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Mathias, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Mathias, J..

2 recordsLinked to original sources
bioRxiv2021

'Superbugs: A Pop-up Science Shop': Increasing public awareness and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance by taking science to the city

Superbugs: A Pop-up Science Shop was a public engagement event in the school summer holidays of 2019, organised by members of Cardiff Universitys School of Medicine. We transformed an empty retail unit in the centre of Wales largest shopping centre into an interactive and immersive microbiology experience. We aimed to facilitate opportunities for two-way dialogue to impart positive impact on the awareness of antibiotic resistance, whilst concurrently evaluating the efficacy of an engagement strategy focused on the utilisation of public spaces to attract public demographics diverse to those who would normally engage with STEM outreach. Over the course of 14 days, we welcomed 6,566 visitors, with 67% attending as part of the natural footfall of the shopping centre. We created 1,625 young Antibiotic Resistance Champions, located in over 200 schools. Through a multi-lateral evaluation strategy, we were able to collect quantitative and qualitative feedback on the success of our delivery model, and the impact on our stakeholders. Herein, we will discuss the evolution of Superbugs from concept, planning and design, to the logistics of delivering an engagement event of this scale. We will focus in particular on the learning outcomes of the project, and how this will shape the future of our Superbugs project, and engagement events beyond. Key MessagesO_LICreating a multi-disciplinary core team is essential to the success of large-scale engagement events as well as the support and development of large numbers of colleagues/volunteers C_LIO_LIUtilising themes of exhibition and gameplay alongside strong fear-empowerment messages is an impactful way to confer positive influence and behaviour around antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the use of antibiotics C_LIO_LI Pop-up shop is an effective mode of delivery to capture diverse public demographics far beyond those who would traditionally engage with scientific outreach and science engagement. C_LI

scientific communication and education↗
bioRxiv2019

β-Caryophyllene Enhances the Transcriptional Upregulation of Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Breast Cancer Cells

{beta}-caryophyllene (BCP) exhibits anti-proliferative properties in cancer cells. Here, we examine the hypothesis that BCP induces membrane remodeling. Our data show that high concentrations of BCP increase membrane permeability of human breast cells (hBrC) causing detachment and cell death. At a sub-lethal concentration of BCP, we show that BCP induces a striking upregulation of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, including the gene that encodes for HMGCoA reductase (HMGCR), the rate-determining step in cholesterol biosynthesis. In addition, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is also upregulated which would lead to the enhanced formation of monounsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleate and palmitoleate from stearoyl CoA and palmitoyl CoA, respectively. These fatty acids are major components of membrane phospholipids and cholesterol esters. Together, these data suggest that cells respond to BCP by increasing the synthesis of components found in membranes. These responses could be viewed as a repair mechanism and/or as a mechanism to mount resistance to the cytotoxic effect of BCP. Blocking HMGCR activity enhances the cytotoxicity of BCP, suggesting that BCP may provide an additional therapeutic tool in controlling breast cancer cell growth.

cancer biology↗