The University of Manchester (UoM) bid for phase 5 of MRC Confidence in Concept (CiC) funding

Lead Research Organisation: University of Manchester

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Technical Summary

The Confidence in Concept scheme is a key part of MRC’s translational research strategy and provides annual awards to institutions, to be used flexibly to support the earliest stages of multiple translational research projects. The award can be used by the institution to support a number of preliminary-stage translational projects. The projects supported should aim to provide sufficient preliminary data to establish the viability of an approach –– before seeking more substantive funding.  It is intended to accelerate the transition from discovery research to translational development projects by supporting preliminary work or feasibility studies to establish the viability of an approach.

Publications

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Conroy P (2018) Time for a quick word? The striking benefits of training speed and accuracy of word retrieval in post-stroke aphasia. in Brain : a journal of neurology

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Murray PG (2018) Transcriptomics and machine learning predict diagnosis and severity of growth hormone deficiency. in JCI insight

 
Description Development of 'QuickWord' Aphasia Software as a novel and promising approach to the treatment of Anomia after Stroke 
Organisation Ounce Technology
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We have an established link with a software developer - Marge Eldridge, CEO of Ounce Technolgy in Cambridge - who is keen to work with us in the next stage of treatment development. Various aphasia software packages already exist, including ones addressing anomia, e.g. CACTUS programme which is currently being evaluated in a multi-centre RCT funded by NIHR, which is indicative of the potential for funding opportunities within this topic (12). However, CACTUS and all other treatments focus on word retrieval accuracy alone, have not been driven by neuroscientific theory and have not contained a time reduction element within the training regime.
Collaborator Contribution We have an established link with a software developer - Marge Eldridge, CEO of Ounce Technolgy in Cambridge - who is keen to work with us in the next stage of treatment development.
Impact /
Start Year 2017
 
Description Feasibility study of photoacoustic imaging for early diagnosis and risk stratification of severe digital ischaemia in systemic sclerosis-spectrum disorders 
Organisation iThera Medical
Country Germany 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution On-going. The aim of the study is to investigate the use of photoacoustic imaging to visualise early changes in the digital vasculature in Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of severe ischaemia. SSc is a multisystem connective tissue disease causing ischaemia and fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Some patients experience severe ischaemia in fingers or toes, which can lead to ulceration, gangrene and digital amputation.
Collaborator Contribution Imaging set-up and analysis will be carried out and supervised by an iThera technician, Tonia Moore (Senior Vascular Technician) and Andrea Murray. Images will be cleaned (where necessary fully anonymised images will be sent to iThera for advice. Cleaning and analysis of images in collaboration with iThera. iThera will loan the equipment and a technician for the period of the imaging. They will also aid with post processing the images and obtaining optimised data (to be detailed in a collaborative contract). This funding will cover the shipping costs and some related consumables.
Impact /
Start Year 2017