Deborah Inyang

Research funding disparities contribute to clinical academic workforce inequalities. Hence, our study explores the association between student demographics and research grant application rates and outcomes among UK medical students. This is a national multicentre cross-sectional survey of UK medical students in the 2020–21 academic year. Multiple zero-inflated negative binomial regression and generalized linear model (binomial distribution; logit link) were utilized to investigate the association between student demographics, number of grant applications submitted, and successful grant applications (yes or no). P-values less than a Bonferroni-corrected significance level of 0.05/36 = 0.0014 were considered to be statistically significant. A total of 1528 students participated from 36 medical schools. One hundred fifty-one respondents (9.9%) had applied for research grants. Black students submitted applications 2.90 times more often than white students [Incident rate ratio (IRR): 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37–6.16], with no ethnic disparity in the odds of successful applications. Gender did not influence application rates significantly (P = .248), but women were 4.61 times more likely to secure a grant than men [odds ratio: 4.61, 95% CI: 2.04–10.4]. Being a PubMed-indexed author was associated with increased grant application submission rates [IRR: 3.61, 95% CI: 2.20– 5.92] while conducting more research was associated with greater odds of securing a grant [odds ratio: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.17– 1.73]. Although black students submitted more applications, ethnicity did not influence success rates. Gender did not influence application rates, but women were more successful. These findings underscore the need for strategies supporting women and underrepresented students for continued academic achievement after graduation. What is already known on this topic Research funding for post-PhD researchers is believed to be a major driver of gender and ethnic inequalities in the clinical academic workforce. Students who receive research grants are more likely to receive postgraduate research grants. What this study adds Black students applied for more research grants than white students, but there were no ethnic differences in the odds of securing a grant. There were no gender differences in the research grant application rates. However, female students had greater odds of securing research grants compared to male students. How this study might affect research, practice or policy Medical schools should incorporate grant writing skills into the undergraduate research curriculum. Also, to sustain women’s academic success post medical school, the NIHR and affiliates should provide research award extensions and childcare support for women when required.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by cognitive impairment, and amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles at neuropathology. Capsaicin is a spicy-tasting compound found in chili peppers, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and possible neuroprotective properties. Capsaicin intake has been associated with greater cognitive function in humans, and attenuating aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation in a rat model of AD. This systematic review discusses the potential of capsaicin in improving AD pathology and symptoms. A systematic analysis was conducted on the effect of capsaicin on AD-associated molecular changes, cognitive and behaviour resulting in 11 studies employing rodents and/or cell cultures, which were appraised with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Ten studies showed capsaicin attenuated tau deposition, apoptosis, and synaptic dysfunction; was only weakly effective on oxidative stress; and had conflicting effects on amyloid processing. Eight studies demonstrated improved spatial and working memory, learning, and emotional behaviours in rodents following capsaicin treatment. Overall, capsaicin showed promise in improving AD-associated molecular, cognitive, and behavioural changes in cellular and animal models, and further investigations are recommended to test the readily available bioactive, capsaicin, to treat AD.

Black students and researchers in higher education (HE) face scarcity of relatable role models in STEM subjects. Black women are under-represented in STEM and their outlook is under-researched. We undertook this project to understand the perspectives and challenges of black women in STEM HE. This qualitative research identified themes from semi-structured interviews of self-identified black female students and academics in UK HE. Black women face challenges due to both sexism and racism in academia, and under-representation in STEM subjects leads to isolation. Role models, mentors and academic support networks can be a source of inspiration and facilitate career progression.

Background: There has been increasing evidence that physicians in gynaecology are not routinely enquiring about work during consultations. Aims: To explore the effect gynaecological conditions can have on work functioning, the importance of work outcomes among patients and whether work considerations are discussed during clinical consultations. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to employed patients attending a gynaecological clinic at Guy’s Hospital. The survey assessed four areas: demographics, gynaecological condition (including self-assessed severity), work status and perceived impact of the condition on work functioning and job satisfaction. Simple descriptive analysis and statistical techniques were used to interpret the data. Results: One hundred and six participants participated (mean age: 37.49 ± 9.09). About 95% found it important to be able to work whilst receiving treatment and 82% of patients had reported at least a slight impact on their working ability due to their condition. Of the 31 patients for whom it was their first appointment, 77% said it would be useful to discuss the possible impacts their gynaecological condition could have on their work. About 66% (19/29) of the participants attending a follow-up appointment reported that their doctor had not discussed their work with them. Conclusions: The symptoms of gynaecological conditions can impact patients’ ability to work. There is a lack of useful discussion from doctors about the perceived impact gynaecological conditions can have on a patient’s ability to work, despite patients finding it important to be able to remain or return to work.