Natural language processing techniques applied to the electronic health record in clinical research and practice - an introduction to methodologies.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) has the potential to revolutionise clinical research utilising Electronic Health Records (EHR) through the automated analysis of unstructured free text. Despite this potential, relatively few applications have entered real-world clinical practice. This paper aims to introduce the whole pipeline of NLP methodologies for EHR analysis to the clinical researcher, with case studies to demonstrate the application of these methods in the existing literature.

Evaluation of psychological distress, burnout and structural empowerment status of healthcare workers during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

Background: In light of several recent studies, there is evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused various mental health concerns in the general population, as well as among healthcare workers (HCWs). The main aim of this study was to assess the psychological distress, burnout and structural empowerment status of HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak, and to evaluate its predictors.

Methods: This multi-center, cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was conducted on HCWs during the outbreak of COVID-19 from August 2020 to January 2021.

Control of TGFβ signalling by ubiquitination independent function of E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIP12.

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway is a master regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. Deregulation of TGFβ signalling is well established in several human diseases including autoimmune disorders and cancer. Thus, understanding molecular pathways governing TGFβ signalling may help better understand the underlying causes of some of those conditions.

The ortholog of human ssDNA-binding protein SSBP3 influences neurodevelopment and autism-like behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster.

1p32.3 microdeletion/duplication is implicated in many neurodevelopmental disorders-like phenotypes such as developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism, macro/microcephaly, and dysmorphic features. The 1p32.

Serotonergic control of feeding microstructure in .

To survive, animals maintain energy homeostasis by seeking out food. Compared to freely feeding animals, food-deprived animals may choose different strategies to balance both energy and nutrition demands, per the metabolic state of the animal. Serotonin mediates internal states, modifies existing neural circuits, and regulates animal feeding behavior, including in humans and fruit flies.

Serotonin distinctly controls behavioral states in restrained and freely moving .

When trapped in a physical restraint, animals must select an escape strategy to increase their chances of survival. After falling into an inescapable trap, they react with stereotypical behaviors that differ from those displayed in escapable situations. Such behaviors involve either a wriggling response to unlock the trap or feigning death to fend off a predator attack.

Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: Perspective on pathogenesis and treatment.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disease of ⍺-synuclein aggregation-mediated dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta, which leads to motor and non-motor symptoms. Through the last two decades of research, there has been growing consensus that inflammation-mediated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cytokine-induced toxicity are mainly involved in neuronal damage and loss associated with PD. However, it remains unclear how these mechanisms relate to sporadic PD, a more common form of PD.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Additional Benefit of Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis for Endovenous Varicose Vein Interventions.

Objective: The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to elucidate the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after endovenous interventions for varicose veins in the presence of pharmacological and mechanical thromboprophylaxis versus mechanical thromboprophylaxis alone.

Background: The VTE rate after endovenous procedures for varicose veins is higher than other day-case procedures and could be reduced with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.

Methods: The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines with a registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42021274963).

Physicomechanical properties of cobalt-chromium removable partial denture palatal major connectors fabricated by selective laser melting.

Statement Of Problem: Additive manufacturing by selective laser melting (SLM) has been claimed to be less challenging than conventional casting of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) removable partial dentures (RPDs), providing significant improvements. However, how the physicomechanical properties of Co-Cr RPDs fabricated by SLM compare with those fabricated by conventional casting is unclear.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the physicomechanical properties of Co-Cr RPD palatal major connectors fabricated by SLM compared with those fabricated by conventional casting.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm clinical practice guidelines: a methodological assessment using the AGREE II instrument.

Objectives: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide evidence-based information on patient management; however, methodological differences exist in the development of CPGs. This study examines the methodological quality of AAA CPGs using a validated assessment tool.

Methods: Medline, EMBASE and online CPG databases were searched from 1946 to 31 October 2021.

A Review of Current and Future Antithrombotic Strategies in Surgical Patients-Leaving the Graduated Compression Stockings Behind?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an important consideration within surgery, with recent evidence looking to refine clinical guidance. This review provides a contemporary update of existing clinical evidence for antithrombotic regimens for surgical patients, providing future directions for prophylaxis regimens and research. For moderate to high VTE risk patients, existing evidence supports the use of heparins for prophylaxis.

The gut-microbiota-brain axis in autism: what Drosophila models can offer?

The idea that alterations in gut-microbiome-brain axis (GUMBA)-mediated communication play a crucial role in human brain disorders like autism remains a topic of intensive research in various labs. Gastrointestinal issues are a common comorbidity in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although gut microbiome and microbial metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown.

Anatomy and Neural Pathways Modulating Distinct Locomotor Behaviors in Larva.

The control of movements is a fundamental feature shared by all animals. At the most basic level, simple movements are generated by coordinated neural activity and muscle contraction patterns that are controlled by the central nervous system. How behavioral responses to various sensory inputs are processed and integrated by the downstream neural network to produce flexible and adaptive behaviors remains an intense area of investigation in many laboratories.

Primary care survey of venous leg ulceration management and referral pre-EVRA trial.

Venous leg ulceration (VLU) is a public health concern that is largely managed in community settings. The present study aimed to survey current VLU management in the community. A 14-question survey was distributed to primary care professionals, and 90 responses were received.

A systematic review assessing the quality of clinical practice guidelines in chronic venous disease.

Objective: Our aim was to assess the methodologic quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), which inform the diagnosis and management of chronic venous disease (CVD), using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool.

Methods: A systematic review was performed through the Medline and Embase databases to identify CPGs relevant to CVD. The included articles were evidence-based CPGs available in English and reported in the past 20 years.

Global Epidemiology of Chronic Venous Disease: A Systematic Review With Pooled Prevalence Analysis.

Objective: To provide an updated estimate of the global prevalence of CVD and to comprehensively evaluate risk factors associated with this condition.

Background: CVD is an important cause of morbidity internationally, but the global burden of this condition is poorly characterized. The burden of CVD must be better characterized to optimize service provision and permit workforce planning to care for patients with different stages of CVD.

The less invasive paradox, why carotid artery stenting is not suitable for the high-risk patient.

Carotid artery stenosis causes significant morbidity and mortality accounting for approximately 8% of all ischaemic strokes. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) offers an endovascular alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA), suggested as a viable option in those deemed high-risk for open CEA due to comorbidities or operative technical considerations. A number of large randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analysis comparing CAS CEA in unselected patient populations support the conclusion that CAS is associated with a higher risk of stroke and CEA is associated with a higher risk of myocardial infraction.

The management of venous leg ulceration post the EVRA (early venous reflux ablation) ulcer trial: Management of venous ulceration post EVRA.

Objectives: This survey study evaluates current management strategies for venous ulceration and the impacts of the EVRA trial results.

Methods: An online survey was disseminated to approximately 15000 clinicians, through 12 vascular societies in 2018. Survey themes included: referral times, treatment times and strategies, knowledge of the EVRA trial and service barriers to managing venous ulceration.

Systematic review on the benefit of graduated compression stockings in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in low-risk surgical patients.

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review is to assess the performance of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in comparison to no venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the prevention of hospital-acquired thrombosis in low-risk surgical patients undergoing short-stay procedures.

Methods: Aligning with PRISMA guidelines, online databases MEDLINE and EMBASE, Cochrane Library® and trial registries were searched. Eligible articles reported the VTE rate in low-risk surgical patients either receiving GCS or no VTE prophylaxis.

Feasibility of a 3 mm arteriotomy for brachiocephalic fistula formation.

Background: The arteriovenous fistula is the modality of choice for long-term haemodialysis access. We describe the feasibility of routinely fashioning a brachiocephalic fistula utilising a 3 mm long arteriotomy in an attempt to reduce the incidence of symptomatic steal syndrome yet while maintaining satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Methods: All patients who underwent brachiocephalic fistula formation using a routine 3 mm long arteriotomy within Hammersmith Hospital between January 2017 and March 2018 were included.

Postsclerotherapy compression: A systematic review.

Background: Compression after sclerotherapy is commonly used, although the evidence base for this practice is unclear. This study aims to summarize and assess the evidence for compression therapy after sclerotherapy to inform clinical practice.

Methods: A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines via Medline and EMBASE databases (1946 to December 31, 2019) by two reviewers.

UK primary care survey of venous leg ulceration management and referral - Post-EVRA trial.

Objective: Determine standards of referral and management of patients with venous leg ulceration in primary care after the release of the EVRA (A Randomized Trial of Early Endovenous Ablation in Venous Ulceration) study results.

Methods: An online questionnaire was disseminated over four months to professionals working within primary care.

Results: The survey received 643 responses.