Effectiveness of biofeedback on blood pressure in patients with hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but less than 50% have their blood pressure controlled. A possible avenue to support hypertension management is a holistic approach, using non-pharmacological interventions. Since hypertension is mediated in part by dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), biofeedback may help improve hypertension management by targeted self-regulation and self-awareness of parameters that regulate the ANS.

Patient-reported outcomes in diabetes-related foot conditions: Is patient experience influenced by ethnicity? A mixed-methods systematic review.

Aims: Research in diabetes-related foot conditions (DRFC) often focuses on ulcer-related care, whilst the patient experience and influence of sociodemographic factors are under-researched. This systematic review investigated patient-reported outcomes and experience in people with DRFC.

Methods: Multiple databases were searched from inception to 16 August 2023.

A low molecular weight dextran sulphate, ILB®, for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): An open-label, single-arm, single-centre, phase II trial.

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig´s disease, is a rare neurological condition and is the most common motor neurone disease. It is a fatal disease with specific loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex leading to progressive paralysis and usually death within five years of diagnosis. There remains no cure for ALS, and management is focused on a combination of neuroprotective medication, respiratory support, and management by multidisciplinary clinics.

Predictive testing of minors for Huntington's disease: The UK and Netherlands experiences.

A consistent feature of predictive testing guidelines for Huntington's disease (HD) is the recommendation not to undertake predictive tests on those < 18 years. Exceptions are made but the extent of, and reasons for, deviation from the guidelines are unknown. The UK Huntington's Prediction Consortium has collected data annually on predictive tests undertaken from the 23 UK genetic centers.

Genetic Counselling for Psychiatric Disorders: Accounts of Psychiatric Health Professionals in the United Kingdom.

Genetic counselling is not routinely offered for psychiatric disorders in the United Kingdom through NHS regional clinical genetics departments. However, recent genomic advances, confirming a genetic contribution to mental illness, are anticipated to increase demand for psychiatric genetic counselling. This is the first study of its kind to employ qualitative methods of research to explore accounts of psychiatric health professionals regarding the prospects for genetic counselling services within clinical psychiatry in the UK.

Advances in the antiviral therapy of herpes virus infection in children.

Herpes viruses are ubiquitous and primary infections, with many of these viruses common during childhood. In general, children tolerate primary infection well, with only mild symptoms, but in the immunocompromised, including the newborn, infection can be associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Drug treatment for many of the herpes infections is available but is often associated with serious side effects.

Femoral muscle attachment locations in children and adults, and their prediction from clinical measurement.

Accurate representation of children's musculo-skeletal anatomy is becoming increasingly important to biomechanical techniques such as gait analysis. This study used magnetic resonance imaging to examine the locations of the femoral insertions of the psoas, vastus medialis and gastrocnemius muscles in five adults and 17 children (including 7 children with cerebral palsy). The relationship of muscle attachment locations with age and bone geometry was then determined.