Demonstrating the data integrity of routinely collected healthcare systems data for clinical trials (DEDICaTe): A proof-of-concept study.

Healthcare systems data (also known as real-world or routinely collected health data) could transform the conduct of clinical trials. Demonstrating integrity and provenance of these data is critical for clinical trials, to enable their use where appropriate and avoid duplication using scarce trial resources. Building on previous work, this proof-of-concept study used a data intelligence tool, the "Central Metastore," to provide metadata and lineage information of nationally held data.

Safety and efficacy of adjunctive intra-arterial antithrombotic therapy during endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Half of patients who achieve successful recanalization following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke experience poor functional outcome. We aim to investigate whether the use of adjunctive intra-arterial antithrombotic therapy (AAT) during EVT is safe and efficacious compared with standard therapy (ST) of EVT with or without prior intravenous thrombolysis.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library) from 2010 until October 2023.

To X-Ray or Not to X-Ray? Discussing Unknown Nasal Foreign Bodies and Button Batteries.

The emergency of esophageal button batteries is recognized. Foreign bodies in the ear or nose are treated as comparatively nonemergent. We present the case of a child who presented with suspected pen-nib in the nostril to highlight the importance of investigation and intervention in nasal foreign body and review the literature regarding X-rays in these cases.

Safe surgical tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19: key clinical considerations.

Surgical tracheostomy is a high aerosol-generating procedure that is an essential aid to the recovery of patients who are critically ill with COVID-19 pneumonia. We present a single-centre case series of 16 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who underwent tracheostomy. We recommend that the patient selection criteria for achieving a favourable outcome should be based on fraction of inspired oxygen together with prone-position ventilation.

Hypoxia inducible factor stabilization improves defective ischemia-induced angiogenesis in a rodent model of chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased risk and worse prognosis of cardiovascular disease, including peripheral artery disease. An impaired angiogenic response to ischemia may contribute to poor outcomes of peripheral artery disease in patients with CKD. Hypoxia inducible factors (HIF) are master regulators of angiogenesis and therefore represent a promising target for therapeutic intervention.

Lupus pernio--a patient case study.

An 80 year old female patient was seen in the Otolaryngology department with a skin manifestation of her sarcoidosis, known as lupus pernio. Around 25% of patients with sarcoidosis have skin disease and the presence of lupus pernio may suggest a more aggressive form of the disease. Photography of this relatively rare presentation not only helped us diagnose her underlying medical condition but also served as a baseline during treatment.

Rhinophyma--a patient case study.

This is a case report about a 62-year-old gentleman who presented at the Otolaryngology department with a rhinophyma. Rhinophyma is a swelling of the soft tissue of the nose due to sebaceous gland hypertrophy, lymphoedema and fibrosis. Photography of the patient's condition highlights not only the features of the disease but is useful when comparing the contours and shape of the nose after surgical excision.

Severe hypo-osmotic hyponatraemia due to chylous leak following radical neck dissection.

Chylous leak is a documented complication of radical neck dissection with well recognised morbidities, including wound breakdown, hypovolaemia and hypoalbuminaemia. Other less well-documented electrolyte imbalances can also ensue. We aim to raise awareness about hypo-osmotic hyponatraemia as a potentially fatal, commonly overlooked complication of high-output chylous leaks.

Does tonsillectomy improve quality of life in adults? A systematic literature review.

Aim: To determine whether tonsillectomy improves quality of life in adults suffering from chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.

Method: A systematic literature search of the Medline and Pubmed databases was conducted in order to identify all relevant studies measuring quality of life directly.

Results And Conclusion: Eight studies were identified.

Statistical process control charts for attribute data involving very large sample sizes: a review of problems and solutions.

The use of statistical process control (SPC) charts in healthcare is increasing. The primary purpose of SPC is to distinguish between common-cause variation which is attributable to the underlying process, and special-cause variation which is extrinsic to the underlying process. This is important because improvement under common-cause variation requires action on the process, whereas special-cause variation merits an investigation to first find the cause.

Citrobacter freundii causing pharyngitis and secondary retropharyngeal abscess with intrathoracic extension to the diaphragm: minimally invasive management of a rare case.

Introduction: Citrobacter freundii is a rare but potentially aggressive cause of pharyngitis which may progress to retropharyngeal abscess with diaphragmatic extension.

Objective: To raise awareness of: (1) citrobacter as a potential cause of head and neck infection, including retropharyngeal abscess; (2) a novel surgical approach to draining such an abscess; and (3) citrobacter's particular biological properties which may affect the clinical course.

Method: Case report.

Cervicomastoidfacial versus modified facelift incision for parotid surgery: a patient feedback comparison.

Introduction: Traditionally, the cervicomastoidfacial (CMF) incision is used to excise benign tumours of the parotid gland. The rhytidectomy or modified facelift (MF) incision allows an alternative approach which leaves no visible neck scar. The objective of this study was to establish the frequency of each surgical approach used and identify any difference in complication and patient satisfaction between the two incisions for benign conditions of the parotid gland.

A randomised controlled trial comparing Triadcortyl with 10% glycerine-ichthammol in the initial treatment of severe acute otitis externa.

Acute otitis externa is a common clinical condition accounting for a large proportion of patients attending the otolaryngology department, although milder cases are often managed in primary care. Treatment of the most severe forms of otitis externa involves aural toilet, followed by the application of a topical preparation, commonly in the form of an ear canal dressing. A prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed to compare the efficacy of 10% glycerine-ichthammol (GI) solution and Triadcortyl (TAC) ointment, both applied as ear canal dressings, in the initial management of severe acute otitis externa.

Acute rhinosinusitis in adults: an update on current management.

Acute rhinosinusitis is a common disease with worldwide prevalence. It is a significant burden on the health services. It is most commonly caused by viruses and is self-limiting in nature.

The management of abuse: 4. Abuse of vulnerable adults.

Vulnerable adults include those who, for reasons of age or illness, are unable to protect themselves from significant harm. The role of the GDP and the dental team in the recognition and management of abuse of vulnerable adults is discussed. Information on the current legislation and protocols for referral are provided.

The management of abuse: 3. Domestic violence.

Unlabelled: The role of the GDP and the dental team in the recognition and management of domestic violence is discussed. Information on the current legislation and protocols for referral are provided.

Clinical Relevance: This paper discusses domestic violence and offers information and practical advice for the dental team.

The management of abuse: 1. Setting the scene.

Unlabelled: This series of articles has been developed to provide all members of the dental team with an understanding of the different forms of abuse, and the political, social and legal context of safeguarding patients. It also aims to assist the dental team in recognizing and managing abuse effectively, by outlining processes whereby dental practitioners can provide a safe environment for their patients to disclose abuse, and identifying protocols for reporting abuse.

Clinical Relevance: The GDP and dental team have an important role to play in dealing with patients who are being abused.

Juvenile angiofibroma of the maxillary sinus.

Primary extra-nasopharyngeal sites of angiofibromas are extremely unusual. We describe a rare case of extra-nasopharyngeal angiofibroma in a one year old child arising from the left maxilla and indirectly involving the lacrimal system. The initial presentation was of a swelling in the region of the left medial canthus.

Is the routine use of antibiotics justified in adult tonsillectomy?

Pain and secondary haemorrhage are the commonest complications of adult tonsillectomy, occurring mostly in the community. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial of the effect of perioperative amoxycillin on these complications. The incidence and severity of post-operative haemorrhage was measured.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial cervical adenitis: a ten-year retrospective review.

Objective: To review the authors' institutional experience with nontuberculous mycobacterial cervical adenitis in children over a 10-year period.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: The case histories of 79 children with nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis who presented to a large tertiary care referral center from 1989 to 1999 were retrospectively analyzed, and the demographics, clinical presentation, methods of diagnosis, and types of surgical intervention they underwent were reported.