Biologic Therapies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Despite limited breakthroughs in COPD pharmacotherapy, recent trials have shown promising results for biologics in COPD patients. However, robust evidence synthesis in this area is currently lacking.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to July 17, 2024, to identify randomized trials of biologic medications in patients with COPD.

Quantifying Bone Collagen Fingerprint Variation Between Species.

Collagen is the most ubiquitous protein in the animal kingdom and one of the most abundant proteins on Earth. Despite having a relatively repetitive amino acid sequence motif that enables its triple helical structure, in type 1 collagen, that dominates skin and bone, there is enough variation for its increasing use for the biomolecular species identification of animal tissues processed or degraded beyond the amenability of DNA-based analyses. In recent years, this has been most commonly achieved through the technique of collagen peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) known as ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry), applied to the analysis of tens of thousands of samples across over one hundred studies in the past decade alone.

Instance maps as an organising concept for complex experimental workflows as demonstrated for (nano)material safety research.

Nanosafety assessment, which seeks to evaluate the risks from exposure to nanoscale materials, spans materials synthesis and characterisation, exposure science, toxicology, and computational approaches, resulting in complex experimental workflows and diverse data types. Managing the data flows, with a focus on provenance (who generated the data and for what purpose) and quality (how was the data generated, using which protocol with which controls), as part of good research output management, is necessary to maximise the reuse potential and value of the data. Instance maps have been developed and evolved to visualise experimental nanosafety workflows and to bridge the gap between the theoretical principles of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Re-usable) data and the everyday practice of experimental researchers.

Ceftazidime-resistance in pediatric melioidosis: A case report and literature review.

We report a first case of ceftazidime-resistant pediatric melioidosis involving a previously healthy seven-year-old boy who presented with right lobar pneumonia complicated with a 5-cm lung abscess. Ceftazidime was initiated on Day-6 of admission when (ceftazidime-susceptible, minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 1.0 mcg/mL) was isolated from blood.

The mCHEST Score for Incident Atrial Fibrillation: MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis).

Background: Assessing individuals' risk of developing incident atrial fibrillation (AF) is important for making preventive and screening strategies.

Objectives: The performance of the mCHEST score for predicting incident AF has scarcely been evaluated, especially in a multi-ethnic population.

Methods: Participants from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis were enrolled in the present study, which involved population of different ethnicities (Caucasian, African-American, Chinese-American, and Hispanic) aged between 45 and 84 from 6 communities in the United States.

Standardised activities in wheelchair rugby, comparison between athletes with coordination impairment and athletes with other impairments.

Introduction: To determine if athletes with coordination impairment (CI) can continue playing wheelchair rugby (WR), while an evidence-based classification system, including impairment tests for CI is not yet available. This is a defensible practise if they show similar activity limitations as athletes with other eligible impairment types (OI) within the same sports class.

Methods: Standardised activities were measured in 58 elite WR athletes; 14 with CI and 44 with OI.

Practice Patterns and Attitudes Regarding Pregnancy and Parenthood After Lung Transplantation.

Background: Parenthood after lung transplantation (LuTx) is uncommon. Although data exist regarding practice patterns surrounding pregnancy after heart transplantation, there are no data specific to LuTx recipients and parenthood more broadly.

Methods: We conducted a voluntary, anonymous online survey between October and December 2021.

The significance of isolated de novo red patches in the bladder in patients referred with suspected urinary tract cancer: Results from the IDENTIFY study.

Objectives: To assess the contemporary malignancy rate in isolated de novo red patches in the bladder and associated risk factors for better selection of red patch biopsy.

Patients: Patients from the IDENTIFY dataset; Patients referred to secondary care with suspected urinary tract cancer and found to have isolated de novo red patches on cystoscopy.

Methods: We reported the unadjusted cancer prevalence in isolated de novo red patches that were biopsied; multivariable logistic regression was used to explore cancer-associated risk factors including age, sex, smoking, type of haematuria, LUTS, UTIs and a suspicious-looking red patch (as reported by the cystoscopist).

A cell-based model to study mechanisms of endothelial-dependent thrombin generation in response to inflammation and its modulation by hydroxychloroquine.

Background: Inflammation is a driver of thrombosis, but the phenomenon of thromboinflammation has been defined only recently, bringing together the multiple pathways involved. models can support the development of new therapeutics targeting the endothelium and also assess the existing immunomodulatory drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, in modulating the inflammation-driven endothelial prothrombotic phenotype.

Objectives: To develop a model for thrombin generation (TG) on the surface of human endothelial cells (ECs) to assess pro/antithrombotic properties in response to inflammation.

Predictive Value of Prostate-Specific Antigen Density on Tumour Grade in Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common urologic malignancy in men, it is witnessing a huge burden in developing countries. Prostate-specific antigen has served as a tool in diagnosis and prognostication. To improve its sensitivity, Prostate-specific antigen density is being used to discriminate between benign and malignant conditions to avoid the incidence of unnecessary biopsy.

A Rare Case of Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Descending Colon with Regional Lymph Node Involvement Presenting in a Young Adult Nigerian Male: A Case Report.

Malignant colonic neuroendocrine tumours are rare. Even more uncommon is their occurrence in the left colon. They also infrequently occur in males and young adults.

Perception of Learning Environment Among Undergraduate Medical Students at University of Jos Using Johns Hopkins Learning Environment Scale.

Background: The learning environment (LE) plays a crucial role in the performance and training of medical students. Different tools have been used to assess the LE with various conclusions. However, the John Hopkins Learning Environment Scale (JHLES) which is a relatively newer scale is more specific, less cumbersome to administer, and has a wider scope.

Prevalence and Pattern of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Undergraduate Students in Tertiary Institutions, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Background: Sleep is a very important physiologic process which is necessary to maintain a state of well-being. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is prevalent among all age groups with variations in presentation and severity. It is often underreported, especially among young people in the Low- and Middle-Income Countries LMICs.

C-reactive protein and association with disease severity in hospitalized adult patients with Lassa fever in Nigeria.

Objectives: Lassa fever (LF) poses a significant health burden in West Africa. The pathophysiology of LF and determinants of clinical spectrum of disease remain poorly understood. We performed a study to understand the correlation of blood inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP), with LF disease severity.

Global and Indian Scenarios of Fatal and Non-fatal Occupational Injuries: A Secondary Data Analysis.

Introduction: Fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries are one of the most important public health problems all over the world. Its number greatly varies from country to country over the years. Worldwide approximately 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP) is lost due to occupational injuries.

Genomic evaluation of phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility patterns as a surrogate for MRSA relatedness and putative transmission during outbreak investigations.

Antibiograms have been used during outbreak investigations for decades as a surrogate for genetic relatedness of Methicillin-resistant (MRSA). In this study, we evaluate the accuracy of antibiograms in detecting transmission, using genomic epidemiology as the reference standard. We analysed epidemiological and genomic data from 1,465 patients and 1,465 MRSA isolates collected at a single clinical microbiology laboratory in the United Kingdom over a one-year period.

The sense of safety theoretical framework: a trauma-informed and healing-oriented approach for whole person care.

Objectives: This research describes four aspects of the development of the Sense of Safety Theoretical Framework for whole person care: exploring the meaning of the phrase "sense of safety"-the whole person ; the range of human experience that impacts sense of safety-whole person ; the dynamics that build sense of safety-the healing ; and the personal and cross-disciplinary trauma-informed practitioner that facilitate sense of safety.

Methods: This qualitative participatory study was conducted in two phases. Researchers iteratively explored the concept of sense of safety using focus groups and semi-structured interviews.

Quality of life among Indonesian family caregivers caring for dependent older persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the community: A cross-sectional, correlational study.

Background: The global prevalence of older adults with diabetes has increased, and family caregivers in Indonesia play a critical role in managing diabetes and providing personal care. However, caregiving can be complex and challenging, often negatively affecting caregivers' quality of life (QoL).

Objective: This study aimed to develop and test a hypothesized causal model of QoL among Indonesian family caregivers who care for dependent older persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in 2024.

Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix in Postoncological Scalp Reconstruction: A Case Series.

Biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) is a synthetic biodegradable dermal matrix that helps develop a non-skin graft amenable wound bed (eg, over tendon or bone) into a graftable wound bed, by acting as an inert scaffold for angiogenesis and formation of granulation tissue. There is currently a paucity of evidence to encourage its use in scalp defects following skin malignancy excision. This retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate the utility of BTM in this patient subset.

Experiences of south Asian key workers in COVID-19 lockdowns in the United Kingdom.

Background: This study aims to explore the experiences, challenges, and support given to South Asian Key Workers (food and necessary goods, Transport (delivery and taxi drivers,) working in the United Kingdom in times of the COVID-19 lockdowns between March 2020 to March 2021. The qualitative study aims to explore the experiences, challenges, and financial support given to South Asian Key Workers working in the United Kingdom in times of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Methods: A phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of key workers during the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK.

A faunal inventory of methane seeps on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica.

The methane seeps on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica support extensive animal diversity and offer insights into deep-sea biogeography. During five expeditions between 2009 and 2019, we conducted intensive faunal sampling via 63 submersible dives to 11 localities at depths of 300-3600 m. Based on these expeditions and published literature, we compiled voucher specimens, images, and 274 newly published DNA sequences to present a taxonomic inventory of macrofaunal and megafaunal diversity with a focus on invertebrates.

Second-line treatment patterns and outcomes in advanced HCC after progression on atezolizumab/bevacizumab.

Background & Aims: Atezolizumab/bevacizumab (A/B) is now a standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the optimal second-line regimen is not known. We evaluated real-world treatment patterns and outcomes to investigate factors associated with post-progression survival (PPS).

Methods: In this multicenter, international, retrospective study, we examined clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with advanced HCC who progressed on first-line A/B.