Combination of farnesyl-transferase inhibition with KRAS G12D targeting breaks down therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer with no effective therapeutic options. A KRAS mutation can be found in up to 90% of all pancreatic tumors, making it a promising therapeutic target. The introduction of new KRAS inhibitors has been a milestone in the history of KRAS mutant tumors; however, therapeutic resistance limits their efficacy.

Farnesyl-transferase inhibitors show synergistic anticancer effects in combination with novel KRAS-G12C inhibitors.

Background: Inhibition of mutant KRAS challenged cancer research for decades. Recently, allele-specific inhibitors were approved for the treatment of KRAS-G12C mutant lung cancer. However, de novo and acquired resistance limit their efficacy and several combinations are in clinical development.

Longitudinal Lung Function Assessment of Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 Using H and Xe Lung MRI.

Background: Microvascular abnormalities and impaired gas transfer have been observed in patients with COVID-19. The progression of pulmonary changes in these patients remains unclear.

Research Question: Do patients hospitalized with COVID-19 without evidence of architectural distortion on structural imaging exhibit longitudinal improvements in lung function measured by using H and Xe MRI between 6 and 52 weeks following hospitalization?

Study Design And Methods: Patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia underwent a pulmonary H and Xe MRI protocol at 6, 12, 25, and 51 weeks following hospital admission in a prospective cohort study between November 2020 and February 2022.

Nutraceuticals for Androgenetic Alopecia.

Background: Several oral nutraceuticals have recently emerged as products marketed to increase hair growth and thickness. However, these supplements typically lack the rigorous testing and statistically significant data that apply to pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the potential benefits of oral nutraceuticals for conditions of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, have yet to be fully understood by dermatologists.

Namilumab or infliximab compared with standard of care in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 (CATALYST): a randomised, multicentre, multi-arm, multistage, open-label, adaptive, phase 2, proof-of-concept trial.

Background: Dysregulated inflammation is associated with poor outcomes in COVID-19. We aimed to assess the efficacy of namilumab (a granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor inhibitor) and infliximab (a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor) in hospitalised patients with COVID-19, to prioritise agents for phase 3 trials.

Methods: In this randomised, multicentre, multi-arm, multistage, parallel-group, open-label, adaptive, phase 2, proof-of-concept trial (CATALYST), we recruited patients (aged ≥16 years) admitted to hospital with COVID-19 pneumonia and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations of 40 mg/L or greater, at nine hospitals in the UK.

The role of artificial intelligence in cosmetic dermatology-Current, upcoming, and future trends.

Within the field of cosmetic dermatology, several promising developments utilize artificial intelligence to better patient care. While many new treatments in cosmetic dermatology feature components of artificial intelligence, there is a knowledge gap within the field regarding the current and developing products featuring AI. We aim to highlight current and developing applications of artificial intelligence in cosmetic dermatology and provide insight into future modalities in this field.

Assessing research impact: Australian Research Council criteria and the case of Family Wellbeing research.

Researchers worldwide are increasingly reporting the societal impact of their research as part of national research productivity assessments. However, the challenges they encounter in developing their impact case studies against specified government assessment criteria and how pitfalls can be mitigated are not reported. This paper examines the key steps taken to develop an Aboriginal Family Wellbeing (FWB) empowerment research impact case study in the context of an Australian Research Council (ARC) pilot research impact assessment exercise and the challenges involved in applying the ARC criteria.

The usefulness of Duplex Doppler ultrasound in the angiological and dermatological diagnosis of patients with blue toe syndrome.

Introduction: Peripheral microembolism is one of the most frequent causes of acute limb ischemia. In order to effectively prevent relapses it is essential to localize and eliminate the source of embolism.

Aim: To evaluate the role of Duplex Doppler ultrasound examination in identifying the causes of blue toe syndrome (BTS).

Multi-Center Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety Profile of High Energy Fractionated Radiofrequency With Insulated Microneedles to Multiple Levels of the Dermis.

In this multi-center pilot study, the safety pro le of high intensity focused radiofrequency (RF) delivered to the dermis was evaluated for safety in the treatment of the aging neck and face. A newly designed insulated microneedle system delivers a signi cant coagulative thermal injury into the dermis while sparing the epidermis from RF injury. Thirty- ve healthy subjects from seven aesthetic practices were evaluated, and data from each were incorporated in this case report.

Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Reduction of Postoperative Lower Extremity Edema and Normalization of Foot Microcirculation Flow in Patients Undergoing Arterial Revascularization.

BACKGROUND In patients with chronic leg ischemia, the beneficial effect of arterial revascularization can be significantly decreased due to postoperative leg swelling. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on skin flow normalization in patients undergoing revascularization procedures due to chronic leg ischemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated 116 patients with chronic leg ischemia.

Post-operative Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Operated on for Aorto-iliac Obstruction and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, and the Application of Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis.

Objective/background: In light of the methods generally used to assess the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), major vascular operations should be regarded as high risk procedures. Nevertheless, no principles for implementing and maintaining thromboprophylaxis have so far been developed. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and nature of VTE occurrence in patients routinely applying pharmacological thromboprophylaxis following implantation of an aorto-bifemoral prosthesis.

A systematic review of non-surgical treatments for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.

Introduction: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) are rare and the majority of patients present with advanced disease. Such patients have limited treatment options. We conducted a systematic review of published clinical trials of non-surgical interventions in pNET, to understand the efficacy, safety and health related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes from the current evidence base.

An observational descriptive study of the epidemiology and treatment of neuropathic pain in a UK general population.

Background: This study updated our knowledge of UK primary care neuropathic pain incidence rates and prescribing practices.

Methods: Patients with a first diagnosis of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) or phantom limb pain (PLP) were identified from the General Practice Research Database (2006 - 2010) and incidence rates were calculated. Prescription records were searched for pain treatments from diagnosis of these conditions and the duration and daily dose estimated for first-line and subsequent treatment regimens.

A cost-utility study of the use of pregabalin in treatment-refractory neuropathic pain.

Objectives: A small but significant proportion of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain (NeP) are refractory to the typical treatments applied in clinical practice, including amitriptyline and gabapentin. Thus, they continue to suffer the debilitating effects of NeP. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pregabalin in comparison to usual care, in patients with refractory NeP, from a third party payer's perspective (NHS).

A systematic review and mixed treatment comparison of the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia.

Objectives: To review the literature on pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia.

Methods: Relative efficacy was estimated in terms of outcome measures highlighted by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Network using a Bayesian mixed treatment comparison (MTC) meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials reporting treatments for fibromyalgia were identified by systematically reviewing electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Medline, EMBASE; accessed February 2008) and conducting manual bibliographic searches.

Pregabalin, the lidocaine plaster and duloxetine in patients with refractory neuropathic pain: a systematic review.

Background: Patients frequently fail to receive adequate pain relief from, or are intolerant of, first-line therapies prescribed for neuropathic pain (NeP). This refractory chronic pain causes psychological distress and impacts patient quality of life. Published literature for treatment in refractory patients is sparse and often published as conference abstracts only.

Efficacy and safety of treatments for refractory generalized anxiety disorder: a systematic review.

This study systematically collated clinical evidence on refractory generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Refractory GAD patients are those who have failed to respond adequately to at least one earlier treatment for GAD. MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and conference proceedings were searched to identify trials.

The effects of antimuscarinic treatments in overactive bladder: an update of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Context: Antimuscarinic agents are currently the first-line pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder.

Objectives: A systematic review published in 2005 was updated, including data on a newly licensed antimuscarinic (fesoterodine). The primary aim of this study was to systematically review evidence on the efficacy of licensed administration of antimuscarinic treatments in overactive bladder from randomised controlled trials.

The effects of antimuscarinics on health-related quality of life in overactive bladder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study was to review the effects of antimuscarinic treatments on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were searched from 1966 through August 2004 for randomized controlled trials of antimuscarinic agents. HRQL data from included trials were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed where possible.