Postgraduate medical journal
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This study evaluated the efficacy of adding budesonide to nebulized lidocaine in patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy (FB) under topical anaesthesia. ⋯ In patients undergoing FB with topical anaesthesia, pre-treatment with a combination of nebulized lidocaine and budesonide is more effective than nebulized lidocaine alone. Key message What is already known on this topic? Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) with topical anaesthesia remains a common practice in many settings, although it can cause significant discomfort for patients. What this study adds? Pre-treatment with a combination of nebulized budesonide and lidocaine was more effective and safer than nebulized lidocaine alone for improving patient tolerance during FB. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy? In settings where conscious sedation is not feasible, the combined nebulization of lidocaine and budesonide may offer an optimized approach for FB, enhancing patient comfort and procedural efficiency.
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Previous studies have established a relationship between cathepsins and renal cancer. Nonetheless, the specific causal connection between the two factors continues to be ambiguous. The aim of this study is to evaluate the causal relationship between cathepsins and renal cancer via employing Mendelian randomization (MR). ⋯ This study confirmed a direct link between cathepsins and the risk of renal cancer. Specifically, cathepsin S has a significant positive correlation with the risk of pRCC. The findings of our research could provide significant contributions to both fundamental and clinical investigations pertaining to renal cancer. Key message What is already known on this topic? - Previous studies have suggested the role of some cathepsins in renal cancer occurrence and progression. However, the causal link between different cathepsins and renal cancer is unknown. What this study adds? - Our Mendelian randomization (MR) study revealed that the effects of different cathepsins on the risk of renal cancer. Remarkably, both univariable MR and multivariable MR demonstrated that the levels of cathepsin S increases the risk of papillary renal cell carcinoma. How this study might affect research, practice or policy? - The findings offer novel insights into the relationship between cathepsins and renal cancer, which may have implications for the prevention and management of renal cancer.
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Engaging in research during medical training is crucial for fostering critical thinking, enhancing clinical skills, and deepening understanding of medical science. Despite its importance, the shortage of physician-scientists lingers with many trainees and junior doctors encountering challenges navigating the research process. ⋯ The strategies include early planning, research conduct and integrity, productivity and time management, collaboration and dissemination, and personal growth and development. By implementing these evidence-based recommendations, derived from current literature and expert insights, medical trainees can refine their research skills, produce high-quality outputs, and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, ultimately enriching their medical training and future careers.
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Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), encompassing Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), is a prevalent chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies. It is the primary cause of primary hypothyroidism and affects women more frequently than men. Nearly 95% of individuals with HT exhibit thyroid peroxidase antibodies or thyroglobulin antibodies. Dietary factors, including vitamins and trace elements such as zinc, play a significant role in thyroid health; yet, clinical guidelines lack explicit dietary recommendations for AIT. ⋯ The findings indicate that higher dietary Zinc is positively correlated with the risk of AIT and serves as an independent risk factor. Excessive Zinc may disrupt immune balance, potentially increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases. These results suggest that dietary Zinc should be carefully considered in the management of AIT, and further research is needed to explore the causal relationship and determine safe zinc consumption levels to avoid increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases.