An integrated sampling strategy for therapeutic mycophenolic acid monitoring in lung transplant recipients.

Background: Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) is the most used anti-proliferative in lung transplantation, but its pharmacokinetic (PK) variability has precluded therapeutic drug monitoring. Both genetic and clinical factors have been implicated in MPA variability. This study aimed to integrate genetic and clinical factors with PK measurements to quantify MPA exposure.

Performance assessment of computational tools to detect microsatellite instability.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a phenomenon seen in several cancer types, which can be used as a biomarker to help guide immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. To facilitate this, researchers have developed computational tools to categorize samples as having high microsatellite instability, or as being microsatellite stable using next-generation sequencing data. Most of these tools were published with unclear scope and usage, and they have yet to be independently benchmarked.

Parent experiences of specific learning disorder diagnosis: A scoping review.

The purpose of this review was to scope the quantity and methodological characteristics of the current literature examining parent and caregivers' perspectives of specific learning disorder (SLD) diagnosis, synthesise key findings and highlight gaps in the current literature. A systematic search was conducted for the period January 2013 to March 2023. Twenty-three articles, representing 1796 parents and caregivers across seven countries, underwent data extraction.

Increased clonal hematopoiesis involving DNA damage response genes in patients undergoing lung transplantation.

BACKGROUNDCellular stressors influence the development of clonal hematopoiesis (CH). We hypothesized that environmental, inflammatory, and genotoxic stresses drive the emergence of CH in lung transplant recipients. METHODSWe performed a cross-sectional cohort study of 85 lung transplant recipients to characterize CH prevalence.

In-Depth Blood Proteome Profiling by Extensive Fractionation and Multiplexed Quantitative Mass Spectrometry.

Blood in the circulatory system carries information of physiological and pathological status of the human body, so blood proteins are often used as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Human blood proteome can be explored by the latest technologies in mass spectrometry (MS), creating an opportunity of discovering new disease biomarkers. The extreme dynamic range of protein concentrations in blood, however, poses a challenge to detect proteins of low abundance, namely, tissue leakage proteins.

Iridociliary measurements using the Anterion swept-source optical coherence tomography.

Purpose: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) by a swept source can visualize the ciliary body. The study was performed for analyzing the feasibility of a new swept-source OCT (Anterion) device for measuring iris ciliary sulcus, ciliary body thickness, and iris thickness.

Methods: It is a pilot study among 30 normal young participants and hospital employees with their consent.

Bolus gastric feeds improve nutrition delivery to mechanically ventilated pediatric medical patients: Results of the COntinuous vs BOlus multicenter trial.

Background: Comparison of bolus gastric feeding (BGF) vs continuous gastric feeding (CGF) with respect to timing and delivery of energy and protein in mechanically ventilated (MV) pediatric patients has not been investigated. We hypothesized that bolus delivery would shorten time to goal nutrition and increase the percentage of goal feeds delivered.

Methods: Multicenter, prospective, randomized comparative effectiveness trial conducted in seven pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Relative expression of putative genes involved in galanthamine and other Amaryllidaceae alkaloids biosynthesis in Narcissus field and in vitro tissues.

The Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. Carlton contains Amaryllidaceae alkaloids namely galanthamine, lycorine, homolycorine, narciclasine, which are noted for their pharmaceutical properties such as for the treatment of early to mid-stage Alzheimer's diseases, cancer, tumor etc. Alkaloid biosynthesis using plant in vitro systems has been considered as a tool for drug discovery and the pathways are starting to be understood but still far from complete.

Awareness and accuracy of height and weight among mothers and their preschool-aged children.

Objectives: A constant challenge in addressing the issue of obesity is the validity and reliability of self-reported measurements to calculate body mass index, that assesses the prevalence of obesity in a population. The objective of this study is to analyze both awareness and accuracy of mothers who are overweight or obese, in reporting their own and their child's height and weight measurements.

Study Design: cross-sectional study.

Efficiency and cost effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy.

Negative pressure wound therapy can be used to treat wounds of varying aetiology. This article presents findings of a literature review investigating the efficiency and cost effectiveness of this form of therapy. Since negative pressure wound therapy is becoming more common, it is important to understand the evidence base for its use to ensure optimum care outcomes for patients and cost effectiveness.

Spectralis optical coherence tomography findings in Welder's maculopathy.

Welder's maculopathy is a form of photochemical damage to the retina and is typically characterized by involvement of the outer retinal layers. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging was performed in three eyes of two patients with clinical findings suggestive of Welder's maculopathy in occupational welders. A faceted foveal lesion characterized clinical examination and the SD-OCT line scans images showed a distinct discontinuity of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction.

Perceptions of hypertension treatment among patients with and without diabetes.

Background: Despite the availability of a wide selection of effective antihypertensive treatments and the existence of clear treatment guidelines, many patients with hypertension do not have controlled blood pressure. We conducted a qualitative study to explore beliefs and perceptions regarding hypertension and gain an understanding of barriers to treatment among patients with and without diabetes.

Methods: Ten focus groups were held for patients with hypertension in three age ranges, with and without diabetes.

Childhood parapneumonic pleural effusion in Enugu.

Objectives: To review the epidemiological pattern and clinical features, management and outcome of childhood parapneumonic pleural effusion in Enugu.

Methods: The records of the children with diagnosis of pleural effusion admitted at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu between January 1995 and February 2001 were reviewed.

Results: Forty out of forty two patients reviewed were analysed.

Psychosocial predictors of adherence to nutritional recommendations and growth outcomes in children with cystic fibrosis.

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between maternal psychosocial factors related to dietary adherence and growth outcomes in their children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Twenty-five children with CF and mild lung disease, aged 7-12 years, were weighed and measured and completed detailed food records. Mothers completed questionnaires that measured general nutritional knowledge, nutritional knowledge specific to CF, coping strategies, dieting behaviors, self-efficacy about the ability to provide the correct diet, and attitudes and beliefs about CF.

Physiological and psychosocial contributors to malnutrition in children with cystic fibrosis: review.

Malnutrition was once thought to be an inevitable consequence of cystic fibrosis (CF). It is now considered preventable but still contributes considerable morbidity in children. Malnutrition is linked to poorer pulmonary function, reduced survival and quality of life.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in cystic fibrosis: Australian guidelines. Pediatric Gastroenterological Society and the Dietitians Association of Australia.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is a major factor associated with achieving optimum growth and nutritional status in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with pancreatic insufficiency and consequent malabsorption. Currently in Australian CF clinics policies for the usage of PERT vary considerably. This paper highlights the current issues related to fat absorption and use of PERT in CF.

Relation between dietary intake and nutritional status in cystic fibrosis.

This study evaluated adherence to current dietary recommendations of children with cystic fibrosis and mild lung disease and their siblings by comparing energy intake. Fifty children (25 with cystic fibrosis) aged between 7 and 12 years completed the study. Energy intake was assessed by weighed dietary intake, resting energy expenditure was used to calculate recommended daily intakes.