Medical Applications of In-line Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Department Name: Oxford Chemistry
Abstract
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Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509711/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
| 1810789 | Studentship | EP/N509711/1 | 30/09/2016 | 31/12/2020 | Jennifer Redmond |
| Description | A new technology for lung function testing has been tested on volunteers with cystic fibrosis for the first time. A multiple breath washout test is performed using the novel molecular flow sensor, which monitors gas exchange more accurately than conventional testing. This data is then analysed using the Lognormal Lung Model and the initial results show that the LNL parameters are able to discriminate between people with cystic fibrosis and healthy control subjects. Further recruitment of volunteers has not been possible due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but will continue when possible. A smaller paediatric molecular flow sensor has also been designed and includes an additional optical channel to allow traces amounts of methane to be measured to allow a washin procedure as a shorter alternative to a nitrogen washout experiment. This is expected to be tested in paediatric patients later this year. |
| Exploitation Route | Possible future applications of this work could include better assessment of lung health in people with CF and better informing clinicians on the response of patients to new treatments or interventions. |
| Sectors | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Nichol-Young Foundation travel grant |
| Amount | £500 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Nichol Young Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2018 |
| End | 03/2018 |
| Description | Application of Molecular Flow Sensing and the Lognormal Lung Model to assess lung inhomogeneity in people with CF |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We supplied a Molecular Flow Sensor, built and calibrated by our team. We then took the device to London and demonstrated how to perform washout experiments using the device so that the Brompton team would be able to recruit and study more subjects. As washouts were performed by volunteers at the Royal Brompton Hospital, I prepared the data to run on the Lognormal Lung Model on the ARC system. I then collated and analysed the results. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team at the Royal Brompton/Imperial College recruited the subjects, conducted the washout tests, took spirometry measurements and ran MBW tests to obtain LCI and other MBW parameters on existing equipment. They then shared the files from the Molecular Flow Sensor and their results from the standard MBW tests with us for further analysis. |
| Impact | None so far, collaboration still ongoing, but patient recruitment has been challenging due to Covid-19 pandemic and the CF population shielding for the past year. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Application of Molecular Flow Sensing and the Lognormal Lung Model to assess lung inhomogeneity in people with CF |
| Organisation | Royal Brompton Hospital |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | We supplied a Molecular Flow Sensor, built and calibrated by our team. We then took the device to London and demonstrated how to perform washout experiments using the device so that the Brompton team would be able to recruit and study more subjects. As washouts were performed by volunteers at the Royal Brompton Hospital, I prepared the data to run on the Lognormal Lung Model on the ARC system. I then collated and analysed the results. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The team at the Royal Brompton/Imperial College recruited the subjects, conducted the washout tests, took spirometry measurements and ran MBW tests to obtain LCI and other MBW parameters on existing equipment. They then shared the files from the Molecular Flow Sensor and their results from the standard MBW tests with us for further analysis. |
| Impact | None so far, collaboration still ongoing, but patient recruitment has been challenging due to Covid-19 pandemic and the CF population shielding for the past year. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaborative study on measurements lung inhomogeneity |
| Organisation | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Our research team built and arranged the shipping of our molecular flow sensing device to San Diego. We calibrated and ran the device, completing two washouts per subject (all COPD patients) in the clinical trial. We processed this data using the log-normal lung model to provide measurements of lung inhomogeneity in these patients. These could then be compared to measurements made using MIGET, an invasive technique which is the current gold standard method for determining lung inhomogeneity. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The UCSD researchers organised and recruited patients for the study. They arranged payment for subjects and completed all the MIGET measurements which could then be compared to our measurements using a nitrogen washout protocol and processing the data using the log-normal lung model. |
| Impact | This collaboration was interdisciplinary and involved the Department of Physiology and the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and the Department of Physiology at UCSD. Analysis of the data from this study is still ongoing. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Interviews/videos about research journey for Study Higher Programme |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I was interviewed by the central university access/outreach team as part of their Study Higher programme, which is targeted at sixth form students from areas with low progression to university. They asked me about the research questions I was working on for my DPhil and the motivation for my research. This was compiled to make a video, which has been uploaded to YouTube, so is generally available to the public. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Mentoring a Syrian refugee through OXPAND |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I worked with one Syrian refugee through the organisation OXPAND to help her with her work towards the necessary qualifications in Chemistry to enter higher education. She also showed a lot of interest in my research and the idea of pursuing further research after obtaining her undergraduate degree. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
| Description | PhD Open Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I gave tours around the Oxford Chemistry research laboratories and explained my research to prospective PhD students. This sparked discussion and interest in joining the research team and other related areas of research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Poster session for outreach conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 60 pupils attended a poster session as part of a larger oitreach visit to Oxford. I was one of 8 postgraduate students presenting my research to them and encouraging questions and discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Presentation for Target Oxbridge Outreach Programme |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I planned and delivered interactive 3 hour chemistry seminar to Sixth Form Students, as part of a university access programme to support students from BME backgrounds. The students reported that it was a very valuable experience and increased their confidence in making a competitive application to study a STEM subject at top universities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | UNIQ Outreach Residential Programme |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I worked alongside 3 other student mentors with a group of 50 sixth form students on the UNIQ Chemistry Summer School. All participants are drawn from schools and regions in the UK with low progression rates to higher education. We talked to them about the content covered in their lectures, tutorials and labs and answered all their questions about studying Chemistry at Oxford. As the only postgraduate mentor, I was also able to talk to them about my research and experience of continuing in research after completing my undergraduate degree. Many of the students showed interest, particularly in the opportunity for interdisciplinary research after a Chemistry undergraduate degree. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017 |
| Description | Workshop on Oxford Interviews for Target Oxbridge Outreach Programme |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I conducted mock undergraduate interviews with several BME students identified by the Target Oxbridge Programme. These students come from backgrounds and schools with little or no history of sending students to Oxbridge. This mock interview practice helped increase their confidence in making an application. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |