Usability, safety and tolerability of CUE1 vibrotactile device as promising therapeutic approach in orthostatic tremor.

Introduction: Primary Orthostatic Tremor (POT) is a rare hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by unsteadiness while standing, often exacerbated by anxiety and fatigue. It significantly impairs quality of life, and current treatment options are limited, with invasive procedures carrying notable risks.

Methods: This unblinded interventional study assessed the usability, safety, and tolerability of the CUE1, a non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation device worn on the sternum.

The East London Parkinson's disease project - a case-control study of Parkinson's Disease in a diverse population.

There is a relative dearth of research on patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from under-represented ethnic groups in the United Kingdom. The East London Parkinson Disease project seeks to understand the clinical manifestations and determinants of PD in a diverse population. Data on clinical features were collected, between 2019 and 2024.

Distribution of age at natural menopause, age at menarche, menstrual cycle length, height and BMI in BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers and non-carriers: results from EMBRACE.

Background: Carriers of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer than the general population. It is unclear if these PVs influence other breast or ovarian cancer risk factors, including age at menopause (ANM), age at menarche (AAM), menstrual cycle length, BMI or height. There is a biological rationale for associations between BRCA1 and BRCA2 PVs and reproductive traits, for example involving DNA damage and repair mechanisms.

Non-invasive device to alleviate symptoms in people living with Parkinson's: study protocol for a multicentre phase II double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Existing interventions for people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) often fall short in addressing gait disturbances and falls, impacting their quality of life. The CUE1 non-invasive medical device, along with its updated version, CUE1+, offers vibrotactile stimulation with cueing. The device shows promise in alleviating motor symptoms and reducing falls based on early user testing and a 9-week pilot study.

A Flexible Individualised ExeRcise programme for cancer patients during ChEmotherapy (FIERCE): Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial.

Background: Exercise is an important tool which has been shown to help patients manage many of the side effects of their cancer treatment, reduce toxicities, and improve prognosis. The benefits of exercise have been well documented, however, performing regular exercise during treatment remains a challenge for most patients. The Flexible Individualised ExeRcise programme for cancer patients during ChEmotherapy (FIERCE) is an exercise programme that has been co-designed by healthcare professionals and people with a personal lived experience of chemotherapy.

MRI-based radiomics nomogram to predict complete response to definitive chemoradiation in patients with anal cancer.

Introduction: Treatment response to definitive chemoradiation(dCRT) in patients with anal cancer varies significantly, with a subset experiencing persistent or progressive disease despite therapy. Radiomics extracts quantitative features from medical images, with the potential to develop predictive tools to assess treatment response. We aim to develop and validate an MRI-based radiomics nomogram to predict response to dCRT in patients with anal cancer.

A pilot interventional study on feasibility and effectiveness of the CUE1 device in Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: Current treatments for patients with Parkinson's disease (PwP) can fail to address gait disturbance and falls, which in turn affect quality of life (QoL). The CUE1 device delivers cueing with vibrotactile stimulation showing potential to alleviate motor symptoms and reduce falls based on preliminary user testing results. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of CUE1 and its effect on motor and non-motor symptoms in PwP.

Sonographic features of active Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy: A case series.

Aims: To describe the sonographic features of active Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) and assess the potential role of ultrasound in identifying those with active CNO.

Methods: Using a prospective case-series study design we assessed the sonographic features of 14 patients with a diagnosis of diabetes presenting with clinical signs and symptoms suspicious for active CNO. Patients had standard weight-bearing plain X-Ray and, where possible, MRI to evaluate the presence of active CNO.

Factors Influencing Outcomes and Survival in Anal Cancer.

Background: We aim to ascertain prognostic factors in the current management of anal cancer within this study.

Methods: We reviewed the management and outcomes of anal cancer cases over a seven-year period, inclusive (2016-2023). The primary objectives were to assess the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes of all anal cancer patients within our institution.

The Optimal Approach to Surgical Management of Goblet Cell Carcinoid of the Appendix: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is a rare and poorly understood appendiceal neoplasm, exhibiting mixed histological and aggressive clinical features. Current guidelines recommend right hemicolectomy in all cases, although there is conflicting evidence that appendicectomy alone may be sufficient. This review aims to identify the optimal surgical management for appendiceal GCC.

Rapid Voluntary Blinking as a Clinical Marker of Parkinson's Disease.

Reduced spontaneous blinking is a recognized Parkinson's disease (PD) feature. In contrast, voluntary blinking has been less studied and might serve as a measurable marker of facial bradykinesia. We tested 31 PD patients and 31 controls.

Modifiable risk factors for cancer among people with lynch syndrome: an international, cross-sectional survey.

Background: Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary colorectal and endometrial cancer. Lifestyle modification may provide an opportunity for adjunctive cancer prevention. In this study, we aimed to characterise modifiable risk factors in people with Lynch syndrome and compare this with international guidelines for cancer prevention.

Factors influencing central nervous system medication deprescribing and behavior change in hospitalized older adults.

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) medications are linked to higher morbidity and mortality in older adults. Hospitalization allows for deprescribing opportunities. This qualitative study investigates clinician and patient perspectives on CNS medication deprescribing during hospitalization using a behavioral change framework, aiming to inform interventions and identify recommendations to enhance hospital deprescribing processes.

Assessing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a prognostic biomarker in locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a promising biomarker in various cancer types, including locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), offering potential insights into disease progression, treatment response and recurrence. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the utility of ctDNA as a prognostic biomarker in LARC.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched as part of our review.

Impact of geographical cohorting, multidisciplinary rounding and incremental case management support on hospital length of stay and readmission rates: a propensity weighted analysis.

Hospital length of stay (LOS) in the USA has been increasing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous negative outcomes, including decreased quality of care, worsened patient satisfaction and negative financial impacts on hospitals. While many proposed factors contributing to prolonged LOS are challenging to modify, poor coordination of care and communication among clinical teams can be improved.Geographical cohorting of provider teams, patients and other clinical staff is proposed as a solution to prolonged LOS and readmissions.

Assessing Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a Biomarker for Anal Cancer Management: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review investigates the potential of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a predictive biomarker in the management and prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched until 7 January 2024. Selection criteria included research articles exploring ctDNA in the context of anal cancer treatment response, recurrence risk assessment, and consideration of salvage surgery.

Central nervous system medication use around hospitalization.

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) medication use is common among older adults, yet the impact of hospitalizations on use remains unclear. This study details CNS medication use, discontinuations, and user profiles during hospitalization periods.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study using electronic health records on patients ≥65 years, from three hospitals (2018-2020), and prescribed a CNS medication around hospitalization (90 days prior to 90 days after).

Whole-Body MRI Screening for Carriers of Germline TP53 Mutations-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: This systematic review evaluated whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) as a cancer screening tool for individuals carrying germline TP53 mutations, a population known to be at a significantly elevated risk of malignancy. The primary objective is to assess the diagnostic performance of WB-MRI in detecting cancer in this cohort.

Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched until 18 August 2023.

Elevating understanding: Linking high-altitude hypoxia to brain aging through EEG functional connectivity and spectral analyses.

High-altitude hypoxia triggers brain function changes reminiscent of those in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease, compromising cognition and executive functions. Our study sought to validate high-altitude hypoxia as a model for assessing brain activity disruptions akin to aging. We collected EEG data from 16 healthy volunteers during acute high-altitude hypoxia (at 4,000 masl) and at sea level, focusing on relative changes in power and aperiodic slope of the EEG spectrum due to hypoxia.

Quality of vision and tear film osmolarity.

Significance: We evaluate the relationship between tear film osmolarity measurements and quality of vision in patients presenting for routine eye clinic appointments. We found that the hyperosmolar group (>316 mOsm/L) had a worse quality-of-vision score than the normal osmolarity group, with glare being the most problematic symptom.

Purpose: Quality of vision is a perception and measure of real-world vision, which is not measured routinely in a clinical setting.

Modifiable Risk Factors and Risk of Colorectal and Endometrial Cancers in Lynch Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Lynch syndrome is the most common hereditary cause of colorectal and endometrial cancers. Modifiable risk factors, including obesity, physical activity, alcohol intake, and smoking, are well-established in sporadic cancers but are less studied in Lynch syndrome.

Methods: Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for cohort studies that investigated the association between modifiable risk factors and the risk of colorectal or endometrial cancer in people with Lynch syndrome.

Translating ethical and quality principles for the effective, safe and fair development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence technologies in healthcare.

Objective: The complexity and rapid pace of development of algorithmic technologies pose challenges for their regulation and oversight in healthcare settings. We sought to improve our institution's approach to evaluation and governance of algorithmic technologies used in clinical care and operations by creating an Implementation Guide that standardizes evaluation criteria so that local oversight is performed in an objective fashion.

Materials And Methods: Building on a framework that applies key ethical and quality principles (clinical value and safety, fairness and equity, usability and adoption, transparency and accountability, and regulatory compliance), we created concrete guidelines for evaluating algorithmic technologies at our institution.

Development of an Emergency Department Case Management Case-Finding Tool.

Purpose Of Study: Identifying emergency department (ED) patients who are at high risk for return visits is an important goal for case management to improve patient care. This quality improvement study describes the development and evaluation of the Emergency Department Case Management Priority Score (EDCMPS), an electronic medical record (EMR)-based "case-finding" system, and its ability to identify these high-risk patients. In addition, the authors present data about its acceptability among emergency department case managers (ED CMs).

Prognostic value of pre-operative mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in colorectal cancer.

Background: Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) has been shown to have some correlation to oncological outcomes in oesophageal cancer, with high pre-operative MCV associated with disease recurrence. A similar association has previously been reported in colorectal cancer.

Aims: This study is aimed at investigating whether high MCV bears similar relation to post-operative outcome and disease recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC).