Fully covered self-expandable metal stents versus multiple plastic stents for the treatment of post-orthotopic liver transplant anastomotic biliary strictures: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background And Aims: The most common adverse event (AE) of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS). Management varies widely between centers, and it is not clear whether a combination of endoscopic dilation of the stenosis followed by multiple plastic stents (MPS) or placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (fcSEMS) is better for the management of post-OLT ABS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost of fcSEMS versus MPS in the treatment of post-OLT ABS.

Does ATP via purinergic receptor signalling fuel pulmonary fibrosis?

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are poorly understood disorders characterised by diffuse damage to the lung parenchyma, with inflammation and fibrosis. Some manifest a progressive fibrotic phenotype with high fatality and limited treatment options, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Summary: The degree to which inflammation plays a role in fibrosis progression is unknown.

Proposed framework regarding management of patients with breast cancer and anti-cancer treatment-related elevation in cardiac troponin.

Cardiac biomarkers are a vital component within the first edition of the European Society of Cardiology guidelines in Cardio-Oncology. Specifically, they are mentioned in the definition of mild asymptomatic cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction, where left ventricular systolic function is ≥50 % with two outcomes; either a new decrease in global longitudinal strain >15 % from baseline and/or a new rise in cardiac biomarkers above the defined 99th percentile cut off values. Cardiac troponin is one such biomarker.

Healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards polygenic risk testing for glaucoma.

Background: Effective clinical implementation of polygenic risk testing for glaucoma relies on healthcare professionals' attitudes and knowledge of the test. Given the emerging applications of the test, it will likely impact a range of healthcare professionals and will require competency in polygenic risk scores concepts for all those involved in patient care. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess healthcare professionals' views towards polygenic testing for glaucoma.

Meta-analysis of [F]FDG-PET/CT in pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Background: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT is emerging as a tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis, however, there is limited consensus regarding its diagnostic performance and prognostic value.

Method: A meta-analysis was conducted with PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases searched up to and including September 2023. 1355 studies were screened, with seventeen (n = 708 patients) suitable based on their assessment of the diagnostic performance or prognostic value of FDG-PET/CT.

A qualitative study to understand the barriers and facilitators in smoking cessation practices among oncology health care practitioners in one health system.

Introduction: Despite the benefits of quitting smoking for those who have cancer, including improved health outcomes and reduced therapeutic toxicities, it is unclear how many people are supported in quit attempts during this time. Variations in the availability and provision of smoking cessation (SC) services are reported, with little understanding of the challenges and solutions. This co-designed study aimed to understand the perspectives of health care professionals (HCPs) working in oncology settings to engage in SC practices and identify recommendations for developing an SC pathway.

Effects of Active Chronic Cigarette-Smoke Exposure on Circulating Fibrocytes.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that active smoking impacts upon mediators and abundance of circulating fibrocyte cells in smoking-related disease characterised by fibrosis.

Methods: Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to investigate blood from five patient groups: healthy never-smokers, healthy current smokers, stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) active smokers, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) never-smokers, and IPF active smokers.

Results: A significant inverse dose-response relationship was observed in healthy smokers among cumulative smoking burden (pack-years) and fibrocyte abundance (p = 0.

Understanding cardiac events in breast cancer (UCARE): pilot cardio-oncology assessment and surveillance pathway for breast cancer patients.

Purpose: In Ireland, over 3000 patients are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and 1 in 9 Irish women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There is evidence that female breast cancer survivors are more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than their age-matched counterparts. Specific services for cancer patients suffering from cancer therapy related cardiovascular toxicity have led to a higher incidence of safe anti-cancer treatment completion.

Diagnostic findings in sinonasal aspergillosis in dogs in the United Kingdom: 475 cases (2011-2021).

Objectives: To describe the diagnostic tests used and their comparative performance in dogs diagnosed with sinonasal aspergillosis in the United Kingdom. A secondary objective was to describe the signalment, clinical findings and common clinicopathologic abnormalities in sinonasal aspergillosis.

Materials And Methods: A multi-centre retrospective survey was performed involving 23 referral centres in the United Kingdom to identify dogs diagnosed with sinonasal aspergillosis from January 2011 to December 2021.

Randomized self-controlled study comparing open-face vs. closed immobilization masks in fractionated cranial radiotherapy.

Purpose: To compare patient discomfort and immobilisation performance of open-face and closed immobilization masks in cranial radiotherapy.

Material And Methods: This was a single-center randomized self-controlled clinical trial. At CT simulation, an open-face and closed mask was made for each patient and treatment plans with identical dose prescription were generated for each mask.

Genetics and Genomics of Pulmonary Fibrosis: Charting the Molecular Landscape and Shaping Precision Medicine.

Recent genetic and genomic advancements have elucidated the complex etiology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other progressive fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), emphasizing the contribution of heritable factors. This state-of-the-art review synthesizes evidence on significant genetic contributors to pulmonary fibrosis (PF), including rare genetic variants and common SNPs. The promoter variant is unusual, a common SNP that markedly elevates the risk of early and established PF.

Real-World Analysis of the Clinical and Economic Impact of the 21-Gene Recurrence Score (RS) in Invasive Lobular Early-Stage Breast Carcinoma in Ireland.

This study, using real-world data, assesses the impact of RS testing on treatment pathways and the associated economic consequences of such testing. This paper pertains to lobular breast cancer. A retrospective, observational study was undertaken between 2011 and 2019 on a cross-section of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative, lymph node-negative, early-stage breast cancer patients.

Understanding the Acceptability of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies for HIV Prevention Among At-Risk Populations and Feasibility Considerations for Product Introduction in India: Protocol for a Qualitative Study.

Background: Acceptability and preference research play a crucial role in the design, evaluation, and implementation of any new prevention product in any geographical setting. They also play a critical role in the development of clinical guidelines and policies. A wide range of acceptability studies have been conducted in diverse general and key populations for various new HIV prevention products worldwide.

Smoking Cessation Support: A Marathon, Not a Sprint; The Perspectives of Cancer Patients Who Smoke.

Objectives: Despite the unfavorable outcomes associated with continued smoking, a substantial proportion of patients with cancer continue to smoke after diagnosis. However, limited use of smoking cessation (SC) interventions has been reported. This study explored the perceptions of patients with cancer who continue to smoke/recently quit regarding SC.

UK and Ireland Joint Advisory Group (JAG) consensus statements for training and certification in diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

Background And Aims: International endoscopy societies vary in their approach for credentialing individuals in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to enable independent practice; however, there is no consensus in this or its implementation. In 2019, the Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy (JAG) commissioned a working group to examine the evidence relating to this process for EUS. The aim of this was to develop evidence-based recommendations for EUS training and certification in the UK.

Analysis of tissue lipidomics and computed tomography pulmonary fat attenuation volume (CT ) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Background And Objective: There is increasing interest in the role of lipids in processes that modulate lung fibrosis with evidence of lipid deposition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) histological specimens. The aim of this study was to identify measurable markers of pulmonary lipid that may have utility as IPF biomarkers.

Study Design And Methods: IPF and control lung biopsy specimens were analysed using a unbiased lipidomic approach.

Comparison of penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty in patients with iridocorneal endothelial syndrome: A registry study.

Background: To compare graft survival of endothelial keratoplasty (EK) versus penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in patients with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome and identify ocular features associated with graft survival.

Methods: Observational, prospective, cohort study. A total of 30 806 first grafts performed between 1985 and 2020 were identified through the Australian Corneal Graft Registry and included in this observational, prospective cohort study.

Circulating microRNAs can predict chemotherapy-induced toxicities in patients being treated for primary breast cancer.

Purpose: Prescribing NAC for breast cancer is a pragmatic treatment strategy for several reasons; however, certain patients suffer chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Unfortunately, identifying patients at risk of toxicity often proves challenging. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules which modulate genetic expression.

An exploration of self-perceived competence in providing nutrition care among physiotherapists in Ireland: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Integrating nutrition care into physiotherapy can address modifiable risk factors contributing to chronic diseases, providing comprehensive and effective patient care, and supporting a wellness-oriented approach to healthcare.

Objective: To investigate physiotherapists' self-perceived confidence in their competence in nutrition care in Ireland.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from a validated online survey tool.