt lonely.

“My health is deteriorating quite rapidly and I am afraid as to what may happen to loved ones should I die.”

The report also explores the support available for older adult unpaid carers. 18% of respondents feel as though they have no time for themselves.

Furthermore, a quarter of respondents (25%) reported having difficulty being able to find the support they need as an unpaid carer. By not having the adequate support in place to support their caring role, it prevents many from being able to have break. Our research found that in the past 12 months, 18% reported that they had tried to take a break but had not been able to.

As well as an impact on health, many older adult unpaid carers experience financial difficulty, with 82% of respondents feeling as though their caring role has financially impacted them.

Challenges in retaining employment and developing a career alongside a caring role were highlighted by unpaid carers. Also, older adult unpaid carers with an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance but no longer in receipt of the benefit due to receiving a full State Pension expressed their anger and frustration, with many feeling they are financially penalised due to their age whilst maintaining a substantial caring role.

“Not getting Carer’s Allowance is shocking. I care 24/7 non-stop. I would get State Pension anyway caring or not. Pension is not a benefit. When one needs the funds for caring, it stops. State Pension is there for me, not to supplement the caring role. I have not had Carer’s Allowance in 15 years.”

The report also explores the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with many older adult unpaid carers sharing ways in which they have tried to save money over the past 12 months.

37% have used less gas/electricity in their homes.
35% have cut back on essentials.
19% have skipped meals, and 16% have used a food bank.
27% have used their pension pot for everyday expenses.

In addition to publishing the lived experiences of older adult unpaid carers in Scotland, the research report also puts forward recommendations for support for unpaid carers and carer services and staff.

Among its recommendations, Carers Trust Scotland is calling for:

Scottish Government extend Carer Support Payment to older adult unpaid carers with underlying entitlement who are receiving State Pension.
Health and Social Care Partnerships and local authorities provide ringfenced funding to local carer organisations dedicated to providing physical and mental health support for older adult unpaid carers. Additionally, develop specific programmes aimed at combatting social isolation and loneliness amongst older adult unpaid carers.
Scottish Government creates a dedicated section in the Older Adult Framework on older adult unpaid carers.
Scottish Government ensures there is a dedicated section on unpaid carers in the upcoming Dementia Strategy, with particular focus on where to turn to for support.

Jim Guyan, an unpaid carer from Shetland, said: “This report highlights the continuing lack of recognition and support given to elderly unpaid carers by the establishment.

“It also makes recommendations that require action immediately.”

Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland, comments: “The changes in demographic trends in Scotland has seen our population begin to age over recent decades. It is therefore vital that we understand the challenges facing unpaid carers aged 65 and above which will be key in helping us support them.

“The research report highlights that older adult unpaid carers across Scotland experience numerous impacts to their everyday lives, including in health, finances and support in their caring role.

“Many older unpaid carers have also faced challenges with employment, whether that is throughout their career and not having the same opportunities as those who don’t have caring roles, or in having to give up employment early due to their caring role.

“We are pleased to publish this report and believe every effort should be made to support the implementation of the report’s recommendations, which we believe will support older adult unpaid carers across Scotland.”

Over a quarter of women have no pension savings

Male pension pots are two thirds larger than women’s on average
Only 23% of women are confident they will be able to retire comfortably

Fewer women than men have pensions, and those who do are saving less than their male counterparts, reveals independent research conducted on behalf of Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management.

Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management’s report, Can we solve the gender wealth gap? highlights the disparity in retirement savings between men and women, revealing that over a fifth (26%) of women have no formal pension savings at all, compared to just 16% of men.

Women’s pension pots were found to be substantially smaller too. The average pension across amounts for all respondents stood at £103,037. However, male respondents’ pension pots were found to be significantly higher, averaging at £142,234, while women’s came in at just over a third of this, at an average of £51,384.

It is therefore unsurprising that only 23% of women surveyed stated they are confident that they will be able to retire comfortably, with over a third (35%) believing they won’t be able to.

However, there are signs that things could be turning around for the next generation. While women over the age of 40 are generally less likely to have a pension than men of a similar age (63% vs 80%), men and women in their 30s were found to be equally likely to have a pension (77%). For adults under 30, women were found to be more likely to have a pension than men (76% vs 59%).

The research also revealed that most people tend to leave the management of their pension to their workplace pension provider (45%). Men were slightly more likely than women (43% versus 37%) to manage their own pensions, such as via a self-invested personal pension scheme (SIPP).

However, more than half (56%) of those who self-manage their pensions admitted that they seldom check their retirement savings – of which 64% were female.

Christine Ross, Head of Private Office (North) & Client Director at Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, said: “Women on average continue to remain a long way behind men in pension savings, with the problem at its most acute among older generations who are closer to retirement.

After decades of gender disparity, it’s encouraging to finally see clear evidence of change, with pension take up reaching parity among thirtysomethings, and women in their twenties ahead of their male counterparts.

The recent steps taken at a government level have the potential to further close the gender pensions gap, including the free childcare scheme expansion announced at the Spring Budget, which should allow more working mothers to return to the workplace and build their pension savings.

“But despite signs of progress, there is still considerable work to be done. Education around pensions needs to be improved, as does women’s confidence in financial products. We strongly encourage seeking advice on long-term financial planning where possible, to ensure that the plans you have in place are fit for purpose on an ongoing basis.

“Generally, it is important to review your pension regularly and to top up your workplace pensions where possible. If you’re unable to pay into a formal pension, there are plenty of other options to consider, including ISAs, which offer tax-free savings.”

Top things we’d love to see one last time before losing sight

Seeing a loved one’s face, watching the sunrise and watching a football game, all feature in Brit’s top 20 visual memory list
Nearly three in four (72%) Brits said they’d create a visual memory list of things they’d like to see if they found out that they were losing their sight
Every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight, equivalent to one person every six minutes
Over a third (37%) said that they’d want to travel and see as many countries as possible, however, the majority (87%) would miss seeing the little everyday things they enjoy such as reading a book
Charity Guide Dogs is raising awareness of the issue of sight loss and how the impact doesn’t prevent people from living a full, independent life

Seeing a loved one’s face is the number one thing people would most like to see if they were faced with losing their sight.

Viewing their favourite artwork, taking in wildlife during a nature walk and going to a festival, also feature in the top 20 things people would put on their ‘visual memory lists’, with almost three in four (72%) Brits revealing they would create a tick list of experiences to enjoy.

It comes as statistics show every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight: equivalent to one person every six minutes.

The new research, by charity Guide Dogs, showed that for three-fifths (60%) of Brits adventure and adrenaline are key – with two-thirds (66%) saying they’d want to see as many countries as possible, and take part in activities such as skydiving, scuba diving and white-water rafting (19%).

However, four in five Brits (81%) would prioritise creating memories with their family or friends to fondly remember. The majority (87%) would miss seeing the little everyday things the most if they were to experience sight loss.

Reflecting if they were to lose their sight, nearly half (46%) of Brits said they would feel isolated and 43% said they’d be worried about asking others for help and support, despite this a large 77% stated they’d be determined to live their life to the fullest.

In fact, four in five (80%) respondents* living with sight loss said they had continued to do and enjoy the things they love after experiencing sight loss. Laura Whitaker, 39-years-old from Manchester, has continued her passion for exercise, completing two marathons with her next goal being an ironman.

Brit’s top 20 visual memory list

Seeing a loved one’s face (50%)
Watching the sunset (45%)
Watching the sunrise (40%)
Seeing your partner or child’s smile (39%)
Taking in wildlife and nature during a walk (38%)
Travelling e.g., visiting other countries (37%)
Looking at flowers (32%)
Watching your favourite film (32%)
Reading your favourite book (26%)
Taking photographs (22%)
Seeing a musical/theatre show (21%)
Watching fireworks (20%)
Seeing a seventh wonder of the world (19%)
Playing with your dog (18%)
Watching a football game (17%)
Seeing a city skyline (17%)
Taking your dog for a walk (17%)
Climbing a mountain (14%)
Viewing your favourite artwork (13%)
Going to a festival (11%)

65-year-old guide dog owner Tiggi Trethowan from Somerset has limited eyesight left following a diagnosis of glaucoma. Charity Guide Dogs alongside SAS TV star Billy Billingham surprised Tiggi at Go Ape Bracknell, by giving her the chance to complete an experience from her visual memory list.

Billy supported Tiggi around the Treetop Challenge where she experienced canopy-high tree-to-tree crossings, free-fall Tarzan swings and epic zip-lining.

Guide dog owner Tiggi Trethowan explains: “I am obsessed with adventure and prior to my sight loss I was used to travelling the world as part of a busy job as a television producer. However, a very rare form of glaucoma meant I lost sight in my right eye within two weeks of diagnosis, and I currently have about 6% of my sight in my left eye.

“After a tough period, I was paired with a wonderful black Labrador guide dog Jackie and I’m now trying to make visual memories of places that matter to me before I lose my sight completely.

“Alongside a close friend (and guide) who travels with me, I’ve ticked off swimming with turtles in the Galapagos, visiting Antarctica to study humpback whales and have been able to revisit a beach in Cornwall where I have many childhood memories.

“Next, I want to try flying in a helicopter, even though I don’t know what I’ll be able to see. I’ll continue my adventures because I don’t want my sight loss to define me.”

Regardless of sight loss, those with visual impairments can still enjoy activities and have rich experiences, and these may even be deeper than those of sighted people.

For example, those with visual impairments may experience art they cannot fully see, through descriptions by a sighted person and guided hand movements in front of the pieces, to allow understanding of shapes and forms used.

Alex Pepper, Head of Accessibility from Guide Dogs said, “Research shows that one in five (20%) Brits will live with significant sight loss in their lifetime. While losing your sight can be daunting, it doesn’t mean your life is over – guide dog owners like Tiggi show that you can still live a happy, fulfilled life – whatever that may mean for you.

“Those with sight loss are still able to achieve their memory list items, whether it be running a marathon or reading a book, they might just do things a bit differently. Thanks to generous public donations, we’re able to continue to support those impacted by visual impairments to enable people with sight loss live their life independently.”

Guide Dogs provide a sighted guide service to support people with sight loss live the life they choose.

Find out more on how to become a Guide Dogs ‘My Sighted Guide’ volunteer at www.guidedogs.org.uk

NHS Lothian releases results of research into transmission of COVID-19 from hospitals into care homes

Scientists in NHS Lothian have helped to develop national infection controls after studying COVID-19 transmission between hospitals and care homes.

The teams found that 99 per cent of patients discharged from hospital into care homes during the first wave of the pandemic did not introduce COVID-19 into care homes.

The study, conducted with the University of Edinburgh, focused on patients in Lothian discharged from hospital into 130 care homes from 1st March 2020 to 31st May 2020.

Of the 787 discharges in this time, the researchers found that the majority – a total of 776 – did not introduce COVID-19 into care homes as a result of their hospital stay.

Forty-one of the discharged patients had a positive COVID-19 test within two weeks of leaving hospital and genome sequencing was used to identify if these cases could be linked.

The study found that 30 patients likely contracted this in the care home or from the community.

The results of 10 patients were inconclusive and one patient was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 during their stay in hospital.

Very sadly, this patient later passed away and a number of residents in their care home subsequently contracted COVID-19.

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “This study has shown that 99 per cent of hospital discharges didn’t introduce COVID-19 cases into Lothian care homes during the first wave of the pandemic.

“However, we’re able to say with certainty that one care home outbreak in this time originated from us. We are deeply saddened by this, and our heartfelt apologies and condolences are with the families and loved ones of those affected.

“We began testing symptomatic care home residents very early in the pandemic, so it’s been really important for us to use this information to find out what we can learn about how the virus was contracted and spread and how this linked to our hospitals.”

Before the nation went into its first lockdown when testing wasn’t widely available, NHS Lothian built capacity into its labs specifically to PCR test those who were symptomatic in hospitals and care homes.

Because of this early testing of symptomatic patients, in-depth data was available to the research team to enable them to genome sequence the transmission of the virus as part of the study.

Dr Kate Templeton, Head of Molecular Diagnostics for NHS Lothian who led the study, said: “Testing was a priority for us from the beginning and we were the first health board in Scotland to build capacity in our labs specifically for care home residents.

“This early testing has enabled us to genome sequence the virus and track where this was acquired and how this spread, leading to the creation of an outbreak methodology which has informed best practice at both Scotland and UK-level.

“This methodology not only has applications to COVID-19 but other viruses too and has been vital in learning lessons around infection control. It also clearly shows that the protection of the most vulnerable in society needs to involve not just health authorities but the community too.”

You can read the study in full here.

Clinical trial for new endometriosis treatment offers hope to millions of women

UK clinical trial for potential new endometriosis treatment, funded by Wellbeing of Women and the Scottish Government, offers hope to millions of women

Researchers have been awarded nearly £250,000 by Wellbeing of Women and the Scottish Government to investigate if a drug called dichloroacetate is an effective treatment for endometriosis
If successful, the drug could be the first ever non-hormonal and non-surgical treatment for endometriosis – and the first new treatment in 40 years
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that affects around 1.5 million women in the UK, yet it is chronically under-funded and treatment options are limited
Wellbeing of Women and the Scottish Government are working in partnership to improve endometriosis treatment and care – a key aim of Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan.

A clinical trial to study a potential new treatment for endometriosis is set to go ahead thanks to funding made possible by a partnership between leading women’s health charity Wellbeing of Women and the Scottish Government.

Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Birmingham will set up and run the clinical trial, called EPIC2, which will involve 100 women with endometriosis in Edinburgh and London. They will investigate whether a drug called dichloroacetate is an effective pain management treatment for those with the condition.

Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth in the UK. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body, most commonly in the pelvic area. This tissue (known as endometriosis lesions) bleeds during a period but has nowhere to go – and causes inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.

Earlier research, funded by Wellbeing of Women, discovered that cells from the pelvic wall of women with endometriosis behave differently compared to those without the condition. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that these cells produce higher amounts of lactate, a chemical generated by the body to give us energy when there is a lack of oxygen. This creates an environment that supports the development and growth of endometriosis.

When these endometriosis cells were treated with dichloroacetate, a drug previously used to treat rare metabolic disorders in children, lactate production decreased to normal levels and the size of the endometriosis lesions were reduced.

The EPIC2 research team will build on this knowledge with their clinical trial to determine the optimum dose of dichloroacetate that will provide the most benefit, both in terms of tackling painful endometriosis symptoms and limiting side-effects.

Dr Lucy Whitaker, Wellbeing of Women researcher and Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, is leading the research.

She said: “We’re grateful to Wellbeing of Women and the Scottish Government for giving us the opportunity to progress our research and hopefully move another step closer to the reality of a new, non-hormonal and non-invasive endometriosis treatment.

“We know women with endometriosis desperately want more treatment options and better ways to manage the often-debilitating pain that it causes. Our research so far shows promising results that dichloroacetate can make a huge difference. I hope our new trial will confirm this and give women hope that new treatments and a better quality of life are on the horizon.”

In the EPIC2 clinical trial, which will start recruiting this autumn, half of the women will receive dichloroacetate while the other half will be given a placebo. These will be allocated at random and taken for 12 weeks. Every woman will complete a series of questionnaires and give blood samples over the course of two-and-a-half-years.

In a move towards personalised medicine, the dose of dichloroacetate for each woman will be determined by which version of a gene called GSTZ1 they carry. This gene is responsible for the speed at which dichloroacetate is metabolised by the body. Some variants do this more slowly than others, which could lead to a build-up of the drug in the bloodstream and increase the risk of side effects unless the dosage is tailored appropriately.

Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive of Wellbeing of Women, said: “It is completely unacceptable that there have been no new treatments for endometriosis in 40 years. Too many women and girls are suffering from debilitating symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain, fatigue and even fertility problems, and current hormonal and surgical treatments aren’t suitable for everyone.

“Endometriosis is an extremely under-funded area of women’s health, so we are very pleased to partner with the Scottish Government and invest in medical research that could transform how the condition is treated for millions of women.

“Dichloroacetate has the potential to be the very first non-hormonal and non-invasive treatment for endometriosis, which will be truly ground-breaking.

With limited options currently available and no cure, advances like this are long overdue.”

Maree Todd, Women’s Health Minister for Scotland, said: “Scotland is the first country in the UK to introduce a Women’s Health Plan, with endometriosis being one of its early priorities.

“The Plan includes several actions to help improve care and support for those with endometriosis, including a vital action to invest in further research to develop much needed improvements into treatment and management options for the condition.

“I am pleased that we are jointly funding research with Wellbeing of Women into what could be the first non-hormonal treatment for endometriosis. It is a stepping stone to ensuring that those with endometriosis are given treatment choices that suit their needs.”

Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “It is really positive news that funding has been secured to research this potential new drug treatment.

“We know current endometriosis treatment options don’t work well for everyone, leaving many women with symptoms that can have a serious impact on their quality of life, affecting their physical and mental health.

“We look forward to the results of this trial and its potential to improve the day-to-day lives of women and people living with endometriosis.”

Edinburgh Cancer Centre investigates COVID-19 immunity in cancer patients

Researchers from NHS Lothian and the University of Edinburgh have conducted a clinical study to investigate the extent to which cancer and cancer treatment affects COVID-19 immunity.

Blood samples were taken regularly from over 760 consenting patients, most from Southeast Scotland, who were receiving routine treatments for cancer.

The samples were then tested for signs of an immune response to COVID-19 using an antibody test.

The study is the largest of its kind in the world with the first patients being recruited in May 2020, just months after the United Kingdom experienced its first lockdown.

Dr Peter Hall, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Edinburgh Cancer Centre, said: “Treatments such as chemotherapy can affect the immune system, so it was really important for us to understand the effects of COVID-19 on people undergoing anti-cancer treatment.

“We now have a better understanding of how the virus affects these patients in the short and long-term, and to what extent the vaccine had an impact on their antibodies.

“It’s very reassuring to see that most cancer patients can go ahead with their treatments without fear of excessive risk from COVID-19, and that vaccination offers an effective means of protection.”

The study found that COVID-19 infection rates in patients with cancer largely mirrored those of their local population and that treatment type did not impact the rate of their antibody response.

It also concluded that vaccination was effective in protecting people with cancer from COVID-19.

Dr Hall continued: “More research is needed, but this was an important step in understanding how people receiving anti-cancer treatment are impacted by the virus.

“It’s also another example of NHS Lothian and the University of Edinburgh working collaboratively to understand how best to care for some of the most vulnerable patients.”

You can read the Scottish COVID Cancer Immunity Prevalence Study in full in The Oncologist.

Emergency service collaboration shows ‘ground-breaking’ results in disadvantaged community

Research suggests vanguard initiative helped people previously unreached by services

A study led by the Scottish Centre for Policing & Public Health at Edinburgh Napier University has found a collaborative initiative between emergency services in a disadvantaged community had a potentially ‘ground-breaking’ impact.

Researchers conducted an exploratory evaluation of a Strategic Delivery Partnership ‘vanguard initiative’, which saw public service agencies Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service establish a ‘team around the community’ model of cross-service response.

The report published today found the initiative transformed traditional practice and helped to address several problems faced by people who found it hard to engage with services. Officers worked full-time in a community hub in the area’s primary school and pro-actively established trusting relationships with people to identify problems, provide solutions and protect people in crisis.

The study made seventeen recommendations, such as the need for more robust evidence on the vanguard initiative, resolving tension between ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ operational working and carefully selecting the officers involved, while retaining the ones who helped to build trusting relationships.

Professor Nadine Dougall of Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Health and Social Care said: “This research could act as a model for providing crucial public services in disadvantaged communities across the country.

“Although more work needs to be done to establish the full effectiveness of the vanguard initiative, these findings suggest this model of connective working managed to reach people who were previously either unable or reluctant to get support from emergency services.

“Issues which are common in disadvantaged communities, like drug supply, anti-social behaviour, and personal safety, appear to be much better addressed by this public health and trauma-informed approach to reduce inequalities and enhance community resilience.”

The rapid research evaluation and case study assessment the vanguard initiative was based on a community in Scotland identified as being in the top 1% of most deprived Scottish areas.

It has the highest number of alcohol and other drugs admissions in the local authority area, a high prevalence of violence, and its most common crimes relate to substance use and vandalism.

The study, funded by the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, and supported by the Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, was conducted between March and June 2022, using in-depth interviews with the services involved.

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