Diffusion weighted imaging to predict longer term response in Crohn's disease patients commencing biological therapy: Results from the MOTILITY Trial.

Objectives: Predicting longer term response to biological therapy for small bowel Crohn's disease (SBCD) is an unmet clinical need. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) may indicate disease activity, but its predictive ability, if any, is unknown. We investigated the prognostic value of DWI for one year response or remission (RoR) in SBCD patients commencing biologic therapy, including incremental value over C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin (FC).

Qualitative methods: the missing link in orthopaedic research.

Cite this article:  2025;14(1):16–19.

Iron management and exercise training in individuals with chronic kidney disease: lived experiences.

Background: Non-anaemic iron deficiency is highly prevalent in people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) but is underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in earlier stages of CKD. A multicentre trial assessing the effect of intravenous iron supplementation in iron-deficiency but not anaemic people with CKD included a qualitative sub-study that aimed to explore the patient experience and psychosocial impact of living with CKD and iron deficiency, and the experience of the therapeutic intervention (intravenous iron and exercise).

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 trial participants blinded to treatment.

The British Geriatrics Society's position on assisted dying.

In response to increased focus on the issue of Assisted Dying (AD) in the UK due to the presentation of The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 [1] and bills before parliaments in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Scotland, the British Geriatric Society (BGS) recently developed a position statement opposing legalisation of AD in the UK [2]. We set out our key reasoning behind this position, namely the current adverse health and social care context and significant concern about whether effective safeguards can be created to protect older people with complex needs from undue harms. The BGS asks for improved, personalised, multidisciplinary care for older people at the end of their lives, including high-quality palliative and end-of-life care.

A multi-centre UK-based survey on angioedema secondary to acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency.

Background: Acquired angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (AAE-C1-INH) is very rare compared to its prototype, hereditary angioedema. An updated characterisation of the AAE-C1-INH cohort in UK is required to inform management.

Objectives: To describe the disease burden of AAE-C1-INH, long-term prophylaxis (LTP) and the clinical, immunochemical and treatment profiles of AAE-associated diseases in UK.

Exploring the Efficacy of Conservative Management Versus Surgical Intervention in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries: Insights Into Reinjury Rates, Quality of Life, and Long-Term Outcomes.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the comparative outcomes of conservative management versus surgical intervention for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar focused on studies published between 2010 and 2024. Data synthesis employed both thematic analysis for qualitative data and meta-analysis for quantitative outcomes.

Effects of specific symbiotic supplements on anthropometric measurements, glycaemic control, and lipid profiles among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in two teaching hospitals in Baghdad/Iraq: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Experimental and clinical studies have suggested that symbiotics might effectively manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by modulating the intestinal microbiota. However, these studies' limited sources, small sample sizes, and varied study designs have led to inconsistent outcomes regarding glycaemic control. This study aimed to investigate the effects of symbiotics on the anthropometric measures, glycaemic control, and lipid profiles of patients with T2DM.

Atypical Presentation of Subcapsular Liver Hematoma With a Delayed Onset of Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelet Count (HELLP) Syndrome.

Subcapsular liver haematoma in pregnancy, a rare and life-threatening condition, is more commonly associated with severe preeclampsia and haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. The common presenting symptom of subcapsular haematoma is acute-onset upper abdominal pain in patients suffering from preeclampsia; shock is the presenting feature in severe cases of rupture. Here we have discussed a case of subcapsular haematoma associated with HELLP syndrome in a patient who responded to conservative management.

Modified lipoprotein-induced sFlt1 production in human placental trophoblasts is mediated by protein kinase C.

Background: Preeclampsia is prevalent in women with diabetes, but the mechanism is unclear. We previously found that oxidized, glycated lipoproteins robustly upregulated soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1), a key mediator of preeclampsia. Here, we determined the role of protein kinase C (PKC) and its subtypes in sFlt1 regulation in placental trophoblasts, and whether this mechanism might mediate the effect of modified lipoproteins.

Outcomes and Adverse Effects of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Aortic valve disease and cancer are significant causes of mortality, especially in older populations. This meta-analysis addresses a critical question in the management of patients with both aortic valve disease and cancer. As these two conditions are major contributors to mortality, determining the best course of treatment can be complex.

A quality assessment and systematic review of clinical practice guidelines on hormone replacement therapy for menopause using the AGREE II instrument.

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) have an indispensable role in guiding the selection of treatments for menopause. Variations in guidelines can impact treatments and health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess CPGs on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause, systematically reviewing their quality and compiling recommendations for HRT usage.

Type 1 Diabetes in care homes: A practical guide on management.

The primary purpose of the original NAPCHD project was to develop a national Strategic Document of Diabetes Care for Care Homes which has now been completed and well received as a worthwhile, sustainable, and effective guidance for delivering quality diabetes care in the UK. A Working Group of NAPCHD was established to produce a Position Statement on type 1 diabetes in care homes since this area was recommended as a topic to further develop. There are currently limited data on the prevalence and clinical outcomes associated with type 1 diabetes in care homes and management policies have been non-existent in the UK.

Paclitaxel- or sirolimus-coated balloons used for ArterioVEnous fistulas-2 (PAVE-2): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy of paclitaxel- or sirolimus-coated balloons in arteriovenous fistulas used for haemodialysis.

Background: In view of the conflicting results from previous studies, the benefit of paclitaxel-coated balloons for arteriovenous fistulas is uncertain and equipoise remains. Although an industry-led trial testing the efficacy of sirolimus-coated balloons in AVFs is in progress, the benefit of sirolimus-coated balloons for arteriovenous fistulas is currently unknown. The purpose of this trial is to compare the efficacy of additional paclitaxel-coated or sirolimus-coated balloons on outcomes after a plain balloon fistuloplasty to preserve the patency of arteriovenous fistulae used for haemodialysis.

Severe hyponatremia in obstetrics: Presentations and outcome. Retrospective cohort over 10 years.

Hyponatremia in labor and the postpartum period is generally underreported. In this study we aimed to identify attributable causes of severe hyponatremia in an obstetric population and define maternal outcomes. This was a retrospective cohort study, in a single center over a period of 10 years.

RELAX (REducing Levels of AnXiety): a study protocol for a parallel two-arm randomised controlled trial evaluating a web-based early intervention for pregnant women with high levels of repetitive negative thinking to prevent escalating anxiety during pregnancy and after birth.

Background: Perinatal anxiety is common: up to 40% of pregnant women and new mothers experience high levels of anxiety. Given its prevalence, interventions that are low-intensity, highly accessible and cost-efficient, and target modifiable risk factors for anxiety are needed. Repetitive negative thinking (RNT)-such as worrying about ways things will go wrong in the future or ruminating about past negative events-is a risk factor for the development of anxiety.

Consistency in the Assessment of Dried Blood Spot Specimen Size and Quality in U.K. Newborn Screening Laboratories.

In 2015, U.K. newborn screening (NBS) laboratory guidelines were introduced to standardize dried blood spot (DBS) specimen quality acceptance and specify a minimum acceptable DBS diameter of ≥7 mm.

Concurrent Dandy-Walker malformation and persistent fetal vasculature: A case report.

Introduction And Importance: Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) is a rare cerebellar condition, and persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a congenital eye anomaly. This report presents the first known case of DWM with PFV.

Case Presentation: A 31-day-old male infant presented with right eye discharge, lethargy, and breath-holding spells.

Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation as a platform for natural killer cell immunotherapy.

An innovative approach is crucially needed to manage relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with advanced hematological malignancies. This review explores key aspects of haploidentical HCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide, highlighting the potential and suitability of this platform for natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy. NK cells, known for their unique abilities to eliminate cancer cells, can also exhibit memory-like features and enhanced cytotoxicity when activated by cytokines.