A new approach to planning in vitro and in vivo experiments for cardiovascular stents. (1) Fundamentals of design procedures

Copyright @ 2000 Pacini Editore SpAWhile the use of cardiovascular stents is internationally widespread re-stenosis remains a common problem. There are a number of different designs, and this project seeks for design improvements leading to a reduction in re-stenosis rates. The haemodynamics of the stent as used in a patient is viewed as one of the major concerns, and the authors have already applied Computational Fluid Dynamics in investigating this. In this more comprehensive study, however, the novel approach of applying two formal engineering design procedures is used, namely Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Robust Engineering Design (RED). In this paper, the two procedures are explained and compared in the context of their application to the design of stents

A new approach to planning in vitro and in vivo experiments for cardiovascular stents. (2) Planning of experiments

Copyright @ 2000 Pacini Editore SpAWithin our overall project to improve the design of stents in terms of reduced rates of re-stenosis, there are three main methods, namely computer simulation and in vitro and in vivo experiments. These methods are closely integrated using contemporary design procedures described below, especially to accommodate patient-to-patient variation. Clinical experience shows that a small variation has considerable effects on flow characteristics of stents and in engineering terms may be described as a ‘geometric risk factor’. The Robust Engineering Design procedure readily incorporates this factor which may thus become a component feature in our experimental planning. We envisage that this approach could be applied to other invasive implants with a view to enhancing their quality

A new approach to planning in vitro and in vivo experiments for cardiovascular stents – II. Planning of experiment (abstract)

Within our overall project to improve the design of stents in terms of reduced rates of re-stenosis, there are three main methods, namely computer simulation and in vitro and in vivo experiments. These methods are closely integrated using contemporary design procedures described below, especially to accommodate patient-to-patient variation. Clinical experience shows that a small variation has considerable effects on flow characteristics of stents and in engineering terms may be described as a ‘geometric risk factor’. The Robust Engineering Design procedure readily incorporates this factor which may thus become a component feature in our experimental planning. We envisage that this approach could be applied to other invasive implants with a view to enhancing their quality

Classification of neurological abnormalities in children with congenital melanocytic naevus syndrome identifies magnetic resonance imaging as the best predictor of clinical outcome

Background: The spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities described in association with congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) includes congenital, acquired, melanotic and nonmelanotic pathology. Historically, symptomatic CNS abnormalities were considered to carry a poor prognosis, although studies from large centres have suggested a much wider variation in outcome. Objectives: To establish whether routine MRI of the CNS is a clinically relevant investigation in children with multiple CMN (more than one at birth), and to subclassify radiological abnormalities. Methods: Of 376 patients seen between 1991 and 2013, 289 fulfilled our criterion for a single screening CNS MRI, which since 2008 has been more than one CMN at birth, independent of size and site of the largest naevus. Cutaneous phenotyping and radiological variables were combined in a multiple regression model of long-term outcome measures (abnormal neurodevelopment, seizures, requirement for neurosurgery). Results: Twenty-one per cent of children with multiple CMN had an abnormal MRI. Abnormal MRI was the most significant predictor of all outcome measures. Abnormalities were subclassified into group 1 ‘intraparenchymal melanosis alone’ (n = 28) and group 2 ‘all other pathology’ (n = 18). Group 1 was not associated with malignancy or death during the study period, even when symptomatic with seizures or developmental delay, whereas group 2 showed a much more complex picture, requiring individual assessment. Conclusions: For screening for congenital neurological lesions a single MRI in multiple CMN is a clinically relevant strategy. Any child with a stepwise change in neurological/developmental symptoms or signs should have an MRI with contrast of the brain and spine to look for new CNS melanoma

Internet-based psychoeducation for bipolar disorder: a qualitative analysis of feasibility, acceptability and impact

<p>Background: In a recent exploratory randomised trial we found that a novel, internet-based psychoeducation programme for bipolar disorder (Beating Bipolar) was relatively easy to deliver and had a modest effect on psychological quality of life. We sought to explore the experiences of participants with respect to feasibility, acceptability and impact of Beating Bipolar.</p> <p>Methods: Participants were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis techniques were employed; to explore and describe participants’ experiences, the data were analysed for emerging themes which were identified and coded.</p> <p>Results: The programme was feasible to deliver and acceptable to participants where they felt comfortable using a computer. It was found to impact upon insight into illness, health behaviour, personal routines and positive attitudes towards medication. Many participants regarded the programme as likely to be most beneficial for those recently diagnosed.</p> <p>Conclusions: An online psychoeducation package for bipolar disorder, such as Beating Bipolar, is feasible and acceptable to patients, has a positive impact on self-management behaviours and may be particularly suited to early intervention. Alternative (non-internet) formats should also be made available to patients.</p&gt

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the willingness of older adults to participate in physiology research: views from past and potential volunteers

This is the final version. Available on open access from Canadian Science Publishing via the DOI in this recordData availability statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.We explored the views of older (≥65 years) past and potential volunteers in regard to participating in physiology research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online questionnaire and focus groups, we found that past volunteers (n=55) were more likely to take part in both acute (p<0.05) and chronic (p<0.05) physiology studies, compared to potential future volunteers (n=57). Both cohorts demonstrated a positive attitude towards volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic, although concern was evident.Novelty • Volunteers demonstrated a positive attitude and also concern towards participating in physiology research during COVID-19Medical Research Council (MRC)National Institute for Health Research (NIHR

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the willingness of older adults to participate in physiology research: views from past and potential volunteers

We explored the views of older (≥65 years) past and potential volunteers in regard to participating in physiology research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online questionnaire and focus groups, we found that past volunteers (n = 55) were more likely to take part in both acute (p < 0.05) and chronic (p < 0.05) physiology studies, compared with potential future volunteers (n = 57). Both cohorts demonstrated a positive attitude towards volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic, although concern was evident. Novelty: •Volunteers demonstrated a positive attitude and also concern towards participating in physiology research during COVID-19

Lymphadenopathy after BCG vaccination in a child with chronic granulomatous disease

We report a 15-month-old boy who developed an ulcer in the left axillary fold following bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination. Subsequent immunologic and genetic studies led to the diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease. His mother had "lupus-like" lesions, described in some carriers of this disease, that were thus related to her son's diagnosis. Although in healthy subjects this vaccination is usually harmless, in instances of impaired immunity it may cause adverse reactions. When a vaccine-related complication occurs, an underlying immunodeficiency should be sough

Network analysis of human muscle adaptation to aging and contraction.

This is the final version. Available from Impact Journals via the DOI in this record. Resistance exercise (RE) remains a primary approach for minimising aging muscle decline. Understanding muscle adaptation to individual contractile components of RE (eccentric, concentric) might optimise RE-based intervention strategies. Herein, we employed a network-driven pipeline to identify putative molecular drivers of muscle aging and contraction mode responses. RNA-sequencing data was generated from young (21±1 y) and older (70±1 y) human skeletal muscle before and following acute unilateral concentric and contralateral eccentric contractions. Application of weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified 33 distinct gene clusters ('modules') with an expression profile regulated by aging, contraction and/or linked to muscle strength. These included two contraction 'responsive' modules (related to 'cell adhesion' and 'transcription factor' processes) that also correlated with the magnitude of post-exercise muscle strength decline. Module searches for 'hub' genes and enriched transcription factor binding sites established a refined set of candidate module-regulatory molecules (536 hub genes and 60 transcription factors) as possible contributors to muscle aging and/or contraction responses. Thus, network-driven analysis can identify new molecular candidates of functional relevance to muscle aging and contraction mode adaptations.Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support AwardBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Counci