Staff Publication

MRI of the Achilles tendon - a comprehensive pictorial review. Part two (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Szaro P.; Nilsson-Helander K.; *Carmont M.

Citation:
European Journal of Radiology Open; Jan 2021; vol. 8

Abstract:
The most common disorder affecting the Achilles tendon is midportion tendinopathy. A focal fluid signal indicates microtears, which may progress to partial and complete rupture. Assessment of Achilles tendon healing should be based on tendon morphology and tension rather than structural signal. After nonoperative management or surgical repair of the Achilles tendon, areas of fluid signal is pathologic because it indicates re-rupture. A higher signal in the postoperative Achilles tendon is a common finding and is present for a prolonged period following surgical intervention and needs to be interpreted alongside the clinical appearance.

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Randomised controlled trial of antibiotic/ hydroxychloroquine combination versus standard budesonide in active Crohn's disease (Apricot) (2021)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Rhodes J.; Subramanian S.; Martin K.; Probert C.; Flanagan P.; Horgan G.; Mansfield J.; Parkes M.; Hart A.; Dallal H.; Iqbal T.; *Butterworth J.; Culshaw K.

Citation:
Gut; Jan 2021; vol. 70

Abstract:
Introduction Mucosal E. coli are increased in Crohn's disease (CD). They replicate within macrophages and are then inaccessible to penicillins and gentamicin. Hydroxychloroquine is used with doxycycline to treat Whipple's disease. It raises macrophage intra-vesicular pH and inhibits replication of bacteria that require acidic pH. Ciprofloxacin and doxycycline are also effective against E. coli within macrophages. Methods Adult patients with active CD (CDAI>220 plus CRP>=5 mg/l and/or faecal calprotectin >250 ugram/g) were randomised to receive (open label) either oral budesonide (Entocort CR 9 mg/day 8 weeks, then 6 mg/day 2 weeks and 3 mg/day 2 weeks) or antibiotics/hydroxychloroquine (AB/ HCQ) – oral ciprofloxacin 500 mg bd, doxycycline 100 mg bd, hydroxychloroquine 200 mgs tds for 4 weeks, followed by doxycycline 100 mg bd and hydroxychloroquine 200 mgs tds for 20 weeks. Use of anti-TNF in the previous 3 months was an exclusion. Primary endpoints were remission (CDAI

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Evaluation of the Head and Neck Cancer Patient Concerns Inventory in routine multidisciplinary Speech and Language Therapy/Dietetics follow up clinics (2021)

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Type of publication:
Poster presentation

Author(s):
*Zuydam AC , *Lowe D, *Rogers SN, *McLaughlin K, *Glaister C, *Burch L

Citation:
Preseted at BAHNO 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting Friday 14th May 2021

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Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses are attenuated in patients with IBD treated with infliximab (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Kennedy N.A.; Goodhand J.R.; Chee D.; Lin S.; Chanchlani N.; Ahmad T.; Bewshea C.; Nice R.; McDonald T.J.; *Butterworth J.; Cooney R.; Croft N.M.; Kok K.B.; Hart A.L.; Irving P.M.; Lamb C.A.; Limdi J.K.; Macdonald J.; McGovern D.P.; Mehta S.J.; Murray C.D.; Patel K.V.; Pollok R.C.; Raine T.; Russell R.K.; Selinger C.P.; Smith P.J.; Bowden J.; Lees C.W.; Sebastian S.; Powell N.

Collaborators at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust: *Jeff Butterworth, *Colene Adams, *Elizabeth Buckingham, *Danielle Childs, *Alison Magness, *Jo Stickley.

Citation:
Gut; May 2021; vol. 70 (no. 5); p. 865-875

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Antitumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs impair protective immunity following pneumococcal, influenza and viral hepatitis vaccination and increase the risk of serious respiratory infections. We sought to determine whether infliximab-treated patients with IBD have attenuated serological responses to SARS-CoV-2 infections. DESIGN: Antibody responses in participants treated with infliximab were compared with a reference cohort treated with vedolizumab, a gut-selective anti-integrin alpha4beta7 monoclonal antibody that is not associated with impaired vaccine responses or increased susceptibility to systemic infections. 6935 patients were recruited from 92 UK hospitals between 22 September and 23 December 2020. RESULT(S): Rates of symptomatic and proven SARS-CoV-2 infection were similar between groups. Seroprevalence was lower in infliximab-treated than vedolizumab-treated patients (3.4% (161/4685) vs 6.0% (134/2250), p<0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses confirmed that infliximab (vs vedolizumab; OR 0.66 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.87), p=0.0027) and immunomodulator use (OR 0.70 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.92), p=0.012) were independently associated with lower seropositivity. In patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, seroconversion was observed in fewer infliximab-treated than vedolizumab-treated patients (48% (39/81) vs 83% (30/36), p=0.00044) and the magnitude of anti-SARS-CoV-2 reactivity was lower (median 0.8 cut-off index (0.2-5.6) vs 37.0 (15.2-76.1), p<0.0001). CONCLUSION(S): Infliximab is associated with attenuated serological responses to SARS-CoV-2 that were further blunted by immunomodulators used as concomitant therapy. Impaired serological responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection might have important implications for global public health policy and individual anti-TNF-treated patients. Serological testing and virus surveillance should be considered to detect suboptimal vaccine responses, persistent infection and viral evolution to inform public health policy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN45176516.

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Service redesign: how a tissue viability specialist lead nurse developed and improved acute wound care through real-world evidence and partnership working (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Clare Checketts, Jacqui Hughes, Helen Horton, Tim Styche

Citation:
British Journal of Healthcare Management, May 2021; vol. 27 (no. 5); p. 116-125

Abstract:
The importance of leadership in service redesign should not be underestimated. Increasing demand for services and cost-effective approaches makes the drive and dedication of a leader towards quality improvement crucial. The lead tissue viability nurse at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust worked in partnership with the wound care industry to redesign the trust’s acute wound care service. An audit was carried out and an opportunity to reduce variations in care was identified. To achieve this, the service reduced the number of foam dressings on the formulary, listing only the ALLEVYN (Smith+Nephew, UK) family of wound dressings. As a result, the volume of dressings used reduced by 4.8%, meaning that the service produced less waste and saw a cost reduction of approximately £14066 over a 6-month period. This article highlights the positive outcomes that can be achieved through streamlining formularies, reducing variations in care and delivering robust care pathways. It also describes the collaborative working approach taken by this service, spearheaded by the lead tissue viability nurse, as an example of innovative practice for other NHS trusts.

Description of a novel technique for creation of a custom-made prosthesis to aid vocalisation following laryngectomy (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Halliday, E; *Beswick, H; *Bunn, S; *Ahsan, S F

Citation:
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases; Dec 2021; vol. 138 (no. 6); p. 475-477

Abstract:
There are various options to restore phonation after laryngectomy; one option involves using tracheo-oesophageal voice by placing a speaking valve through the tracheo-oesophageal wall. Some patients struggle to obtain good fixation of an adhesive base plate to the skin; this can result in air leakage and poor voice. We describe a technique using a custom-made prosthesis to provide a better base plate for fixation of the heat and moisture exchange cassette. This technique involves making an impression of the anterior neck around the laryngectomy stoma to create an anatomically fitted prosthesis, which accurately fills the void around the stoma. The custom-made prosthesis provides a more individualised fit compared to a standard base plate, helping improve vocalisation and communication.

GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes: An underused asset? Updated January 2021 (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Morris, David

Citation:
Journal of Diabetes Nursing; Jan 2021; vol. 25 (no. 1); p. 1-13

Abstract:
As our understanding of the incretin hormones has increased, a number of drugs targeting this system have been developed. The realisation of this potential has developed rapidly, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now a standard feature in management guidelines for type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the operation of the incretin system and the mechanism by which GLP-1 RAs act to provide benefit in type 2 diabetes. The availability and indications for use of the GLP-1 RAs, and their clinical benefits and disadvantages, are summarised. The position of GLP-1 RAs in the management of type 2 diabetes is discussed pragmatically, with reference to various key guidelines. This article has been updated in January 2021 to incorporate recent guideline changes and the launch in the UK of an oral formulation of semaglutide.

BSE and BCOS Guideline for Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Adult Cancer Patients Receiving Anthracyclines and/or Trastuzumab (2021)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Dobson R.; Ghosh A.K.; Manisty C.; Ky B.; Marwick T.; Stout M.; Pearce K.; Harkness A.; Steeds R.; Robinson S.; Oxborough D.; Adlam D.; Stanway S.; Rana B.; *Ingram T.; Ring L.; Rosen S.; Lyon A.R.; Plummer C.; Harbinson M.; Sharma V.; Augustine D.X.

Citation:
JACC: CardioOncology; Mar 2021; vol. 3 (no. 1); p. 1-16

Abstract:
The subspecialty of cardio-oncology aims to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer or following cancer treatment. Cancer therapy can lead to a variety of cardiovascular complications, including left ventricular systolic dysfunction, pericardial disease, and valvular heart disease. Echocardiography is a key diagnostic imaging tool in the diagnosis and surveillance for many of these complications. The baseline assessment and subsequent surveillance of patients undergoing treatment with anthracyclines and/or human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2-positive targeted treatment (e.g., trastuzumab and pertuzumab) form a significant proportion of cardio-oncology patients undergoing echocardiography. This guideline from the British Society of Echocardiography and British Cardio-Oncology Society outlines a protocol for baseline and surveillance echocardiography of patients undergoing treatment with anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. The methodology for acquisition of images and the advantages and disadvantages of techniques are discussed. Echocardiographic definitions for considering cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction are also presented.

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