University of Exeter Medical School

Dr Clare Thorn

Dr Clare Thorn

Senior Lecturer in Medical Imaging

 c.e.thorn@exeter.ac.uk

 2346

 01392 722346

 South Cloisters SC1.28

 

South Cloisters, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Overview

Clare is a Senior Lecturer and Senior Tutor on the BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) degree programme at the University of Exeter Medical School. She is also a Senior Lecturer on the BSc Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging Degree Apprenticeship. Clare (nee Richardson) graduated in Physics from University College London, gained a Masters in Radiation Physics as part of her professional training as a Medical Physicist and was awarded her PhD in the study of the microcirculation using non-invasive optical techniques. Following postdoctoral positions at University College London working on cerebral haemodynamics in neonates she worked as a hospital Medical Physicist and then in the Water Industry before she joined the Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre as a Research Fellow.

Clare develops novel non-invasive optical techniques to study the haemodynamics and oxygenation of the microcirculation in health and disease. Her research includes collaboration with industrial partners to develop and validate medical instrumentation.

Qualifications

  • PhD
  • PCAP
  • FHEA
  • MSc
  • BSc

Teaching:

Clare teaches and supports students on the  BSc Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) programme. and the BSc Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging Degree Apprenticeship. She is module lead for Medical Imaging – Digital Image Processing for Radiographers (PAM3012) and is the senior academic and personal tutor. She is co-module lead on Applied Radiographic Knowledge modules RAD2001DA and RAD3001DA for the apprenticeship. Clare is a PhD/MPhil supervisor.

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Research

Research projects

The regulation of the microvascular in health and disease. Using visible and near infrared spectroscopic techniques to assess the relationship between perfusion, tissue oxygenation and oxygen extraction. The research includes the role of vasomotion in these processes.

The effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on the microcirculation. A study funded by industrial partners to investigate the mechanisms that prevent deep vein thrombosis and treat venous insufficiency and its complications.

Does improving venous return increase microvascular perfusion? A studentship funded by a philanthropic donation and in kind contributions from industry to explore the control of the venous circulation in vivo and in vitro.

Development and Validation of a Universal Spectroscopic Device Calibrator for the Assessment of Tissue Oxygenation. A study funded by an MRC Proximity to Discovery Award and in kind contributions from industry to develop an in-vitro bovine preparation to validate medical spectroscopic instrumentation.

Optimising dermatological photodynamic therapy effectiveness using a novel radiative transfer model. A studentship funded by the Wellcome Trust’s Institutional Strategic Support Fund in the Centre for Biomedical Modelling and Analysis.

Grants/Funding:

  • OPED  GmbH Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on the microcirculation
  • MRC Proximity to Discovery Award in collaboration with Moor Instruments Ltd.
  • Philanthropic Donor: The role of veins in the control of the microcirculation
  • Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund
  • Daphne Jackson Fellowship

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Publications

Journal articles

Shore A (In Press). Microstructural Characterisation of Resistance Artery Remodelling in Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Vascular Research
Thorn CE (In Press). Microstructure and mechanics of human resistance arteries. American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Keane A, Lyons F, Aebi-Popp K, Feiterna-Sperling C, Lyall H, Martínez Hoffart A, Scherpbier H, Thorne C, Albayrak Ucak H, Haberl A, et al (2024). Guidelines and practice of breastfeeding in women living with HIV-Results from the European INSURE survey. HIV Med, 25(3), 391-397. Abstract.  Author URL.
Moseley P, Bamford A, Eisen S, Lyall H, Kingston M, Thorne C, Piñera C, Rabie H, Prendergast AJ, Kadambari S, et al (2024). Resurgence of congenital syphilis: new strategies against an old foe. Lancet Infect Dis, 24(1), e24-e35. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bailey H, Nastouli E, Webb S, Peckham C, Thorne C (2023). Characteristics, treatment and care of pregnant women living with hepatitis B in England: findings from a national audit. Epidemiology and Infection, 151 Abstract.
Bukasa LL, Cortina-Borja M, Peters H, Taylor GP, Thorne C (2023). Gestational diabetes in women living with HIV in the UK and Ireland: insights from population-based surveillance data. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 26(4). Abstract.
de Siqueira IC, de Almeida BL, Lage MLC, Serra L, Carvalho A, de Lima MM, Góes MDFN, Crispim MDSIN, da Costa Pereira MM, Costa BGG, et al (2023). Perinatal characteristics and longer-term outcomes in Brazilian children with confirmed or suspected congenital Zika infection: ZIKAction Paediatric Registry. Dialogues in Health, 2 Abstract.
Toledo G, Landes M, van Lettow M, Tippett Barr BA, Bailey H, Crichton S, Msungama W, Thorne C (2023). Risk factors for stunting in children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected after Option B+ implementation in Malawi. Matern Child Nutr, 19(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Bukasa LL, Namiba A, Brown M, Ndu'ngu E, Nangwale M, Letting G, Chirwa P, Thorne C, Tariq S (2023). Setting the research agenda: involving parents in research on children who are HIV-free. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 26(S4). Abstract.
Dema E, Stander J, Cortina-Borja M, Thorne C, Bailey H (2022). Estimating the number of livebirths to Hepatitis C seropositive women in England in 2013 and 2018 using Bayesian modelling. PLoS One, 17(11). Abstract.  Author URL.
Romaní N, Pieras M, Frick MA, Sulleiro E, Rodó C, Silgado A, Suy A, Espiau M, Thorne C, Giaquinto C, et al (2022). Neurological Short-Term Outcomes of a Cohort of Children Born to Zika Virus-Infected Mothers in Barcelona. Children (Basel), 9(10). Abstract.  Author URL.
Meertens R, Knapp KM, Strain WD, Casanova F, Ball S, Fulford J, Thorn C (2021). In vivo Measurement of Intraosseous Vascular Haemodynamic Markers in Human Bone Tissue Utilising Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Frontiers in Physiology, 12 Abstract.
Thorn CE, Adio AO, Fox RH, Gardner AM, Winlove CP, Shore AC (2021). Intermittent compression induces transitory hypoxic stimuli, upstream vasodilation and enhanced perfusion of skin capillaries, independent of age and diabetes. J Appl Physiol (1985), 130(4), 1072-1084. Abstract.  Author URL.
Aizawa K, Ramalli A, Sbragi S, Tortoli P, Casanova F, Morizzo C, Thorn CE, Shore AC, Gates PE, Palombo C, et al (2019). Arterial wall shear rate response to reactive hyperaemia is markedly different between young and older humans. J Physiol, 597(16), 4151-4163. Abstract.  Author URL.
Aizawa K, Sbragi S, Ramalli A, Tortoli P, Casanova F, Morizzo C, Thorn CE, Shore AC, Gates PE, Palombo C, et al (2018). Brachial artery vasodilatory response and wall shear rate determined by multigate Doppler in a healthy young cohort. J Appl Physiol (1985), 124(1), 150-159. Abstract.  Author URL.
Meertens RM, Casanova F, Knapp KM, Thorn C, Strain WD (2018). Use of Near-Infrared Systems for Investigations of Hemodynamics in Human in Vivo Bone Tissue: a Systematic Review. Journal of Orthopaedic Research
Thorn CE, Knight B, Pastel E, McCulloch LJ, Patel B, Shore AC, Kos K (2017). Adipose tissue is influenced by hypoxia of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome independent of obesity. Diabetes Metab, 43(3), 240-247. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vellinga NAR, Boerma EC, Koopmans M, Donati A, Dubin A, Shapiro NI, Pearse RM, van der Voort PHJ, Dondorp AM, Bafi T, et al (2017). Mildly elevated lactate levels are associated with microcirculatory flow abnormalities and increased mortality: a microSOAP post hoc analysis. Critical Care, 21(1). Abstract.
Aizawa K, Sbragi S, Ramalli A, Tortoli P, Casanova F, Morizzo C, Thorn C, Shore A, Gates P, Palombo C, et al (2017). P19: Influence of Brachial Artery Stiffness on Flow-Mediated Dilatation in Healthy Young and Older Populations. Artery Research, 20(1), 98-98.
Aizawa K, Sbragi S, Ramalli A, Tortoli P, Casanova F, Morizzo C, Thorn C, Shore A, Gates P, Palombo C, et al (2017). P74: Wall Shear Rate and Brachial Artery Flow-Mediated Dilatory Response Between Healthy Young and Older Populations Using Multi-Gate Spectral Doppler Ultrasound. Artery Research, 20(1), 73-73.
Aizawa K, Sbragi S, Ramalli A, Tortoli P, Casanova F, Morizzo C, Thorn C, Shore A, Gates P, Palombo C, et al (2016). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation: different patterns of wall shear rate increase during reactive hyperaemia. Artery Research, 16(C), 67-68.
Thorn CE, Shore AC (2016). The role of perfusion in the oxygen extraction capability of skin and skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 310(10), H1277-H1284. Abstract.  Author URL.
Adingupu DD, Thorn CE, Casanova F, Elyas S, Gooding K, Gilchrist M, Aizawa K, Gates PE, Shore AC, Strain DW, et al (2015). Blood Oxygen Saturation After Ischemia is Altered with Abnormal Microvascular Reperfusion. Microcirculation, 22(4), 294-305. Abstract.  Author URL.
Vellinga NAR, Boerma EC, Koopmans M, Donati A, Dubin A, Shapiro NI, Pearse RM, Machado FR, Fries M, Akarsu-Ayazoglu T, et al (2015). International study on microcirculatory shock occurrence in acutely Ill patients. Critical Care Medicine, 43(1), 48-56. Abstract.
Blake E, Allen J, Thorn C, Shore A, Curnow A (2013). Effect of an oxygen pressure injection (OPI) device on the oxygen saturation of patients during dermatological methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy. Lasers in Medical Science, 28(3), 997-1005. Abstract.
Blake E, Allen J, Thorn C, Shore A, Curnow A (2013). Effect of an oxygen pressure injection (OPI) device on the oxygen saturation of patients during dermatological methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy. Lasers Med Sci, 28(3), 997-1005. Abstract.  Author URL.
Adingupu DD, Thorn C, Casanova F, Elyas S, Gates PE, Strain WD, Shore AC (2013). Microvascular autoregulatory response to ischaemia in the skin and association with mean blood oxygen saturation. JOURNAL OF HUMAN HYPERTENSION, 27(10), 640-641.  Author URL.
Elyas S, Adingupu D, Thorn C, Gates PE, Shore AC, Strain WD (2013). Skin microvascular function is impaired in patients with small vessel disease stroke but not in patients with large vessel disease stroke when compared to healthy controls. CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES, 35, 521-521.  Author URL.
Adingupu DD, Elyas S, Thorn CE, Gates PE, Shore AC, Strain WD (2013). The prevalence of abnormal microvascular response (peaks) in stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) patients compared with Controls and association with impaired sympathetic activity. CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES, 35, 547-547.  Author URL.
Vink H, Hubble S, Wijnands KA, Thorn C, Mawson D, Roos S, Poeze M, Shore A (2012). CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ENDOTHELIAL GLYCOCALYX TO MONITOR VASCULAR DYSFUNCTION IN SEPTIC SHOCK PATIENTS. INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE, 38, S227-S227.  Author URL.
Thorn CE, Kyte H, Slaff DW, Shore AC (2011). An association between vasomotion and oxygen extraction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 301(2), H442-H449. Abstract.  Author URL.
Tyrrell J, Thorn C, Shore A, Campbell S, Curnow A (2011). Oxygen saturation and perfusion changes during dermatological methyl-aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy. British Journal of Dermatology
Thorn CE, Matcher SJ, Meglinski IV, Shore AC (2009). Is mean blood saturation a useful marker of tissue oxygenation?. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY, 296(5), H1289-H1295.  Author URL.
Thorn CE, Shore AC, Matcher SJ (2007). Combined optical and near infrared reflectance measurements of vasomotion in both skin and underlying muscle. Proc SPIE, 6434
Edwards AD, Richardson C, van der Zee P, Elwell C, Wyatt JS, Cope M, Delpy DT, Reynolds EO (1993). Measurement of hemoglobin flow and blood flow by near-infrared spectroscopy. J Appl Physiol (1985), 75(4), 1884-1889. Abstract.  Author URL.
Edwards AD, Wyatt JS, Richardson C, Potter A, Cope M, Delpy DT, Reynolds EO (1990). Effects of indomethacin on cerebral haemodynamics in very preterm infants. Lancet, 335(8704), 1491-1495. Abstract.  Author URL.
Wyatt JS, Cope M, Delpy DT, Richardson CE, Edwards AD, Wray S, Reynolds EO (1990). Quantitation of cerebral blood volume in human infants by near-infrared spectroscopy. J Appl Physiol (1985), 68(3), 1086-1091. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hutchison IL, Cope M, Delpy DT, Richardson CE, Harris M (1990). The investigation of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible by near infrared spectroscopy. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 28(3), 150-154. Abstract.  Author URL.
WYATT JS, EDWARDS AD, AZZOPARDI D, RICHARDSON CE, COPE M, DELPY DT, CADY EB, REYNOLDS EOR (1989). CEREBRAL HEMODYNAMICS DURING FAILURE OF OXIDATIVE-PHOSPHORYLATION FOLLOWING BIRTH ASPHYXIA. PEDIATRIC RESEARCH, 26(5), 511-511.  Author URL.
EDWARDS AD, RICHARDSON CE, WYATT JS, DELPY DT, COPE M, REYNOLDS EOR (1989). EFFECT OF INDOMETHACIN ON CEREBRAL OXYGENATION AND HEMODYNAMICS IN PRETERM INFANTS INVESTIGATED BY NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (NIRS). PEDIATRIC RESEARCH, 26(5), 522-522.  Author URL.
EDWARDS AD, WYATT JS, RICHARDSON CE, DELPY DT, COPE M, REYNOLDS EOR (1989). PRECISION OF CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW (CBF) MEASUREMENT BY NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (NIRS). PEDIATRIC RESEARCH, 26(5), 520-520.  Author URL.
Delpy DT, Arridge SR, Cope M, Edwards D, Reynolds EO, Richardson CE, Wray S, Wyatt J, van der Zee P (1989). Quantitation of pathlength in optical spectroscopy. Adv Exp Med Biol, 248, 41-46.  Author URL.
Edwards AD, Wyatt JS, Richardson C, Delpy DT, Cope M, Reynolds EO (1988). Cotside measurement of cerebral blood flow in ill newborn infants by near infrared spectroscopy. Lancet, 2(8614), 770-771. Abstract.  Author URL.
Wright GM, Scott LC, Richardson CE, Rai GS, Exton-Smith AN (1988). Relationship between the P300 auditory event-related potential and automated psychometric tests. Gerontology, 34(3), 134-138. Abstract.  Author URL.
ALDRIDGE R, CADY EB, COPE M, DELPY DT, REYNOLDS EOR, RICHARDSON CE, WRAY S, WYATT JS (1988). SIMULTANEOUS MEASUREMENTS OF CEREBRAL OXYGENATION AND METABOLITES BY NEAR-INFRARED (NIR) AND P-31 NUCLEAR MAGNETIC-RESONANCE (NMR) SPECTROSCOPY DURING HYPOXIA IN RATS. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON, 396, P96-P96.  Author URL.
WYATT JS, COPE M, DELPY DT, RICHARDSON CE, EDWARDS AD, WRAY SC, REYNOLDS EOR (1988). THE RESPONSE OF CEREBRAL BLOOD-VOLUME TO CHANGES IN ARTERIAL CARBON-DIOXIDE TENSION MEASURED BY NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY IN NEWBORN-INFANTS. EARLY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, 17(2-3), 291-291.  Author URL.
WYATT JS, COPE M, DELPY DT, WRAY S, RICHARDSON C, REYNOLDS EOR (1987). RESPONSES OF CEREBRAL VASCULATURE TO CHANGES IN ARTERIAL CARBON-DIOXIDE TENSION MEASURED BY NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY IN NEWBORN-INFANTS. PEDIATRIC RESEARCH, 22(2), 230-230.  Author URL.

Chapters

Thorn C, Shore A (2021). Medical Products Inspired by Biological Oscillators: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression and the Microcirculation. In  (Ed) Understanding Complex Systems, 385-399. Abstract.

Conferences

Meertens RM, Casanova F, Strain WD, Knapp K, Thorn C (2017). The use of near-infrared systems for investigations of microvascular haemodynamics in human in vivo bone tissue: a systematic review. International Society of Oxygen Transfer to Tissue Annual Meeting 2017. 19th - 23rd Aug 2017.
Thorn CE, Knight B, Laura MJ, Patel B, Shore A, Kos K (2015). OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA SYNDROME AFFECTS BLOOD FLOW AND OXYGENATION OF ADIPOSE TISSUE.  Author URL.
Thorn C, Kyte H, Gooding K, Shore A (2011). A reduced measure of oxygen extraction observed in the cutaneous microcirculation of obese subjects compared to normals.  Author URL.
Majekolagbe D, Strain WD, Gates PE, Elyas S, Thorn C, Shore A (2011). Post occlusive microvascular autoregulatory dysfunction is not associated with endothelium dependent or independent vasodilatation.  Author URL.
Thorn CE, Matcher SJ, Shore AC (2009). Evidence of a central respiratory oscillator observed in the cutaneous microcirculation. 14th Annual Meeting of the European Council for Cardiovascular Research.
Thorn CE, Matcher SJ, Shore AC (2009). Evidence of a central respiratory oscillator observed in the cutaneous microciruclation. British Microcirculation Society Meeting.
Thorn CE, Matcher SJ, Meglinski IV, Shore AC (2009). Is mean blood saturation a useful marker of tisue oxygenation?. 13th Annual Meeting of the European Council for Cardiovascular Research.
Hubble SMA, Thorne C, Appleboam R, Shore A (2009). THE EFFECTS OF PROTOCOLISED RESUSCITATION ON SUBLINGUAL "TRUE" CAPILLARY DENSITY AND FLOW OF CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS WITH MACROCIRCULATORY SHOCK.  Author URL.
Hubble SMA, Thorne C, Appelboam R, Shore AC (2009). The effects of protocilised resuscitation on sublingual "true" capillary density and flow of critically ill patients with macrocirculation shock. 22nd ESICM Annual Congress.
Thorn CE, Bernjak A, Matcher SJ, Shore AC (2008). What is the clinical significance of Saturation (SmbO2) the mean oxygen content of blood?. 25th Conference of the European Society for Microcirculation.
Thom CE, Shore AC, Matcher SJ (2007). Combined optical and near infrared reflectance measurements of vasomotion in both skin and underlying muscle.  Author URL.
Gooding K, Thorn CE, Tooke JE, Shore AC (2007). Endothelial, sympathetic and myogenic activity during the skin hyperaemia response to local heating in healthy subjects. 8th World Congres for Microcirculation.
Thorn CE, Matcher SJ, Shore AC (2007). Rhythmic oscillations in blood volume observed simultaneously in skin and underlying muscle of the forearm. British Microcirculation Society Meeting.
Thorn CE, Matcher SJ, Shore AC (2006). Rhytmic oscillations in blood volume observed simultaneously in skin and underlying muscle of the forearm. 24th Conference of the European Society for Microcirculation.
Edwards AD, Richardson CE, van der Zeep P, Elwell CE, Wyatt JS, Cope M, Delpy DT, Reynolds EOR (1991). Measurement of blood flow by near infrared spectroscopy: a validation study.
Wyatt JS, Azzopardi D, Cope M, Cady EB, Richardson CE, Delpy DT, Edwards AD, Reynolds EOR (1989). Cerebral haemodynamics during the development of secondary energy failure following birth asphyxia.
Edwards AD, Wyatt JS, Richardson CE, Delpy DT, Cope M, Reynolds EOR (1989). Cotside measurement of cerebral blood flow in sick newborn infants by near infrared spectroscopy.
Edwards AD, Richardson CE, Wyatt JS, Delpy DT, Cope M, Reynolds EOR (1989). Indomethacin reduced cerebral blood flow in sick preterm infants.
Delpy DT, Arridge S, Cope M, Edwards AD, Reynolds EOR, Richardson CE, van der Zee P, Wray S, Wyatt JS (1989). Optical spectroscopy of the neonatal brain and the development of tissue-equivalent phantoms.
Edwards AD, Wyatt JS, Richardson CE, Cope M, Delpy DT, Reynolds EOR (1989). Slow infusion of Indomethacin reduces cerebral blood flow in sick preterm infants.
Wyatt JS, Azzopardi D, Cope M, Cady EB, Richardson CE, Delpy DT, Edwards D, Reynolds EOR (1988). Cerebral energy failure following birth asphyxia in newborn infants by. phosphorous MRS and near infrared spectroscopy.
Wray S, Wyatt JS, Aldridge RF, Cady EB, Cope M, Delpy DT, Reynolds EOR, Richardson CE (1988). In vivo measurement of cerebral oxygenation and phosphorous metabolites during hypoxia.

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