BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common and often negatively affects quality of life. Patients frequently perceive medical interventions as inadequate and seek support from other sources, including online discussion forums.AimTo explore online discussion forum topics posted by people with IBS.Design & settingA qualitative study exploring three UK-based online discussion forums.MethodA scoping review identified UK-based discussion forums with high activity and frequent use, which did not require a password/registration to view posts (two IBS-specific and one general health forum). Internal search functions were used to identify and export relevant discussion threads relating to managing IBS. Inductive thematic analysis of exported discussions was undertaken.ResultsAnalysis identified two main overarching themes from 122 relevant discussion threads: 1) sharing information and practical advice about lifestyle changes; and 2) receiving emotional support. The most prevalent topics were lifestyle changes, including diet, using oral preparations (for example, supplements or probiotics), and physical activity. Dietary changes were usually considered positive, and most hopeful for potentially alleviating symptoms. Emotional support was also regularly offered with expressions of empathy, kindness, and gratitude, and a sense of users feeling less alone. Some discussions raised concern around potentially inappropriate symptomatic reassurance, and negative or conflicting advice.ConclusionOnline forums seem, generally, to be a positive experience for those posting, but include potential risks of misinformation. Most posts focus on symptomatic relief through lifestyle change and/or emotional support. Clinicians could gain a better understanding of patients’ ideas, concerns, and expectations of IBS diagnosis and management by asking about patient-acquired online forum information.
This paper presents results, which are of general interest and relevance to the structural engineering community, from a comprehensive investigation of the mechanical properties of the wrought iron from a bridge in mid-Wales, together with data from tests over the last 125 years on wrought iron from various locations. The paper discusses the variability of wrought iron in terms of material from a single source and from different sources throughout the UK. It is shown that wrought iron is a very variable material and that assessment of wrought-iron structures needs to take account of that variability and the condition of the wrought iron. The results reported were obtained as part of a research project into the strengthening of wrought-iron structures using carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer composites.
This paper presents the results of an investigation into the use of adhesively bonded carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer composites in reinforcing existing wrought iron structures. There has been concern that the laminar structure of the wrought iron would result in premature failure of the bonded reinforcement. The lap-shear and inter-laminar shear tests reported here show that adhesive strength, as in strengthening of steel or cast iron structures, will be the deciding factor in the reinforcement design. It is concluded that composite strengthening of wrought iron is technically satisfactory subject to certain precautions and methods for practical implementation are discussed.
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