Methotrexate in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

Methotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly prescribed first-line therapy in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) internationally and is also commonly used in the treatment of psoriasis. However, data supporting its use in PsA are limited and significant toxicities can occur. This article summarizes a debate at the 2019 Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) annual meeting that focused on the use of MTX in psoriasis and PsA.

How Should Physicians in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Regard Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems to Facilitate Smoking Cessation?

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have been widely referred to as "safer," "healthier," and more "effective" smoking cessation aids, but little evidence supports such claims. New concerns about pulmonary injuries associated with ENDS suggest reasons for concern about these products' health risks and potential for nicotine addiction. Nevertheless, multinational tobacco companies heavily market ENDS to retain customers with nicotine addiction, and global progress against tobacco use might slow as a result.

Lipoprotein(a) is not associated with venous thromboembolism risk.

Evidence from case-control studies as well as meta-analyses of these study designs suggest elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] to be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Prospective evidence on the association is limited, uncertain, and could be attributed to regression dilution bias. We aimed to assess the prospective association of Lp(a) with risk of VTE and correct for regression dilution.

The evaluation of the repeatability of the C-ketoisocaproate breath test for assessing hepatic mitochondrial function.

The C-ketoisocaproate (C-KICA) breath test (BT) has been recently proposed as a non-invasive test for assessing hepatic mitochondrial function. Results of the C-KICA BT can be expressed as different parameters. However, the best parameter for expressing the C-KICA BT result is uncertain which hinders use of the BT in routine clinical practice.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the social isolation measure (SIM) in adults with hearing loss.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief, hearing-specific outcome measure: the Social Isolation Measure (SIM).

Design: In Phase 1, adults with hearing loss were invited to complete an online survey that contained the SIM, a hearing-specific participation questionnaire, a generic activity and participation questionnaire, and a generic loneliness questionnaire. In Phase 2, the participants were asked to complete the SIM for a second time 2-3 weeks following Phase 1.

A systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the effectiveness of alternative listening devices to conventional hearing aids in adults with hearing loss.

Recent technological advances have led to a rapid increase in alternative listening devices to conventional hearing aids. The aim was to systematically review the existing evidence to assess the effectiveness of alternative listening devices in adults with mild and moderate hearing loss. A systematic search strategy of the scientific literature was employed, reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist.

Promotion and views on tinnitus self-help within United Kingdom national health service audiology departments.

Self-help has the potential to provide low-cost and effective ways of improving access to psychological support for people with tinnitus. When developing and evaluating resources it is important to consider issues that may influence successful implementation. This Survey explored clinicians' use and views on self-help, and barriers to implementation.

Feasibility of Intravenous Iron Isomaltoside to Improve Anemia and Quality of Life During Palliative Chemotherapy for Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma.

Background: Anemia is common with esophagogastric adenocarcinoma, increasing mortality, blood transfusions, and reducing quality of life (QOL). No clear evidence exists for safe and effective treatment.

Methods: Anemic patients (Hb <12 g/dl women, <13 g/dl men) with esophagogastric adenocarcinoma were recruited before initiation of palliative chemotherapy.

Depression, antidepressant use, and risk of venous thromboembolism: systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational evidence.

Purpose: Evidence on the association between depression, antidepressant use and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk is conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational studies evaluating the associations of depression and antidepressant use with VTE risk.

Design: Eligible studies were identified in a literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and reference list of relevant studies up to April 2018.

Development of the Social Participation Restrictions Questionnaire (SPaRQ) through consultation with adults with hearing loss, researchers, and clinicians: a content evaluation study.

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the content of the Social Participation Restrictions Questionnaire (SPaRQ) in terms of its relevance, clarity, comprehensiveness, acceptability to adults with hearing loss, and responsiveness.

Design: Cognitive interviews and a subject matter expert survey were conducted. The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis and a taxonomy of questionnaire clarity problems.

Longitudinal associations of sauna bathing with inflammation and oxidative stress: the KIHD prospective cohort study.

Purpose: We sought to determine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of frequency of sauna bathing with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, leucocyte count and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT).

Design: Baseline sauna bathing habits were assessed in 2269 men aged 42-61 years. Concentrations of hsCRP, fibrinogen, leucocyte count, and GGT were determined at baseline and 11 years later.

Development of a multimedia educational programme for first-time hearing aid users: a participatory design.

Objective: To develop content for a series of interactive video tutorials (or reusable learning objects, RLOs) for first-time adult hearing aid users, to enhance knowledge of hearing aids and communication.

Design: RLO content was based on an electronically-delivered Delphi review, workshops, and iterative peer-review and feedback using a mixed-methods participatory approach.

Study Sample: An expert panel of 33 hearing healthcare professionals, and workshops involving 32 hearing aid users and 11 audiologists.

Interpreting the Tinnitus Questionnaire (German version): what individual differences are clinically important?

Objective: Reporting of clinical significance is recommended because findings can be statistically significant without being relevant to patients. For aiding clinical interpretation of the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), many investigators use a 5-point change cut-off as a minimal clinically important difference (MCID). But there are shortcomings in how this value was originally determined.

A good practice guide for translating and adapting hearing-related questionnaires for different languages and cultures.

Objectives: To raise awareness and propose a good practice guide for translating and adapting any hearing-related questionnaire to be used for comparisons across populations divided by language or culture, and to encourage investigators to publish detailed steps.

Design: From a synthesis of existing guidelines, we propose important considerations for getting started, followed by six early steps: (1) Preparation, (2, 3) Translation steps, (4) Committee Review, (5) Field testing and (6) Reviewing and finalising the translation.

Study Sample: Not applicable.

The psychological and social consequences of single-sided deafness in adulthood.

Objectives: This study examined the subjective psychological and social effects of highly asymmetric hearing loss (single-sided deafness [SSD]) in adults.

Design: Three group interviews were conducted using the critical incident technique and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.

Study Sample: Eight adults with a clinical diagnosis of a moderately severe hearing loss or greater in one ear and normal or near-normal hearing in the other ear.

Pre-market version of a commercially available hearing instrument with a tinnitus sound generator: feasibility of evaluation in a clinical trial.

Objective: This report considers feasibility of conducting a UK trial of combination devices for tinnitus, using data from the study which evaluated different listener programmes available within the pre-market version of Oticon Alta with Tinnitus Sound Generator.

Design: Open and closed questions addressed the following feasibility issues: (1) Participant recruitment; (2) Device acceptability; (3) Programme preferences in different self-nominated listening situations; (4) Usability; (5) Compliance; (6) Adverse events.

Study Sample: Eight current combination hearing aid users (all males) aged between 62-72 years (mean age 67.

Clinical toxicity following analytically confirmed use of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist MDMB-CHMICA. A report from the Identification Of Novel psychoActive substances (IONA) study.

Context: Recreational use of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptors Agonists (SCRAs) has become increasingly common in many countries and may cause severe toxic effects.

Objective: To describe the clinical features of toxicity in seven men after analytically confirmed exposure to MDMB-CHMICA, a recently described indole-based SCRA.

Materials And Methods: Clinical information and biological samples (blood, urine) were collected from patients with severe toxicity after suspected use of novel psychoactive substances.

A systematic review of techniques and effects of self-help interventions for tinnitus: Application of taxonomies from health psychology.

Objective: Self-help interventions are followed by people independently with minimal or no therapist contact. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of self-help interventions for adults with chronic tinnitus and systematically identify the self-help techniques used.

Design: Systematic review and application of health psychology taxonomies.

Access to aidable residual hearing in adult candidates for cochlear implantation in the UK.

Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) permits candidates to receive a cochlear implant provided they only hear sounds louder than 90 dB HL at 2 and 4 kHz. In some patients, their level of residual hearing may be sufficient to warrant the use of a hearing aid in their non-implanted ear. A survey of unilaterally implanted adults indicated that those implanted since the publication of NICE guidance were almost seven times more likely to use a hearing aid than those implanted prior to this.

Predicting speech perception outcomes following cochlear implantation in adults with unilateral deafness or highly asymmetric hearing loss.

Objective: Unilateral deafness and highly asymmetric hearing loss can impair listening abilities in everyday situations, create substantial audiological handicap, and reduce overall quality of life. Preliminary evidence suggests that cochlear implantation may be effective in reversing some of these detrimental effects. Patient-level data from existing studies were re-analysed to explore potential factors that may be predictive of improved speech perception scores following implantation.

Why you need to include human factors in clinical and empirical studies of in vitro point of care devices? Review and future perspectives.

Use of in-vitro point of care devices - intended as tests performed out of laboratories and near patient - is increasing in clinical environments. International standards indicate that interaction assessment should not end after the product release, yet human factors methods are frequently not included in clinical and empirical studies of these devices. Whilst the literature confirms some advantages of bed-side tests compared to those in laboratories there is a lack of knowledge of the risks associated with their use.