Embedding Scientific Communication and Digital Capabilities in the Undergraduate Biomedical Science Curriculum

Introduction: Scientific communication, particularly the dissemination of research findings to both the scientific community and the general public, are skills required of graduates embarking on post-graduate studies and employment within the biomedical sciences sector. The aims of this action research project were to i) co-design an online scientific communication and digital capabilities resource, constructively aligned to the learning objectives of a final year undergraduate investigative research project; ii) ensure resource flexibility for future adaptation by others iii) embed authentic scientific communication learning assessments, namely, the preparation of a lay summary and visual abstract and iv) promote students' awareness of developed digital capabilities and transferable skills through written reflection. Materials and Methods: Student engagement, self-efficacy, experiences and performance and staff perceptions (n = 15) were evaluated by a mixed methods approach. Qualitative data was gathered from focus sessions, free text responses within questionnaires and content analysis of students' written reflections (n = 104). Quantitative data from 5-point Likert responses within student questionnaires (n = 31) and analysis of student scientific and lay writing (n = 146) using the readability parameters Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease were analysed using non-parametric statistical methods. Results: A learning resource was co-designed with students, staff, local, national and international contributors and valued by both students and staff, enabling students to prepare scientific communication outputs of a professional standard by application of digital, analytical and scientific communication skills. Students prepared lay summaries which were statistically (p < 0.0001) more readable than their paired scientific abstracts. Significant correlations between easier readability of lay summaries and awarded marks for the written elements of the module were noted. Students reported their digital and communication capabilities increased significantly (p < 0.0001) throughout, from limited to good/excellent and reflected on the numerous transferable skills developed during preparation of assessments, with 75% reflecting on their digital capabilities. Discussion: Undergraduate students developed, appreciated and used varied scientific communication and digital skills to articulate research findings. The embedding of such activities throughout all levels of higher education will enable students to develop their digital and scientific skills and reflect on the development of such transferable skills for application in their future careers.

Sonodynamic inactivation of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using a Rose Bengal-antimicrobial peptide conjugate

Combating antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious public health challenges facing society today. The development of new antibiotics or alternative techniques that can help combat antimicrobial resistance is being prioritised by many governments and stakeholders across the globe. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy is one such technique that has received considerable attention but is limited by the inability of light to penetrate through human tissue, reducing its effectiveness when used to treat deep-seated infections. The related technique sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has the potential to overcome this limitation given the ability of low-intensity ultrasound to penetrate human tissue. In this study, a Rose Bengal-antimicrobial peptide conjugate was prepared for use in antimicrobial SDT (ASDT). When Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa planktonic cultures were treated with the conjugate and subsequently exposed to ultrasound, 5 log and 7 log reductions, respectively, in bacterial numbers were observed. The conjugate also displayed improved uptake by bacterial cells compared with a mammalian cell line (P ≤ 0.01), whilst pre-treatment of a P. aeruginosa biofilm with ultrasound resulted in a 2.6-fold improvement in sensitiser diffusion (P ≤ 0.01). A preliminary in vivo experiment involving ASDT treatment of P. aeruginosa-infected wounds in mice demonstrated that ultrasound irradiation of conjugate-treated wounds affects a substantial reduction in bacterial burden. Combined, the results obtained from this study highlight ASDT as a targeted broad-spectrum novel modality with potential for the treatment of deep-seated bacterial infections.

Nontargeted LC-MSn Profiling of Compounds in Ileal Fluids That Decrease after Raspberry Intake Identifies Consistent Alterations in Bile Acid Composition

Ileostomy studies provide a unique insight into the digestion of foods, allowing identification of physiologically relevant dietary phytochemicals and their metabolites that are important to gut health. We previously reported an increase of components, including novel triterpenoids, in ileal fluids of 11 ileostomates following consumption of raspberries using nontargeted LC-MSⁿ techniques in combination with data deconvolution software. The current study focused on components that consistently decreased postsupplementation. After data deconvolution, 32 components were identified that met exclusion parameters of m/z signals and which decreased significantly in ileal fluids from eight of 11 participants post-raspberry supplementation. Two-thirds of these components were identified putatively from their MS properties. Consistent decreases were observed in components that possibly reflected "washing out" of presupplementation intake of common foods/drinks including (poly)phenol metabolites. Metabolites associated with fat metabolism such as hydroxylated fatty acids and cholate-type bile acids were specifically reduced. However, more directed re-examination of the data revealed that although some cholates were consistently reduced, the more polar glyco- and tauro-linked bile acid derivatives increased consistently, by as much as 100-fold over presupplementation levels. The possible reasons for these substantial alterations in bile acid composition in ileal fluids in response to raspberry intake are discussed.

Biotinylated polypyrrole films: an easy electrochemical approach for the reagentless immobilization of bacteria on electrode surfaces

Biotinylated bacteria were immobilized onto biotin/avidin modified electrode surfaces. Firstly, an electrospotting deposition method, followed by fluorescence microscopy, showed that bacteria were specifically grafted onto a gold surface. Fluorescence intensity versus the quantity of bacteria deposited on the surface was correlated, allowing determination of the microbial saturation point. Secondly, biotinylated bacteria were immobilized onto a glassy carbon macro-electrode in order to assess immobilized bacterial denitrification activity. During a 7-day trial, the modified electrode completely denitrified 5 mM nitrate, with a rate of 1.66 mM/day over the first 3 days. When the same electrode was placed in fresh nitrate solution, the denitrification rate dropped to 0.80 mM/day. Crucially, the immobilized bacteria did not become detached from the electrode during the study.