Intervention development and optimisation of a multi-component digital intervention for the monitoring and management of hypertensive pregnancy: the My Pregnancy Care Intervention.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect around 10% of pregnancies and remain a major cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Trials have shown that self-monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy is safe, but self-monitoring alone does not improve blood pressure control or pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to develop and optimise a multicomponent intervention to support blood pressure monitoring, hypertension management and urine testing within current care pathways.

Clinical guidelines for the management of weight during pregnancy: a qualitative evidence synthesis of practice recommendations across NHS Trusts in England.

Background: Women who enter pregnancy with a Body Mass Index above 30 kg/m face an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and birth. National and local practice recommendations in the UK exist to guide healthcare professionals in supporting women to manage their weight. Despite this, women report inconsistent and confusing advice and healthcare professionals report a lack of confidence and skill in providing evidence-based guidance.

Evidence of lifestyle interventions in a pregnant population with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Background: Pregnant people with chronic hypertension, pre-existing diabetes or both are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions play an important role in disease management in non-pregnant populations.

Aim: To review the existing evidence of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examine lifestyle interventions in pregnant people with chronic hypertension and/or pre-existing diabetes.

Setting the top 10 priorities for obesity and weight-related research (POWeR): a stakeholder priority setting process.

Objectives: To identify and prioritise the most impactful, unanswered questions for obesity and weight-related research.

Design: Prioritisation exercise of research questions using online surveys and an independently facilitated workshop.

Setting: Online/virtual.

Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in Managing Overweight and Obesity : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Motivational interviewing (MI) is potentially useful in management of overweight and obesity, but staff training and increased delivery time are barriers, and its effectiveness independent of other behavioral components is unclear.

Purpose: To assess the independent contribution of MI as part of a behavioral weight management program (BWMP) in controlling weight and improving psychological well-being.

Data Sources: 6 electronic databases and 2 trial registries, searched from database inception through 24 September 2021.

Gluten-free diet intervention reduces thiamine intake in two weeks, increases glycaemic response and decreases body weight in four weeks, with no long term nutritional deficiencies.

This research investigated the effects of gluten free diet (GFD) on nutritional intake, glycaemic and insulin response. In a cross-sectional study, participants who consumed gluten-containing diet (GCD;  = 11) and GFD ( = 11) completed a food diary, blood glucose and insulin measurements. In a pre-post intervention study ( = 11), glycaemic and insulin responses were tested before and after four weeks of a GFD.

Contemporary management of Hirschsprung disease in New Zealand.

Background: The aim of this study was to report the contemporary management of Hirschsprung disease (HD) in New Zealand.

Methods: We undertook a national multi-centre retrospective review of all newly diagnosed cases of HD during a 16-year period (2000-2015). Demographics, genetic and syndromic associations, family history, radiology and histology results and surgical interventions were analysed.

Ethnic variations in the childhood prevalence of Hirschsprung disease in New Zealand.

Background: Epidemiological studies have suggested that there may be ethnic variations in the prevalence of Hirschsprung disease (HD) but no study has systematically investigated this issue or potential ethnic variations in the extent of aganglionosis in HD. This study aimed to investigate this in a childhood population in New Zealand.

Methods: A multicentre national retrospective review was undertaken of all newly diagnosed cases of HD at each of the four paediatric surgical centres in New Zealand over a 16-year period (January 2000 to December 2015).

Elasticity of abdominal wall vessels in children: clinical implications in child abuse.

Background: Abdominal trauma secondary to non-accidental injury is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. It has been noted that children who have suffered abusive abdominal injuries often lack abdominal wall bruising. We hypothesize that children have highly elastic vessels that stretch instead of rupturing when the abdomen is punched.

Asian ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis): a new seasonal indoor allergen.

Background: Harmonia axyridis, the Asian ladybug (ALB), was repeatedly introduced between 1916 and 1990. These beetles are intolerant to cold and move indoors during the winter.

Objective: To investigate sensitization to ALB.

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein's signaling pathways and its retinal trophic and anti-angiogenic effects.

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) was originally identified as a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding protein with gram-negative bactericidal activity in the leukocytes. In this study, we characterized the previously unknown effects of BPI in the eye and the molecular mechanisms involved in its action. BPI mRNA was detected in bovine retina; retinal pigment epithelium; and primary cultures of bovine retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), pericytes (RPC), and endothelial cells (REC); while BPI protein was measured in human vitreous and plasma.

Hepatocyte growth factor induces retinal vascular permeability via MAP-kinase and PI-3 kinase without altering retinal hemodynamics.

Purpose: Although vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator of retinal vascular permeability (RVP), there may be additional humoral contributors. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induces endothelial cell separation, regulates expression of cell adhesion molecules and is increased in the vitreous fluid of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effects of HGF on RVP and retinal hemodynamics and delineate the signaling pathways.