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Man who ran 14 marathons in 14 days raises thousands for new born baby charity

Man who ran 14 marathons in 14 days raises thousands for new born baby charity

Yahoo18 hours ago
A Buckinghamshire man has raised much-needed funds for Stoke Mandeville Hospital by running 14 marathons in 14 days.
Andrew Springford, who lives in Downley, decided to put on his running boots on August 4 this year, and trekked to the Aylesbury-based hospital every day for two consecutive weeks.
This is in aid of BURPS – Baby Unit, Relatives & Parent Support charity.
Andrew has been running since 2015 (Image: Harriet Springford) Explaining why he decided to embark on this running adventure, he said: 'My wife Hattie and I welcomed Pip into the world five weeks earlier than expected.
'We were greatly supported by the resources provided by BURPS at the time.
'Yours truly even christened a new sofa bed when we got to spend a few nights rooming in with Pip before we brought her home.
'Three years later, we welcomed our second little girl, Penny, at the expected time, but she still had to spend a brief stint in the NICU [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit], for monitoring of a potential breathing issue.
'My daily journey will be to mark each day the girls had to spend at Stoke Mandeville - 13 days for Pip, and one for Penny.
'But this time, the journeys will not be with the luxury of a car, but by relentless concrete pounding.'
During his charity event, he managed to run just under 400 miles (Image: Harriet Springford) Incredibly, Andrew set a goal of £2,500, but this was shattered during the course of his daily runs, as he managed to rack in £4,153 and counting.
The money raised from his exploits will go towards getting state-of-the-art equipment for the unit, help fund improvements to facilities for families whilst in the unit, and help the charity to provide information, comfort items and other support to families.
Over £4,000 has been raised for the charity (Image: Harriet Springford) Overall, his daily run of 28 miles per day (14 to Aylesbury and 14 to Downley), saw the father-of-two run an incredible 392 miles during those two weeks.
To donate to BURPS via Andrew's fundraiser, go to www.justgiving.com/page/andyspringfordburps.
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Early Access to Weight Loss Jabs in NICE Diabetes Plan
Early Access to Weight Loss Jabs in NICE Diabetes Plan

Medscape

time28 minutes ago

  • Medscape

Early Access to Weight Loss Jabs in NICE Diabetes Plan

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in England could be offered earlier access to newer treatments, including weight loss jabs, under draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The guidance, described as the 'biggest shake-up in care for a decade', would see a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a focus on personalised treatment to prevent heart failure, heart attacks, and other serious complications. Expanded Use of SGLT-2 Inhibitors The draft guidance recommends expanding access to sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, including canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin. Currently prescribed as a second-line option, SGLT-2 inhibitors would be available as a joint first-line treatment alongside metformin. They may also be used as monotherapy in patients intolerant to metformin. SGLT-2 inhibitors are once-daily tablets that selectively block the SGLT-2 cotransporter in the proximal renal tubule, responsible for reabsorbing about 90% of filtered glucose. This lowers the renal glucose threshold, increasing urinary glucose excretion and inducing mild osmotic diuresis. However, a 2024 NICE analysis of nearly 590,000 people with T2D in England found under-prescribing of these drugs, particularly among women, older adults, and Black patients. Only 20% of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease received SGLT-2 inhibitors, with prescribing rates declining in older age groups. NICE estimates that wider use of SGLT-2 inhibitors could save nearly 22,000 lives once uptake reaches 90%. Earlier Access to GLP-1 Agonists The draft guidance also recommends earlier use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as liraglutide or semaglutide. These drugs, previously reserved for later stages of disease, would be considered earlier in treatment for selected groups. NICE further supports wider adoption of digital health tools, including continuous glucose monitoring and community-based digital care. Personalised Treatment Approaches The guidance proposes tailored treatment strategies based on patient characteristics and comorbidities: Adults with cardiovascular disease should receive triple therapy (metformin, an SGLT-2 inhibitor, and a GLP-1 receptor agonist) Those with early-onset T2D (diagnosed before age 40) should receive dual therapy before considering a GLP-1 receptor agonist Patients with obesity or chronic kidney disease should have specific combinations based on their condition and kidney function, respectively. Adults with clinical frailty should start with metformin monotherapy. Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at NICE, said the draft guidance marks a 'significant evolution' in diabetes care. 'The evidence shows that certain medicines can provide important cardiovascular benefits, and by recommending them as part of initial treatment, we could help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications before they occur,' he said. Burden of Diabetes in the UK Approximately 4.6 million people in the UK have diabetes, with 90% diagnosed with T2D. Diabetes UK estimates that a further 1.3 million may be undiagnosed. The condition costs the NHS £1 million per hour, with 60% of spending linked to complications. Each week, diabetes contributes to more than 930 strokes, 660 heart attacks, and nearly 2990 cases of heart failure. Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, welcomed the draft guidance. 'The majority of people with T2D are not currently taking the most effective medication for them, putting them at risk of devastating diabetes-related complications,' he said. 'Tailoring treatment based on individual risk could protect thousands against heart attacks and kidney disease.' Waqaar Shah, a GP partner at Chatfield Health Care in London and chair of the NICE guideline committee, said that these recommendations 'could help reduce health inequalities while providing better outcomes for everyone'. Implementation and Safety The draft guidance remains open for public consultation until 2 October. NICE will review feedback before publishing final recommendations. The guidance aims to promote equitable access to recommended therapies, supported by local training initiatives. Healthcare professionals have also stressed the need for safe prescribing of SGLT-2 inhibitors, which carry risks including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Before starting treatment, providers should assess whether patients have previously experienced DKA, have acute illness, or follow very low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets.

UK Food Safety Testing Market Size to Reach US$2.8 Billion by 2033
UK Food Safety Testing Market Size to Reach US$2.8 Billion by 2033

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

UK Food Safety Testing Market Size to Reach US$2.8 Billion by 2033

Shaped by strict Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulations and post-Brexit import complexities, the UK market emphasizes robust allergen management and supply chain traceability. High consumer awareness and advanced rapid testing methods are integral to maintaining confidence. Chicago, Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The UK food safety testing market was valued at US$ 1,306.23 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 2,801.82 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.23% during the forecast period 2025–2033. A dramatic surge in foodborne pathogens is a primary catalyst for growth. The frequency and scale of recent outbreaks are alarming. Official data show 70,352 laboratory-confirmed cases of Campylobacter in England during 2024, marking a decade-long high. Similarly, Salmonella infections in England peaked at 10,388 reported cases in 2024. Specific outbreaks highlight the severity of the situation. A 2024 Salmonella Blockley event resulted in 54 cases across the UK. These cases were distributed with 36 in England, 11 in Scotland, and 7 in Wales. The outbreak led to the hospitalization of ten individuals. Download Sample Pages: Even more concerning was a major Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145 outbreak in summer 2024, which caused over 250 illnesses in the UK food safety testing market. By late June 2024, confirmed cases reached 275. The geographical breakdown shows 182 cases in England, 58 in Scotland, and 31 in Wales. The outbreak's severity is underscored by the 122 people hospitalized. Furthermore, seven confirmed cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) were directly linked to the STEC O145 event. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is actively investigating an increased number of incidents. Investigations into Listeria-related outbreaks grew to 17 in the 2024/25 period. STEC-related outbreak investigations rose to 13, and Salmonella outbreak investigations increased to 11 in the same timeframe. 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Increased use of data analytics for predictive risk modeling. Top Challenges Navigating regulatory divergence between the UK and the EU. Persistent labor shortages impacting food industry and laboratory staffing. Combatting sophisticated food fraud and economically motivated adulteration. Chemical Contaminant Risks Mandate Broader and More Sophisticated Testing Protocols The threat is not limited to pathogens; chemical contaminants demand equal attention in the UK food safety testing market. Growing concerns over pesticides, industrial chemicals, and mycotoxins are expanding the required scope of testing services. In 2024, the FSA issued 14 food alerts for metal contamination alone, with 4 of these occurring by April. Analysis of imported food revealed residues of 48 pesticides not approved for use in the UK. A deeper look found residues from 46 cancer-linked pesticides in imported produce. In comparison, 19 cancer-linked pesticides were detected in food originating from the UK in 2024. The issue of "forever chemicals" has become prominent. A 2024 analysis discovered 10 different PFAS pesticides in fruit and vegetables sold in the UK food safety testing market. The nation currently approves 25 PFAS pesticides for use, with 6 of them classified as 'highly hazardous'. Government testing confirmed the presence of PFAS chemicals in over 3,300 food and drink samples in 2024. These findings came from a program that tested approximately 3,000 samples of food and produce. Meanwhile, the UK's annual testing for heavy metals covers a mere 400 to 450 samples of meat, milk, fish, and honey. A potential source of contamination is the UK's over 8,500 abandoned mines, which can leach toxic metals into the food chain. Specific food surveys also raise red flags. In a 2024 retail food survey, 13 out of 30 soy samples tested contained elevated levels of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A. A separate test of 90 samples for physical contaminants found one sample to be non-compliant. Escalating Product Recalls and Allergy Alerts Underscore Critical Testing Needs The sheer volume of product recalls provides a stark indicator of systemic weaknesses. These events in the UK food safety testing market are not only more frequent but also larger in scale, fuelling investment in preventive testing. In 2024, just three large-scale recall alerts implicated a staggering 424 different products. The average number of products recalled per event in 2024 was 2.5 times higher than in 2023. In the 2023/24 period, the FSA and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) issued a combined total of 136 food alerts. Within that total, 66 were specific Allergy Alerts. The focus on allergens intensified significantly, with 101 Allergy Alerts issued by the FSA and FSS in 2024. Beyond allergens, there were 67 product recalls in 2024 due to issues like foreign bodies and microbial contamination. 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In a 2025 case, the unit obtained a confiscation order of over £30,000 from an individual selling illegal 'smokie' meat products. The action marked the third high-profile 'smokie' meat fraud case pursued by the NFCU within a single year. These enforcement successes highlight the critical need for sophisticated testing solutions that can verify the origin, composition, and legality of food products, a key growth area for the UK food safety testing market. Strained Local Authority Resources Create Significant Gaps in Public Food Safety While regulatory demands are increasing, the capacity of public enforcement bodies is strained. Under-resourced local authorities in the UK food safety testing market are struggling to maintain oversight, shifting a greater burden of responsibility onto businesses and their internal testing programs. As of 2024, there is a backlog of 95,000 overdue food business inspections across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Worryingly, this backlog includes 871 businesses classified as high-risk. In Scotland, 12,533 registered food businesses remained unrated as of December 2024. The number of unrated establishments awaiting a first inspection in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland had grown to around 41,000 by April 2024. This resource strain is directly impacting surveillance. The total number of food samples taken by local authorities across the UK dropped to 37,911 in the 2023/24 period. This figure is down from 40,144 samples in the prior period, showing a continuing decline in public testing capacity. Concurrently, consumer complaints are rising. There was an increase of 1,540 consumer complaints related to food hygiene in 2023/24, reaching a total of 60,919. Complaints regarding food standards and authenticity also rose by 200, to a total of 11,188 in the same period. Competitive Landscape Heats Up as Key Players Expand to Meet Demands Leading providers in the UK food safety testing market are responding to these challenges with strategic expansions and innovations. Key players are enhancing their capabilities to capture growing demand, particularly in identified hotspot sectors. In July 2025, Eurofins Food Testing UK demonstrated a clear growth strategy by finalizing its acquisition of the Bio Search food testing laboratory in Belfast. The move significantly expands its capabilities and footprint in Northern Ireland. In 2024, Eurofins also launched a new method for enumerating acetic acid bacteria, a service specifically targeting the needs of the UK beverage industry. These expansions are timely, as certain food categories are under intense scrutiny. A 2024 FSA survey found that 16 out of 40 samples of frozen raw chicken, a total of 40%, were non-compliant due to issues like undeclared water. The same survey revealed that 10 out of 24 frozen beef burger samples, or 42%, were non-compliant. Among the non-compliant burger samples, eight were found to have less meat content than what was declared on the label. These sector-specific failings create clear opportunities for specialized testing services. Advanced Whole Genome Sequencing Technology Revolutionizes Outbreak Response and Investigation The evolution of the UK food safety testing market is intrinsically linked to technological advancement. While widespread adoption rates are proprietary, official reports confirm the critical role of next-generation methods. Advanced testing technologies, particularly whole genome sequencing (WGS), are no longer on the horizon; they are central to modern surveillance and response. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) extensively used WGS to successfully identify and manage the 2024 outbreaks of Salmonella Blockley and E. coli O145. The application of WGS in these high-profile incidents demonstrates the technology's power. It allows for a level of precision in linking cases and identifying the source of an outbreak that was previously impossible. This capability is transforming public health investigations. The clear success and growing reliance on WGS signal a market-wide shift. The move is away from traditional culturing methods and toward more rapid, accurate, and data-rich technologies. This technological pivot is a fundamental driver of investment and innovation across the entire food safety sector. Need a Customized Version? Request It Now: Post-Brexit Regulations and Future Trends Shaping the UK Food Safety Market The future of the UK food safety testing market will be shaped by an evolving regulatory framework and the continuation of current trends. Post-Brexit adjustments are creating new compliance hurdles and, consequently, new testing requirements. As of January 1, 2024, a significant new rule took effect. All pre-packaged food sold in Great Britain must now include a UK address for the Food Business Operator. The change introduces new labeling verification needs for the entire industry. Looking ahead, the market's growth trajectory appears strong and certain. The convergence of the key drivers—relentless pathogen pressure, expanding chemical threats, massive product recalls, tough enforcement, and public sector gaps—creates a compelling case for sustained investment. Businesses have no alternative but to integrate more frequent, more sophisticated, and more comprehensive testing into their operations. The demand is not just for testing, but for a true partnership in risk mitigation, making the UK food safety testing market a critical component of national food security and public health for years to come. UK Food Safety Testing Market Major Players: ALS Laboratories (UK) Limited Bureau Veritas UK Limited Campden BRI Group Eurofins Food Testing UK Limited Fera Science Limited Food Forensics Limited Intertek Group Plc. Northern Hygiene Laboratories Limited SGS United Kingdom Limited TÜV SÜD UK Limited Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By Test Method Microbiological Test Total Plate Count (TPC) Coliform Testing Listeria Testing Salmonella Testing Campylobacter Testing Sensory Test Manual Smell Taste Appearance Others Instrumental Smell Taste Appearance Others Physical Test Chemical Test Allergen Test Others By Product Type Processed Food Fruits &Vegetables Beverages Grains & Cereal Confectionery Meat & Meat Products Milk & Milk Products Others By Technology Traditional Testing Rapid Testing By Service Sourcing Inhouse Outsource By End User Food & Beverage Academic and Research Institutions Testing Laboratories Need a Detailed Walkthrough of the Report? Request a Live Session: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us:Astute AnalyticaPhone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube CONTACT: Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Website:

Oximetry Weak for Predicting OSA in Kids With Down Syndrome
Oximetry Weak for Predicting OSA in Kids With Down Syndrome

Medscape

timean hour ago

  • Medscape

Oximetry Weak for Predicting OSA in Kids With Down Syndrome

TOPLINE: Nocturnal pulse oximetry (NPO) indices, such as the 3% and 4% Oxygen Desaturation Indices (ODI3 and ODI4, respectively), demonstrated moderate sensitivity and specificity for detecting moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children with Down syndrome but showed low sensitivity for detecting mild OSA. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the ability of two NPO indices (ODI3 and ODI4) for predicting OSA in children with Down syndrome. They compared cardiorespiratory polygraphy (CRP) and NPO recordings in 387 children aged 2-16 years with Down syndrome (median age, 6.1 years; 46.7% girls) who were referred for the evaluation of OSA at two tertiary sleep centres in the UK between May 2016 and May 2024. OSA was defined as having an Obstructive Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (OAHI) of one or more events per hour and classified according to severity as mild (one or more to less than five events per hour), moderate (five or more to less than 10 events per hour), or severe (10 or more events per hour). Two-by-two tables were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of various cutoff values of NPO parameters for predicting OSA: oxygen saturation (SpO2), ODI3, ODI4, minimum SpO2, the Delta 12-second index, and the percentage of analysis time with SpO2 < 94%, < 92%, and < 90%. TAKEAWAY: Of 387 children, 265 (68.5%) had OSA, with 164 (42.4%) having mild OSA, 51 (13.2%) having moderate OSA, and 50 (12.9%) having severe OSA. An ODI3 threshold of 19 or more events per hour provided the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for predicting OSA (59.2% and 74.6%, respectively); increasing the threshold to 23 or more events per hour provided the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for an OAHI of five or more events per hour (70.3% and 79.7%, respectively) and 10 or more events per hour (82.0% and 73.9%, respectively). An ODI4 threshold of 10 or more events per hour yielded moderate sensitivity (76.2%) and specificity (75.2%) for predicting OSA; a threshold of 13 or more events per hour provided moderate sensitivity (72.0%) and high specificity (80.7%) for an OAHI of 10 or more events per hour. For predicting an OAHI of one or more events per hour, an ODI3 threshold of 19 or more events per hour yielded a positive predictive value of 83.5% and a negative predictive value of 45.7%, and an ODI4 of eight or more events per hour yielded a positive predictive value of 82.8% and a negative predictive value of 47.5%. IN PRACTICE: "Oximetry alone does not provide a reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating OSA in children with DS [Down syndrome]; therefore, we recommend CRP/PSG [polysomnography] should be performed," the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Hannah Vennard, Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland. It was published online on August 11, 2025, in Archives of Disease in Childhood. LIMITATIONS: Using CRP instead of polysomnography meant that total sleep time was estimated, which could have potentially led to the underestimation of the OAHI due to underscoring of hypopnoeas not associated with desaturation when arousals from sleep could not be detected. The total recording time of stand-alone oximetry does not match the total sleep time measured using CRP, which may have affected the accuracy of oximetry indices in predicting the OAHI. The high prevalence of central apnoeic events may have affected the accuracy of ODI thresholds for predicting OSA. DISCLOSURES: This study did not receive any funding from any source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication

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