A Latent Trait-based Measure as a Data Harmonization and Missing Data Solution Applied to the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort.

Background: Collaborative research consortia provide an efficient method to increase sample size, enabling evaluation of subgroup heterogeneity and rare outcomes. In addition to missing data challenges faced by all cohort studies like nonresponse and attrition, collaborative studies have missing data due to differences in study design and measurement of the contributing studies.

Methods: We extend ROSETTA, a latent variable method that creates common measures across datasets collecting the same latent constructs with only partial overlap in measures, to define a common measure of socioeconomic status (SES) across cohorts with varying indicators in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort, a consortium of pregnancy and pediatric cohorts.

Atypical presentation of Skene's gland cyst.

A nulliparous female presented with lower abdominal pain, initially diagnosed as incisional scar hernia, which was repaired. However, her pain persisted despite unremarkable radiology imaging. She was then diagnosed with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) and underwent a right-sided ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block.

Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and cardiogenic shock in acute systemic lupus erythematosus.

We describe a woman in her late 20s with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who presented with fulminant pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) requiring inotropic and extracorporeal support. She was established on triple pulmonary vasodilator therapy with concurrent aggressive immunosuppression; however, treatment was complicated by infection and diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, necessitating delays in immunosuppression and withdrawal of epoprostenol. Despite this, with ongoing suppression of her SLE, her pulmonary haemodynamics improved, with normal pressures on right heart catheterisation several months later allowing stepdown to sildenafil monotherapy.

Efficacy and safety of anti-thrombotic therapy after surgical mitral valve repair: a scoping review.

Background: Mitral valve repair (MVr) is the gold standard treatment for degenerative mitral regurgitation, yet there is ongoing controversy regarding optimal anti-thrombotic therapy post-MVr. This scoping review aimed to summarise current evidence on the safety and efficacy of anti-thrombotic therapy after MVr, identify knowledge gaps and propose a future study design.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.

Complex high-risk indicated PCI (CHIP-PCI): is it safe to let fellows-in-training perform it as primary operators?

Background: Training in complex high-risk indicated percutaneous coronary intervention (CHIP-PCI) has frequently been reserved for established operators (consultants/attending) with trainees (fellows-in-training or FIT) being often discouraged from carrying out such procedures as a primary operator due to their high-risk nature. Whether the outcomes of these cases differ if the primary operator is a supervised FIT compared with a consultant is unknown.

Methods: Using multicentre PCI data from three cardiac centres in South Wales, UK (2018-2022), we identified 2295 CHIP-PCI cases with a UK-BCIS CHIP Score of 3 or more.

Impact of porcelain aorta on outcomes in transfemoral aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with balloon-expandable valves.

Background: Current guidelines recommend transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for patients with aortic stenosis and porcelain aorta (PA). Neurological outcomes of patients with PA undergoing TAVI with modern valves require clarification as most trials examined balloon-expandable valves (BEV) and self-expandable valves in intermediate or high-risk patients, but not specifically in patients with PA. Our aim was to compare outcomes, including stroke and mortality, in well-matched patients with and without PA who received BEV during transfemoral TAVI procedures.

Prevalence of acute kidney injury in Mexico; a systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-pandemic reports.

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a health problem worldwide, accounting for high hospital morbidity and mortality. There is little available information regarding the characteristics and incidence of AKI in Latin America (LA), especially in Mexico.

Objectives: Systematically search the literature and perform a meta-analysis of the epidemiology of AKI in Mexico, to provide data on AKI and kidney replacement therapy (KRT) that would contribute to general knowledge in this matter.

Safety and efficacy of filgotinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: final results of the DARWIN 3 long-term extension study.

Objectives: DARWIN 3 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02065700) assessed the safety and efficacy of filgotinib in a long-term extension (LTE) of two phase II randomised controlled rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials.

Methods: Eligible patients completing the 24-week DARWIN 1 (filgotinib plus methotrexate) and DARWIN 2 (filgotinib monotherapy) trials could enrol.

Systematic literature review on Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition (CPPD) nomenclature: condition elements and clinical states- A Gout, Hyperuricaemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Network (G-CAN) consensus project.

Objectives: The Gout, Hyperuricaemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Network (G-CAN) has developed a calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) nomenclature project. This systematic literature review constituted its first step and aimed to provide a state-of-the-art analysis of the medical literature of the last 20 years.

Methods: A systematic literature search was undertaken in the , and databases between 2000 and 2022, restricted to studies on humans and in the English language.

Impact of introducing transnasal endoscopy on expanding diagnostic endoscopy services.

Introduction: Demand for endoscopic services is outstripping capacity in the UK. Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) utilises a narrow calibre endoscope to pass through the nasal passages, thereby reducing retching and discomfort. It is better tolerated compared with standard transoral endoscopy (TOE) but is still rarely used as a diagnostic modality.

Ten proposed measures to improve vaccination: Health care providers' perspectives on promoting the vaccination intake of children with special healthcare needs in China.

Introduction: Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) often experience vaccination delays or missed vaccines in China. The coverage rate of the age-appropriate National Immunisation Programme vaccine was suboptimal. This study aimed to explore attitudes, behaviours, and suggestions regarding the improvement of routine vaccination services for CSHCN among healthcare providers.

ConciliaMed: an interactive mobile and web tool to reconcile chronic medications of patients undergoing elective surgery.

Objective: The last decade has seen exponential growth in electronic health tools. However, only a limited number of electronic medication reconciliation tools have been developed and implemented in healthcare settings. Here, we present ConciliaMed, a mobile and web-based tool for healthcare professionals to reconcile the chronic medications of patients undergoing elective surgery.

[Basics and Surgical Techniques for Adult Spinal Deformity].

Adult spinal deformity(ASD) is a condition in which the spinopelvic alignment changes owing to age-related degeneration, making it difficult to maintain a standing position. The goal of surgery for ASD is to correct the spine and obtain normal alignment. Here, we discuss the pathophysiology of ASD, spinopelvic alignment, surgical methods, and complications.

[Pathology and Acute Phase Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures:Indications and Techniques for Vertebroplasty].

Vertebroplasty has shown excellent analgesic effects in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. In Japan, percutaneous vertebroplasty, balloon kyphoplasty, and vertebral body stenting are commonly performed. All of these techniques require precise transpedicular vertebral puncture and complete cement filling without leakage.

[Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion(XLIF & OLIF):Indications, X-ray Fluoroscopy-guided and 3D-CT Spinal Navigation Techniques, and Safe Surgical Practices to Prevent Complications].

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion(LLIF), including extreme lateral interbody fusion(XLIF) and oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF), constitute a treatment option for many lumbar disorders that predominantly cause degenerative disc disease. LLIF is beneficial for managing conditions, such as lumbar spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and adult spinal deformities. LLIF is preferred for enabling indirect decompression of the spinal canal and nerve root foramen, without inducing immediate postoperative damage to the peri-vertebral tissues.

[Full-Endoscopic Spine Surgery for Lumbar Lesions; Basics and Applications].

Full endoscopic spine surgery is a technique to perform hernia extraction using a single-hole-type endoscope with a coaxial operation system of a sheath, endoscope, and surgical instrument in reflux water. In the lumbar region, the ventral side of the dura mater can be directly approached via the lateral route. Not only is the skin incision small, but damage to muscle tissue is also minimal, which is why it is a minimally invasive surgery.

[Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis: Diagnosis and Microsurgical Decompression].

Lumbar foraminal stenosis is a common problem; however, correct diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment are difficult. This article describes the author's techniques for imaging diagnosis using thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and the microsurgical technique of foraminal decompression through the intermuscular approach. Thin-slice MRI consists of 1-mm thickness continuous images of the lumbar spine using a T2-weighted-image-based sequence.

[Posterior Decompression Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Disease:Basic Principles and Advantages/Disadvantages of Exoscopic Surgery].

This paper examines advancements in minimally invasive posterior decompression techniques for lumbar degenerative diseases. It focuses on the unilateral approach for bilateral decompression and bilateral approach for contralateral decompression, in which the entry side is determined independently of the symptomatic side to achieve a facet joint preservation rate of ≥ 70%, while also emphasizing contralateral foraminal decompression(CFD). These techniques address spinal instability by minimizing facet joint resection, reducing postoperative instability.

[Posterior Cervical Fixation:Indications, Fixation Methods, and Surgical Safety].

It is important to be aware of the indications, surgical procedure selection, and associated complications. This chapter focuses on basic screw placement techniques, emphasizing on safety with each anchor placement. Familiarity with managing surgical accidents is also important.

[Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement].

In Japan, cervical artificial disc replacement was approved by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in December 2017, and two products, Mobi-C by Zimmer Biomet and Prestige LP by Medtronic, are on the market. Cervical artificial disc replacement preserves cervical motion; however, the device must be place carefully on the midline to take full advantage of its features. In addition, a reliable foraminotomy is required to cure or prevent radiculopathy due to residual foraminal stenosis.

Conflicts of interest in the International Agency for Research on Cancer process of identifying carcinogenic hazards to humans.

Managing conflicts of interest (COIs) in scientific decision-making is important for minimizing bias and fostering public trust in science. Proper management of COIs has added significance when scientists are making decisions that impact public policy, such as assessing substances for carcinogenicity. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) organizes expert working groups to identify putative carcinogens and determine whether or not the hazard is likely to present significant potential harm to humans.