Electrophysiological Characterization of Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Human β-Like Cells and an SLC30A8 Disease Model.

Inducible pluripotent stem cell-derived human β-like cells (BLCs) hold promise for both therapy and disease modeling, but their generation remains challenging and their functional analyses beyond transcriptomic and morphological assessments remain limited. Here, we validate an approach using multicellular and single-cell electrophysiological tools to evaluate function of BLCs from pioneer protocols that can be easily adapted to more differentiated BLCs. The multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) measuring the extracellular electrical activity revealed that BLCs, like primary β-cells, are electrically coupled and produce slow potential (SP) signals that are closely linked to insulin secretion.

Experiences of imagery-based treatment for anxiety in bipolar disorder: A qualitative study embedded within the image based emotion regulation feasibility randomised controlled trial.

Objectives: Intrusive mental imagery is associated with anxiety in bipolar disorder (BD) and presents a novel treatment target. Imagery-based treatments show promise in targeting anxiety and improving mood instability. This qualitative study explored experiences of receiving up to 12 sessions of a brief structured psychological intervention: Image-Based Emotion Regulation (IBER), which targets maladaptive mental imagery in the context of BD with an aim to modify the emotional impact of these images.

Statistical Analysis Plan for the INTEnsive Ambulance-Delivered Blood Pressure Reduction in Hyper-ACute Stroke Trial.

Introduction: Recruitment is complete in the fourth INTEnsive ambulance-delivered blood pressure Reduction in hyper-ACute stroke Trial (INTERACT4), a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint assessed trial of prehospital blood pressure (BP) lowering initiated in the ambulance for patients with a suspected acute stroke and elevated BP in China. According to the registered and published trial protocol and developed by the blinded trial Steering Committee and Operations team, this manuscript outlines a detailed statistical analysis plan for the trial prior to database lock.

Methods: Patients were randomized (1:1) to intensive (target systolic BP 130-140 mm Hg within 30 min) or guideline-recommended BP management (BP lowering only considered if systolic BP >220 mm Hg) group.

Editorial: Combining Genetic and Clinical Predictors of Bipolar Disorder: Towards Improving Diagnostic Precision in Youth.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex, heterogeneous illness, with 60% to 85% of its variance attributed to genetic factors. Adolescence marks the first peak period of risk for the onset of BD, with the initial (hypo)manic episode often preceded by childhood psychopathology, including anxiety and sleep disorders, as well as internalizing symptoms. Given the non-specific nature of childhood antecedents, combined with the prominence of depressive episodes in the early illness course, accurate diagnosis is often delayed by 8 to 10 years from onset.

A global analysis of the use of immunoglobulin, shortages in supply, and mitigating measures: A survey of hospital providers (a BEST Collaborative study).

Background: Immunoglobulin (IG) therapy is widely used to treat primary and secondary immune deficiencies and as immunomodulatory agent for various disorders. There is great concern that shortages of IG may rise, potentially affecting medical treatment options.

Study Design And Methods: An international survey was developed to study how intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are used and managed within hospitals in case of shortages.

Worry Intervention in an Older Adult With a Persecutory Delusion: A Single Case Experimental Design.

Background: This report presents the single case of Jack, a 67-year-old referred to our Older Adult Community Mental Health Team (OA CMHT) for his distressing persecutory delusion and high levels of worry. Jack also reported learning difficulties and autistic traits, although neither were formally diagnosed.

Method: Ten sessions of worry intervention taken from The Feeling Safe Programme worry module were used to reduce Jack's time spent worrying and increase his engagement in meaningful activity.

Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare (N-PATH) program: the teachers' perspective.

The N-PATH (Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare) program concluded with the 60th European Renal Association 2023 Congress in Milan, Italy. This collaborative initiative aimed to provide advanced training in interventional nephrology to young European nephrologists. Funded by Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliance, N-PATH addressed the global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the shortage of nephrologists.

Update on the INTEnsive ambulance-delivered blood pressure Reduction in hyper-ACute stroke Trial (INTERACT4): progress and baseline features in 2053 participants.

Background And Aims: Uncertainty persists over the effects of blood pressure (BP) lowering in acute stroke. The INTEnsive ambulance-delivered blood pressure Reduction in hyper-Acute stroke Trial (INTERACT4) aims to determine efficacy and safety of hyperacute intensive BP lowering in patients with suspected acute stroke. Given concerns over the safety of this treatment in the pre-hospital setting, particularly in relation to patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, we provide an update on progress of the study and profile of participants to date.

Integrating a virtual reality relaxation clinic within acute psychiatric services: A pilot study.

People with acute psychiatric conditions experience heightened stress, which is associated with worsened symptoms and increased violence on psychiatric wards. Traditional stress management techniques can be challenging for patients. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation appears promising to reduce stress; however, research on VR for psychiatric wards is limited.

Cell salvage for minimising perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in adults undergoing elective surgery.

Background: Concerns regarding the safety and availability of transfused donor blood have prompted research into a range of techniques to minimise allogeneic transfusion requirements. Cell salvage (CS) describes the recovery of blood from the surgical field, either during or after surgery, for reinfusion back to the patient.

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of CS in minimising perioperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion and on other clinical outcomes in adults undergoing elective or non-urgent surgery.

The IBER study: a feasibility randomised controlled trial of imagery based emotion regulation for the treatment of anxiety in bipolar disorder.

Background: Intrusive mental imagery is associated with anxiety and mood instability within bipolar disorder and therefore represents a novel treatment target. Imagery Based Emotion Regulation (IBER) is a brief structured psychological intervention developed to enable people to use the skills required to regulate the emotional impact of these images.

Methods: Participants aged 18 and over with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and at least a mild level of anxiety were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive IBER plus treatment as usual (IBER + TAU) or treatment as usual alone (TAU).

Interventions for reducing red blood cell transfusion in adults undergoing hip fracture surgery: an overview of systematic reviews.

Background: Following hip fracture, people sustain an acute blood loss caused by the injury and subsequent surgery. Because the majority of hip fractures occur in older adults, blood loss may be compounded by pre-existing anaemia. Allogenic blood transfusions (ABT) may be given before, during, and after surgery to correct chronic anaemia or acute blood loss.

Diamond-Blackfan anemia in adults: In pursuit of a common approach for a rare disease.

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome, usually caused by loss-of function variants in genes encoding ribosomal proteins. The hallmarks of DBA are anemia, congenital anomalies and cancer predisposition. Although DBA usually presents in childhood, the prevalence in later life is increasing due to an expanding repertoire of implicated genes, improvements in genetic diagnosis and increasing life expectancy.

Comparison of Cerebral Blood Flow in Regions Relevant to Cognition After Enzalutamide, Darolutamide, and Placebo in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background: Off-target central nervous system (CNS) effects are associated with androgen receptor (AR)-targeting treatments for prostate cancer. Darolutamide is a structurally distinct AR inhibitor with low blood-brain barrier penetration.

Objective: We compared cerebral blood flow (CBF) in grey matter and specific regions related to cognition after darolutamide, enzalutamide, or placebo administration, using arterial spin-label magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI).

Videoconference-based Creativity Workshops for mental health staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: COVID-19 presented significant challenges to psychiatric staff, while social distancing and remote working necessitated digital communications. NHS England prioritised staff wellbeing. Arts-based creativity interventions appear to improve psychological wellbeing, so this study evaluated online Creativity Workshops as a staff support response for COVID-19-related stress.

Boris Johnson: the moral case for government resignations in July 2022.

Although comparatively rare, political resignations are essential for the health of democracy and political institutions. Protagonists risk their political careers when resigning but can hold governments to account and make real the Nolan principles of public life. In July 2022, an unprecedented 62 resignations ended Boris Johnson's time as British prime minister to be replaced first by Liz Truss and then, 44 days later, by Rishi Sunak, the second minister to resign.

Challenges for the maintaining the microbiological safety of the UK blood supply.

The supply of blood, blood products and components in the UK, as elsewhere, is safe, although there is no cause for complacency. Use of blood, blood products and components is not without risk of morbidity and mortality. Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) continue to occur and may severely affect the health and welfare of recipients.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Convolutional Neural Network Assessment of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules Compared With PET With CT Imaging and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced CT Imaging Using Unenhanced and Contrast-Enhanced CT Imaging.

Background: Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) measuring 8 to 30 mm in diameter require further workup to determine the likelihood of malignancy.

Research Question: What is the diagnostic performance of a lung cancer prediction convolutional neural network (LCP-CNN) in SPNs using unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT imaging compared with the current clinical workup?

Study Design And Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the Single Pulmonary Nodule Investigation: Accuracy and Cost-Effectiveness of Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography in the Characterisation of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules trial, a prospective multicenter study comparing the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) CT imaging with PET imaging in SPNs. The LCP-CNN was designed and validated in an external cohort.

Highlighting the Dystonic Phenotype Related to GNAO1.

Background: Most reported patients carrying GNAO1 mutations showed a severe phenotype characterized by early-onset epileptic encephalopathy and/or chorea.

Objective: The aim was to characterize the clinical and genetic features of patients with mild GNAO1-related phenotype with prominent movement disorders.

Methods: We included patients diagnosed with GNAO1-related movement disorders of delayed onset (>2 years).