Lancet
-
Somatic activating mutations in PIK3CA, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) are frequently found in cancers and have been identified in a spectrum of mosaic overgrowth disorders ranging from isolated digit enlargement to more extensive overgrowth of the body, brain, or vasculature. We aimed to study affected dermal fibroblasts with a view to inform therapeutic studies, and to observe cancer-associated mutations in isolation. ⋯ Wellcome Trust, Sackler Fund, National Instititute for Health Research.
-
The mechanisms that determine whether the heart adapts to overload stress, or fails, are poorly understood. NADPH oxidase (NOX) proteins produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in redox signalling, and our recent studies have found that an increase in Nox4 during pressure overload protects the heart against failure. We aimed to identify novel Nox4-driven cardioprotective mechanisms that promote adaptive cardiac remodelling. ⋯ UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation.
-
Outcome reporting in bariatric surgery needs uniformity. A core outcome set is an agreed minimum set of outcomes reported in all studies of a particular condition, but members of the bariatric multidisciplinary team might value outcomes differently. The aim of this study was to summarise existing outcome reporting in bariatric surgery, to inform the development of a core outcome set, and to compare outcomes selected as important by type of health professional. ⋯ National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme. This work was also undertaken with the support of the MRC ConDuCT-II Hub (Collaboration and innovation for Difficult and Complex randomised controlled Trials In Invasive procedures, MR/K025643/1).
-
Pregnancies are increasingly seen in women with a gastric band, but no guidance exists on band management during pregnancy. Although band inflation can prevent excessive gestational weight gain and its associated complications, it might have detrimental effects on fetal growth. We compared maternal and perinatal outcomes according to band management strategy-keeping the band inflated throughout pregnancy versus deflation. ⋯ Bristol Bariatric Pregnancy Research Hub.
-
HIV/AIDS is the largest global public health problem; about 76 million people have been infected with HIV and 36 million people have already died. Existing antiviral treatment is successful but requires lifelong adherence and mostly targets viral factors. The virus mutates and evades both drugs and the human immune response. Cellular factors are potential therapeutic targets against HIV because the virus must conserve domains that interact with these cellular factors. Unlike many viruses HIV does not encode any helicases but it has been shown to use cellular DDX3. We screened the family of DEAD box helicases to seek other members as possible drug targets. ⋯ Wellcome Trust.