A multi-modal approach to deep phenotyping frailty

这个PHD项目将结合最先进的磁共振成像和稳定的同位素示踪技术来描述虚弱前期的病理生理学特征。它将涉及基于磁共振的活体脑结构以及局部和全身肌肉和脂肪体积的量化，以及基于磁共振的脑灌注和心输出量的动态测量，以及对虚弱前期、虚弱和超虚弱人群的慢性肌肉蛋白质合成和免疫功能的稳定同位素定量。这些测量将与公认的认知和功能能力测量相吻合，包括行动能力。这种方法将提供对脆弱表型的强大的多学科洞察力，并催化专注于在这些人群中刺激积极适应的干预措施的新研究。

This PhD project will combine state-of-the art magnetic resonance imaging and stable isotope tracer techniques to characterise the pathophysiology of frailty from pre-frail > frail > hyper-frail. It will involve in vivo MR based quantification of brain architecture and regional and whole-body muscle and fat volumes, alongside magnetic resonance based dynamic measures of brain perfusion and cardiac output, and stable isotope quantification of chronic muscle protein synthesis and immune function in pre-frail, frail and hyper-frail people. These measurements will be dovetailed with accepted measures of cognitive and functional ability, including mobility. This approach will provide powerful multi-disciplinary insight of the frail phenotype and also catalyse new research focused on interventions to stimulate positive adaptation in these populations.