Evaluating the impact of a targeted brief HIV intervention on multiple inter-related HIV risk factors of knowledge and attitudes among incarcerated drug users

Increases in HIV prevalence indicate ongoing need for HIV interventions. A brief manualized intervention called the Texas Christian University (TCU) WaySafe, which addresses multiple HIV risks, was further evaluated to determine how it addressed individual’s knowledge deficiencies in the assessed risks. The sample of 1,256 offenders in eight correctional substance abuse treatment programs participated either in treatment as usual (TAU) or TCU WaySafe. From multivariate multilevel analysis, WaySafe was more effective in improving the greatest need area, whether knowledge, motivation, or confidence regarding HIV risky behaviors. Findings underscored the importance of addressing HIV risk areas with the greatest need for change and strengthens previous findings of the intervention’s potential for individuals with varying HIV risks.     

Acknowledging the use of human cadaveric tissues in research papers: Recommendations from anatomical journal editors

Research within the anatomical sciences often relies on human cadaveric tissues. Without the good will of these donors who allow us to use their bodies to push forward our anatomical knowledge, most human anatomical research would come to a standstill. However, many research papers omit an acknowledgement to the donor cadavers or, as no current standardized versions exist, use language that is extremely varied. To remedy this problem, 20 editors‐in‐chiefs from 17 anatomical journals joined together to put together official recommendations that can be used by authors when acknowledging the donor cadavers used in their studies. The goal of these recommendations is to standardize the writing approach by which donors are acknowledged in anatomical studies that use human cadaveric tissues. Such sections in anatomical papers will not only rightfully thank those who made the donation but might also encourage, motivate, and inspire future individuals to make such gifts for the betterment of the anatomical sciences and patient care.     

Diagnostic performance of a faecal immunochemical test for patients with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer in primary care: an evaluation in the South West of England

Background The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) was introduced to triage patients with low-risk symptoms of possible colorectal cancer in English primary care in 2017, underpinned by little primary care evidence.Methods All healthcare providers in the South West of England (population 4 million) participated in this evaluation. 3890 patients aged ≥50 years presenting in primary care with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer had a FIT from 01/06/2018 to 31/12/2018. A threshold of 10 μg Hb/g faeces defined a positive test.Results Six hundred and eighteen (15.9%) patients tested positive; 458 (74.1%) had an urgent referral to specialist lower gastrointestinal (GI) services within three months. Forty-three were diagnosed with colorectal cancer within 12 months. 3272 tested negative; 324 (9.9%) had an urgent referral within three months. Eight were diagnosed with colorectal cancer within 12 months. Positive predictive value was 7.0% (95% CI 5.1–9.3%). Negative predictive value was 99.8% (CI 99.5–99.9%). Sensitivity was 84.3% (CI 71.4–93.0%), specificity 85.0% (CI 83.8–86.1%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (CI 0.86–0.96). A threshold of 37 μg Hb/g faeces would identify patients with an individual 3% risk of cancer.Conclusions FIT performs exceptionally well to triage patients with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer in primary care; a higher threshold may be appropriate in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.Subject terms: Digestive signs and symptoms, Diagnostic markers, Gastrointestinal cancer     

Midterm results of endovascular aneurysm sealing to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm

Background

Endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) represents a novel approach to the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. It uses polymer technology to achieve an anatomic seal within the sac of the aneurysm. This cohort study reports the early clinical outcomes, technical refinements, and learning curve during the initial EVAS experience at a single institution.

Assessing the utility of yearly pre-season laboratory screening for athletes on a major professional sports team

Objectives

Professional athletes undergo annual pre-season laboratory screening, although clinical evidence supporting the practice is limited and no uniform set of guidelines on pre-season laboratory screening exists. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical value of annual pre-season laboratory screening tests for a major professional sports team over multiple years.

A fatal case of bortezomib‐induced lung toxicity in a young adult heart transplant recipient

Bortezomib is approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma but increasingly used in heart transplant (HTx) recipients with antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR). Severe pulmonary toxicity is a rare complication in multiple myeloma patients treated with bortezomib, but has not been described in a solid organ transplant recipient. A 20‐year‐old man 7 years post‐HTx presented with acute rejection with hemodynamic compromise. Endomyocardial biopsy showed mixed rejection (ISHLT grade 2R‐3R acute cellular rejection (ACR) and pAMR 1 (I+) with diffuse C4d staining). Two new high MFI circulating MHC class‐II donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) were detected. Treatment included corticosteroids, antithymocyte globulin, plasmapheresis, IVIG, rituximab, and bortezomib (1.3 mg/m²). Due to rebound in DSA, a second course of bortezomib was started. Thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy prompted a 50% dose reduction during the 2nd course. Shortly after the 3rd reduced dose, the patient developed hypoxemic respiratory failure. Bronchoscopy revealed pulmonary hemorrhage with negative infectious studies. Chest CT showed bilateral parenchymal disease with bronchiectasis and alveolar bleeding. Despite treatment with high‐dose steroids, severe ARDS ensued with multisystem organ failure. The patient expired 23 days after the final dose of bortezomib. Post‐mortem lung histology revealed diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary fibrosis, and hemorrhage. Cardiac histology showed resolving/residual ACR 1R and pAMR 1 (I+). While rare, bortezomib‐induced lung toxicity (BILT) can occur in HTx recipients and can carry a high risk of mortality. Drug reaction and immediate drug withdrawal should be considered in patients who develop respiratory symptoms, though optimal management of BILT is unclear.