Bioinformatic and experimental data pertaining to the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in ovarian cancer.

The Nod-Like Receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a role in regulating inflammatory signaling and is a well-established contributor to pyroptotic cell death. It has been investigated extensively in cancer but there remains limited evidence of its role within ovarian cancer (OC). Bioinformatic investigation of gene expression data has highlighted that higher expression of NLRP3 and genes associated with the NLRP3 complex appear to be positively correlated with OC and may also have prognostic significance.

Seeing is believing: Patients' attitudes and information preferences towards robotic gynaecological surgery.

Objectives: Robotic gynaecological surgery (RS) is reported to be associated with feelings of apprehension and anxiety pre-operatively in a proportion of patients. This study aimed to investigate patients' understanding and perceptions towards RS, and whether the format of RS information resources could improve acceptability of RS.

Design: A two-phase, sequential, mixed methods study involving semi-structured interviews of patients who had previously undergone gynaecological RS and a block-randomised crossover study of women from the general public.

Regular follow-up with cervical cytology is of questionable value following surgical treatment of microinvasive cervical cancer.

Objectives: To assess the follow-up smears and their outcomes of patients with conservatively managed early-stage cervical cancer as per UK guidelines within our service. To evaluate whether intensive follow-up can detect pre-cancer early compared to the standard 3 yearly follow-up.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Review of literature for ethnic minority-led GP practices: impact and experience of CQC regulation.

Background/aim: The Care Quality Commissions' (CQC) recent report into the impact and experience of CQC regulation for ethnic minority-led general practitioner (GP) practices found that ethnic minority-led practices are disproportionately situated in areas of deprivation, working single-handedly and without adequate systems of support. These challenges are not always accounted for in CQC's processes or methodology (CQC, 2022).This study summarises a review of literature carried out as part of research by the CQC, which was published in January 2022.

Building leadership capabilities in maternity.

Background: Over recent years, there has been increasing recognition that effective leadership is critical to establishing positive organisational culture and improving patient outcomes. In maternity, there is a unique interplay between different specialties and disciplines in providing high-quality services.

Methods: Review of literature pertaining to leadership and maternity.

One-stop clinic for patients with suspected ovarian cancer: results from a retrospective outcome study of the referral pathway.

Background: Women with abdominal pain and bloating frequently have their Ca-125 levels investigated for suspected ovarian cancer and this has led to a significant increase in referrals to the ovarian cancer service. We have conducted this study to help improve the efficiency in which these patients are investigated and to improve future pathways within the referral service.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational outcome study.