Aims This study aims to assess the feasibility of an randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test treatment efficacy of acupuncture for symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), a common long‐term condition with physical, psychological, social and sexual consequences. Methods A total of 30 participants were recruited and randomized to either standard conservative management for OAB or standard conservative management plus acupuncture. Standard care consisted of individually tailored advice regarding bladder health, pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle adjustments. The intervention group received 6 sessions of acupuncture over an 8‐week period. Outcomes measured included adherence to the study protocol, recruitment rate, participant attrition rate and adverse events. A 3‐day bladder diary and Incontinence Questionnaire—short form questionnaire were used to assess symptoms. The ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults measure was used to assess well‐being. Outcomes were collected at baseline, after 8 weeks of intervention and 6 weeks after completing intervention. An exit questionnaire captured participant experience data. Results Comparison of the two groups at baseline did not detect statistically significant differences in demographics and symptom profile. A total of 23 participants completed all study proceedures. Recruitment was completed in 11 months, quicker than anticipated. No serious adverse events occurred; minor adverse events were recorded in 11/114 (9.6%) treatments. A total of seven participants failed to complete one or more study proceedures with an overall attrition rate of 23.3%. Conclusions Most participants completed all aspects of the study and found the protocol acceptable. The interventions appear safe and well tolerated. The concept of a large‐scale RCT with a similar protocol was proven and appears feasible based on this pilot work.

The formation of acquired drug resistance is a major reason for the failure of anti-cancer therapies after initial response. Here, we introduce a novel model of acquired oxaliplatin resistance, a sub-line of the non-MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-AS that was adapted to growth in the presence of 4000 ng/mL oxaliplatin (SK-N-ASrOXALI4000). SK-N-ASrOXALI4000 cells displayed enhanced chromosomal aberrations compared to SK-N-AS, as indicated by 24-chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridisation. Moreover, SK-N-ASrOXALI4000 cells were resistant not only to oxaliplatin but also to the two other commonly used anti-cancer platinum agents cisplatin and carboplatin. SK-N-ASrOXALI4000 cells exhibited a stable resistance phenotype that was not affected by culturing the cells for 10 weeks in the absence of oxaliplatin. Interestingly, SK-N-ASrOXALI4000 cells showed no cross resistance to gemcitabine and increased sensitivity to doxorubicin and UVC radiation, alternative treatments that like platinum drugs target DNA integrity. Notably, UVC-induced DNA damage is thought to be predominantly repaired by nucleotide excision repair and nucleotide excision repair has been described as the main oxaliplatin-induced DNA damage repair system. SK-N-ASrOXALI4000 cells were also more sensitive to lysis by influenza A virus, a candidate for oncolytic therapy, than SK-N-AS cells. In conclusion, we introduce a novel oxaliplatin resistance model. The oxaliplatin resistance mechanisms in SK-N-ASrOXALI4000 cells appear to be complex and not to directly depend on enhanced DNA repair capacity. Models of oxaliplatin resistance are of particular relevance since research on platinum drugs has so far predominantly focused on cisplatin and carboplatin.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:To assess the e ects of acupuncture for treating OAB in adults; and summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:To assess the e ects of acupuncture for treating OAB in adults; and summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations.