University of Nottingham

About: University of Nottingham is a education organization based out in Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 54772 authors who have published 119600 publications receiving 4227408 citations. The organization is also known as: The University of Nottingham & University College, Nottingham.

Assessment of Minimal Residual Disease in Standard-Risk AML.

Abstract: BackgroundDespite the molecular heterogeneity of standard-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), treatment decisions are based on a limited number of molecular genetic markers and morphology-based assessment of remission. Sensitive detection of a leukemia-specific marker (e.g., a mutation in the gene encoding nucleophosmin [NPM1]) could improve prognostication by identifying submicroscopic disease during remission. MethodsWe used a reverse-transcriptase quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction assay to detect minimal residual disease in 2569 samples obtained from 346 patients with NPM1-mutated AML who had undergone intensive treatment in the National Cancer Research Institute AML17 trial. We used a custom 51-gene panel to perform targeted sequencing of 223 samples obtained at the time of diagnosis and 49 samples obtained at the time of relapse. Mutations associated with preleukemic clones were tracked by means of digital polymerase chain reaction. ResultsMolecular profiling highlighted the complexity of NPM1-mu...

Review of solid–liquid phase change materials and their encapsulation technologies

Abstract: Various types of solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs) have been reviewed for thermal energy storage applications. The review has shown that organic solid–liquid PCMs have much more advantages and capabilities than inorganic PCMs but do possess low thermal conductivity and density as well as being flammable. Inorganic PCMs possess higher heat storage capacities and conductivities, cheaper and readily available as well as being non-flammable, but do experience supercooling and phase segregation problems during phase change process. The review has also shown that eutectic PCMs have unique advantage since their melting points can be adjusted. In addition, they have relatively high thermal conductivity and density but they possess low latent and specific heat capacities. Encapsulation technologies and shell materials have also been examined and limitations established. The morphology of particles was identified as a key influencing factor on the thermal and chemical stability and the mechanical strength of encapsulated PCMs. In general, in-situ polymerization method appears to offer the best technological approach in terms of encapsulation efficiency and structural integrity of core material. There is however the need for the development of enhancement methods and standardization of testing procedures for microencapsulated PCMs.

Antihypertensive drug therapy for mild to moderate hypertension during pregnancy

Abstract: Background Mild to moderate hypertension during pregnancy is common. Antihypertensive drugs are often used in the belief that lowering blood pressure will prevent progression to more severe disease, and thereby improve the outcome. Objectives To assess the effects of antihypertensive drug treatments for women with mild to moderate hypertension during pregnancy. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 April 2013) and reference lists of retrieved studies. Selection criteria All randomised trials evaluating any antihypertensive drug treatment for mild to moderate hypertension during pregnancy defined, whenever possible, as systolic blood pressure 140 to 169 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure 90 to 109 mmHg. Comparisons were of one or more antihypertensive drug(s) with placebo, with no antihypertensive drug, or with another antihypertensive drug, and where treatment was planned to continue for at least seven days. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently extracted data. Main results Forty-nine trials (4723 women) were included. Twenty-nine trials compared an antihypertensive drug with placebo/no antihypertensive drug (3350 women). There is a halving in the risk of developing severe hypertension associated with the use of antihypertensive drug(s) (20 trials, 2558 women; risk ratio (RR) 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.60; risk difference (RD) -0.10 (-0.13 to -0.07); number needed to treat to harm (NNTH) 10 (8 to 13)) but little evidence of a difference in the risk of pre-eclampsia (23 trials, 2851 women; RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.08). Similarly, there is no clear effect on the risk of the baby dying (27 trials, 3230 women; RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.49 to 1.02), preterm birth (15 trials, 2141 women; RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.10), or small-for-gestational-age babies (20 trials, 2586 women; RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.17). There were no clear differences in any other outcomes. Twenty-two trials (1723 women) compared one antihypertensive drug with another. Alternative drugs seem better than methyldopa for reducing the risk of severe hypertension (11 trials, 638 women; RR (random-effects) 0.54; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.95; RD -0.11 (-0.20 to -0.02); NNTH 7 (5 to 69)). There is also a reduction in the overall risk of developing proteinuria/pre-eclampsia when beta blockers and calcium channel blockers considered together are compared with methyldopa (11 trials, 997 women; RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.99). However, the effect on both severe hypertension and proteinuria is not seen in the individual drugs. Other outcomes were only reported by a small proportion of studies, and there were no clear differences. Authors' conclusions It remains unclear whether antihypertensive drug therapy for mild to moderate hypertension during pregnancy is worthwhile.