Predictors of response to low-dose amitriptyline for irritable bowel syndrome and efficacy and tolerability according to subtype: post hoc analyses from the ATLANTIS trial.

Background: Low-dose amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), was superior to placebo for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the AmitripTyline at Low-dose ANd Titrated for Irritable bowel syndrome as Second-line treatment (ATLANTIS) trial.

Objective: To perform post hoc analyses of ATLANTIS for predictors of response to, and tolerability of, a TCA.

Design: ATLANTIS randomised 463 adults with IBS to amitriptyline (232) or placebo (231).

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody positivity on infection and hospitalisation rates in immunosuppressed populations during the omicron period: the MELODY study.

Background: In the UK, booster COVID-19 vaccinations have been recommended biannually to people considered immune vulnerable. We investigated, at a population level, whether the absence of detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG antibody (anti-S Ab) following three or more vaccinations in immunosuppressed individuals was associated with greater risks of infection and severity of infection.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study using UK national disease registers, we recruited participants with solid organ transplants (SOTs), rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases (RAIRDs), and lymphoid malignancies.

Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is essential for immune function and infection resistance. Supplementation is necessary when a sufficient amount of vitamin C is not obtained through the diet. Alternative formulations of vitamin C may enhance its bioavailability and retention over traditional ascorbic acid.

Utility of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRSs) in Predicting Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Common-Variant and Mixed Scores with Insights into Rare Variant Analysis.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common histological subtype of pancreatic cancer, representing approximately 85% of all cases [...

Oculomotor Function in Children and Adolescents with Autism, ADHD or Co-occurring Autism and ADHD.

Oculomotor characteristics, including accuracy, timing, and sensorimotor processing, are considered sensitive intermediate phenotypes for understanding the etiology of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and ADHD. Oculomotor characteristics have predominantly been studied separately in autism and ADHD. Despite the high rates of co-occurrence between these conditions, only one study has investigated oculomotor processes among those with co-occurring autism + ADHD.

Congenital Titinopathy: Comprehensive Characterization of the Most Severe End of the Disease Spectrum.

Unlabelled: Congenital titinopathy has recently emerged as one of the most common congenital muscle disorders.

Objective: To better understand the presentation and clinical needs of the under-characterized extreme end of the congenital titinopathy severity spectrum.

Methods: We comprehensively analyzed the clinical, imaging, pathology, autopsy, and genetic findings in 15 severely affected individuals from 11 families.

Efficacy of Ozurdex implants as second-line therapy for non-responders to anti-VEGF in retinal vein occlusion-associated macular edema: a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a prevalent retinal vascular disorder characterized by retinal haemorrhage, neovascularization, and macular edema This study aimed to assess the structural and functional effects of intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) treatment as a second-line for RVO-associated macular edema in patients who did not respond to first-line anti-VEGF therapy.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study using electronic health records of RVO patients at Salisbury District Hospital between January 2014 and December 2019. Inclusion criteria included patients diagnosed with central or branch RVO.

Emotion processing difficulties in ADHD: a Bayesian meta-analysis study.

We investigated whether there is an emotional processing deficit in ADHD and whether this only applies to specific emotional categories. In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review based on a pre-registered protocol ( https://osf.io/egp7d ), we searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, Scopus and Web of Science databases until 3rd December 2023, to identify empirical studies comparing emotional processing in individuals meeting DSM (version III to 5-TR) or ICD (version 9 or 10) criteria for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and in a non-psychiatric control group.

Day-case gastrostomy insertion in children: an achievable reality.

Purpose: Recent efforts have sought to streamline gastrostomy insertion care, particularly length of stay (LOS). We report our initial experience with day-case gastrostomy (DCG) insertion.

Method: Retrospective review (April 2018-2024) of all primary gastrostomy insertions.

Use of the chronic illness research recruitment taxonomy to evaluate recruitment strategies in an eHealth feasibility study.

Background: Chronic illness research has many challenges making research recruitment difficult. Despite reports of facilitators and barriers to research recruitment challenges remain. The reporting of research strategies and their impact on recruitment and subsequent randomised control trials is not sufficient.

Cost-Utility Analysis of LifeVest® in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in England.

Background: Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35% are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) within the first months after a myocardial infarction (MI). The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is an established, safe and effective solution which can protect patients from SCD during the first months after an MI, when the risk of SCD is at its peak. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of WCD combined with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) compared to GDMT alone, after MI in the English National Health Service (NHS).

A Functional Variant in Is Associated with the Risk of Radiation Pneumonitis.

Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is characterized by inflammation and is associated with autophagy. However, the relationship between functional genetic variants of autophagy-related genes and radiation pneumonitis remains unknow. In this study we aimed to investigate whether genetic variants of genes involved in autophagy are associated with radiation pneumonitis.

Co-design of a novel rehabilitation intervention for patients after ankle fracture surgery: establishing healthcare professional consensus.

Post-surgical rehabilitation advice after ankle fracture surgery, particularly regarding weight-bearing, varies significantly, leading to patient frustration and inconsistent recovery outcomes. This study aimed to establish a consensus for ankle fracture rehabilitation advice and identify content and implementation options for future interventions through consultation with healthcare professionals (HCPs). This study was part of the weight-bearing in ankle fractures (WAX) trial, a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Patients, parents and professional perspectives on molecular radiotherapy for neuroblastoma and paediatric neuroendocrine cancers.

Treatment with radioactive drugs (molecular radiotherapy, MRT) is an option for selected children with neuroblastoma and neuroendocrine cancers. As few hospitals are appropriately equipped and staffed to provide paediatric MRT, many families have to travel long distances from home for prolonged periods. To improve professional understanding of the challenges faced by children receiving these treatments and their parents, and to help them appreciate the difficulties faced by professionals in delivering complex treatments, a meeting bringing together parents, patients and professionals was held.

Top Ten epilepsy research priorities: A UK priority setting partnership.

Purpose: Research into epilepsy has experienced decades of chronic underfunding compared to other neurological conditions despite its prevalence and seriousness. To evidence the need for greater investment, the Epilepsy Research Institute (formerly Epilepsy Research UK) funded, led and managed a James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership (PSP). This "industry standard" methodology brings together healthcare professionals, patients, carers and patient group representatives to identify and prioritise research uncertainties within a defined area of health or care.

Dual Biological Role and Clinical Impact of De Novo Chromatin Activation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Previous studies have reported that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) shows a de novo chromatin activation pattern as compared to normal B cells. Here, we explored whether the level of chromatin activation is related to the clinical behavior of CLL. We identified that in some regulatory regions, increased de novo chromatin activation is linked to clinical progression whereas, in other regions, it is associated with an indolent course.

A dynamic variant of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimicking apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a case report.

Background: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy usually presents with acute reversible left ventricular apical hypokinesia and apical ballooning with basal hyperdynamic function. We describe an underreported case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), misinterpreted as apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) due to transient apical oedema in the recovery phase of the condition.

Case Summary: A 74-year-old Caucasian woman, presented to the emergency department complaining of retrosternal chest pain following, emotional stress.

Safety of laparoscopic compared to open right hepatectomy after portal vein occlusion: results from a multicenter study.

Background: Concerns have been expressed about the feasibility of laparoscopic right hepatectomy (Lap-RH) after portal vein occlusion (PVO), because of its technical difficulty. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and feasibility of lap-RH after PVO.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from high-volume HPB centers was performed.

Dietary inflammation and childhood adiposity: Analysis of individual participant data from six birth cohorts.

Background & Aims: Childhood adiposity and inflammation impact long-term health. However, associations between dietary inflammation and childhood adiposity are unclear. We investigated if more pro-inflammatory diets are associated with greater adiposity in early-, mid-, and late-childhood.

Cranial Nerve Palsies and Peri-Mesencephalic Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Peri-mesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage (PMSAH) is considered to be a clinically benign subset of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Cranial nerve palsies have been previously reported as rare sequelae of PMSAH. Herein, we report an unusual case of multiple cranial nerve palsies as a presenting feature of PMSAH and a review of the literature for cranial nerve palsies post-PMSAH.

Improving Communication and Teamwork Between Resident Doctor Teams Using a Group Messaging Application: A Quality Improvement Project.

Background Communication and teamwork are essential in medicine. Established standards emphasise the importance of collaboration and access to support. Some departments divide doctors into teams; however, inter-team communication is not always efficient.

Features of intermediate and late dry age-related macular degeneration on adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy: Pinnacle Study Report 8.

Background/objectives: Adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy (AOO) has the potential to provide insights into AMD pathology and to assess the risk of progression. We aim to utilise AOO to describe detailed features of intermediate AMD and to characterise microscopic changes during atrophy development.

Subjects/methods: Patients with intermediate AMD were recruited into PINNACLE, a prospective observational cohort study.

Comparing apples and oranges in youth depression treatments? A quantitative critique of the evidence base and guidelines.

Objectives: Should a young person receive psychotherapy or medication for their depression and on what evidence do we base this decision? In this paper, we test the factors across modalities that may influence comparability between medication and psychotherapy trials.

Methods: We included 92 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of psychotherapy and medication for child and adolescent depression (mean age 4-18 years). Using meta-analyses, we compared (a) participant characteristics and (b) trial characteristics in medication and psychotherapy trials.

Assessment of fracture risk with FRAX and FRAXplus.

FRAX, a risk calculator that provides individualized 10-year probabilities of hip and major osteoporotic fracture, has been widely used for fracture risk assessment since its launch in 2008. It is now incorporated into very many guidelines worldwide to inform osteoporosis management. In this review, we explore the development of FRAX and how it enhances fracture risk prediction as compared to use of bone mineral density alone, as well as approaches to utilizing FRAX in determining intervention and assessment thresholds.