Article
Microbiology
Julia Eder, Marta Bermejo-Jambrina, Killian E. Vlaming, Tanja M. Kaptein, Viktoria Zaderer, E. Marleen Kemper, Doris Wilflingseder, Sietze Reitsma, Godelieve J. de Bree, Danny M. Cohn, Teunis B. H. Geijtenbeek
Summary: The inhalation of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) has been found to significantly reduce the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to human nasal cells, indicating its effectiveness as a prophylactic treatment. LMWH is widely available, affordable, and easy to apply, making it an excellent candidate for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Marta Stolarek, Aleksandra Pycior, Piotr Bonarek, Malgorzata Opydo, Elzbieta Kolaczkowska, Kamil Kaminski, Andrzej Mogielnicki, Krzysztof Szczubialka
Summary: In this study, the substitution of heparin with a photoswitch was investigated. The trans-cis and cis-trans photoisomerizations of the photoswitch resulted in changes in the hydrodynamic diameter of heparin and attenuated its anticoagulative properties.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yanlei Yu, Li Fu, Peng He, Ke Xia, Sony Varghese, Jonathan Dordick, Hong Wang, Fuming Zhang, Robert J. Linhardt
Summary: In this study, two LMWHs were enzymatically synthesized, and it was found that HepBp can be used to prepare a new type of LMWH with high anticoagulant activity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Francesca Saitta, Juri Masuri, Marco Signorelli, Sabrina Bertini, Antonella Bisio, Dimitrios Fessas
Summary: This study investigates the effects of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) on the antithrombin III (ATIII) protein. The results indicate that the thermal stability of the protein mainly depends on the AGA*IA/protein ratio.
THERMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Angela Lee, Frank Oley, Mimi Lo, Richard Fong, Mary McGann, Ila Saunders, Shanna Block, Anjlee Mahajan, Tiffany K. Pon
Summary: This study found no significant differences in safety and efficacy between DOACs and LMWH for the treatment of cancer-associated VTE. This suggests that DOACs may be a safe and effective option for VTE treatment in patients with primary or secondary brain tumors.
THROMBOSIS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tessa Corrine Catherina Jaspers, A. Keyany, B. Maat, K. Meijer, P. M. L. A. van den Bemt, N. Khorsand
Summary: There is substantial diversity in the treatment policies of therapeutically dosed LMWHs in renally impaired patients in Dutch hospitals. The most commonly used treatment regimen is a regular dose reduction if eGFR is < 50 ml/min, without routine monitoring of anti-Xa levels.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Wenxin Bai, Xinyang Zhang, Si Sun, Qiaohong Wang, Congcong Li, Xiaoxin Zhang, Aimin Zhao
Summary: This study compared the efficacy of three commonly used LMWHs in the treatment of RSA, demonstrating that enoxaparin had higher anti-Xa levels, more stable anti-Xa levels, and lower incidence of local allergic reactions compared to nadroparin.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sandra Pelka, Chandan Guha
Summary: Advanced melanoma has low survival rates and a high resistance to current therapies. The immunosuppressive tumor-immune microenvironment is a major challenge in melanoma treatment. Inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumors can enhance anti-tumor immune response, and non-ablative low-intensity focused ultrasound (LOFU) shows potential as an immune-priming therapy. This review explores the mechanisms of ICD and proposes combining LOFU with ICD-inducing therapies for promoting anti-melanoma immune response.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ting Wang, Yingsha Yao, Ting Xu, Wenshan Wang, Yimin Zhou, Jing He, Ruoan Jiang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) on umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT) and provide a new treatment option for the timing of delivery. The results showed that early anticoagulant treatment with LMWHs improved pregnancy outcomes, and the timing and mode of termination of pregnancy should be determined according to the condition of the mother and fetus along with the gestational age.
Article
Oncology
Cristina Huergo-Banos, Veronica Velasco, Jone Garate, Roberto Fernandez, Javier Martin-Allende, Ignacio Zabalza, Juan L. Artola, Rosa M. Marti, Aintzane Asumendi, Egoitz Astigarraga, Gabriel Barreda-Gomez, Olatz Fresnedo, Begona Ochoa, Maria D. Boyano, Jose A. Fernandez
Summary: Early detection and precise diagnosis are crucial for the survival of melanoma patients. This study explores the use of lipid imaging mass spectrometry as a complementary tool for diagnosis, achieving a 100% specificity and precision rate. The technique provides important information on the tumor microenvironment, offering valuable insights into the prognosis of the lesion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Marielle Slikkerveer, Afke van de Plas, Johanna H. M. Driessen, Robin Wijngaard, Frank de Vries, Renske Olie, Nathalie Meertens, Patricia van den Bemt
Summary: This study aimed to determine the frequency and determinants of in-hospital LMWH-prescribing errors. The results showed a prescribing error rate of 34%, with the most common error being dose adjustment based on body weight and renal function. Prophylactic LMWH prescribing in medical wards was associated with a higher risk of error compared to surgical wards.
JOURNAL OF PATIENT SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Hao Chen, Bin Zeng, Xiaoshuang Li, Qiting Zhao, Doudou Liu, Yuting Chen, Yuhan Zhang, Jianyu Wang, H. Rosie Xing
Summary: Melanoma is a cancer characterized by high metastasis and mortality rates. This study demonstrates the importance of exosomal crosstalk between metastatic cancer cells in promoting cancer metastasis. High-metastatic melanoma cells can enhance the metastatic colonization capability of low-metastatic melanoma cells by delivering functional miRNAs via exosomes.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sami U. Khan, Ying Xia, David Goodale, Gabriella Schoettle, Alison L. Allan
Summary: The research found that lung-derived selectins can promote the metastatic behavior of TNBC, while selectin knockout can reduce the metastatic progression of TNBC in the lungs. Further studies are aimed at elucidating the pro-metastatic mechanisms of lung-derived selectins and developing a lung-directed therapeutic approach.
Article
Cell Biology
Qiting Zhao, Hao Chen, Xiaoshuang Li, Bin Zeng, Zhiwei Sun, Doudou Liu, Yuting Chen, Yuhan Zhang, H. Rosie Xing, Jianyu Wang
Summary: The mean survival of metastatic melanoma is less than 1 year. This study reveals a new mechanism of metastasis and heterogeneity, showing that exosomal crosstalk between metastatic cancer cells can transfer functional miRNAs to neighboring low metastatic cells, enhancing their metastatic colonization.
CELL DEATH DISCOVERY
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Bente P. van den Boom, Fien A. von Meijenfeldt, Jelle Adelmeijer, Lara N. Roberts, William Bernal, Ton Lisman
Summary: The study found that current prophylactic heparin doses have similar anticoagulant effects in patients with cirrhosis compared to patients without underlying liver disease.
JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Francesca Birch, Emily Boam, Sharon Parsons, Justin Ghosh, Miriam J. Johnson
Summary: Continuous subcutaneous infusion of furosemide (CSCI-furosemide) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe heart failure, aiming to prevent hospital admission and reduce weight and breathlessness. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chloe King, Assem Khamis, Joy Ross, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, Miriam J. Johnson, Christina Ramsenthaler
Summary: This study aimed to assess the supportive and palliative needs of patients with advanced heart failure and validate the Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease - Heart Failure (NAT: PD-HF). The results showed that the tool is valid for assessing the physical, psychosocial, and information needs of patients and/or carers, and it can distinguish between patients with different survival, comorbidities, and functional scores.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Imogen Featherstone, Trevor Sheldon, Miriam Johnson, Rebecca Woodhouse, Jason W. Boland, Annmarie Hosie, Peter Lawlor, Gregor Russell, Shirley Bush, Najma Siddiqi
Summary: The study identified risk factors for delirium in palliative care patients, including modifiable factors such as opioids and performance status, and non-modifiable factors such as age and sex. The evidence for these risk factors was limited, and more high-quality prospective studies are needed to confirm the associations between these factors and delirium during specialist palliative care.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Elin Baddeley, Mala Mann, Alison Bravington, Miriam J. Johnson, David Currow, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, Elaine G. Boland, George Obita, Alfred Oliver, Kathy Seddon, Annmarie Nelson, Jason W. Boland, Simon I. R. Noble
Summary: This study conducted a qualitative systematic review to analyze the views and experiences of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals regarding malignant bowel obstruction. The findings highlighted themes such as symptom burden, diverse interventions experiences, impact on patient quality of life, communication challenges, and the importance of realistic care goals.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Jacob Sandberg, Josefin Sundh, Peter Anderberg, David C. Currow, Miriam Johnson, Robert Lansing, Magnus Ekstrom
Summary: This study aimed to explore the relationship between momentary breathlessness ratings and the recall of the experience. The results showed that peak breathlessness had the strongest influence on weekly recall, while mean breathlessness had the strongest influence on daily recall.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Edward William Richfield, Victoria Allgar, Afaf Girgis, Miriam J. Johnson
Summary: Parkinson's disease is a progressive, life-limiting disease that requires structured palliative care. Existing palliative care tools for Parkinson's mainly focus on quantifying the needs rather than identifying them. In this study, researchers adapted and tested the psychometric properties of a needs assessment tool originally designed for cancer patients, for use in Parkinson's disease. The findings support the suitability of this adapted tool for identifying and triaging unmet palliative needs in Parkinson's disease patients for everyday clinical use.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Michael Patterson, Sarah Greenley, Yangmyung Ma, Alex Bullock, Jordan Curry, Jacquelyn Smithson, Michael Lind, Miriam J. Johnson
Summary: This systematic review examines the impact of parenteral nutrition (PN) and palliative venting gastrostomies (PVG) on clinical and quality-of-life outcomes in inoperable malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). The study found that both interventions allow patients valuable time at home and improve quality of life, but also come with significant burdens.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alison Bravington, George Obita, Elin Baddeley, Miriam J. Johnson, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, David C. Currow, Elaine G. Boland, Annmarie Nelson, Kathy Seddon, Alfred Oliver, Simon I. R. Noble, Jason W. Boland
Summary: This review examined outcomes evaluating palliative treatment for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction and found that the assessment primarily focuses on survival, complications, and overall symptom control. However, there is a need for further research and discussion on defining treatment "success," symptom assessment methods, and measures of well-being in this population.
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Janelle Yorke, Miriam J. Johnson, Grant Punnett, Jaclyn Smith, Fiona Blackhall, Mari Lloyd Williams, Peter Mackereth, Jemma Haines, David Ryder, Ashma Krishan, Linda Davies, Aysha Khan, Alex Molassiotis
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the respiratory distress symptom intervention (RDSI) for managing the symptom cluster of breathlessness, cough, and fatigue in lung cancer patients. The results showed that compared to standard care, patients who received RDSI demonstrated significant improvement in symptom scores for Dyspnoea-12 and Manchester Cough in Lung Cancer. The study concluded that RDSI is a clinically effective and low-risk intervention for managing the respiratory distress symptom cluster in lung cancer.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2022)
Letter
Respiratory System
Diana H. Ferreira, Miriam J. Johnson, Daisy J. A. Janssen, Magnus Ekstrom, David C. Currow
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana S. Sousa, Peter Martin, Miriam J. Johnson, Michael Lind, Matthew Maddocks, Alex Bullock, Meera Agar, Sungwon Chang, Slavica Kochovska, Irina Kinchin, Deidre Morgan, Belinda Fazekas, Valentina Razmovski-Naumovski, Jessica T. Lee, Malinda Itchins, Victoria Bray, David C. Currow
Summary: Anorexia is a common problem in lung cancer patients, affecting their response to chemotherapy and their ability to complete treatment, leading to worse outcomes and prognosis. Current therapies for cancer-related anorexia are limited and have side effects. This study aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of anamorelin HCl as a potential treatment for anorexia in lung cancer patients. The study will assess various outcomes, including body weight, functional status, nutritional intake, and quality of life.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alison Bravington, George Obita, Elin Baddeley, Miriam J. Johnson, Fliss E. M. Murtagh, David C. Currow, Elaine G. Boland, Annmarie Nelson, Kathy Seddon, Alfred Oliver, Simon I. R. Noble, Jason W. Boland
Summary: This study aimed to develop a Core Outcome Set for the assessment of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction with the involvement of clinicians, patients, and caregivers, using the COMET methodology. Through a systematic review, a rapid review, and in-depth interviews, a comprehensive list of outcomes was identified and consolidated. In the Delphi process, 16 core outcomes were agreed upon by stakeholders in the areas of symptom control, life impact, treatment outcomes, and communication and patient preferences.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Andrew Brew, Sarah O'Beirne, Miriam J. Johnson, Christina Ramsenthaler, Peter J. Watson, Philip A. Rubini, Michael J. Fagan, Flavia Swan, Andrew Simpson
Summary: The study found that using a fan to blow air towards the face can alleviate post-exercise breathlessness and speed up recovery. The airflow speed plays a crucial role in the recovery process, with speeds of 1.7 m/s or higher being most effective in reducing breathlessness and lowering facial temperature.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Imogen Wilson, Blessing O. Ukoha-Kalu, Mabel Okoeki, Joseph Clark, Jason W. Boland, Sophie Pask, Ugochinyere Nwulu, Helene Elliott-Button, Anna Folwell, Miriam J. Johnson, Daniel Harman, Fliss E. M. Murtagh
Summary: This study aimed to explore the experiences of patients and carers with a novel integrated service for older adults with frailty and complex healthcare needs. The data collected showed that participants had a positive overall experience with the service, but desired more follow-up and better integration with other services.
JOURNAL OF PATIENT EXPERIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ann Hutchinson, Alastair Pickering, Paul Williams, Miriam Johnson
Summary: This study analyzed data from clinical records and patient surveys to identify predictors of emergency department departure status in patients with acute-on-chronic breathlessness. The results showed that older age, lower oxygen saturation, having talked to a specialist about breathlessness, and having a history of cardiac condition were associated with higher likelihood of hospital admission. These clinical factors could be assessed in the community to inform decision-making regarding patient conveyance.