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Biomedical subjects

N Corrigan

Publications and source records attributed to N Corrigan.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Raman spectroscopic studies of the cure of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD).

The cure of polydicyclopentadiene conducted by ring-opening metathesis polymerisation in the presence of a Grubbs catalyst was studied using non-invasive Raman spectroscopy. The spectra of the monomer precursor and polymerised product were fully characterised and all stages of polymerisation monitored. Because of the monomer's high reactivity, the cure process is adaptable to reaction injection moulding and reactive rotational moulding. The viscosity of the dicyclopentadiene undergoes a rapid change at the beginning of the polymerisation process and it is critical that the induction time of the viscosity increase is determined and controlled for successful manufacturing. The results from this work show non-invasive Raman spectroscopic monitoring to be an effective method for monitoring the degree of cure, paving the way for possible implementation of the technique as a method of real-time analysis for control and optimisation during reactive processing. Agreement is shown between Raman measurements and ultrasonic time of flight data acquired during the initial induction period of the curing process.

Catalysis↗
PubMed2004

Outcomes and lessons from a pilot RCT of a community-based HIV prevention multi-session group intervention for gay men.

This paper presents the first outcome evaluation of multi-session groupwork for HIV prevention among gay men in the UK. This community-based RCT recruited 50 men, of whom 42% were HIV-positive or untested, and 32% reported status unknown or serodiscordant UAI in the previous 12 months. No knowledge, skills, attitudinal or behavioural differences were detected between intervention and control at baseline. At eight weeks, those attending the group reported significant gains over their control in making sexual choices, physical safety, HIV and STI transmission knowledge, and sexual negotiation skills. At 20 weeks, significant differences remained for HIV and STI transmission knowledge and comfort with sexual choices. Although no behavioural differences were detected, the aims of the National Prevention Strategy were met. This pilot RCT is appraised in the light of modest sample size and attrition, and recommendations for establishing behavioural outcomes are presented. This study has demonstrated that high-risk community samples can be recruited to multi-session interventions, and has provided feasibility data for future rigorous evaluation designs.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Motivational interviewing for HIV risk reduction among gay men in commercial and public sex settings.

The present paper addresses the feasibility of combining motivational interviewing and cognitive interventions to HIV risk reduction in commercial venues and public sex environments (PSEs). The logic for these two approaches is considered and an intervention combining key elements of the two is presented. The intervention uses a questionnaire format to encourage individuals to compare their desired versus actual behaviour (i.e. chosen personal risk reduction strategy versus 'slip-ups'/unwanted risk taking), and to recognize their risk-related cognitions. High-risk individuals are identified, and health-focused conversations developed from the brief schedule. The structure and key design issues in the development of a feasible, acceptable and evidence-based tool are reviewed. The limitations of more complex, focused interventions in the context of commercial and PSE settings are discussed.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗
PubMed1999

Application of a low cost telemedicine link to the diagnosis of neonatal congenital heart defects by remote consultation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether accurate remote echocardiographic diagnosis of congenital heart disease could be achieved using a low cost telemedicine system. DESIGN: Echocardiographic images obtained by a paediatrician from neonates suspected of having congenital heart disease were transmitted by a telemedicine link across two integrated service digital network (ISDN) lines to a regional paediatric cardiology unit for interpretation by a consultant paediatric cardiologist. The "tele-echo" diagnosis was verified by the paediatric cardiologist on direct consultation and echocardiography. SETTING: Neonatal unit of Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry (a district general hospital) and the regional paediatric cardiology department, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy of the diagnosis made using the telemedicine link; impact on patient management. RESULTS: Between September 1995 and September 1997 echocardiographic images were transmitted on 63 patients. A diagnosis was made in 61 (97%) (transmitted images were unsatisfactory in two). Congenital heart disease was diagnosed in 42 patients. Fourteen patients with major congenital heart disease were accurately diagnosed within 24 hours of admission using the telemedicine link and were transferred to the regional paediatric cardiology unit. A further 28 with less serious congenital heart disease continued to be managed at the district general hospital. Congenital heart disease was excluded in 19. Follow up consultation confirmed accurate diagnosis or exclusion of congenital heart disease in 57 (93%). There were four inaccurate diagnoses (6.3%; three undetected small ventricular septal defects and one pulmonary stenosis). CONCLUSIONS: Transmitted images were of sufficient quality to allow confirmation or exclusion of major congenital heart disease. The telemedicine link facilitated early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate management in patients with complex congenital heart disease and avoided the need for transfer in those where significant congenital heart disease was excluded.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗
PubMed1998

Value of a low-cost telemedicine link in the remote echocardiographic diagnosis of congenital heart defects.

We established a low-cost telemedicine link from a district general hospital to the regional paediatric cardiology department about 120 km away. The link was used to transmit echocardiographic images of newborn infants suspected of having congenital heart disease (CHD) to the referral centre, with simultaneous video and audio contact for consultation. Echocardiograms were transmitted for 61 patients suspected of having CHD, aged from 1 to 42 days. The transmitted images were of adequate quality for the paediatric cardiologist to make a diagnosis in 59 (97%). Congenital heart abnormalities were diagnosed in 38 (64%). Twelve patients (20%) had major CHD diagnosed on the transmitted scan and required transfer to the regional cardiology unit either urgently or electively after initial measures to stabilize the patient. Our findings suggest that, for babies suspected of having CHD, ultrasound images of diagnostic quality can be obtained and transmitted using a low-cost telemedicine system.

Cardiology↗
PubMed1997

Fragile X, iron, and neurodevelopmental screening in 8 year old children with mild to moderate learning difficulties.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the value of neurodevelopmental examination, fragile X testing, iron studies, and other screening procedures in children with mild to moderate learning difficulties. DESIGN: A cross sectional case-control study. SUBJECTS: A 34% random sample (n = 130) of children with mild to moderate learning difficulties born between 01/07/83 and 30/06/84 and resident in North and West Belfast. Controls were 130 children without learning difficulties matched for age and geographical area. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild to moderate learning difficulties in North and West Belfast was 16%; 115 (89%) of the learning difficulties group and 80 (58%) of the control group consented to participate. Children in the learning difficulties group scored significantly lower in neurodevelopmental testing and were more likely to fail their audiometry assessment than controls. Children in the learning difficulties group were also more likely to be anaemic and had lower serum iron and transferrin saturation than controls. No cases of fragile X were identified. Thyroid function tests and urinary amino acids were all within normal limits There were no significant differences in anthropometry, head circumference, or formal neurological examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Children with learning difficulties are more likely to be neurodevelopmentally immature and iron depleted than controls. Iron depletion should be aggressively sought and treated. The role for routine assessment for fragile X, thyroid function tests, and amino acid chromatography is doubtful.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1996

Predictive value of preschool surveillance in detecting learning difficulties.

OBJECTIVES: The Hall report specified the early detection of mild to moderate learning difficulties as one aim of child health surveillance (CHS). This study examines the efficacy of preschool CHS in the early recognition of children with these disorders. DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study. SUBJECTS: All children (n = 408) with mild to moderate learning difficulties born between 1 July 1983 and 30 June 1984 and resident in North and West Belfast. CONTROLS: 2406 birth records and 150 full child health records controlled for age and geographical area. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild to moderate learning difficulties in North and West Belfast was 16%. Only 6% of children with learning difficulties were identified by the CHS in the preschool period, although the detection rate for children eventually requiring placement in schools for moderate learning difficulties was better. Coverage of the CHS ranged from 90% at the 2 year examination to 98% at the 4 year examination. Perinatal variables associated with learning difficulties after multiple logistic regression analysis were lower social class (odds ratio (OR) 3.9), prematurity < 35 weeks (OR 3.0), male sex (OR 1.6), and birth to an unmarried mother (OR 0.6). Independent preschool variables identified by the CHS were speech delay (OR 3.3), poor parenting skills (OR 4.0), behaviour problems (OR 2.8), enuresis (OR 2.4), poor visual acuity (OR 1.8), and otitis media with effusion (OR 1.4). A statistical model for the early detection of learning difficulties using these risk factors is unable to predict accurately the children who will develop mild to moderate learning difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: The CHS as it existed from 1983 to 1989 in North and West Belfast was poorly sensitive to the detection of mild to moderate learning difficulties despite excellent coverage. An accurate predictive model for learning difficulties could not be developed from the risk factors documented by the CHS.

Case-Control Studies↗