Preclinical and first-in-human safety studies on a novel magnetism-based haemofiltration method.

Extracorporeal haemofiltration devices that selectively remove cytokines could represent an adjunctive treatment in inflammatory diseases. One such device is the "IL-6-Sieve", wherein magnetic Anti-IL-6 Beads are introduced into an extracorporeal circuit via a Bead Adapter and then removed along with any surface-bound interleukin (IL)-6 by a Filter deployed in a Magnet, before the blood is returned to the patient. We report here on a series of animal studies, and a first-in-human study, on the safety of the IL-6-Sieve.

Tocilizumab for the treatment of giant cell arteritis in Scotland: a report on behalf of the Scottish Society for Rheumatology standards subgroup.

Objectives: The aim was to describe a modern National Health Service (NHS) Scotland cohort of patients with GCA over 12 months of care to include clinical presentation, practices relating to assessment and treatment, and specifically, the use of tocilizumab.

Methods: A multicentre audit of patients newly diagnosed with GCA between November 2019 and October 2021 was established on behalf of the Scottish Society for Rheumatology. Clinical data were collected retrospectively by rheumatology teams at participating NHS centres using electronic patient records.

The effect of SMS (text message) reminders on attendance at a community adult mental health service clinic: do SMS reminders really increase attendance?

Background: Non-attendance at outpatient clinics is common and costly.

Aims: This study aimed to determine if sending SMS ('short message service' or text message) reminders to patients before appointments reduced non-attendance.

Methods: We collected outpatient data at Ballyfermot and Lucan Community Adult Mental Health Service, Dublin, Ireland during 6-month periods (a) immediately prior to the introduction of SMS reminders for outpatient appointments; (b) immediately following the introduction of SMS reminders; and (c) two and a half years later.