CXCL9 inhibition does not ameliorate disease in murine models of both primary and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a group of disorders culminating in systemic inflammation and multi-organ failure with high incidence of hepatic dysfunction. Overproduction of IFN-γ is the main immunopathological driver in this disorder. Monokine induced by IFN-γ (CXCL9) serves as a biomarker for disease activity and response to treatment in this disorder.

Canadian public perceptions and experiences with information during the COVID-19 pandemic: strategies to optimize future risk communications.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the spread of misinformation worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of misinformation and preferred sources of obtaining COVID-19 information from those living in Canada. In particular, we sought to explore the perceptions of East Asian individuals in Canada, who experienced stigma related to COVID-19 messaging.

Difficulty in Diagnosing Rare Cardiac Tumors: A Case Series.

Primary cardiac tumors are rare because metastatic lesions from distant sites account for most masses. We are reporting two cases of malignant intracardiac masses with their diagnostic dilemma. Our first patient is a 72-year-old male with a pertinent history of desmoplastic and spindle cell melanoma who presented after his surveillance positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed a hypermetabolic lesion in the inferior pericardium.

Exploring perceptions and experiences of stigma in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic fueled stigmatization and discrimination, particularly towards individuals of Chinese or East Asian ethnicity. We conducted interviews with members of the public in Canada in order to describe and understand stigma perceptions and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We used a phenomenological approach to describe stigma experiences of Canadian residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared the stigma perceptions and experiences of East Asian and non-East Asian individuals.

Does reverse mentoring work in the NHS: a feasibility study of clinicians in practice.

Objective: To assess the risks and benefits of reverse mentoring of consultants by junior doctors.

Design: A feasibility study divided into two phases: first a semistructured interview where performance of participating consultants was assessed by junior doctors and then a second phase allowing for feedback to be given on a one-to-one basis. Data collected through questionnaires with free text questions and Likert scores.

Haber-independent, asymmetric synthesis of the marine alkaloid -leptosphaerin from a chitin-derived chiral pool synthon.

Chitin-derived platforms are emerging as valuable chemical entities for the construction of nitrogenous fine chemicals in processes independent of Haber ammonia. However, much of the work in this area has focused on achiral platforms that limit routine entry into enantiopure, bio-based N-chemical space. Herein, dihydroxyethyl acetamidofuran (Di-HAF), a chiral synthon readily available from chitin, has been transformed into the marine alkaloid -leptosphaerin.

Performance measures for the SACRED team-centered approach to advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative.

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and United European Gastroenterology have defined performance measures for upper and lower gastrointestinal, pancreaticobiliary, and small-bowel endoscopy. Quality indicators to guide endoscopists in the growing field of advanced endoscopy are also underway. We propose that equal attention is given to developing the entire advanced endoscopy team and not the individual endoscopist alone.

Mathematical Models for the Skin to Lumbosacral Epidural Distance in Dogs: A Cadaveric Computed-Tomography Study.

This study aimed to validate previously published computed tomography (CT) derived mathematical equations with the true skin to lumbosacral epidural distance (SLED) in dog cadavers. Phase 1: The lumbar region of 11 dog cadavers were scanned in sternal recumbency to determine the effect of cranial, neutral, and caudal pelvic limb positioning on the CT derived lumbosacral epidural distance (CLED). Phase 2: The epidural space was determined using contrast epidurography, and the SLED was analysed against the mathematical equations using a body condition score (BCS) and either the cadaveric occipital-coccygeal length (OCL) (Equation (1): = 7.

Gynaecomastia in a male neutered cat with an adrenal tumour and associated hyperprogesteronism, hypercortisolism and hyperaldosteronism.

Case Summary: A 7-year-old male neutered domestic longhair cat was presented with chronic progressive gynaecomastia, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss and poor fur regrowth. Sexualised behavioural changes were not reported and virilisation was not present on physical examination. Pertinent haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis findings at the time of referral included mild hypokalaemia.

What is the Optimal Method Assessing for Persistent Villous Atrophy in Adult Coeliac Disease?

Background And Aims: Methods of assessing gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence in adults with coeliac disease (CD) include serological testing, dietitian evaluation, questionnaires and repeat duodenal biopsies. Persisting villous atrophy (VA) is associated with CD complications, however gastroscopy with biopsies is expensive and invasive. This study aimed to assess the abilities of a duodenal bulb (D1) biopsy and the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT) to detect persisting VA in adults with CD.

Changes in the upper airway, hyoid bone and craniofacial morphology between patients treated with headgear activator and Herbst appliance: A retrospective study on lateral cephalometry.

Background: The present study compared the treatment changes in the upper airway, hyoid bone position and craniofacial morphology between two groups of children with skeletal class II malocclusion treated with the headgear activator (HGA) and Herbst appliance (Herbst).

Setting And Sample Population: Orthodontic population from the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong.

Methods: Thirty-four skeletal class II patients treated with the HGA (17 patients, mean age 10.

Accuracy of a no-biopsy approach for the diagnosis of coeliac disease across different adult cohorts.

Objective: We aimed to determine the predictive capacity and diagnostic yield of a 10-fold increase in serum IgA antitissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibody levels for detecting small intestinal injury diagnostic of coeliac disease (CD) in adult patients.

Design: The study comprised three adult cohorts. Cohort 1: 740 patients assessed in the specialist CD clinic at a UK centre; cohort 2: 532 patients with low suspicion for CD referred for upper GI endoscopy at a UK centre; cohort 3: 145 patients with raised tTG titres from multiple international sites.

Ventilated postmortem computed tomography to evaluate the lungs of dogs with and without focal lung lesions.

Objective: To identify the optimal ventilation pressure for ventilated postmortem CT assessment of the lungs in cadaveric dogs and compare the optimal ventilation pressures between dogs with and without focal lung lesions.

Sample: 12 cadaveric dogs.

Procedures: CT was performed with dogs positioned in sternal recumbency within 30 to 180 minutes after death.

Magnetic resonance imaging in dogs with neuroangiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm disease).

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the brain and spinal cord in humans with neuroangiostrongyliasis (NA) due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection has been well reported. Equivalent studies in animals are lacking. This case series describes clinical and MRI findings in 11 dogs with presumptively or definitively diagnosed NA.

Coeliac disease detection with an IgA/IgG-deamidated gliadin peptide based point of care test in community pharmacies.

Background Coeliac disease affects 1% of the population, but 75% remain undiagnosed. Objective To conduct a case finding feasibility and efficacy study for the detection of coeliac disease in community pharmacies. Setting Six community pharmacies across Sheffield, UK.

Office-Based Point of Care Testing (IgA/IgG-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide) for Celiac Disease.

Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is common yet under-detected. A point of care test (POCT) may improve CD detection. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of an IgA/IgG-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP)-based POCT for CD detection, patient acceptability, and inter-observer variability of the POCT results.

A comparison study between Magniview and high definition white light endoscopy in detecting villous atrophy and coeliac disease: A single centre pilot study.

Background And Aims: Coeliac disease may be missed at gastroscopy. We aimed to assess the sensitivity of Pentax optical zoom technology endoscopes in detecting duodenal villous atrophy and the ease of image interpretation by non-coeliac specialists.

Method: All patients attending for a gastroscopy were assessed for endoscopic villous atrophy in part one and two of the duodenum with high definition white light endoscopy and magnification endoscopy.

Point of care testing for paediatric coeliac disease in the new ESPGHAN era.

One of the challenges in coeliac disease is the significant under-diagnosis despite the increasing prevalence and international guidelines for serological screening in appropriate patient cohorts. Several point-of-care tests for coeliac disease have been developed over the past decade with the aim of improving case detection using rapid and convenient testing. Most point-of-care tests, such as Biocard, detect anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA antibodies, whereas Simtomax uniquely detects anti-deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgA/IgG antibodies.

The Role of an IgA/IgG-Deamidated Gliadin Peptide Point-of-Care Test in Predicting Persistent Villous Atrophy in Patients With Celiac Disease on a Gluten-Free Diet.

Objectives: Mucosal healing is important in celiac disease (CD) for the prevention of complications. However, obtaining duodenal biopsies is invasive, and there is currently no reliable surrogate marker for histological remission in clinical practice. We aimed to assess the role of a point-of-care test (POCT) based on IgA/IgG-deamidated gliadin peptide, in detecting persistent villous atrophy (VA) in CD.

Prevalence and associations of psychological distress in Australian junior medical officers.

Background/aims: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress in Australian junior medical officers (JMO) and investigate the determinants associated with psychological distress over a 3-year (2014-2016) period.

Methods: JMO were surveyed using the 2014-2016 JMO Census (n = 220, 399 and 466 each year; response rate approximately 15%). Levels of psychological distress were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10).

Optimizing the diagnosis of celiac disease.

Purpose Of Review: The diagnostic approach in celiac disease is continuously evolving as our understanding of its pathophysiology improves. This review aims to provide a summary of contemporary work that supports optimization of the diagnosis of this common yet underdiagnosed condition.

Recent Findings: The recently updated National Institute of Clinical Excellence and European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guidelines and the contentious biopsy-free diagnostic approach will be discussed.