Validation of semi-automated flow-mediated dilation measurement in healthy volunteers.

Background: Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a non-invasive imaging modality used to measure endothelial function but has significant intra- and inter-observer variability. The use of semi-automated FMD devices could overcome this limitation. We assessed the reproducibility of same-day semi-automated FMD measurements by investigators who received basic training on the correct use of the device.

Systematic review of microRNA biomarkers in acute coronary syndrome and stable coronary artery disease.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess dysregulated miRNA biomarkers in coronary artery disease (CAD). Dysregulated microRNA (miRNAs) have been shown to be linked to cardiovascular pathologies including CAD and may have utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. We compared miRNAs identified in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared with stable CAD and control populations.

Factors associated with stillbirth in women with diabetes.

Aims/hypothesis: Stillbirth risk is increased in pregnancy complicated by diabetes. Fear of stillbirth has major influence on obstetric management, particularly timing of delivery. We analysed population-level data from Scotland to describe timing of stillbirths in women with diabetes and associated risk factors.

Diabetes and pregnancy: national trends over a 15 year period.

Aims/hypothesis: We aimed to examine time trends in national perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Methods: We analysed episode-level data on all obstetric inpatient delivery events (live or stillbirth) between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 2013 (n = 813,921) using the Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR02). Pregnancies to mothers with type 1 (n = 3229) and type 2 (n = 1452) diabetes were identified from the national diabetes database (Scottish Care Information-Diabetes), and perinatal outcomes were compared among women with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and those without diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus-right person, right treatment, right time?

Background: Personalised treatment that is uniquely tailored to an individual's phenotype has become a key goal of clinical and pharmaceutical development across many, particularly chronic, diseases. For type 2 diabetes, the importance of the underlying clinical heterogeneity of the condition is emphasised and a range of treatments are now available, with personalised approaches being developed. While a close connection between risk factors for type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes has long been acknowledged, stratification of screening, treatment and obstetric intervention remains in its infancy.