Interferon-gamma rescues dendritic cell calcineurin-dependent responses to via Stat3 to Stat1 switching.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a lethal opportunistic fungal infection in transplant recipients receiving calcineurin inhibitors. We previously identified a role for the calcineurin pathway in innate immune responses to and have used exogenous interferon-gamma successfully to treat aspergillosis in this setting. Here we show that calcineurin inhibitors block dendritic cell maturation in response to impairing the Th1 polarization of CD4 cells.

Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Population Study to Determine the Biologic Sex Ratio in Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) appears to be diagnosed twice as often in male than in female patients. This could be attributed to underdiagnosis in female patients or sex differences in susceptibility. Up to 30% of cases have an autosomal dominant monogenic cause, where equal sex prevalence would be expected.

Fibrinolytic activity in infants undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass with routine tranexamic acid: A prospective cohort substudy within the FIBrinogen CONcentrate randomised control trial.

Background: Fibrinolytic activity contributes to bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Objective: Our objectives were, in a group of infants undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB: to document the extent of peri-operative fibrinolysis using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and standard biomarkers; to compare the agreement between these fibrinolytic measures; to assess whether fibrinolytic activity is associated with early postoperative mediastinal bleeding and assess whether supplementation with fibrinogen concentrate affected fibrinolysis.

Design: Prospective cohort, mechanistic substudy, nested within the FIBrinogen CONcentrate (FIBCON) randomised controlled trial.

Annual versus less frequent mammographic surveillance in people with breast cancer aged 50 years and older in the UK (Mammo-50): a multicentre, randomised, phase 3, non-inferiority trial.

Background: The frequency of mammographic surveillance for women after diagnosis of breast cancer varies globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether less than annual mammography was non-inferior in terms of breast cancer-specific survival in women aged 50 years or older.

Methods: Mammo-50 was a multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial of annual versus less frequent mammography (2-yearly after conservation surgery; 3-yearly after a mastectomy) for women aged 50 years or older at initial diagnosis of invasive or non-invasive breast cancer and who were recurrence free 3 years post curative surgery.

The rising NHS burden from cosmetic surgery procedures performed abroad and non-surgical procedures performed in the United Kingdom.

A growing number of patients are presenting to NHS hospitals with post-operative complications following cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures performed in the UK. A retrospective cross-sectional review of electronic records in patients presenting with cosmetic surgery/procedure complications was conducted at a London hospital across 17 months, and a patient survey was used to establish motivations for treatment. 96% of surgical patients presenting with complications had their procedure performed abroad, with the majority performed in Turkey (73%).

Melatonin use in managing insomnia in typically developing (TD) children: A technical report.

Although melatonin is widely used globally for the management of insomnia in children and adolescents, there are few clinical guidelines available for healthcare practitioners, particularly in typically developing (TD) children. Because existing data are either sparse or inconclusive, a task force comprised of pediatric sleep researchers and clinicians was established by the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) to first examine the available literature and to develop a set of evidence-based (when possible) and consensus-based recommendations to guide practitioners in decision-making regarding melatonin use in pediatric insomnia. A summary of the evidence pertaining to melatonin's use in pediatric clinical settings, and efficacy and safety in TD children is presented below as a companion to an accompanying list of specific recommendations.

Progesterone sulfates are enterohepatically recycled and stimulate G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1-mediated gut hormone release.

Sulfated progesterone metabolites (PMxSs) increase during gestation and are raised further in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), a disorder characterized by pruritus and elevated serum bile acids. PMxSs interact with bile acid receptor G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1) to cause itch. We investigated whether PMxS could undergo enterohepatic recycling and stimulate intestinal GPBAR1-mediated release of gut hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY).

CD47 Knock-Out Using CRISPR-Cas9 RNA Lipid Nanocarriers Results in Reduced Mesenchymal Glioblastoma Growth In Vivo.

Immune checkpoint (ICP) blockade has shown limited effectiveness in glioblastoma (GBM), particularly in the mesenchymal subtype, where interactions between immune cells and glioblastoma cancer stem cells (GSCs) drive immunosuppression and therapy resistance. Tailoring ICPs specific to GSCs can enhance the antitumor immune response. This study proposes the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating CRISPR RNAs as an in vivo screening tool for ICPs in a syngeneic model of mesenchymal GSCs.

International multistakeholder consensus statement on post-publication integrity issues in randomized clinical trials by Cairo Consensus Group.

The number of retractions of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) following post-publication allegations of misconduct is increasing. To address this issue, we aimed to establish an international multistakeholder consensus on post-publication integrity concerns related to RCTs. After prospective registration (https://osf.

Interventions to reduce energy usage in an adult intensive care unit: A study protocol.

Background: Energy usage is one of the largest contributors to health care carbon emissions. By taking a strategic, targeted approach in one of the most energy-intensive units of a hospital, the potential for energy savings is real and significant.

Aim: To develop a protocol for the implementation of interventions to reduce the environmental impact of carbon emissions generated by an adult intensive care unit (AICU) in a London-based hospital setting.

Rotational Atherectomy to Treat in-Stent Recurrent Protruding Calcified Nodule.

A 73-year-old man presented with acute coronary syndrome secondary to stent failure. Intravascular imaging identified a recurrent protruding calcific nodule as the mechanism, which was effectively treated with low-speed rotablation, resulting in ablation of the nodule allowing the application of a drug-coated balloon.

Switching between anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in migraine prophylaxis.

Introduction: When a first anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody (anti-CGRP mAb) fails, switching to a different anti-CGRP mAb is an option often considered, despite the fact that this approach is not yet systemically studied.

Methods: We present the findings of a systematic review conducted according to the PRISMA recommendations on published studies - of any design - investigating the clinical outcomes after switching for any reason to different anti-CGRP mAbs.

Results: The literature search retrieved 76 records, while 19 papers were eventually reviewed.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery accelerated dental programme for medical graduates: a review of fourteen graduating years (2010-2023).

The accelerated dental degree, pioneered by King's College London (KCL) to facilitate dual qualification training pathways for primary medical degree trainees, has graduated its fourteenth class. The authors present data to demonstrate and analyse the success of the course, which was accumulated through an online questionnaire, direct communication with the alumni, a freedom of information request from KCL, and review of the General Dental and Medical Council registers. To date 133 students have graduated with updated information collated for 132 (99.

Impact of Sensitive Skin on Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Sensitive skin (SS) is a common condition reported by many people worldwide. Patient interviews reveal that individuals with SS experience diminished quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Nonetheless, the impact of SS on mental health remains unclear.

Severity of skin disease strongly correlates with quality of life in people with psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review.

This systematic review aims to summarise the association between skin disease and quality of life (QoL) in people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and identify areas for future research and management. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024500994). Databases were searched for articles in English published until 7th January 2025.

Outcomes of functional tics in adolescents: a single-centre tertiary study.

Objective: To investigate the prognosis and co-occurring disorders, including functional neurological symptoms, in adolescents diagnosed with functional tic-like behaviour (FTLB).

Design: This was a single-centre tertiary study in the UK. A structured clinical interview was administered to 43 parents or carers of adolescents assessed with FTLB at their previous outpatient clinic appointment.

Risk stratification and exercise recommendations in cardiomyopathies and channelopathies: a practical guide for the multidisciplinary team.

Exercise offers a plethora of health benefits. However, certain genetic and acquired diseases such as cardiomyopathies and channelopathies are associated with sudden cardiac death during exercise. Several factors complicate exercise prescription in individuals living with these conditions.

Anaphylaxis definition, overview, and clinical support tool: 2024 consensus report.

Background: The 2006 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (NIAID/FAAN) anaphylaxis criteria are widely used in clinical care and research. In 2020, the World Allergy Organization (WAO) published modified criteria that have not been uniformly adopted. Different criteria contribute to inconsistent care and research outcomes.

Fetal Fibroblast Heterogeneity Defines Dermal Architecture during Human Embryonic Skin Development.

To investigate the heterogeneity of fibroblasts in human fetal skin, we analyzed published single-cell RNA-sequencing data (7 and 16 weeks after conception) and performed single-molecule FISH to map their spatial distribution and predicted dynamic interactions. Clustering revealed 8 fibroblast populations with changes in developmental stage-specific abundance. Proliferative cells (MKI67+) were present at all stages.

Prehabilitation of Patients With Oesophageal Malignancy Undergoing Peri-Operative Treatment (Pre-EMPT): Outcomes From a Prospective Controlled Trial.

Background: The Pre-EMPT study aimed to determine if structured exercise could reduce length of stay, post-operative complications and improve fitness and health-related quality of life (HQRL) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and oesophagectomy.

Methods: A prospective non-randomised trial compared a standard care pathway (control) to a structured prehabilitation exercise programme (intervention) commenced before NAC and surgery for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Length of hospital stay and post-operative complications were recorded.

Vulvar inspection at the time of cervical cancer screening: European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) consensus statements.

Background: Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma incidence is increasing, especially among women under 60, largely attributed to human papillomavirus infections. Precursor pre-invasive vulvar lesions are frequently underdiagnosed. Routine vulvar inspection during cervical cancer screening could offer an opportunity for the detection of these lesions.