A role for leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 in regulating pain sensitivity.

Neuronal hyperexcitability is a key driver of persistent pain states including neuropathic pain. Leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1), is a secreted protein known to regulate excitability within the nervous system and is the target of autoantibodies from neuropathic pain patients. Therapies that block or reduce antibody levels are effective at relieving pain in these patients, suggesting that LGI1 has an important role in clinical pain.

A new approach for the acquisition of trauma surgical skills: an OSCE type of simulation training program.

Background: Worldwide, trauma-related deaths are one of the main causes of mortality. Appropriate surgical treatment is crucial to prevent mortality, however, in the past decade, general surgery residents' exposure to trauma cases has decreased, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, accessible simulation-based training scenarios are essential.

MALDI-TOF analysis of blood serum proteome can predict the presence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a plasma cell dyscrasia that can progress to malignant multiple myeloma (MM). Specific molecular biomarkers to classify the MGUS status and discriminate the initial asymptomatic phase of MM have not been identified. We examined the serum peptidome profile of MGUS patients and healthy volunteers using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and developed a predictive model for classifying serum samples.

Phase IV randomized preference study in patients eligible for calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Introduction/objectives: Preference for supplement formulation helps determine an individual's adherence to long-term medication and can improve clinical benefit for chronic illnesses such as osteoporosis. This study compared the preference, acceptability and tolerability of a reformulation of Calcichew D3 500 mg/400 IU and Calcichew D3 500 mg/800 IU (Takeda UK Ltd, Wobrun Green, UK) with Adcal-D3 500 mg/400 IU (ProStrakan Ltd, Galashiels, UK) and Kalcipos-D 500 mg/800 IU (Meda Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Bishop's Stortford, UK), respectively.

Method: This phase IV, randomized, open-label, two-period, cross-over study was conducted at nine sites in the UK and Germany.

Using the Electronic Nose to Identify Airway Infection during COPD Exacerbations.

Background: The electronic nose (e-nose) detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled air. We hypothesized that the exhaled VOCs print is different in stable vs. exacerbated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly if the latter is associated with airway bacterial infection, and that the e-nose can distinguish them.