CARICE Projects

Elucidating factors predictive of hospital associated deconditioning in hospital inpatients using AI

This project aims to investigate predictors of hospital associated deconditioning (HAD) using free-text hospital notes. HAD is a condition where patients’ physical functioning reduces during a hospital stay. This affects their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as washing and mobilising. We plan to track patients’ ability to perform ADLs by applying Natural Language Processing and AI to free-text clinical notes. We will investigate predictors of HAD, and build predictive models. Patient and Public Engagement will aid prioritisation of predictors to investigate. We are particularly interested in common medical conditions, lifestyle factors and frailty.

Team: Dr Dan Stein (LCPS), Prof Jugdeep Dhesi (LCPS), Prof Richard Dobson (IoPPN), Dr Carly Welch (LCPS)

Targeting the gut microbiome preoperatively to improve outcomes for older adults undergoing surgery: a pilot and planning study.

This project aims to optimise older adults’ resilience for undergoing surgery utilising innovative gut microbiome modulation approaches (Innovate-AR), while also collecting a wealth of data for multi-omics analyses to further understand the biological connections between gut microbiome function/composition and resilience in ageing (Bio-AR).

This initial phase of the project will generate crucial pilot data and patient and participant involvement and engagement work, which, alongside the results of the remotely delivered PROMOTe trial, will be the basis of a large clinical trial funding application.

The planned BIOAGE (Bio-Interventions for Optimal Ageing and Gut Ecology) Trial is a placebo controlled double blinded trial, aiming to compare gut microbiome modulation to placebo in older surgical populations. Planned data collection, case selection and trial outcomes are to be chosen, cognisant of patient and clinician burden, while generating a wealth of data to answer key research questions

Team: Dr Mary Ni Lochlainn, Prof Kevin Whelan (LCPS), Prof Jugdeep Dhesi (GSTT), Prof Steve Harridge (BMS), Dr Natalie Cox (BMEIS)

Vascular resilience to raised blood pressure

High blood pressure drives stiffening of blood vessels, wich significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and affects the function of vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and brain. Certain individuals exhibit resilience to arterial stiffening despite high blood pressure. Comparing arterial stiffness measurements with blood pressure can help identify individuals resilient and identify protective factors against blood vessel stiffening. Using the twin study design and data available from UK Biobank, we can investigate inherited and environmental factors that protect against arterial stiffness with age and develop preventative strategies against stiffening.

Team: Dr Marina Cecelja (LCPS), Dr Liane S Canas (BMEIS), Prof Cathy Shanahan (CMMS), Prof Phil Chowienczyk (CMMS)

Investigating the impact of perceived loneliness in middle-aged and older adults using the TwinsUK cohort

This project will explore factors involved in the development of loneliness in middle-aged and older adults using the TwinsUK database, as research shows feeling lonely adversely affects both physical and mental health. We aim to investigate which factors are associated with perceived loneliness and whether this influences how resilience or illness develops as people age, while adjusting for genetic confounding. Results will facilitate grant applications to examine who is most at risk of elevated levels of loneliness and how tailored interventions to reduce loneliness could meet the needs of individuals or specific groups that are most at risk.

LEAD: Dr Emma Godfrey, Life Course and Population Sciences (LCPS)

TEAM: Dr Ruth Hacket (IoPPN), Dr Ulrike Hammerbeck (BMB), Dr Sam Norton (IMS), Dr Matthew O'Connell (LCPS), Dr Anne Stagg (GSTT), and Dr Ellen Thompson (Sussex)

Relating senescence to clinical resilience and environmental and nutritional factors

This study will collect and optimize the assay method for assessment of senescence in blood, skin and fat from the TwinsUK Cohort, focusing on twins discordant for exposures.

The resulting proof-of-concept study will facilitate larger grant applications to examine the relation between tissue and immune senescence, health outcomes (frailty) and key environmental exposures which effect senescence pathways (air pollution, xenobioitcs, nutrition) 

Team: Cathy Shanahan (CMMS), Carly Welch (LCPS), Georgina Ellison-Hughes (BMS), Claire Steves (LCPS) CARICE