Southampton researchers have discovered that some common brake pads can have a harmful effect on lung health. The new study looked at microscopic particles emitted from certain brake pads. It found they can be more toxic than those in diesel vehicle exhaust. The research shows that a higher concentration of copper in some pads is associated with increased harmful effects on sensitive cells from people’s lungs. This is as a result of particles being breathed in.  Dr James Parkin and Professor Matthew Loxham from the University of Southampton led the study. Findings have been published in the journal  Particle and Fibre Toxicology. The research included contributions and equipment from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Hidden pollution sources Exposure to pollution generated by cars, vans and lorries has long been linked to an increased risk of lung and heart disease. Past attention has mainly concentrated on exhaust emissions. However, particles are also released into the air from tyre, road and brake pad wear. These emissions are largely unregulated by legislation. These ‘non-exhaust’ pollution sources are now responsible for the majority of vehicle particulate matter (PM) emissions in the UK and parts of Europe. Brake dust is the main contributor. A move to electric cars is bringing the problem into sharper focus. Dr Parkin, who is a Research Fellow in Air Pollution, explained: “People generally associate pollution from cars as being from exhaust pipes and think of electric vehicles as having zero emissions. However, electric vehicles still produce particulate matter due to friction and wear of the road, tyres and brakes. “We wanted to understand how different types of chemical composition of pads affect the toxicity of the particles emitted and what this might mean for the health of individuals.”       Effect of small particles The scientists undertook an in-depth study examining the effects on lung health of PM from four different types of brake pad. They had different chemical compositions: low metallic, semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic and hybrid-ceramic. The researchers were particularly interested in the smallest particles, of PM2.5 and below (often referred to as fine PM). These are at least 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. These tiny particles can make their way beyond the upper airways. They can travel deeper into the delicate lung air sacs, which enable the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood stream. Fine PM from a variety of different sources is associated with over four million premature deaths per year worldwide. Brake pad PM was collected using specialist equipment. In the laboratory, the Southampton team used samples of cells from the lining of the lung. They exposed them to fine PM to measure its effects, such as oxidative stress, inflammation or the death of cells. ‘Important implications’ Researchers found that non-asbestos organic pads were the most potent in terms of inducing inflammation and other markers of toxicity. Results showed they are more toxic to human lung cells than diesel exhaust particles. Ceramic pads were the second most toxic. Importantly, both non-asbestos organic and ceramic pads contain high concentrations of copper. Later experiments to remove this copper found the PM became less toxic. The findings suggest that a reduction of copper content in brake pads could help mitigate some of the harmful effects of vehicle PM. Air pollution, including from cars, has been linked to a range of respiratory conditions. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, dementia and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung). Prof Loxham is part of the NIHR Southampton BRC's Respiratory and Allergy theme. He said: “This research has important implications for health and future policy. As we switch from diesel and petrol-powered cars to electric vehicles, non-exhaust particle emissions will remain. “Non-exhaust emissions could increase over time. This is due to electric vehicles being heavier than combustion engine vehicles and creating greater friction.” The researchers suggest that current legislation, which focuses on PM exhaust emissions, may be inadequate to fully mitigate the health effects of vehicles in the future.

Southampton researchers are developing new models to expand respiratory disease research.   Respiratory diseases affect 10 million people in the UK. Causes are not well understood, which makes it difficult to develop effective treatments.   Researchers in our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) are   spearheading a new collaboration focussed on 3D cell modelling. It could lead to new drugs and therapies being identified.   Dr Mirella Spalluto is driving the project forward. She shares how she became interested in research and what she hopes to achieve through a one-year BRC Enterprise Fellowship.   How did you become interested in research and enterprise?   I’ve always wanted to be a scientist. I see research as a giant puzzle – there’s a lot to discover! Each discovery is a small but important piece that helps reveal the bigger picture. The more we collaborate and share our findings, the clearer that picture becomes.   My research focuses on understanding the origins of chronic lung diseases. A broader goal of mine is to develop advanced, lab-grown models to study various lung conditions. I established a platform for growing patient-derived lung tissues and developed a surgery-to-research pipeline.   These very simplified mini-lung models, known as organoids, are paving the way for new research avenues in chronic lung diseases. They offer valuable insights into disease development, how the lungs interact with infections and the testing of potential new treatments.   Earlier in my career, I contributed to developing lab-based models for studying human heart development.   What is the healthcare challenge that you are seeking to address? Respiratory diseases like COPD affect millions of people globally. Its impact is growing due to multiple factors - including an ageing population, pollution and smoking.   While treatments have improved, the root causes of many respiratory diseases are not well understood. This makes it difficult to develop effective therapies.   One of the biggest challenges in this area of research is finding the right models to study these diseases. Traditional models often don't fully capture the complexity of the human lungs.   Instead of using cells that grow on plastic as monolayers, I’m developing patient-derived lung organoid 3D models. These are more accurate and can help researchers better understand how these diseases develop. By providing these advanced models, I aim to help improve diagnostics and develop new treatments. This could reduce the overall impact of respiratory diseases on both patients and healthcare systems. Artificial lung made in a laboratory What do you hope to achieve through your BRC Enterprise Fellowship? I aim to connect researchers, clinicians, and industry partners. Bringing people together is key to accelerating the application of advanced, patient-derived lung organoid models in clinical settings.   Over the next decade I hope to establish SoCRATES as a platform for collaborations between academia and industry. We are fostering partnerships that drive innovative research and improve patient outcomes.   By focusing on these goals, I aim to contribute to a future where chronic lung diseases are better understood, more effectively treated, and ultimately prevented. This would improve the quality of life of millions of people worldwide.   Discover more on the  SoCRATES website . How would you sum up your fellowship in three words? Collaborative, Exploratory, Challenging What’s it like being a health researcher in Southampton? I've been in Southampton for some time now. The University feels like a multicultural community where everyone shares a common goal. We are each making a difference by supporting research and translating these findings into clinical practice.   Additionally, being located at Southampton General Hospital provides opportunities for researchers to engage with patients and the public. This enhances the relevance and impact of our studies.  When your lab is next to a ward, you cannot forget that you are working to help people improve their health!   What advice would you give other health researchers? Research can be hard, so you need a lot of resilience and perseverance.  There will always be highs and lows along the way. Remember to step out of the lab to keep yourself from getting lost in the everyday experiments. It’s important to talk to your colleagues, ask questions and keep the bigger picture in mind. Biscuits, coffee, a run at the Common and even crochet can help too!

A team of clinicians and data analysts has won a global competition with a tool to predict orthopaedic conditions. The AI in Orthopaedics  hackathon spanned two weeks. It was hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons. The competition challenged teams to apply technology to real-world clinical scenarios. The winning team was led by Mr Rory Ormiston. He is a Portsmouth-based orthopaedic registrar and a PhD student at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Kehinde Makinde, Faizan Hemotra and Ananya Pandey from University Hospital Southampton were also part of the team. They are all data analysts in the Southampton Emerging Therapies and Technologies (SETT) Centre. They were joined by Miss Lucy Bailey from Queen Alexandra Hospital and Mr Henry Goodier from   Dorchester County Hospital. They are also orthopaedic registrars. Real-world solution Participants were tasked with developing innovative machine-learning solutions. These had to classify orthopaedic patients into two categories: normal presentation and abnormal presentation. Teams also had to outline how their solutions could be deployed in real-world clinical settings. The winning project focused on predicting conditions such as hernia and spondylolisthesis. It was praised for its practical focus and innovative application of AI. “What set our solution apart was its custom-built, sleek, and intuitive front-end interface”, explained Rory. “The design made a complex machine-learning model user-friendly and accessible, offering a practical tool ready for clinic use. This could significantly improve patient care.” Rory is part of the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Perioperative and Critical Care and Data, Health and Society themes. Beating international competition 20 teams from around the world competed in the hackathon. There were entries from countries including Egypt and India. The Southampton team was selected as one of two finalists, which gave them the opportunity to present their work at the AI in Orthopaedics conference. Reflecting on their success, the SETT team said: “What made the moment even more exciting was the buzz around the clinic-ready implementation. “We didn’t just show what was possible; we demonstrated how it could be seamlessly integrated into real-world patient care. “Presenting our work in the historic setting of the Royal College of Surgeons was surreal. Winning felt incredible, but the real highlight was seeing the excitement about what we’d created. It feels like we’re onto something that could truly make a difference.” The data analysts are part of the SETT Centre’s Data and AI stream. They use clinical data to maximise research opportunities and develop cutting-edge tools.

People with some complex cancers are surviving longer, according to new research. Around 4,000 patients in the UK need treatment for advanced pelvic cancers every year. They were previously seen as inoperable. Research has shown that patients can now expect similar survival outcomes to those with less advanced tumours. This is thanks to developments in surgical techniques and expertise. Charles West led the study. He is a colorectal surgery research fellow in Southampton. The work included Malcolm West who is also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre’s Perioperative and Critical Care theme. This research was part-funded by Southampton’s PLANETS Cancer Charity. Results are published in the journal Cancers . Major surgery Pelvic exenteration (PE) is a major operation in which all the organs in the pelvis are removed. It is often ruled out due to potential damage to bones and major blood vessels. This study reviewed over three hundred cases of PE. It showed success rates are high where clinicians do proceed. Even in the most complex cases - requiring removal of pelvic bones or major blood vessels - five-year survival rates remained around 71%. The median survival for patients undergoing high-complexity PE was 9.8 years. This is compared to 10.5 years for conventional PE. Quality of life The study also looked at patients’ quality of life. Despite the challenges of recovery and complications from such extensive surgery, it demonstrated that patients did not regret their decisions. They also had a good quality of life at 12 months. “This study challenges the idea that more extensive tumours are untreatable,” explained Mr West, who holds roles at the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton. “It shows that, with the right surgical expertise, even the most complex cases can have similar survival rates and quality of life outcomes to those with less advanced disease. “We hope the growing body of evidence for intervention in highly complex abdominal and pelvic cancers will lead to more patients being able to benefit.” Transforming cancer care  Neil Pearce is the co-founder and chair of PLANETS Cancer Charity. He said:  “This research highlights the importance of pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment.  “By funding studies like this, PLANETS is helping to build the evidence that will improve outcomes for patients with the most complex and difficult-to-treat cancers.  “The findings will be vital in shaping future treatment pathways. This will ensure more patients have access to potentially life-saving surgery.” PLANETS helps patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal (oesophageal and gastric) and neuroendocrine cancer. It funds patient support groups and other initiatives, innovative treatments and research.

A new study is exploring the potential of technology to monitor patients’ food intake. Researchers have developed an image-based system that could help reduce malnutrition in hospitals. It is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Kabale Oke, a PhD student, is leading the project within the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Her work forms part of the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Data, Health and Society theme. Kabale is guided by an interdisciplinary supervisory team at the University of Southampton. She is also working with external collaborators at the University of Reading. Patient nutrition Malnutrition is common in hospital patients. This is when the body does not get all the nutrients it needs to function properly. A survey by the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition revealed the scale of the problem in 2022. It found that nearly half of all adults screened across health and care settings in the UK were at risk of disease-related malnutrition. Patients with cancer and gastrointestinal conditions were the most likely to be affected. The main cause of malnutrition in hospital patients is eating too little. Studies show that poor food intake is linked to longer hospital stays, cognitive decline and a higher rate of complications. These factors contribute to increased economic costs. AI analysis Traditional methods for monitoring what patients eat can be time-consuming for staff. These include keeping a written food diary. In hospital settings, staff often estimate food intake based on what patients leave on their plates. “Malnutrition in hospital patients is a significant and widespread issue,” Kabale said. “Image-based methods offer an exciting opportunity to transform how we monitor food intake, providing accurate data with minimal user input. “Using this technology, we hope to identify patients at risk of malnutrition earlier. This will help us ensure they receive the care and support they need without delay.” The AI-powered system which will be trialled in Southampton is designed to be user-friendly. It consists of a camera, interface screen and a tray holder with a weight sensor and QR code. The device will photograph patients’ plates before and after mealtimes. Using machine learning, it will generate rapid and reliable data about what patients eat. Basil Bennett Batov is working to update and finetune the Machine Learning Model. He is also making sure that the system is maintainable and easy to use.  “The system will allow measurement of food items in real-world conditions”, Basil said. “It will reduce errors that can lead to inaccurate food intake estimates.” Involvement of staff Implementing new systems in hospitals requires a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. The research team have worked closely with Amy Popman, Dietitian for Managed Services at SERCO. Dr Caroline Childs, Associate Professor in Nutritional Sciences and Kabale’s PhD supervisor, said: “Successful implementation will require close collaboration with a range of stakeholders. This includes clinical staff, ward hosts and the SERCO Patient Catering Team at UHS.  “It’s great that Kabale has been able to build strong and two-way interactions with these teams. This will enrich the value and later application of her research.” Next steps Kabale is currently undertaking Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities. This will ensure the patient voice is embedded into her research activities.  Insights from Professor Yuanyuan Yin at the Winchester School of Art are guiding the design and user-acceptability of the device. She is part of Kabale’s supervisory team. Future research will also explore use of the device in university catering environments. This will involve working with external collaborators at the University of Reading. They are participating in the Menus of Change initiative to assess food choices made by young people.

It’s important that trials and studies provide maximum benefit to people’s health. That’s why the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) involves patients and the public in all they do. This helps drive research that is ever-more relevant to people’s needs, delivered faster and adopted more readily. The centre is introducing a new governance model to strengthen public involvement further. It was launched in an event at the heart of Southampton this weekend. Here, Annemarie Hankinson from University Hospital Southampton (UHS) shares her reflections on the event. She leads the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) team in the Southampton Centre for Research Engagement and Impact (SCREI).   Saturday’s half-day event was a fantastic opportunity to explore how we can build a more meaningful partnership between the NIHR Southampton BRC and the public. We invited a diverse mix of people to come together, share their ideas and discuss a new way of working. This included young people. It was brilliant to hear so many different perspectives! The day included many interesting discussions and a valuable networking lunch. One of my personal highlights was hearing from Pam Holloway, the PPI lead for Ageing and Dementia at the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex. She spoke about some of the exciting projects she’s been involved in and what she enjoys most about being a public contributor, including the satisfaction that comes with working with great people. Bringing people together Our event centred around an innovative new governance model. This is inspired by a Viking tradition. When a Viking community needed to settle problems or make decisions, they would gather at a meeting called a  Thing . We are proposing a similar approach. Our version of a Thing  will bring public partners and staff representatives together to make decisions about how the BRC is run. Each of the BRC’s research themes will have dedicated public partners. They will work closely with staff representatives to co-develop and improve all aspects of our work. Public partners will bring their lived experiences, insights and talents to the table. Their contributions will help change what is done and how it is done, for the better. Looking ahead We know that meaningful, purposeful public voice in governance can be challenging. We also recognise that not all formats work for all people. But involving the public in our governance at strategic and operational levels encourages better working and supports transparency. Saturday’s event reaffirmed just how much value comes from working together in this way. I’d like to say a big thank you on behalf of the PPIE team to everyone who joined us. We loved hearing your ideas and came away with lots of valuable insight. We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to shaping the future of health research together. Would you like to help shape our research? Subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter  for updates and opportunities to get involved.

Southampton researchers and young people have been to Westminster to urge MPs to consider young people’s views on vaping. At Evidence Week in Parliament, a team from LifeLab encouraged policymakers to make young people active partners in addressing a sharp rise in vaping among teenagers. LifeLab is a collaborative project between the University of Southampton (UoS), University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). It is part of the BRC’s nutrition, lifestyle and metabolism theme. Rising vaping in young people A quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds used a vape last year. Many are attracted to the fruity flavours, bright colours, and branding. However, many young people are concerned about how easily they can access vapes and the marketing tactics used. LifeLab's researchers and young people attended the Evidence Week event in Parliament to encourage policymakers to work with young people on vaping policies. They spoke to MPs and parliamentary staff. These included local MPs Caroline Nokes and Darren Paffey. They also spoke to Jonathan Davies, MP for Mid Derbyshire and Lizzie Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdal. LifeLab’s Youth Panel members Professor Kath Woods-Townsend, LifeLab Manager, attended with Maddie Harris, 18, and Eva Morrill, 16. They went with Professor John Holloway, Associate VP of Interdisciplinary Research at UoS. Both Maddie and Eva took part in the LifeLab Youth Panel. This empowers young people to actively create and implement solutions that could improve their own health and that of their peers. Their panel focused on the role vaping plays in their lives. They worked with a Global Health Masters student to collect focus group data. They used this to develop resources to support schools and youth organisations to engage and educate young people about the dangers. Maddie and Eva presented their research, resources and recommendations to MPs at the Evidence Week event. This brings together the public, parliamentarians and researchers from across the UK to discuss how evidence from research can inform policymaking in Parliament. Giving young people a voice Kath said: “LifeLab was developed to not only help improve the health of younger generations, but give them a voice in the issues that affect them and their peers. “Our work with young people and schools has revealed the growing concerns that young people, teachers and parents have about vaping. We have a responsibility to learn the lessons from history, and act now to provide healthy environments which enable the next generation to grow up and live their best lives. However, we must listen and involve young people in understanding the problem and identifying effective solutions. “We were proud to attend Evidence Week and speak to MPs about what our research has found, especially alongside both Maddie and Eva. It was important to appeal directly to them to involve young people in their work.” Eva added: “It’s so important that people can hear about the imperative nature of acting now. We still have this shortening moment when we can act and make legislation that will help to protect the health of our generation and many to come. If we don’t do this now, then who knows how large the consequences may be. "These events help. They set up research connections and increase MPs’ literacy in the current research topics affecting the nation, and it was important to involve young voices. Many in the room agreed and wanted to increase the engagement of the youth. "I think this is the right way forward, and will ensure that the policies that are made today, and will affect us in the future, have been shaped by us too.”

Southampton researchers have identified ways to boost older patients' recovery at home. Social isolation not only affects people mentally, but also increases their risk of poor physical health. It often affects older people. Southampton researchers, led by Dr Harnish Patel, have identified it as a major factor that could hinder recovery after leaving hospital. Their review has been published in Geriatrics . The results could inform better hospital discharge practices to support these patients' recovery. The health impact of loneliness Previous research has found our health is associated with the quality and quantity of our social relationships. People who are lonely are more at risk of disease. This is true for both physical and mental health conditions. They are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety. They are also at a greater risk of dying, with a mortality risk 1.5 times higher than average. This is similar to the risk from light smoking, and more than the risk from hypertension and obesity. Loneliness after leaving hospital Older people are more likely to be socially isolated when they return home from hospital. They are therefore at particular risk of loneliness hindering their recovery. The research team looked at the results of studies reporting poor discharge outcomes in older people between 2010 and 2022. They identified seven suitable reports, covering 1,131 patients. They listed three key themes from the data - social isolation, lack of support, and depression and anxiety. Older patients with symptoms of depression had an increased likelihood of death. They also found social isolation can mean that illness goes unnoticed. These older people may find it harder to seek help if their condition gets worse. Informing better hospital discharge The researchers suggest various ways to improve older patients’ discharge from hospital. They recommend planning discharge with the patient and their caregivers earlier in their stay. They also suggest better communication and more information on discharge. This would mean patients and caregivers are clear how they can support recovery. It would also mean they know who to contact if the patient’s health gets worse. The researchers also suggest comprehensive geriatric assessment during the inpatient stay could be beneficial for short and longer term care planning. This would not only cover physical health, but also identify those at risk of poor outcomes from mental health disorders and loneliness. Dr Harnish Patel is a Consultant in Medicine for Older People at University Hospital Southampton. He is also Associate Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Southampton. He is a researcher within the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). His research sits with the BRC’s Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme.  “This review highlights the importance of considering social and psychological factors when older people leave hospital,” he said. “We hope our findings will inform the development of a better, more holistic discharge process. “This would promote patients’ recovery, helping to reduce the need for readmission. It would therefore both reduce pressure on NHS services and improve care for older patients. However, further study in this area needs to be undertaken.”

A landmark first dataset has been onboarded to a new regional research platform. The data from University Hospital Southampton (UHS) will support improvements in treatment for bladder cancer. The milestone confirms the Wessex Secure Data Environment (SDE) is operational. It comes ahead of the platform’s full launch. The Wessex SDE is led by UHS in partnership with the University of Southampton. It is supported by Wessex Health Partners and involves other NHS and university partners across the region. The SDE’s leadership team includes Professor Chris Kipps from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). The platform will create new opportunities for researchers in the BRC’s Data, Health and Society theme. What are Secure Data Environments? Secure Data Environments (SDEs) are data storage and access platforms. They uphold the highest standards of privacy and security of NHS health and social care data. Approved users can access secure data for research and analysis without leaving the environment. The Wessex SDE covers around five million people in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset. It is part of a country-wide network. The data onboarding milestone provides real-world demonstration of the SDE’s capability. It shows its readiness to support advanced research. Improving bladder cancer treatment Bladder cancer affects around 10,000 people in the UK each year. The disease is more common in older adults. Each year, between 100 and 150 people with bladder cancer are treated at UHS. However, bladder cancer is a complex disease. Good diagnosis and care depend on a cooperative approach across many teams. These include nursing, urology, medical and clinical oncology, radiology and pathology. This results in complex and diverse data records across different hospital systems. Analysis is time-consuming as these records are not well connected. Unlocking potential The first dataset onboarded into the SDE includes details from 78 UHS patients. This data, which has been routinely collected and de-identified, is from multiple departments. Here, it is brought together into a single dataset. Researchers will use the data in a study looking at survival rates and treatments for a serious and aggressive form of bladder cancer. They are benchmarking compliance with national gold standard treatment options. This will help ensure that patients receive the best possible care. It could also lead to new research hypotheses being generated for future studies. The study is led by Professor Simon Crabb from the University of Southampton. He is also an Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology at UHS. “Bladder cancer is a difficult disease to treat effectively”, Prof Crabb explained. “It requires a cooperative approach across multiple medical specialties. “By bringing together the information held at UHS, across complex data systems, we will be able to consider improvements to patient diagnostic and care pathways. “It is really exciting to see the SDE approach starting to unlock potential that has previously been impossible to harness.”

Southampton researchers are calling for stricter regulations on antimicrobials to protect public health. Antimicrobial chemicals are found in everyday products including soaps, cosmetics, clothing and cleaning sprays. They kill or slow the spread of microorganisms, including bacteria. Now, researchers are cautioning they come at a ‘hidden cost’. While they target harmful germs, they also harm the beneficial bacteria that are vital for our health. The warning was made by researchers from Southampton, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It has been published in the Journal of Infection. The House of Lords   debated a groundbreaking proposal to address this issue this week. 30 trillion bacteria The human body is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They cover every inch of the human body, including the gut, skin, lungs and eyelashes. This community of microorganisms is known as the microbiome. The microbiome plays a very important role. It helps with digestion, protects against infection and supports the immune system. Some experts have called for the microbiome to be formally recognised as a human organ. This is partly due to growing evidence that antimicrobial chemicals can damage the microbiome. Proposed new law The Consumer Products (Control of Biocides) Bill was debated in the House of Lords this week. It was introduced by Baroness Natalie Bennett, the former leader of the Green party of England and Wales. If the bill becomes law, it will require manufacturers to show that their products are microbiome-safe. The UK would be the first country in the world to regulate the chemicals in this way. The bill focuses on antimicrobials in everyday consumer products. It doesn’t restrict antimicrobials used for medical or public health reasons. Dr Anastasia Theodosiou, Dr Chrissie Jones and Professor Rob Read Dr Anastasia Theodosiou coined the term ‘microbiotoxicity’ and has driven greater understanding of this problem through her work at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). She has liaised with Baroness Bennett's policy team, and the bill makes explicit reference to microbiotoxicity. Dr Theodosiou said : “We must face the reality that overuse of antimicrobials in everyday products poses a threat to our health and the environment. The proposed UK legislation is a crucial step towards addressing this issue, but it is only the beginning. “We need global action to regulate these products and protect our microbiomes. By doing so, we can safeguard our health, preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and promote a more sustainable future.” Dr Theodosiou, now a Clinical Lecturer at University of Glasgow, is joined in these calls by Professor Rob Read and Dr Chrissie Jones. They are all part of the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme.

A promising blood test does not reduce the time children in hospital have antibiotics, according to a ground-breaking UK study. Overuse of antibiotics is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the world’s greatest public health challenges. It is therefore essential to find ways to reduce their use. Previous research had suggested a procalcitonin test   (PCT) might be able to safely shorten the time children in hospital spend on intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Now, a new study has shown PCT cannot do this, allowing researchers to rule it out and explore other promising avenues. The findings are part of a major trial by leading UK universities and hospitals, including the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton (UHS). The trial was supported locally by the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility. Researchers have published their findings today in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health . Safely cutting antibiotics   The study was led by the University of Liverpool. It was conducted across 15 hospitals, including in Southampton. Overall, nearly 2,000 children with suspected bacterial infections took part. Over 500 children were involved at UHS, making it the second highest recruiter in the UK. The study formed part of the BATCH trial. This aims to tackle antibiotic overuse in hospitalised children to reduce AMR. It is the largest trial of its kind to evaluate PCT-guided antibiotic treatment in children. The research team at University Hospital Southampton. Image taken in 2023. Real-world conditions The study found adding PCT to routine care did not reduce the duration of IV antibiotic use. The test was safe but costed more than standard methods. Healthcare teams also faced challenges integrating it into their decision-making processes. Professor Enitan Carrol at the University of Liverpool was the chief investigator for the study. “We are pleased to have completed this large multi-centre trial in hospitalised children,” she said. “Whilst the study did not demonstrate benefit from the additional procalcitonin test, there is important learning for future biomarker-guided trials in the NHS.” Informing future care The UK-wide research team included Southampton’s Professor Saul Faust, Dr Katrina Cathie and Dr Sanjay Patel. Prof Faust is a theme lead for microbiology, immunology and infection at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Dr Cathie, a consultant paediatrician at UHS, said: “While PCT seemed promising, we’ve shown it does not reduce intravenous antibiotic use in real-world conditions. These findings will help inform future approaches to reduce antibiotic use in children and help tackle the global threat of AMR.”   The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Professor Nicholas Harvey has been honoured with the 2024 David Barker Award for Research. The Award recognises outstanding contributions to medical research. It is presented each year to a consultant at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) with over a decade of service. This year’s prize was presented by Professor Philip Calder during a UHS Spotlight event. These celebrate excellence across the hospital. Celebrating research excellence The award is named in memory of Professor David Barker, a leading medical professor in Southampton. He was Director of the MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit at the University of Southampton from 1984 to 2003. He was awarded a CBE for services to Preventative Medicine in 2006, and passed away in 2013. Globally leading clinical academic Professor Harvey is Director of the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre (LEC). He is also President of the International Osteoporosis Foundation. He a globally leading clinical academic. His research spans the entire lifecourse, directly impacting clinical care. It has, for example, informed guidance on vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy. Professor Harvey is an architect of the international fracture risk assessment tool FRAX®. He has also contributed to key UK and global guidelines. He is part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Signifying a ‘strong relationship’ In receiving the honour, Professor Harvey paid tribute to the longstanding university-hospital partnership. “I am absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award,” he said. “This is a recognition of the excellence and dedication of a large number of colleagues and collaborators across the MRC LEC, NIHR BRC, wider University and NHS trust, and worldwide. “As the current Director of the MRC LEC, it is a particular honour and pleasure to receive the David Barker prize, honouring as it does a previous incumbent of this position. “It serves as a wonderful sign of the strong relationship between our university and hospital, and the truly world-leading impact that comes from research undertaken across this partnership."