Case Studies: cold

Novel Approaches to the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon (Presentation)

Presentation by Danny Clegg, University of South Wales. The goal of the project is to provide tested and trialled gloves to people with Raynaud’s disease; with the intention of reducing severity of symptoms. Potential sites in the gloves for further intervention (such as heated elements) are being investigated based on anatomical sites of vascular insufficiency; as described by the use of infrared image analysis following symptom provocation.

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Novel Approaches to the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon (The Student Perspective)

Working with the company through the PhD One part of the project that I hadn’t expected involved me going over to the parent company in Latvia. I was able to go over and meet the owners of the company, while there I was given a tour around the site where the materials are made plus I was able to see their capabilities. While there I asked if I could have some prototypes made, I explained what I was trying to do I took some materials over with me and asked if they would be able to make mit? They didn’t speak any English and I was quite worried as to what was going to come back, I was very happy when they came back with 4 prototypes in 3 hours later.

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Novel Approaches to the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon (The Academic Perspective)

The KESS project essentially looked at the provision of a better glove; the problem with most gloves is that they tend to be randomly made up of the materials available at that time. There are some very good glove materials available on the market, but consideration needs to be taken when looking at the combinations and the creations of the gloves.

As part of the KESS project we looked to generate a test which is less destructive and better for the patient/subject, while at the same time giving us the same information so we have that aspect, which means that the people/the end user will be benefitting. The project has created a test bed that we can use, and created a good link with the Raynaud’s and Scleroderma association who are the main beneficiaries to some extent. It’s tested and produced a methodology to test gloves and from that we have managed to get the data in.

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Efficacy of Reflexcell survival products for protection of humans in extreme environments / Human health implications of Reflexcell products

Around a decade ago, mountaineers, expeditions to cold climates, or indeed anyone involved in outdoor activities took a polythene bivvy bag or a ‘space blanket’ with them for emergency use. These, at best, provided an extra water and windproof layer.

Now, led by Dr Sam Oliver of the University’s Extremes Research Group, PhD student Jennifer Brierley is undertaking collaborative research with Blizzard Survival, the inventor and manufacturer of a new material designed to aid survival in extreme conditions. Jennifer has been researching how effective the innovative material is in directing escaping body heat back into the body, preventing or delaying the onset of hypothermia in extreme conditions.

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