Introduction: Cancer complicates approximately 1 in 2000 pregnancies, with increasing incidence due to factors such as increased maternal age, obesity and advancements in antenatal testing. Anaesthetists play a crucial role in managing pregnant patients with cancer, both during delivery and in providing anaesthesia for oncological treatments. This review explores the challenges in anaesthetic management and specific considerations for common cancers encountered in pregnant patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Regional anaesthesia provides important clinical benefits to patients but is underutilised. A barrier to widespread adoption may be the focus of regional anaesthesia research on novel techniques rather than evaluating and optimising existing approaches. Research priorities in regional anaesthesia identified by anaesthetists have been published, but the views of patients, carers and other healthcare professionals have not been considered previously.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe gut-brain axis (GBA) is a crucial communication network linking the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system (CNS). The gut microbiota significantly influences metabolic, immune, and neural functions by generating a diverse array of bioactive compounds that modulate brain function and maintain homeostasis. A pivotal mechanism in this communication is the kynurenine pathway, which metabolises tryptophan into various derivatives, including neuroactive and neurotoxic compounds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Int Soc Sports Nutr
December 2024
Background: Fatigue and gastrointestinal (GI) distress are common among athletes with an estimated 30-90% of athletes participating in marathons, triathlons, or similar events experiencing GI complaints. Intense exercise can lead to increased intestinal permeability, potentially allowing members of the gut microbiota to permeate into the bloodstream, resulting in an inflammatory response and cascade of performance-limiting outcomes. Probiotics, through their capacity to regulate the composition of the gut microbiota, may act as an adjunctive therapy by enhancing GI and immune function while mitigating inflammatory responses.
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