Lancet
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Glycogen phosphorylase is a key enzyme in the regulation of glycogen metabolism and consists of three isoenzymes, including glycogen phosphorylase isoenzyme BB (GPBB). Pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants are complications in about 15% of all nulliparous pregnancies. Biomarkers for these adverse pregnancy outcomes remain elusive. GPBB has been proposed as a potential biomarker for the detection of these adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate this hypothesis. ⋯ National Institute for Health Research, SCOPE Study was funded by the Health Research Board. This work was performed in the Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research and partly supported by Science Foundation Ireland.
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Outcome reporting in bariatric surgery needs uniformity. A core outcome set is an agreed minimum set of outcomes reported in all studies of a particular condition, but members of the bariatric multidisciplinary team might value outcomes differently. The aim of this study was to summarise existing outcome reporting in bariatric surgery, to inform the development of a core outcome set, and to compare outcomes selected as important by type of health professional. ⋯ National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme. This work was also undertaken with the support of the MRC ConDuCT-II Hub (Collaboration and innovation for Difficult and Complex randomised controlled Trials In Invasive procedures, MR/K025643/1).
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HIV/AIDS is the largest global public health problem; about 76 million people have been infected with HIV and 36 million people have already died. Existing antiviral treatment is successful but requires lifelong adherence and mostly targets viral factors. The virus mutates and evades both drugs and the human immune response. Cellular factors are potential therapeutic targets against HIV because the virus must conserve domains that interact with these cellular factors. Unlike many viruses HIV does not encode any helicases but it has been shown to use cellular DDX3. We screened the family of DEAD box helicases to seek other members as possible drug targets. ⋯ Wellcome Trust.
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Breakdown of the developmentally immature epidermal barrier in the preterm infant can permit entry of microorganisms leading to invasive infection. Topical emollients might improve skin integrity and barrier function and thereby prevent invasive infection, a major cause of mortality and morbidity in these infants. The aim of this study was to appraise and synthesise the evidence for topical application of emollients in the prevention of invasive infection and mortality in preterm infants. ⋯ National Institute for Health Research.
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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules. Reduced or increased levels of specific miRNAs are observed in colon and other cancers, supporting their role in carcinogenesis. Detection of colorectal polyps is the cornerstone of the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in the UK. However, uptake of screening nationally remains under 60%. We aimed to see whether circulating plasma miRNAs can be used to screen for patients with colorectal polyps, adenomas, or both. ⋯ Bowel Disease Research Foundation.